• Passenger Train Operators
• How To Plan Your Trip
• Accommodation
• Highlights Guide
• Selected Train Times
• Extra Activities
• Rail News
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Affordable Luxury - Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf Service

• Top 7 Rail Vacations
• Our Most Popular Summer Rockies Trip
• Our Most Popular Rockies Winter Trip
• Our Most Popular Fall Colors Trip
• New! Deluxe Food & Wine Trip
• New! Eastern History & Culture
• Canadian Pacific Fly-Fishing Adventure
• Royal Canadian Rockies Experience

Here are the top Canada travel questions travelers ask our Canadian train vacation experts. Have any questions not answered here? Call us toll free at 1-800-667-4744.

1. What’s the difference between Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail?
2. What’s the service on the train like?
   • Traveling between Vancouver and Banff, Vancouver and Jasper, or Whistler and Jasper – Rocky Mountaineer
   • Traveling between Vancouver and Whistler – Whistler Mountaineer
   • Traveling overnight between Toronto and Vancouver or Vancouver and Jasper – VIA Rail’s Canadian
   • Traveling in Ontario and Quebec – VIA Rail’s Corridor
   • Traveling between Prince Rupert and Jasper – VIA Rail’s Skeena
3. Are my transfers included?
4. Are my meals included?
   • Traveling between Vancouver and Banff, Vancouver and Jasper, or Whistler and Jasper – Rocky Mountaineer
   • Traveling between Vancouver and Whistler – Whistler Mountaineer
   • Traveling between Toronto and Jasper – VIA Rail’s Canadian
   • Traveling between Prince Rupert and Jasper – VIA Rail’s Skeena
5. Do I have luggage restrictions?
   • Traveling between Vancouver and Banff, Vancouver and Jasper, or Whistler and Jasper – Rocky Mountaineer
   • Traveling between Toronto and Jasper – VIA Rail’s Canadian
   • Traveling in Ontario and Quebec – VIA Rail’s Corridor
6. Can I smoke onboard the train?
7. Should I exchange my money for Canadian currency?
8. Are your tours escorted?
9. What should I pack?
10. What do I need to bring on the train?
11. What about gratuities?
12. What isn’t included in my package cost?
13. Which hotels are included in my package?
14. Can I alter the package or change the itinerary?
15. Contact Information

What’s the difference between Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail?

Rocky Mountaineer trains are specially designed for sightseeing journeys. They travel only during daylight hours so you won’t miss any of the scenery. Each journey is two full days onboard the train and includes an overnight stop in either Kamloops or Quesnel. The trains travel at a leisurely pace and onboard guides provide commentary throughout the journeys. Rocky Mountaineer also runs the Whistler Mountaineer train, which is a scenic three hour journey between Vancouver and Whistler.

VIA Rail is Canada’s main passenger train network. VIA Rail is not strictly for sightseeing and hosts a mix of locals and tourists. The journey from your departure to arrival point is convenient and comfortable. Onboard attendants are available to address your needs, but do not normally provide commentary. Overnight train trips in Canada are on VIA Rail, as is all train travel in eastern Canada.

return to top

What’s the service on the train like?

The onboard service varies depending on which train is included in your package, as well as which class you choose to travel in.

Traveling between Vancouver and Banff, Vancouver and Jasper, or Whistler and Jasper – Rocky Mountaineer

RedLeaf Service

This service is included with all Standard and Superior packages which feature the Rocky Mountaineer train. RedLeaf includes an assigned seat next to a picture window and your meals are served chilled, right at your seat. You won’t miss any of the scenery along the way as your onboard attendant points out areas of interest and provides narration during the journey. Non-alcoholic beverages are included, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

RedLeaf Service Features:

• Picture windows
• Assigned seating in fully reclining day-nighter seats
• Forward facing seats able to rotate to accommodate groups of four
• Temperature controlled comfort
• Extended legroom
• Selection of chilled meals served at your seat
• Complimentary snacks and non-alcohol beverages
• Restroom facilities in each coach

GoldLeaf Service

This service is included with all Deluxe packages featuring the Rocky Mountaineer and can be added as an upgrade to all Standard and Superior options. GoldLeaf includes a seat in a panoramic dome car and is the most comfortable and luxurious way to travel the Rockies by rail. Two onboard attendants ensure more personalized service and gourmet meals – prepared by onboard chefs – are served in a separate dining area.

