I am trying to take a train from Vancouver to Jasper, or some other nearby city.

My wife and I rode from Vancouver to Calgary a few years ago, and would like to continue the ride this summer from somewhere near Jasper and ride to Winnipeg. We will catch the eastern provinces the following year.

The question is: Do they require bikes to be boxed on the train from Vancouver to Jasper?

Other locations for a start would also be welcome if they are accessible by train and near Calgary.

Thanks

There are two train companies that go from Vancouver to Jasper. VIA Rail (VIA Rail Canada: Train travel in Canada) is a government owned rail company that does a transcontinental trip. It does not go every day so you would have to plan accordingly. Looking at their website it appears that you would have to box your bike if you used it. But you should phone to confirm that.

The second company is Rocky Mountaineer (Canadian Train Travel, Trips, Rail Journeys, Vacations, Holidays: Rocky Mountaineer). It is a touring company so you would have to buy a fairly expensive tour to ride it to Jasper. I could not see any mention of baggage, so certainly nothing about bikes. Again it would be best to call them.

Rocky doesn't have baggage cars* and only goes as far as Jasper on the northern route and Canmore on the Southern route. The train trip is part of a luxury tour and cycling isn't a thought. That said, The company will do whatever it takes to make sure that the "guests" wishes and needs are met. So I'm sure that if someone wanted to bring their bike with them, Rocky would see to it that accommodation for the bike was provided. VIA on the other hand, will take bicycles, no boxing required, provided there is no change of trains involved.

* people mistake the generator cars for baggage cars. All luggage is actually sent by truck.

Thanks

My wife did some deeper digging and we think that VIA will work out. Hopefully, we'll be able to connect in Vancouver.

I took VIA last year. You don't have to box the bike. Make sure you have some slack in your schedule. My train going out was 3 hours late, and the return train was 11 hours late.

I know it's an old thread but it did pop up when I searched for VIA Rail. I've been researching VIA for bike outings around Toronto and they don't go out of their way to be helpful! I'd be interested if [MENTION=156952]Doug64[/MENTION] 's trip worked out.

My understanding is that you need to be sure the train has a baggage car, and then check if the baggage car has a bike rack. If it has a bike rack, you can walk your fully assembled bike onto the platform to be loaded. If it has a baggage car but no bike rack, you have to check your bike, buy a box from them, remove the pedals and turn the handlebars.

At least that is what I have gleaned from the website.