Plan to take the 2-day trip from Vancouver to Banff via Rocky Mountaineer; 'goldleaf' service is double price over 'redleaf' - aside from the dining, wondering about differences on:
(1) comfort of seating
(2) views, esp. from lower redleaf car
Are these 2 factors worth the price difference? Naturally we probably will not do this twice. Thanks much.

I did the gold service - was prepared to take red but cousin wanted the upgrade.

If you're booking with an agent, you could ask if they know if the meals themselves are different.

The food was very good and they give you warm cookies in the afternoon.

It's only 2 days - I would think the red service is just as comfortable and the view can't be much different - and you stay at the same hotel.

I just took that trip two weeks ago on Gold Leaf. I think probably both have comfy seats, but the views from the dome car are extraordinarily better than the regular cars. And for Gold Leaf, you go right below in your car for white table cloth dining--hot meals with several choices--all very good. I understand that Red Leaf get box lunches. My travel companion and I said many times that Gold Leaf is the only way to go. We had perfect weather, which helped, and the scenery is magnificent. Plus on Gold Leaf there is an outside vestibule on each car where I spent a fair amount of time. It's covered overhead, but outside. The sounds of the train are great out there and of course, just being outside is a nice change of pace. Unless it really straps you financially, I definitely vote for Gold Leaf. And if you care, all drinks all day long are included--alcoholic or non. And all wine with lunches. Enjoy--I thought it was a wonderful trip.

Thanks! I am leaning toward the Goldleaf as well; we can cut costs elsewhere along the trip. And yes, it's nice to get outside and stretch your legs every once in awhile.

Not to be crude, but what is the financial difference between Red and Gold Leaf? my DH and I are contemplating this as an anniversary pressie to ourselves...

Looking at the website
(Rockymountaineer.com) Gold Leaf appears to be approximately double, or a little over $800 additionally per person. That's just for the two day train journey.

Maybe the website tells you: http://www.rockymountaineer.com/

I don't remember now what we paid.

Yes, $1600 pp versus $800; BUT dinner the evening at Kaloops is apparently also included, as well as alcohol, and freshly-prepared breakfasts and lunches, the walk-out veranda and better views. But double is double, we too wonder which to pick.

I thought each class got dinner in Kamloops - we all stayed at the same hotel.

$800 or $1600 - the surrounding scenery will still be wonderful.

So what did you choose?