cmorell

Like the train to Jasper, the schedule is designed so that the most spectacular part is traveled in the day. So this time we left in the afternoon. And I was gratefully assigned a seat to myself, as were most other single travelers in the car. There was also an incredible amount of leg room between the seats. But no amount of leg room can make for a comfortable night’s sleep. The night was spent at uncomfortable angles, trying to squeeze into the small space created by two seats, and mentally inventorying all the places that would hurt the next morning. I focused on reminding myself that I would soon be home and in my own bed. Traveling in economy was quieter than I imagined. I and most other travelers occupied ourselves with taking pictures from ... read more

75% off Via rail tickets. Who could resist? I drove through the Rockies in the fall of 2008; while seeing the Rockies in all four season is on my wish list this trip was entirely about the rail journey. But, having driven from Vancouver to Jasper and Banff to Vancouver, I departed well aware that this isn’t the iconic route - only traveled by the much more expensive Rocky Mountaineer. The train from Vancouver to Jasper leaves in the evening, but doesn’t seen to move beyond Kamloops (~300 km from Vancouver) until the next morning. On the trip to Jasper, I bought a cabin for 1 ticket as the economy seats were sold out. My first impression of the single sleeper cabin was that it would be an isolated journey. So I happily took the first ... read more

I went to university in Victoria, so the city is tied to some very happy memories. That being said, I’ve never been fond of Victoria’s more English then England branding. Most people, however, love it and Victoria attracts tourists by the charter - air conditioned - coach load. I am a museum junky, however, so the Royal BC Museum has drawn me back again and again. There’s the current ‘Treasures from the British Museum’ exhibition that highlights (raids on) ancient cultures throughout the world. A lot of the artifacts are copies, and I’ve been told that it doesn’t hold up against the actual British Museum. Until I can make it that far, it will have to do. But, the real treasure is the kid (of any age) friendly permanent exhibitions. Their displays allow closer inspections and ... read more