Following a route that takes travelers from the heart of the Canadian Rockies inJasper to the beautiful port town of Prince Rupert is VIA Rail'sJasper-Prince Rupert Train, formerly known as the Skeena Train. Thetrain journey takes two full days to complete, passing over nearly1,200 kilometers of the Canadian wilderness along the way. Withviews of centuries-old mining towns, canyons, mountains, lakes,rivers, bridges, tunnels and more, the trip is full of sights tosee. Grab your carry-on, your camera, and some snacks - it is goingto be a great ride. But first, discover these five facts so you canmake the most of your trip:
1. There Are Two Seating Classes
When you travel on VIA Rail's Jasper-Prince Rupert Train, thereare two seating class options to choose from, Economy and Touring.Passengers enjoy comfortable seating and views from large windowsin both, yet the other offerings differ slightly.
- Economy - The standard seating option on this passenger train,Economy Class travelers enjoy their own plush seat in one of theEconomy Cars. Each car is equipped with shared restrooms and offerseasy access to the train's Trolley Car. During non-peak months -October through May - Economy passengers also have access to thesecond-level Parc Car, which is a sightseeing lounge with swivelchairs, windows that curve up the car onto the roof and panoramicviews.
- Touring - Offered from June to September only, Touring Classoffers premier seating in the Panorama Dome Car. The spacious seatsin this car provide a great deal of leg room when upright andrecline if you want to snooze for a bit. All meals are served atyour seat and are included in the price of your ticket. For achange of scenery, passengers of this class also enjoy unlimitedaccess to the domed Parc Car.
2. The Views are Fantastic
Speaking of the domed windows of the train's sightseeing cars,the views are fabulous. As the train departs from Jasper,Yellowhead Pass and Mount Robson make for beautiful photoopportunities. Moving on, enjoy looks at Kathlyn Glacier, BulkleyCanyon and its tunnels, the Seven Sisters Mountain Range, theSkeena River, Ridley Island and more. Keep your binoculars andcamera handy; you may even see some of Canada's nativewildlife!
3. Passengers Enjoy an Overnight Stop
VIA Rail's Jasper-Prince Rupert Train is a daylight-only train,which maximizes your sightseeing opportunities and ensures arestful, motionless sleep overnight. Almost halfway through thislong-distance rail route, the train stops in Prince George, thelargest city in Northern British Columbia. Here, you will disembarkthe train and transfer on your own to the hotel of your choice forthe evening. You can use any remaining daylight hours to explorethe culture of the city before turning in for the night. The nextday, re-board the train for the journey to Prince Rupert.
4. Both Hot and Cold Foods are Available
What better way to pass the time as you make your way throughthe country's vast terrain than with food. Of course you areallowed to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to beenjoyed at your seat as part of your carry-on luggage; however,there is also an assortment of fare available on the train.Offerings vary, once again, by your selected class.
- Economy passengers can purchase a variety of snack foods, lightmeals, and drinks, including items such as nuts, oatmeal, cookies,sandwiches, and hamburgers. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholicbeverages are also available. All these items can be purchased inthe Trolley Car.
- Touring travelers never have to leave their seat to enjoy theirfood, as it is brought up to their seats. Complimentary with aTouring ticket and based on the train's schedule, meals vary by dayand include cold selections for breakfast and lunch and athree-course hot meal for dinner. A choice of white or red wine isoffered along with supper.
5. The Train is Kid Friendly
Sure, the adult amenities on the Jasper-Prince Rupert Train areplentiful, but did you know VIA Rail also ensures kids have a greatjourney, too? There are a few ways they accomplish this:
- Parents are welcome to bring on a compact stroller and/orplaypen for their child in addition to their carry-on luggage forno charge.
- The bathrooms on the train feature full-size changing pads tomake diaper and clothing changes more convenient.
- Need to heat up a bottle or some food? No problem - a trainattendant can help you access a microwave.
- Families are given priority seating and have access to specialareas for up to four people to sit comfortably with plenty oflegroom.
- Passengers between the ages of 2 and 11 are given a specialtreat, a Choo Choo Club bag that is filled with games, activitypages, coloring pages and more to keep them entertained along thejourney.
- Toddlers under 24 months of age ride free.
The port town of Prince Rupert offer a variety of activities.Select from cruising excursions, including those to Port Hardy andCanada's Islands as well as whale watching and fishing expeditions.Staying on land brings another set of opportunities: bear watchingtours, hiking, museums, shopping and more. Further, the town is afoodie's dream, with restaurants offering everything from freshlycaught seafood to traditional pub offerings.
The Jasper-Prince Rupert train departs three days each week fromboth Jasper and Prince Rupert. When packing for this journey, keepin mind that you are allowed one carry-on bag and one largesuitcase of up to 50 pounds, or you can carry on two small bags.Additionally, the train offers checked luggage if you do not needaccess to your bags throughout the long-distance train trip. Readyto book your Jasper-Prince Rupert rail vacation on the formerSkeena Train? Vacations By Rail can help! Contact us today to planyour Canadian trainvacation.
