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1.
What do non-escorted tours include?
Just about everything! Tours include the magnificent Rocky Mountaineer
Vacations adventure, hotels, sightseeing, and comfortable motorcoaches
that take you from place to place, complete with commentary. We
do the planning so you can enjoy yourself. Although you don't
have a guide, someone to answer your questions is as close as
a phone call away.
2. What is the best time to travel through
the Canadian Rockies?
Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, every season offers unique advantages.
For instance, June is 'Springtime in the Rockies' with snow on
the mountaintops and flowers beginning to bloom. April, May offer
tremendous savings. Rocky Mountaineer Vacations is proud to offer
over 10 breathtaking Canadian Rockies Winter Rail Vacations operating
in December. Canada's outstanding winter scenery is at its peak
and a Rocky Mountaineer tour is the best way to experience it.
Full tour details see winter tours.
3. How far do we travel
on the train?
About 442 km (275 miles) of spectacular sights and scenery each
day - all in daylight. The Rocky Mountaineer one-way trip is a
minimum of two, eight-hour days onboard the train which may be
long for some children.
4. What will the
weather be like -and what should I pack?
Temperatures vary significantly depending on location, time of
day, and season, from a low of 10°C (50° F) to a high of 30° C
(90° F). Kamloops, in particular, may be very warm in the summer.
Plan to bring a sweater, slacks, and a light topcoat or raincoat,
as well as lightweight summer wear. Pack sturdy comfortable shoes,
especially if you plan to walk in the mountains. Flat-soled shoes
should be worn on the train. Comfortable, casual attire is welcomed
on the Rocky Mountaineer and many of our guests carry their sunglasses
with them onboard the train. In spring and fall, include a light
coat or warm jacket if you're travelling to high altitudes.
5. Do you have sleeper
cars?
No. Our daylight rail tours through the Canadian Rockies are scheduled
to show you all of the spectacular scenery. After a day on the
train, you overnight in comfortable accommodations in the city
of Kamloops, British Columbia. This is your opportunity to stretch
your legs, explore this lakeside city or join the fun at Two River
Junction® Dinner and Musical Revue.
6. How much room is there
within the train?
One of the advantages of travel on the Rocky Mountaineer is the
spacious room afforded to all guests. The leg room in all coaches
will pleasantly surprise you. Ample leg room is provided in both
RedLeaf and GoldLeaf coaches - far more than is found in most
first class sections of an airplane. Be prepared for a fully reclining
and relaxing vacation. All guests are able to move through their
own coach, stretch their legs, and enjoy fresh air vestibules.
Access to the two levels onboard the GoldLeaf dome coach is limited
to those guests reserving GoldLeaf Service.
7. Can I add an Alaskan
Cruise to the Rocky Mountaineer?
Absolutely, and thousands of our guests take advantage of the
rail and cruise seasons which are very similar. An Alaskan cruise
that sails from Vancouver is the perfect complement to a Rocky
Mountaineer tour. Our travel professional can assist you in your
planning of your "Rail and Sail" vacation.
8. Are you able to
handle special group requests?
Absolutely! Customized itineraries can be arranged for special
interest groups or incentive tours ranging from 15-600 guests.
Please contact us for details.
9. What is the GST?
The Goods and Services Tax is applicable to all purchases made
in Canada. Please refer to Terms & Conditions for more
details.
10. Is smoking permitted
on the train and in the hotel rooms?
To ensure the preservation of the fragile environment of the areas
in we travel and for the comfort of all guests and employees,
there is no smoking onboard Rocky Mountaineer. This includes the
vestibules between the coaches and restroom facilities. The hotels
do have limited smoking rooms available so please make sure you
indicate your preference our travel agent when you book your tour.
11. Are children
welcome on the train?
As mentioned, the travel days are a minimum of eight hours long,
which may be long for some children. During the summer months
we strongly recommend that parents bring activities for their
children while onboard the train. Our Winter Rail Vacations are
designed with families in mind and the festive musical entertainment
and dedicated children's programs provided in our special lounge
cars, make this an unforgettable family vacation.
12. Are both the
RedLeaf and GoldLeaf coaches accessible by wheelchair?
We have excellent wheelchair facilities for both services. There
are areas where a wheelchair can be secured in place and have
very easy access to the wheelchair accessible washrooms. Wheelchair
lifters are available at all stations and the GoldLeaf dome coaches
are equipped with interior ADA-style elevators. All we ask is
that we are informed at the time of booking of the extent of the
disability so we can guarantee that all plans are in place to
ensure the vacation experience is a pleasant one.
13. Can I use my
laptop computer and cell phone on the train?
We do not have plugs at the seats for laptop use. Depending on
your battery life, we suggest that you charge you computer at
night during your hotel stays for use onboard the train. It goes
without saying that you will have a better chance of seeing all
the scenery without working on your laptop computer. Throughout
much of the train route, the train will be out of cell phone range,
however, cell phones may be easily used in the major areas that
our tours visit.
14. Can I arrange
for a car rental or hotel in Vancouver or Calgary?
Absolutely! We would be happy to help you arrange for your car
rental needs. As well, we can arrange for extra hotel nights in
Canada's West and airfare from your hometown - everything you
need to make your Rocky Mountaineer vacation the best ever.
15. What currency should I carry when travelling
in Canada and on the train?
The currency used in Canada is Canadian dollars. Transactions
onboard the train may be paid with travellers checks, VISA, MasterCard,
American Express, JCB and Diner's Card. We also accept US currency
at close to the current exchange rate, but we recommend that conversion
to Canadian dollars take place prior to the train departure.
16. How can
my dietary needs be met while on the train?
If you have special dietary needs while onboard the train, we
would be pleased to accommodate your request. Simply advise us
directly or your booking agent at least 72 hours in advance of
boarding.
17. Are souvenirs
available for purchase?
A full range of souvenirs are available for purchase onboard the
Rocky Mountaineer. Your Onboard Attendant will provide you with
our souvenir catalogue during the first day on the train. Many
items may be viewed in the souvenir cabinets throughout the train.
18. Can you address my dietary concerns
onboard the train?
Absolutely. Please provide our travel agent with 72 hours
notice regarding your request. We will do everything possible
to make your trip on the train memorable.
19. What are the advantages to travelling these
routes by rail?
There are many unique features to rail travel. You will
enjoy an extremely comfortable seat with ample legroom and have
the freedom to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air while
in the vestibules. Combined with attentive service and outstanding
commentary, this type of leisurely paced travel will ensure that
you know you are on vacation. One of the greatest advantages,
however, is the ability to travel through areas simply not accessible
by foot, car or motorcoach. The routes we travel on are described
as engineering marvels and as we follow rushing rivers, pass beside
towering waterfalls and ride through spectacular river canyons,
you will understand why. To truly appreciate the nature and scenery
in this part of the world, the Rocky Mountaineer offers the very
best vantage point.
20.
What speed does the train travel?
The advantage of our train is that we are able to slow
down at the most scenic areas to offer you the best viewing and
camera opportunities. We call it Kodak® speed! While there are
areas the train reaches up to 90kph (60mph), our average speed
is approximately 50 kph (30mph).
21. Why does
the Rocky Mountaineer only operate between April and October?
We offer all daylight tours meaning you stay overnight in comfortable
accommodation in Kamloops, the halfway point of the rail journey.
Travelling during this time of the year ensures that we take full
advantage of the daylight hours and the spectacular scenery during
the time of year when the regions show their full colours. For
those wishing a winter experience onboard the Rocky Mountaineer,
we offer a full range of tour options for the month of December.
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