How to Book a Trip on BC Rail

BC Rail, also called British Columbia Railway, discontinued much of its services 2002, but service continues on some routes. There is no better way to enjoy the majestic countryside than by train.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Choose the Right Train

1. Call BC Rail at [phone] to book your reservations, or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
2. Book a trip on the Skeena, the train that travels from Jasper in the Alberta province to Prince Rupert in British Columbia. The 725-mile journey lasts two days with an overnight layover in Prince George. Fare prices start around $100 for a one-way, Comfort Class ticket.
3. Book a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer for travel through the Rockies on daylight tours. The trip takes several days with stopovers in Kamloops or Quesnel, BC. Hotel stays are required as there are no sleeper cars on the Rocky Mountaineer.
4. Book a trip on the Malahat, the Vancouver Island train that travels from Victoria to Courtenay. Comfort Class tickets permit on and off service at any station on the network, so you can visit some of the charming towns on the island. A one-way ticket for the whole route starts at $27.
5. Consider taking the Whistler Mountaineer from Vancouver to Whistler. Traveling along the magnificent Sea-to-Sky corridor, the Whistler Mountaineer deposits you at the famous Whistler ski town. The trip only takes three hours.
6. Book a trip on the Canadian, the famous train from Toronto to Vancouver. Operated by VIA Rail, this train crosses much of the southern half of Canada, treating you to views of the Canadian Rockies, the Prairies and the lakelands. Fare prices vary by class and destination.

Tips & Warnings

• VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer RailTours are the primary service providers for train travel in British Columbia today.
• The easiest way to book tickets for Rocky Mountaineer RailTours is to call their reservation department.
• When traveling on a train that requires an overnight stay, remember to book a hotel room in advance.
• Service is not available to all of the stations on the former BC Rail route.