GoldLeaf Service Features

• Custom-designed state-of-the-art bi-level dome coach
• Panoramic views from full-length dome windows
• Assigned seating in reclining dome-level seats that rotate to accommodate groups of four
• Temperature controlled comfort
• 70 reclining dome level seats with extended leg room
• Spiral staircase and elevator to dome level
• 36 dining room seats (4 per table) with picture windows
• Gourmet breakfast and lunches served in the GoldLeaf Dining Room
• Dinner at your Kamloops/Quesnel accommodation or optional Kamloops Entertainment at a reduced price
• Complimentary snacks and beverages
• Large outside platform viewing at back of train
• Baggage delivered to hotel room in Kamloops
• Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service and amenities

return to top

Traveling between Vancouver and Whistler – Whistler Mountaineer

Coast Classic

This service is included in all Standard and Superior packages featuring the Whistler Mountaineer. Coast Classic provides a comfortable seat next to a picture window. Your meal is served chilled at your chair and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary throughout the journey. An outdoor observation car is only a short walk away – your onboard attendant will point you in the right direction.

Glacier Dome

This service is included in all Deluxe packages and can be added as an upgrade to Standard and Superior packages. Glacier Dome features single level cars with windows extending all the way onto the ceiling. Your meal is served at your seat on porcelain dishes and all beverages are included during your trip. Onboard attendants provide narration during your trip and an outdoor observation car is just a short walk away.

return to top

Traveling overnight between Toronto and Vancouver or Vancouver and Jasper – VIA Rail’s Canadian

Silver and Blue service is included in your package during overnight journeys on VIA Rail. Silver and Blue includes your meals while onboard the train, which are served in a dining car. Common areas are also available so you can interact with your fellow travelers. A domed observation car is available during your journey on a first come, first served basis. Your cabin has a private restroom and washbasin, with shared showers located a few steps from your room.

Within Silver and Blue class you will be assigned either a bedroom or roomette depending on whether you are traveling solo or with a companion.

Bedroom:

During the day, you will have a cabin with two large seats facing each other. A bedroom sleeps two people on one upper and one lower bunk. A small closet provides some storage and you have a private toilet and washbasin in your cabin.

Roomette:

Your cabin has one large seat next to a window during the day, which pulls out into a lower bunk at night. A toilet and washbasin are available during the day and a restroom for use during the night is right down the hall.

return to top

Traveling in Ontario and Quebec – VIA Rail’s Corridor

Comfort Class

Comfort Class is the standard service onboard VIA Rail and is included in all packages featuring the Corridor train. You will have a comfortable seat, including head rest, to relax in during your journey. Next to your seat is a large picture window so you won’t miss any of the scenery.

VIA 1

VIA 1 service can be added as an upgrade to packages including the Corridor train. Access to an exclusive lounge - where you can relax in an armchair and enjoy complimentary soft drinks while you read the day’s papers - is available for your pre-boarding comfort. During the trip, relax in your spacious seat while you enjoy an included meal.

return to top

Traveling between Prince Rupert and Jasper – VIA Rail’s Skeena

Totem Deluxe Class

Totem Deluxe Class comes standard with all Totem Rail Explorer packages. You will travel between Prince Rupert and Jasper in a single level, domed car. Your seat in this car is assigned and meals are brought right to your chair so you won’t miss any of the scenery. The Skeena’s journey is a full two days long with an overnight spent in Prince George.

return to top

Are my transfers included?

The answer to this question varies depending on your package. Please refer to the included and not included sections on your itinerary, or ask your Fresh Tracks consultant, for trip specific answers. The following are generally not included:

• Airport transfers to and from hotel, with the exception of some trips flying out of Calgary
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Banff and Jasper
• Rail stations transfers in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia

Where transfers are not included, it is because it’s faster and cheaper for you to take a taxi than it would be to include a bus or private transfer. We will be happy to add in private transfers or provide you with contact information for local taxi companies at your request.

return to top

Are my meals included?

Traveling between Vancouver and Banff, Vancouver and Jasper, or Whistler and Jasper – Rocky Mountaineer

You will receive breakfast and lunch each day that you’re onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. If you are traveling in GoldLeaf service, you will also receive a dinner while in Kamloops or Quesnel.

Traveling between Vancouver and Whistler – Whistler Mountaineer

If you are traveling between Vancouver and Whistler, you will receive breakfast onboard the train. When you travel from Whistler to Vancouver, an afternoon tea will be served.

Traveling between Toronto and Jasper – VIA Rail’s Canadian

Three breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners are included during this journey.

