The five major airports listed below provide access to our various rail routes and holiday packages throughout Canada. We have provided some basic information on each airport below to help you determine the most accessible airport for your rail journey.
Vancouver International Airport (Airport Code YVR):
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada and provides easy access to Vancouver and its surrounding areas. If you are traveling eastbound to Calgary, Banff, or Jasper the Vancouver International Airport will be the most accessible airport for you. YVR is located approximately 30 minutes South of Vancouver. Airport shuttles into Downtown Vancouver are easily accessible from the airport.
Calgary International Airport ( Airport Code YYC):
The Calgary International Airport is located in Calgary, Alberta and is the gateway to Banff and Lake Louise. Banff townsite is located 120km (or 75 miles) west of Calgary city limits and is easily accessible from the all-weather, four lane Trans Canada Highway 1. Lake Louise is located 58km (or 35 miles) west of Banff. If you are planning to travel by rail westbound from Calgary or Banff, Calgary International Airport is the best airport to fly into.
Edmonton International Airport (Airport Code YEG):
The Edmonton International Airport is located in Edmonton, Alberta. Edmonton International Airport is the most accessible airport if you are planning to start your holiday in Jasper and travel westbound to Vancouver, British Columbia. Jasper is located 362km (or 220 miles) west of Edmonton, approximately 3 ½ hours driving time.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (Airport Code YYZ):
Located in Toronto, Ontario Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada ’s largest and busiest airport. It serves Southern Ontario and acts as a major gateway to North Eastern Canada and United States. Use Toronto Pearson International Airport if you are beginning your journey from Toronto.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (Airport Code YHZ):
Halifax Stanfield International Airport is located in Enfield, Nova Scotia, approximately 35km or 22mi from downtown Halifax (Approximately 35 minutes driving time). If your Trans Canada adventure begins in Halifax, this would be the most accessible airport.
Your trip to Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies
Your journey to Western Canada will land you in some of the most spectacular parts of the world.
British Columbia
British Columbia is home to spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and warm, friendly hospitality. Set between the province of Alberta and the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia is a land of amazing diversity and beauty. With an endless list of things to see and do, from stunning mountain ranges to gaze at, history and art to discover to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver to explore, there is something for everyone.
Alberta
The province of Alberta is located in western Canada between the provinces of British Columbia to the west and Saskatchewan to the east. Known for its resort towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, you will find an abundance of shimmering glaciers, exciting wildlife, crystal clear lakes and towering mountain peaks. Located just two hours east of the BC/Alberta border is the city of Calgary, rich with oil and cowboys and host city of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games.
British Columbia Fun Facts
Capital city: Victoria on Vancouver Island
Population: 3,907,738 (Concentrated in: Vancouver pop. 2 million and Victoria pop. 326,000)
Canada's third most populated province (after Ontario and Quebec)
Westernmost of Canada's 10 provinces
Total Area: 944,735 sq km (364,764 sq mi)
Highest Point: Fairweather Mountain, 4,663 m (15,299 ft)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean, sea level
Longest River: Fraser River, 1,368 km (850 mi)
Provincial Gemstone: Jade
Alberta Fun Facts
Capital city: Edmonton
Population: 3 375 800. Over 10% of Canada’s population resides in Alberta.
Receives 2330 hours of sunshine annually, the highest in Canada.
Highest mountain - Mt. Columbia 3 747 m (12 294 ft); and the second highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Home to five of Canada’s 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as designated by the United Nations
Provincial Mammal: Rocky Mountain Big Horned Sheep
Weather
Vancouver
Kamloops
Rockies
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
°C
°F
14
58
18
65
21
71
23
74
23
74
18
65
14
58
°C
°F
16
61
21
70
25
78
28
83
28
83
22
71
14
57
°C
°F
9
48
14
55
19
66
23
74
21
71
16
60
10
50
In Alberta and British Columbia, temperatures vary significantly depending on location, time of day and season. Summer temperatures range from a low 10°C (50°F) to a high of 30°C (90°F).
Plan to bring a sweater, slacks, and a light topcoat or raincoat, as well as lightweight summer wear. Pack sturdy comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk in the mountains. In Spring and Fall, include a light coat or warm jacket if you're travelling to high altitudes.
Current Weather Conditions
What to Wear
Summer
Vancouver enjoys warm, comfortable summers that are rarely scorching. June to August daytime temperatures linger just above 20 º Celsius (70º Fahrenheit). Evenings, especially in the surrounding mountains, can be cool, so it's best to pack a light jacket and sweater.
Fall
Autumn on the coast is very mild with summer-like weather often stretching into October. By November, the air turns crisp in the mornings and leaves start to fall. Bring warm, waterproof clothing if visiting at this time of year, and expect to see some spectacular fall foliage!
Winter
Our winters are mild and wet - it rarely snows in this part of Canada. From November to February, temperatures average from 0 º to 5º Celsius (around 45º Fahrenheit). To stay cozy and dry, you'll need warm clothes, a raincoat and an umbrella. Waterproof footwear is always a good idea.
Spring
By February or March, you'll see early crocuses and daffodils popping up, quickly followed by an eruption of spring blossoms. Pack light clothing along with a few sweaters for good measure.
Taxes
Most purchases in British Columbia are subject to sales tax totaling 13% of the purchase price. The provincial sales tax (PST) of 7% applies to retail purchases and with the exception of liquor, which is taxed at 10%. Some items, including groceries, restaurant meals, children's clothing and books, are PST exempt. The federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 6% is applicable to most purchased goods and services, but rebates on accommodations and purchases taken out of the country can be claimed by non-residents of Canada. Some restrictions apply. For more information call 1-800-66-VISIT from within Canada; outside Canada call 902-432-5608.
Tipping
It is customary to tip between 15% and 20% at bars and restaurants in BC. Tips are also given to tour guides, and for taxi service, spa treatments and haircuts. Porters at airports, railway stations and hotels generally expect $1-2 (CDN) per item of luggage.
Time Zones
Pacific Standard Time applies in most of BC. This is three hours behind Eastern Standard Time (Ontario/New York). BC is one hour behind Alberta, with the exception of some eastern areas which are on MST/Alberta time.
Electricity
Outlets and voltage (110 volts) are the same as in the United States. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc. can be used in Canada. For those from other countries, adapters are required for electrical appliances. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.
Currency Exchange
The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents. To avoid exchange problems, visitors are advised to exchange their funds to Canadian dollars at a bank or a foreign currency exchange outlet.
Travel Canada by train, through British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies
or across the country - Canadian train trips, vacations and rail tours.
Toll Free: 1.877.460.3200 (Canada/USA), 00-800-0606-7372
(UK & New Zealand), 00-11-800-0606-7372 (Australia)
Telephone: 1-604-606-7245
E-mail: reservations@rockymountaineer.com
