Ride Through The Rocky Mountaineer With A Vancouver to Banff Train
Vancouver is a Western Canadian city located in the Lower Mainland regions of British Columbia. The city is relatively populous, with over 2.5 million people living there in 2018. Banff, on the other hand, is a town in Alberta province.
The town is located right within the Banff National Park, making it an ideal tourist location. If you connect the two locations in a straight line, Banff is approximately 577KM away from Vancouver. The road distance between them is even longer at over 800 km. One of the most common ways of traveling to the resort town of Banff is using a train.
There are a few options to choose from when using a Vancouver to Banff train company for your trip. With that said, the train you decide to use is usually determined by several factors, and below are some of them.
Vancouver to Banff train: The Cost
The total cost of your journey is determined by many different factors put together. However, the main factor guiding you is your budget. How much are you willing or able to afford? What is the highest price you can pay for a ticket?
It is crucial to answering these questions first before making a choice. Doing this helps you to determine your upper spending limits, which you cannot surpass. This, in return, enables you to avoid being influenced by other factors to make a different choice. After knowing what you want to spend, look through the different options, see which one lies within your budget, and travel with it.
Generally, the less luxurious, more functional costs less. Therefore, you might want to slightly widen your travel budget if you are looking to do more than get to Banff. The Canada Rail offers rail tour bookings on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Banff, Alberta in Western Canada. You can see this link https://www.rockymountaineer.com/ for more on this and how much it costs for the different destinations.
The reason for traveling
Fully understanding your “why” for traveling is crucial when making your choice. For example, someone traveling to arrive due to an emergency will make a completely different choice from one traveling for leisure. The different trains are also well accustomed for specific reasons for travel.
For example, Vancouver’s leisure and vacation train to Banff is built to give you the full view of the scene while you travel. On the other hand, if you want to get to Banff, there is a less luxurious but more functional option for you.
The travel times are also highly customized to go along with the reason for travel. More specifically, the leisure-friendly one allows only daylight traveling. Similarly, with the travel-oriented option, you can travel at night. Just make sure to carry everything you will need for the trip.
Your preferred time of travel
You might have a specific preference in time of travel regardless of your reason for traveling. For example, Vancouver’s option to Banff allows you to travel during the day only. The other option includes traveling at night. However, it would be best to consider this factor relative to other factors before making a choice. For example, if you are looking for a tour experience, your best choice would be to travel during the day. This choice is regardless of whether your preference is night travel.
Willingness to combine with other means
There is an option that allows you to travel directly to Banff. However, another less costly option goes up to Jasper. From Jasper, you will need a three-hour car drive to get to Banff. If you are new to these places, your safest option would be to take the direct train. Taking the direct one also saves you the inconvenience of having to budget for and organize the other drive. You can also use a regular or a luxury vacation train. Both travel options have several pros and cons. Some of the benefits and disadvantages of either choice include:
Advantages of the Normal Train
The main advantage of this option is that it is less costly. Therefore, it is an excellent choice to have a tight budget or are just not too keen on spending too much. Another great benefit is it incorporates night travel as well.
This means that you spend fewer days on the track. Night travel also allows you an opportunity to rest during your trip. You can sleep and relax since the view outside is limited, hence fewer distractions. It is an excellent option if your main focus is only to move from Vancouver. See this link to know a few advantages you can enjoy when traveling by train.
Vancouver to Banff Train: Disadvantages
Ironically, some of the advantages are also its disadvantages. For example, the fact that it travels at night means you will miss out on the incredible scenery and landscapes along the journey. Another significant disadvantage is that it does not go directly to Banff. Therefore, you will be required to undertake an additional journey by road to get there. Having to use extra means is highly inconvenient.
Advantages of the vacation train
It allows you to incorporate comfort with travel. Who doesn’t love comfort anyway? The luxurious experience it provides is a significant advantage over the regular train. But, of course, the train also travels during the day.
As such, the trip is broken down into a two-day train ride, with the night spent at a hotel. Therefore, you get to enjoy incredible sightseeing throughout the journey. This way, you have a feel of the changing landscapes and scenery from Vancouver to Banff.
With this option, you also get a chance to choose from the different coach classes depending on your budget. However, regardless of choice, the trip is an overall relaxing experience. This train, unlike the regular ones, goes directly into Banff. As such, it is safe and convenient for both new and old travelers alike.
Vancouver to Banff train: Disadvantages
This option is more expensive. The extra expense covers the comfort, luxury and food served on the train. Aside from that, it travels during the day. This makes it unsuitable for people who want to rest during the trip.
Resting is difficult when you are surrounded by beautiful scenery to view. Besides, since the trail travels during day time, it means you spend more days traveling. It is important to note, however, that the train is built explicitly for luxury and comfort.
Therefore, the disadvantages only apply to those taking the option for travel purposes only. However, if your goal is not to travel while enjoying the surrounding scenery, the regular one is an excellent option for you.
Vancouver to Banff Train: Travel Essentials
Regardless of your choice, there are certain things you need to have on you to enhance your travel experience. Some of the things you need include:
- Comprehensive luggage- It would help ensure you are carrying enough clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other essentials for your trip.
- Ensure you carry your phone and charger. Other additional gadgets you may need include headphones and a camera.
- If you have a health condition or allergy, you must carry them.
- Other items to have are a book, a small pillow, and your favorite snacks.
Even though there are other means such as flying, a train to Banff is a beautiful experience. It will help if you plan your travel way and book your ticket early. Whichever option you opt for, ensure you make the trip a wholesome experience, whatever that means for you. Click here to see a few tips that you can use when traveling by train.
