My mother and I are planning a trip to Calgary from the Seattle area next year. We were thinking of taking the Rocky Mountaineer, but the cost is making us think twice. Since flying or driving is not an option, our only other alternative would be Greyhound.

The trip from Vancouver to Calgary is 14 hours, which isn't bad when compared to 2, 12 hour days on the train. I'm well aware of Greyhound's reputation here in the States. Does Greyhound Canada have a similar reputation?

Greyhound Canada has a generally good rep here-much better than that of it's southern counterpart.
I've done the trip Calgary-Vancouver by bus along day but not overwhelming.
Take some picnic fixin's if you can.

What is the reputation of Greyhound in the States?? (just curious)
Greyhound tickets in Canada are very cheap, so many people who can't afford to travel any other way go by Greyhound.
We have recently travelled Vancouver to Edmonton by Greyhound (16 hours), and except for two things - the seats are only marginally wider that airplane economy seats, and the bus rest stops are at absolutely horrible diners (bring your own food!!!!!!!!!) - otherwise the trip was fine.
If you can, travel during the day, bus seats aren't meant for sleeping!!

Thanks to you both, especially the heads up about the food. We had planned to take snacks, but looks like we'll be packing a few sandwiches as well.

As for Greyhound's reputation down here, let's just say that it's not good. Dirty or non-functional bathrooms, overtired drivers, and inebriated passengers are common complaints. I haven't ridden Greyhound since the mid-80s when I was a child, but I've rarely heard good things since then. I guess one gets what they pay for.

Granted that thousands of people travel by Greyhound on a daily basis and are absolutely fine, but I know that I wouldn't be comfortable travelling in undesirable conditions.

greyhound in canada is definitly superior to greyhound in the states. you can also make reservations for seats if you want. personally for such a scenic trip, i would try to get the front right seat so you can enjoy the driver's window. also, why not plan on getting off 1/2 way and spending the night in one of the cities/towns. break up the trip, you can enjoy a good dinner at a restaurant and have a good sleep.

"Since flying or driving is not an option, our only other alternative would be Greyhound."

Not true. ViaRail's Canadian runs between Vancouver and Jasper and there are frequent buses for the relatively short trip between Jasper and Calgary. If on time, the time enroute is 16 1/2 hours and there are three weekly trips, departing on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. It will be significantly less expensive than the Rocky Mountaineer. I do not know how the prices compares to Greyhound.

One drawback is that it leaves in late afternnon so much of the mountain scenery passes in the darkness.

I had actually thought about taking Via to Edmonton and then taking the bus to Calgary from there. Unfortunately, the scheduling doesn't work out.