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[robinmichel]

Hi

My wife has come up with the idea of crossing Canada by train in October and thanks other travelers blogs I can see it is a viable proposition to take a VIA train from Toronto to Vancouver which takes 4 days.

However it seems wrong to go across the country and not stop off on the way and I have the choice of Winnipeg, Jasper and Edmonton. I also really would love to go to The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino when I get to BC and feel I must see Seattle if we are that close.

We have only been to Canada once before when we drove from Montreal to Niagara and had a sensational time. (there are some photos and a bit or blurb about the US leg of the trip at http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/robinmichel/3/tpod.html )

So is there anyone who would be kind enough to help me make the best use of 9 days including air travel to and from the UK?

One last question; is October a good time to visit or should we consider another season?

[caper]

The train from Toronto to Vancouver stops in Winnipeg for four hours (if arriving on time - otherwise the stop can be shorter). During the stop over is a good opportunuity to see the sites of Winnipeg - I believe tourist tours are available.

I would suggest a stop in Jasper however, this will cost you at least two wxtra days as the train only operates three days a week. An alternative would be to rent a car in Jasper and drive through the mountains to Vancouver (downside being drop charge for car).

From Vancouver to Tofino I would suggest a rental car or depending on your time available perhaps a flight to Vancouver Island and then rent a car.

Nine days is going to be a very short time for such a trip and if you can at all lengthen your time I would recommend doing so.

Finally, in regard to travel in October I would suggest making it as early as possible because day light hours get short in late October and the weather can tend to get a bit risky (snow in the mountains).

Enjoy your trip - it is wonderful to go by train I have done it and also been to Tofino but did not stay overnight.