Accommodation The Canadian (Train). Superbly comfortable bunks in cabins, pulled down by friendly and helpful staff whilst we had dinner and put up whilst we had breakfast, leaving space for chairs.

Food was first class - served in dining cars on immaculate tablecloths with fresh orchids on the table, and always a good choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast offered all usual cooked items + of course Canadian waffles with maple syrup.
Lunch was more of a snack - with rolls with unusual fillings (such as buffalo burgers!) accompanied by choice of salads and followed by fruit salads or sorbets.

Dinner was three courses with choices for each course, with vegetarian options and always beautifully served and presented. We were greedy and opted for the same delicious rich chocolate gateau for each one of our three nights!

One could stay in one's cabin and just gaze at the fantastic scenery rolling past - the lakes and forests on the first day when one left Toronto, the prairies the second day (complete with bison!) and the Rockies on the third day, with moose, elk and 4 bears! Then arrived in Vancouver early on 4th morning.

If one felt sociable one could go to the activity cars which offered videos each evening and such diverse activities as golf(!) and souvenir shop, or sit in one of the four viewing cars with their plexiglass roofs offering 360 degree views of the passing countryside and where stewards appeared offering attractive snacks!

There was even a smoking car for inveterate smokers though this was only available at certain times of the day - and all night!

Passengers could get off at various stops along the way, varying from real 'one-horse' towns like Sioux Lookout to the very attractive Jasper and the much larger Winnipeg - though getting back on was always rather a worry as the next train would not be along for two days!

We tried everything and for us it was the sheer relaxation in comfort and superb and constantly changing views that made this trip so memorable.

Must See Attractions

• The Rockies
• Bears (by the side of the train)
• Moose
• Elk
• Jasper (where train stopped)

Fab Tips

• DO NOT take too much! There is limited storage space in the cabins - but The Canadian will always store luggage for the duration of the trip, so one can just take on necessities for 3 days and 3 nights and reclaim the rest at the other end.
• If you want to send postcards from the various stops along the route, these can be bought on the train but not stamps, which have to be purchased beforehand or at the various stops.
• Souvenirs and clothing can be purchased on the train
• Throughout the day there is coffee, tea, water and fruit juice left out for passengers to help themselves - so the only spending money really needed is for drinks from the bars and at meal times and any souvenirs!