Traveling between Prince Rupert and Jasper – VIA Rail’s Skeena

Two breakfasts, two lunches, and one dinner are included on this route.

return to top

Do I have luggage restrictions?

Traveling between Vancouver and Banff, Vancouver and Jasper, or Whistler and Jasper – Rocky Mountaineer

Each person is permitted to check-in a maximum of two suitcases for the baggage car and to bring one carry-on aboard the train, adding up to no more than 66lbs in total.

Red Leaf: Please pack overnight items in your carry-on, as your baggage is not accessible during the overnight stop in Kamloops or Quesnel.

Gold Leaf: Your baggage will be waiting for you in your hotel room in Kamloops or Quesnel.

Traveling between Toronto and Jasper – VIA Rail’s Canadian

It is recommended that you check large pieces of luggage in the baggage car during your overnight journey. There is limited storage space in your cabin so traveling with an overnight bag is a comfortable alternative. You can check up to 6 pieces of luggage equaling 22kg (50 lb.).

Traveling in Ontario and Quebec – VIA Rail’s Corridor

It is recommended that you limit yourself to two carry on bags because not all Corridor trains have a checked baggage car. The dimensions of these items must not exceed 66 cm x 46 cm x 23 cm (26 in. x 18 in. x 9 in.), and their weight must not exceed 23 kg (50 lb.).

return to top

Can I smoke onboard the train?

No, there is a one hundred percent smoke free policy onboard all passenger trains in Canada. This includes restrooms and outdoor vestibules. The policy is in place for the comfort of your fellow passengers, as well as in order to protect the fragile natural environment through which you are traveling. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

return to top

Should I exchange my money for Canadian currency?

Yes, it is a good idea to travel with Canadian dollars. Although many stores and restaurants will accept US dollars, you will often not get the best exchange rate. You can either buy Canadian dollars at your local bank, or you can exchange money at the airport or downtown currency exchange centers upon arrival in Canada. Alternately, Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted credit cards in Canada.

return to top

Are your tours escorted?

In short, no, they are not. Your trip is all pre-booked and a detailed, day by day itinerary is included so you can follow your itinerary without worry. You will not be with the same group of people for the duration of your trip, nor will you be herded around by a guide on a daily basis. Instead, you will meet a variety of different people on each individual tour and train journey in your package. On all sightseeing portions of your trip you will have a guide providing narration. The guide will change with each tour, however, as you will always have a guide who is specialized in the area that you are traveling through. In this way, you get all the benefits of a guided tour with the added bonus of having free time to do what you really want to.

return to top

What should I pack?

Temperatures vary significantly depending on location, time of day, and season. Plan to bring a sweater, slacks, and a light topcoat or raincoat, as well as lightweight summer clothing if you are traveling between May and September. Pack sturdy comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to do much walking. Flat-soled shoes should be worn on the train and comfortable, casual attire is welcome onboard. In spring and fall, include a light coat or warm jacket if you’re traveling to high altitudes. Dressing in layers is recommended as the weather can be different at your departure and arrival locations.

return to top

What do I need to bring on the train?

Please be sure to bring any medications that you require onboard with you as you will not always have access to your luggage while on the train. Sunglasses and binoculars are also great items to take aboard with you!

return to top

What about gratuities?

Gratuities are not included in the price but are always a sign that you have appreciated the service provided for you. Those you may want to consider tipping include your onboard attendants, driver-guides, hotel porters and restaurant servers.

return to top

What isn’t included in my package cost?

The not included items vary a little from package to package. Your Fresh Tracks consultant will be able to clarify whether a specific item is included in your particular package. As a guideline, the following items are not included in any Fresh Tracks package:

• 6% GST (Federal Goods and Services Tax)
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Meals other than mentioned
• Transfers other than mentioned
• Applicable National Park Entrance fees
• Gratuities

return to top

Which hotels are included in my package?

Most packages have the option of Standard, Superior, or Deluxe hotels. These hotels are roughly the equivalent to 3, 4 or 5 star properties. Each package has been put together with a specific hotel and room type in mind. These hotels have been carefully chosen and your Fresh Tracks consultant will be happy to help you decide which category best suits your needs.

return to top

Can I alter the package or change the itinerary?

You bet you can! Your Fresh Tracks consultant will be glad to customize a trip based on exactly what you have in mind. You can change the hotels, add nights, include optional tours – the possibilities are almost endless. The only real limitations are train schedules and your own imagination.

return to top

Contact Information