Canadian train travel beckons with dreams of formidable mountain ranges slicing through the landscape, endless golden prairies dotted with small towns, and snug cabin quarters to retire to after a day of adventure. It’s no wonder that the best Canadian train trips sit atop many travelers’ bucket lists. However, a few mistakes along the way can easily derail your perfect railway holiday. By dodging these common yet critical errors, you can ensure your coast-to-coast journey across Canada by rail goes as smoothly as the clickety-clack of the train on the tracks. So, before you board, be sure to sidestep these 5 key blunders.
1. Forgetting to Book Early
Savvy passengers snap up sleeper car spots months ahead, especially in peak season. Don’t let indecision or procrastination leave you stuck in cramped coach seats or worse, stranded at the station. As soon as you reserve your tickets and lodging. Bag superior sleeper suites before they sell out!
2. Overpacking Luggage
Packing light is crucial for train travel comfort. Cabins offer limited storage, and you won’t want to be hauling around a heavy suitcase at every stop. Stick to 1 or 2 small bags per person and minimize clothing. Laundromats dot station towns, so you can wash as needed. Focus packing efforts on travel documents, medications, and valuables instead.
3. Not Investigating Rail Rewards
Don’t make the mistake of failing to research railroad loyalty programs when arranging your legendary Canadian train trip. VIA Rail and granting members sizable fare reductions, free cabin upgrades, and more train travel perks. Even Amtrak routes within Canada let you accumulate points towards future rail adventures. By signing up for these money-saving programs before your journey, you can rack up savings that multiply with every mile traversed on the tracks. Investigating these schemes beforehand pays dividends through discounts and cabin comforts.
4. Skipping Sightseeing Stopovers
Resist the urge to hurry through this vast landscape glued to your window. The glory of cross-country Canadian train trips lies in extended stopovers en route. Schedule days-long pauses in mountain hamlets like Jasper alongside whale-watching havens like Vancouver Island. Touring fascinating stations allows you to chat with amiable residents as well as take in local sightings.
5. Ignoring the Dome Vehicle
Rail buffs must not overlook these renowned carriages with glass tops that offer expansive views of Canadian landscapes! Dome seating usually costs more in addition to requires reservations in advance. Nevertheless, the lavish woodland scenes, summit passes, as well as 360-degree wildlife sights make the investment worthwhile. Don’t pass up this incredible opportunity for reaching the pinnacle of train travel.
Conclusion
Train travel in Canada offers an unmatched adventure with its stunning landscapes, eccentric villages, alongside comfortable sleeper trains. However, avoidable mistakes could ruin your plans for Canadian train vacations. You may prepare yourself for a wonderful coast-to-coast rail trip one you will never forget by making reservations in advance, packing light, using rewards, making stops at picturesque locations, as well as securing dome car access. If you follow these suggestions, this huge country will open up before your cabin window in all its splendor!
