Riding the Canadian rails 2 experiences on different tracks

Riding the Canadian rails 2 experiences on different tracksRiding the Canadian rails 2 experiences on different tracksAll aboard, announces the service manager, and were off from Vancouver. Making our way within Canada, there are two options the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail each a nostalgic adventure, each distinctively different. So, join me on the rails for the inside scoop on the maple leaf nations province-to-province train travel.The Rocky MountaineerEntering the Rocky Mountaineer Station, theres a sense of excitement. Daylight floods the room from full-length windows fronting the track framing our soon-to-be mode of transport. Beyond, an impeccable string of navy and gold train carriages is a grand sight. A whistle sounds and were ready to go with bagpipes blaring in the background. As we make our way were greeted by uniformed hosts and hostesses on a red carpet leading to the train. Scheduled departure is 8 a.m. but were off and running at 756 a.m. Practically an army of R ocky Mountaineer staff are lining the platform and waving goodbyes.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreOnboard, train manager Peter Maseja, an 18-year veteran, introduces himself and shares a bit about our pending journey we have 18 pieces of equipment, 506 passengers and our top speed will be 45 m.p.h. What time do we arrive? someone asks. His response is somewhat vague We share tracks with freight trains, so we never know, he says. Turns out this is the honest to god truth for we never do learn the exact ETA, only that it would likely be after whats scheduled.The Rocky Mountaineer is a seasonal train (April October) that adheres to a partial schedule for a simple reason to maximize daylight. Its routes (Seattle to Vancouver, Vancouver to Jasper and mine, Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise) are milepost to milepost chock full of astounding terrain, landscape that needs to be seen. Passengers stay in hotels at the half-way point for me in Kamloops their luggage unseen since boarding awaiting in their room.GoldLeaf LuxuryTraveling in its top-of-the-line premier class, GoldLeaf, the details are impressive. The bi-level car is topped with a 180-degree dome, comfortable (assigned) seats are equipped with trays for writing, organizing and the bevy of snacks served (preceded by a refresher towel). These range from warm-from-the-oven scones to chips and salsa and freshly baked cookies. Beverages (including beer, wine and spirits) are served throughout-the-day. On the first level is a formal white cover restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Most food is locally sourced and cooked onboard, and features choices such as a feta and spinach souffle for breakfast and short ribs for lunch. The best thing about the restaurant level is its rear open-air viewing platform for fresh air and photo opps.Having done the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express trip years ago, Rocky Mountaineer is reminiscent of that lines fine appointments but unlike Europes luxury train, this one is augmented with informative commentary and loudspeaker announcements like Bear on the right or Moose on the left And, taking a curtain call as we pull into Banff station a gang of elk welches sure enough there to welcome us along with a row of uniformed employees.Excursion on Via RailDescribed as real railroading by fellow passenger and train enthusiast, John Mueller, there is something inherently romantic about an excursion on VIA Rail, a back-in-the-day peek into train travel of yesteryear. Having debuted more than 60 years ago and refurbished over the years, its sleek stainless cars still shout authenticity. My winter journey from Vancouver to Toronto aboard The Canadian consisted of four-nights, three-days, 2,775 miles, four time zones and the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. It began with congratulatory champagne while seated in the dome-observa tion car as we pulled out from Vancouvers Pacific Central Station at noon on a Tuesday. The scheduled arrival in Toronto was for Saturday at 2 p.m.With VIA Rail the train ersatzdarstellers as your hotel. Of the various options, my favorite is Sleeper Plus a private cabin with bunk beds that convert to daytime seating, a sink and a private lavatory (sleeper cars offer a shared shower, for which I never had to wait). Stops are numerous, but the length is not, so the time is spent stretching your legs and breathing in Canadas fresh air. Three meals are served each day with white cloth service and extravagances like prime rib, VIA Rails signature chocolate torte and comfort foods like fried chicken and burgers.The biggest draws, however, were found outside the windows, always a winter wonderland from white-topped Canadian Rocky peaks and wide-open snow-covered prairies to the seasons clear, dark skies punctuated by a canopy of stars (were told to look for a Northern Lights sighting on approach to Edmonton). Add to the mix an education on the meaning of the green, yellow and red signal combos and a graceful rocking to sleep when its bedtime. The result is sweet relaxation. And when pulling into Torontos Union Station, albeit a few hours late, parting is with sweet sorrow.Tips for riding the Canadian railsExpect trains to be late and dont book return flights or other transportation on the day of arrival.Pad an extra day or two on the end of the trip to see Canadas cities.Consider off-season VIA Rail travel. Why? Rates are discounted and there are fewer passengers. Also, views are unobstructed (i.e. no tree-lined tracks) and there is 24/7 access for Sleeper Plus passengers to areas enjoyed by those in Prestige Class.If booking in Sleeper Plus, book an F cabin for more space.Pack light. Except for a small duffel, luggage is not allowed on the Rocky Mountaineer. When packing for VIA Rail, think airplane carry-on allowances one personal item and a small piece of lugg age.www.rockymountaineer.comww.viarail.ca.This article originally appeared on TravelSquire.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people