Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ)
To view the answer, click on the corresponding question
BEFORE JOINING THE TOUR
We recommend booking your tour as soon as your plans are confirmed, especially if you want to book a rail & coach tour as train seats can be limited on some departure dates. Summer departure dates are quite popular and can fill up quickly. Essentially, book early to avoid disappointment!
Key West Travel does not offer individual pick-ups as our tour guests would like to depart Vancouver as scheduled. Usually, the tour departs from Hyatt Regency Downtown Vancouver, which is centrally located and close to other downtown Vancouver hotels.
Due to the different needs of each individual traveller, we do not match our single travellers. If you are a single traveller, you need to book a single occupancy room.
Standard hotels are mountain lodge-style while deluxe/premium hotels are resort-style. The majority of our guests choose standard accommodation as these hotels are very clean and comfortable, and travellers will get their own private room and washroom. Travellers who book deluxe/premium accommodation often do so because they want to stay at Chateau Lake Louise. If you want to book premium/deluxe accommodation, be sure to book early as these hotels sell out quickly – they usually aren’t available within 6 months of departure!
All of our Key West guided tours include daily buffet breakfasts. For those who have booked a tour with a Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Rail component, additional meals may be included, please refer to your specific tour page for more information. For meals that are not included in the package, the tour guides are happy to point out popular restaurants and cafes in the Rockies, or you can check out the restaurants at or near your hotel.
Gratuities are not included in the prices (unless indicated). While it is neither our place nor our wish to tell you how much to tip, gratuities in Canada are often given in recognition of service excellence.
Travelling during this time of the year ensures that we take full advantage of the daylight hours and the spectacular scenery during the time of year when the regions show their full colours.
VIA RAIL FAQ
Yes. VIA Rail prides themselves on offering passengers a unique rail experience, so passengers will spend the night onboard the train.
Key West Travel does not offer individual pick-ups as our tour guests would like to depart Vancouver as scheduled. Usually, the tour departs from Hyatt Regency Downtown Vancouver, which is centrally located and close to other downtown Vancouver hotels.
Due to the different needs of each individual traveller, we do not match our single travellers. If you are a single traveller, you need to book a single occupancy room.
Absolutely! Passengers are free to explore the VIA Rail train and check out the Park and Skyline cars. Mingle with other passengers, enjoy an activity or live music, and check out the 360* panoramic views from the glass domed observation deck!
General Tour FAQ – While On The Tour
Our motorcoaches can seat up to 57 people, but we like to leave a few seats free to ensure a comfortable journey. The usual tour size is between 30 and 50 people.
Depends on the day. if you are travelling from Vancouver to Jasper or Banff, it will be a minimum of 10 hours. However, every 2-3 hours, you get out of the bus for mini breaks. During the sightseeing days, you will spend little time on the bus as you will be walking/sightseeing/hiking & etc.
To ensure our guests have an amazing experience, we also offer optional activities at an additional cost. Please see your tour itinerary or follow this link for more information. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
To ensure the preservation of the fragile environment of the areas in which we travel and for the comfort of all guests and employees, there is no smoking onboard Rocky Mountaineer. This includes the vestibules between the coaches and restroom facilities. Unfortunately, most hotels similarly do not allow smoking.
Rocky Mountaineer FAQ
No. Our daylight rail tours through the Canadian Rockies are scheduled to show you all of the scenery. After a day onboard the train through the Rockies, you stay in a hotel overnight in either Kamloops or Quesnel, British Columbia. Accommodations in Vancouver is not included unless otherwise indicated.
Yes. Usually our rail vacations fits perfectly with Holland America scheduled departures. Thousands of our guests take advantage of our rail and cruise Vacation Packages, which are in high-demand.
SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf passengers will have their luggage delivered to their rooms. GoldLeaf passengers will need to bring a small carry-on that fits comfortably beneath their seat.
One of the advantages of train travel is the spacious room afforded to all guests. GoldLeaf Service and SilverLeaf Service guests can enjoy fresh air outside their coaches. Access to the GoldLeaf Dome coach and adjacent vestibule is limited to guests reserving this service.
No, the train only stops in Whistler, Kamloops or Quesnel for an overnight stay; however, the train slows to a very slow speed at particularly scenic locations.