Seriously thinking about taking The Rocky Mountaineer... but...
 

I am planning a two week trip including starting and ending in Vancouver with The Rockies in the middle. I would like to break up the driving and take the train to Banff. My husband and I keep debating whether the train is a once in a life time experience-hence worth the money--or something we will regret. I am nervous that I will go stir crazy spending two days on the train. Please respond with your experiences. Thank you

Not knowing what your personalities are I can't say whether you would go 'stir crazy' or not but the train ride is for most people a fabulous experiance. You of course are not tied to your seat and can stroll the length of the train as a way of stretching your legs. The overnight in Kamloops allows you to get off the train and perhaps get some night life, (e.g. the Casino), away from the train's confines.

The experiance is definately one you could not get with a car or even a bus since the combination of the dome cars and the all-daylight travel means that unless there are low clouds you will get a full panoramic look at the Rockies. I suppose everyone doesn't like something but most everyone I've heard from has really enjoyed the Rocky Mountaineer.

I can't imagine regretting it. My husband describes it as an incredible journey, one that he would love to take again.

I have gone stir crazy. Once got off in Winnipeg and went to the airport and bought a plane ticket.

BUT...

For your trip, the scenery is winderful, the train crew is reportedly excellent, you are surrounded by poeple who appreciate the scenery, amking for a nice atmosphere, you get the overnight break in the middle, etc., etc.

I think it would be a great thing to do.

Completely different from a stir-crazy-inducing Edmonton to Winnipeg in coach trip.

Get your tickets early. The RM sells out.

BAK

Hi, Zelda. We did this as a family trip with 3 generations ranging in age from 18 to 80. Like your husband, my husband and brother-in-law thought they would go stir crazy, but were pleasantly surprised. They really enjoyed the trip. The older family members loved it and, now, three years later, still recall their favorite parts of the experience. The food and services were excellent and staff did everything to insure that we had a pleasant time. Our 18 year old was "mildly" bored, but brought a good book to read.

We did the red leaf service because one family member could not manage the stairs for the dome car. This may have been advantage, because we were able to stand outside between cars and do outdoor photography from the train. This may not be possible if you do gold leaf service.