I am interested in taking the Rocky Mountaineer train trip from
Vancouver to Banff / Calgary this summer for vacation.  The trip,
which is offered through www.rockymountaineer.com is a bit too pricey
for me, at least at thier "list prices."  Is there a way to get
discounted tickets?  For example, is there some sort of market where
one can buy tickets at the last minute at a discount?  Or is there any
travel site or service like expedia or orbitz that can offer
discounted train ticekets?

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Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 12 Mar 2006 09:59 PST

Hi aprimo,

The best deal to travel by train in Canada that I know of is Via's
CanRail Pass. The summer price is $813 and let's you travel for any 12
days during a 30 day period. Which means, you can travel 6 days from
coast to coast, stay a couple of weeks, and travel home again, all on
the same pass. You have the option of a sleeper at extra cost.

The Canrailpass gives you unlimited travel in Canada. It's the perfect
choice for people who want to go a long way on a limited budget.
 * You get 12 days of unlimited travel in Comfort class (Economy)
during a 30-day period. Just show your Canrailpass each time you
obtain a ticket for a trip during this 30-day period.
 * The card can be used anywhere VIA goes, from the Atlantic to the
Pacific, and up to Hudson Bay.
 * You can make as many stops as you like during your journey.
 * You can add up to three extra days' travel, which you can buy in
advance or at any time during the 30-day validity period. This gives
you 13, 14 or 15 days' unlimited travel!
http://www.viarail.ca/planner/en_cart_canr.html

If this answers your question, let me know. If you have any questions
regarding the Pass, I'd be happy to answer them (we've travelled with
it).
hummer

Here are a few good tips for the Canadian Train Rides. It also
includes the Rocky Mountaineer Canadian Train Ride.

http://cdnrail.railfan.net/cdntraveltips.htm

The link that you mentioned is pretty darn good, though old. Several
of the links that looked promising, especially the one to Discovery
Canada, no longer work.

Hello Aprimo,

Vacations By Rail offers a variety of great <a
href="http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/canada/rocky_mountaineer/index.html">Rocky
Mountaineer Vacations</a> that offer superior service, comfort and the
breathtaking scenery Canada is known for.  Also remember that Rocky
Mountaineer prides itself on offering amenities you won?t find on a
normal train.  They have invested millions in rehabbing vintage train
sets and buying new ones.  If the prices are too high for you, there
are the Canada rail packages offered by ViaRail.  These ViaRail trains
do not share tracks with Rocky Mountaineer though.  Rocky Mountaineer
bought the Vancouver - Banff - Calgary route from ViaRail years ago,
so they are the only ones that service the route you want to take.  I
do know that Rocky Mountaineer offers off-season specials.  If you?d
like more information, feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Lars Belmans
Vacations By Rail

Hello Aprimo,

Vacations By Rail offers a variety of great Rocky Mountaineer packages
at http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/canada/rocky_mountaineer/index.html.
 These trips are known for superior service, comfort and the
breathtaking scenery Canada is fameous for.  Also remember that Rocky
Mountaineer prides itself on offering amenities you won?t find on a
normal train.  They have invested millions in rehabbing vintage train
sets and buying new ones.  If the prices are too high for you, there
are the Canada rail packages offered by ViaRail.  These ViaRail trains
do not share tracks with Rocky Mountaineer though.  Rocky Mountaineer
bought the Vancouver - Banff - Calgary route from ViaRail years ago,
so they are the only ones that service the route you want to take.  I
do know that Rocky Mountaineer offers off-season specials.  If you?d
like more information, feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Lars Belmans
Vacations By Rail