Thought to be the only train in the world with a lift, the Rocky Mountaineer is best known for its two-day all-daylight journeys through the Canadian Rockies.

For the first time, beginning this month, the Rocky Mountaineer is offering five escorted rail tours of six to 11 days. Aimed at those who want to travel in a group with a tour guide, guests will have exclusive access on board to two coaches.

And while the escorted tours are all-daylight affairs to best take in the surrounding scenery, guests decamp to hotels at destinations including Banff, Lake Louise, Calgary and Whistler overnight. Travel is in the top-flight Gold Leaf carriages and includes food, welcome dinners, tour guide, excursions and the opportunity to participate in on-board programs.

The Rocky Mountaineer runs for six months on four different scenic routes from mid-April to mid-October.

Prices for the shortest tour, the Escorted Rockies Highlights, a six-day package departing April 25 until October 5, one from $C2539 ($2948), twin share.

The 11-day Escorted Rockies Circle program costs $C5249, twin share.

See rockymountaineer.com.

by Kay O’Sullivan, WAToday.com.au

Source Link: By Daniel Drolet, The Ottawa Citizen

Gordon Lightfoot sang about the Canadian railroads for a reason: rail travel is somehow quintessentially Canadian, in many ways a link to the early days of the country.

1. Across Canada by train

The ultimate long-haul journey? Across Canada by train, Toronto to Vancouver on VIA Rail. The trip lasts nearly four days and there are several departures each week; if you want to save money, travel in winter, when prices are discounted. VIA Rail recently changed the schedule to improve dailight viewing in the Rockies. www.viarail.ca/trains/en

2. Through the Rockies

Half the excitement of a cross-Canada train trip is going through the Rockies. No time for the whole thing? Rocky Mountaineer Vacations runs train trips through the mountains, Vancouver to Calgary or vice-versa. Travel by day when you can see the sights, and stay in a hotel overnight. www.rockymountaineer.com

3. The far north

The best train trips take you to places without roads or cars. Like the VIA train from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba, on the shore of Hudson Bay. It’s a 1,700-kilometre, two-night trip that costs as little as $157 (one way) if you go coach. See www.viarail.ca/trains/en

4. The nearer north

The Polar Bear Express is a classic excursion train, travelling between Cochrane, Ont., and Moosonee on James Bay during the summer. The one-day, return-trip excursion is a quick way to experience the north — especially if you’re taking children along. www.ontarionorthland.ca/en

5. Overnight

If you’ve got the time and bit of extra cash, it’s worth it to take a berth or a room on an overnight train and let yourself be rocked to sleep by the soothing clickety-click of the wheels on the track. The trip from Montreal to Halifax on VIA Rail’s The Ocean lasts about 21 hours — just enough time to kick back and relax. www.viarail.ca/trains/en