Going to take the Rocky Mountaineer trip
Aug 12, 2016 01:27:13 #
Hi, We are taking the trip from Vancouver up to Prince Rupert in September and I was wondering if anyone who has done this trip would recommend which side of the train is better for a photographer to take? I am aware of the reflection problem with the train windows and will be taking a lens hood that will enable me to cut out these annoying things and I do know that there will be access to the open part of the carriage but maybe forewarned is forearmed as regards the seating arrangement. Thanks for any help or advice
Aug 12, 2016 05:50:05 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
Have been twice and you will be assigned a seat although people are very nice about sharing
Are you on the gold or silver leaf plan as a cpl will be needed for the gold as a lens hood will help but those curved domed windows are tricky
Are you on the gold or silver leaf plan as a cpl will be needed for the gold as a lens hood will help but those curved domed windows are tricky
Aug 12, 2016 09:58:47 #
Last train trip I took, Alaska from Denali to Anchorage, I stood out on the back of the car occasionally, rather than stay in the car and shoot through glass. Gave me access to both sides of the train and no window to contend with. You might consider checking to see if such access might be available on your trip. IF not, $20 to the Porter when you get on might get you some options.
Aug 12, 2016 10:06:53 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
There is an open area at the end of each car. It places you much lower and with all the trees that follow the tracks it is a bit tricky
Aug 12, 2016 16:56:12 #
We are on the Silver plan and yes as I said there will be open parts at the rear for shooting from. Didnt know about the allotted seats but it makes sense now you mention it. Thanks for the tip re a cpl . Looking forward to this trip and meeting lots of nice folk.Thanks for all your advice guys.
Aug 12, 2016 17:02:38 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
Ah. So the dome on those cars aren't as steep so that may help am not sure as I am going by what I saw for a bit. Also the seats may not be assigned as they are with the gold leaf plan
You should have a great time as the staff are terrific ( at least that has been my experience)
You should have a great time as the staff are terrific ( at least that has been my experience)
Aug 12, 2016 17:39:25 #
We actually thought at one stage of upgrading to Gold but the cost was horrendous and then we also found that you have to go to a dining carriage in that class whereby in the silver you get served at your seat and so dont risk missing out on a view while you are dining. We are picking up our tickets etc today so will get some more info from the agent.
Aug 12, 2016 19:57:38 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
Yes you do eat in the dinning room but it is in the same car just down stairs so nothing is missed and they eat in two shifts however while one is eating the other group is having wine and cheese so your always eating 😅
Aug 12, 2016 20:04:50 #
That was another thing about the Gold class , we are not big eaters or drinkers so it really was a waste of money for us .
Aug 12, 2016 20:06:30 #
Aug 12, 2016 20:09:07 #
Looking forward to it ,5 weeks today we leave NZ and stop off in Hawaii for 3 days on the way to Canada.
Aug 12, 2016 20:13:24 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
That is quite a trip. We met lots of Aussie who where going to go to Alaska or had been and then where going across Canada
They all kept encouraging us to visit down under
They all kept encouraging us to visit down under
Aug 13, 2016 00:58:05 #
Oz is an enormous place to visit and there are many places there we havent been and probably will never get to . NZ is of course a lot smaller but even here you need at least a month and that could be just for one Island if you do it at a regular pace.
Aug 13, 2016 05:39:58 #
I think you will absolutely love that trip. I did the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff back in 2013 and it was a great adventure. It was part of a package that then used a coach to Jasper and Canada Rail on over to Halifax, NS. My photos of that 16 days are here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8712554@N02/collections/72157635052196955/.
I had the good fortune to tour New Zealand in 2004 (20 days) and it was wonderful! The people there were very friendly and the sights were great. I'm going to tour Australia and NZ in February 2017 and looking forward to it.
I had the good fortune to tour New Zealand in 2004 (20 days) and it was wonderful! The people there were very friendly and the sights were great. I'm going to tour Australia and NZ in February 2017 and looking forward to it.
Aug 13, 2016 11:16:52 #
We rode the train from Vancouver to Jasper 2 summers ago--figured we would never do this again so went with the gold leaf plan. We then were on a bus from Jasper to Calgary.Yes the windows were a problem, I did ask for seating on the north --shady side-- when I booked it and that is wha we received. The train was not full so it was easy to move around from one side to another if necessary, but I did spend a lot of time down in the open back area. It was a lot of beautiful scenery, but lot of just traveling through the trees when you see nothing but trees...most of the stops on the bus at the very beautiful lakes and waterfalls were very rushed, had to hurry up and walk to the spot take a few quick photos and get back on the bus. I had to keep reminding myself that this is not booked as a photo tour and just be happy with the photos I got and not mind that everybody would clap as I got back on the bus--usually the last one! Met some very nice people from all over
It still was very fun and yes the staff was great
It still was very fun and yes the staff was great
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