simonficti has indicated that this thread is about Canada
What about flying one way and training the other? There might be some sweet sales between now and then. Like Via's 60 percent off sales etc. Or flying part-way like Van to TO then train TO to Halifax. It has to be a four day trip by train right? Or more?
You can expect a total variety of people on the train. I encountered people from all ages, from all over who were all super-friendly. I had AMAZING conversations with strangers on the train. And there is definitely different areas to walk to and hang out in on the train. It is a nice slow pace on the train. Really relaxing. If you stop over in TO it might be okay. I did Winnipeg to Vancouver. It was an overnight to Jasper - we stayed in Jasperfor vacation - and then another 20 hours or so to Vancouver. I could see doing several nights in a row on the trip could be tiring. You have to sleep in your seats (you can stretch out into two seats) etc.
Good luck.
Hey simonficti,
So you're worried that you would be bored on a train for four days? Well, think about it this way. You would be travelling through the majestic Rocky Mountains, then I guess you'll have to pay your dues and cross the flat and not-so-interesting Prairies, but then you get to the interesting Canadian Shield, and from there to the spectacular Maritimes. It actually sounds like a pretty incredible trip, and I can understand why you have wanted to do this for quite a while. But, remember, you won't be spending the entire time with your eyes glued to the scenery, beautiful or boring, but you will be having conversations with all kinds of people, Canadians and non-Canadians, of all ages and backgrounds. I'll tell you one thing. When I take a trip, it is not so much the places that I see that leave an impression on me as the people I meet. You really can't judge a trip across Canada in a train as boring until you have done it, and found it boring. I'm pretty sure that you won't though, as long as you aren't the antisocial, leave-me-alone, don't-talk-to-me type. If you are open and friendly, you are bound to meet like-minded people on your trip, and it could be an enriching trip, at least I think so.
Bon voyage, no matter which mode of transportation you choose.
Steph
I think what #2 says is an excellent option. Fly one way and train the other - or a bit here and a bit there.
I've done both and to be honest, the train was long and very slow. Canada doesn't have any fast trains compared to Europe and once out of B.C. and Alberta, it starts to get very flat and rather repetitive. However, I met many characters en-route and struck up some great conversations. I'm still in touch with some of the people I met too.
However, the plane did it quickly and allowed much more time to get out and about on my own two feet.
My choice?.. Do some of both.
Another option would be to take VIA to Halifax, and back as far as Toronto, then take Amtrak through the northern U.S., back to Vancouver via Seattle. It would be slightly different scenery, going back (although you'd still cross the boring prairies).
I really enjoyed the hospitality in Manitoba and Saskatchewan - but aren't those two provinces just hundreds and then hundreds more miles of the very biggest region of absolutely nothing going on, that you've ever seen?
I'm sure if you keep checking the prices for Airline fares you could eventually get something much cheaper than your quoted price.I recently bought a return airfare for my daughter from Montreal to Los Angeles, prices for a one way ticket ranged from a low of $189 to a high of $1384, seems the prices change very often,ended up getting her a return ticket for $659 took a week of continually checking but it paid off in the end.. Crossing Canada in late December does not lend itself to being the most scenic of times so flying will take care of the enormous distance in about 7 hours each way rather than 5 days each way on the train which leaves more time to spend with Dad eh.
[ 26-Jun-2010, at 12:57 by jambo101 ]
Buddy, considering your requirement I would suggest you a train ride. Its certainly more interesting with all the natural beauty around you and the fun doesnt get over in a matter of hrs. Since ur really vocal abt climate change and ill effects of flying, train would be the best for you.
Thanks for all the advice people, some good suggestions. I think I might brave it and try a return train journey. The worst that could happen is I will get bored on the return leg and will have plenty of time to catch up on some reading
My dad lives in Vancouver as well and he's taken this train trip a number of times, but then again he loves trains. You really should consider it, for the Spiral Tunnel alone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEe9d69NpyM
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