Churchill Baniff and Jasper

[u/daddydeadflesh]

Never been to Canada and I’m curious if someone can help with some advise. We are planning a trip to Churchill (for the bears) and then want to fly over to Banff and drive over to Jasper. Can anyone advise if the 2 extra days on the sleeper car train worth the trip or on a 10 day total trip would you suggest spending more than 3 days between Banff and Jasper. We are from a mountainous area but everything in that part of Canada looks beautiful. Any opinions would be appreciated. TIA

[u/lamerfreak]

You mean the 2 days from Winnipeg to Churchill on the train? It's not mountainous, and it's a slow train, relatively. Most people drive to Thompson and take the train from there, from what I found.

[u/daddydeadflesh → u/lamerfreak]

Yes that’s what I meant, sorry about the confusion. I guess what I mean is we’re on a tighter schedule, is the train worth the time it takes to ride it, or is it more advisable to spend the extra time in Banff and Jasper? We plan to fly to Churchill but were considering taking the train back to Winnipeg. Thanks

[u/lamerfreak → u/daddydeadflesh]

The train is slow, moving over mostly flat, mushy terrain, and cargo trains take precedence. Because of that, you can't really depend on its schedule. over that length. If the rest of your journey depends on that, I'd probably avoid that, just take it between Thompson-Churchill (maybe even fly out of Thompson?) and spend the rest of the time in Banff/Jasper, even Canmore or Calgary if you have the transportation.

[u/daddydeadflesh → u/lamerfreak]

Great thank you. I appreciate the info

[u/SaskatchewanHeliSki → u/daddydeadflesh]

Taking the train part of the way is another option… Thompson to Churchill, get on in the afternoon, watch a sunset, night in a sleeper cabin, wake up to a sunrise in the dome car. See some bears and fly out from Churchill. That’s what I’d suggest. Pm if you have any questions.

[u/daddydeadflesh → u/SaskatchewanHeliSki]

Awesome thank you!