Air Travel
- Companies: Air Canada, WestJet
- Duration: Approximately 6 hours (including layover)
- Distance: 2,500 km (1,553 miles)
- Costs: Approximately $450 CAD (prices may vary based on booking time and class)
- Roads/Routes: Not applicable
Pro Tip: Book your flight at least 2 months in advance to secure the best prices and consider using an incognito browser to see the lowest rates without dynamic pricing.
Train Travel
- Companies: VIA Rail
- Duration: Approximately 28 hours
- Distance: 2,500 km (1,553 miles)
- Costs: Approximately $300 CAD (sleeper accommodations may increase costs)
- Roads/Routes: VIA Rail trains primarily travel on tracks that run through major urban hubs and natural scenery.
Pro Tip: Take the train during the daytime to enjoy the picturesque views of the Canadian landscape, especially in the Rockies.
Road Travel
- Companies: Enterprise, Budget, Avis (for car rentals)
- Duration: Approximately 25 hours (non-stop driving)
- Distance: 2,500 km (1,553 miles)
- Costs: Approximately $300 CAD for fuel (Toyota Corolla average) plus rental fees around $80 CAD per day accounting for 4 days of travel.
- Roads/Routes: The main route would be Highway 401 west to Highway 402, connecting to the Trans-Canada Highway.
Pro Tip: Plan your stops at interesting attractions like the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg to break the journey and add some fun to the road trip.
Recommendation
If you prioritize speed and convenience, flying with either Air Canada or WestJet is the best option, taking approximately 6 hours in total. However, if you wish to experience the majestic scenery and a more leisurely pace, the train journey via VIA Rail is a unique experience, although it will take considerably longer. For those looking for a more adventurous route and flexibility in stops along the way, consider driving, with the added benefit of accessing beautiful landscapes.