A packing list can be a helpful tool when preparing for your Canadian rail vacation. It is also important to be aware of the baggage allowance on the passenger train you will be traveling with. Below you will find answers to the most common questions we get regarding luggage.
Rocky Mountaineer
How Much Luggage is Included?
Each guest will be permitted two checked items, with a maximum weight per bag of 50 lbs (22.6 kg).
Luggage is transported ahead of the Rocky Mountaineer and will meet you in your room, and you will not have access to your luggage while onboard. You will want to bring any medications with you, as well as charging cables, a camera, and any other essentials.
While each guest can bring one small personal item onboard, such as a purse or small backpack, it is good to note that there is no overhead or under-seat storage. Your carry-on item will be stored at your feet, which means that although there is quite a bit of space, the smaller the bag, the more leg room you will have.
What Should I Pack in my Carry-On?
Although there is no overhead or under seat storage for your carry-on there are a few items that you will want to have with you while onboard the train. In GoldLeaf Service the space available for your carry-on is approximately 16” x 11” x 8”, and in SilverLeaf Service it is approximately 23” x 8” x 8”.
Below are some of the recommended items to have with you on the train:
Passport and valid ID or driver’s license
Travel insurance
Travel Documents (tickets and booking information)
Medication(s)
Medical machines and devices
Phone and accessories
Money (CAD or USD)
A sweater or light jacket
Sunglasses to help combat any glare in the dome car
Reading material
A camera and extra batteries
Headphones
A water bottle
Earplugs and Sea-band acupressure wristbands if you suffer from motion sickness
VIA Rail
How Much Luggage is Included?
Each guest will be permitted two checked items, which will be inaccessible while onboard the train.
Checked suitcases can weigh up to 50 lbs (22.6 kg) and have a maximum size of 30x19x12 inches (76x48x30 cm) – this would be the same as your standard-size suitcase that you would check onto a plane.
In your cabin, each guest will have an allowance of one carry-on item and one personal item. Medical equipment, such as CPAP machines, does not count toward your carry-on allowance.
Your carry-on luggage can have a maximum dimension of 25x16x12 inches (64x41x30 cm) and a weight of 50 lbs (22.6 kg).
Your personal item can have a maximum dimension of 17x13x6 inches (43x33x15 cm) and a weight of 25 lbs (11.5 kg).
No additional carry-on baggage is permitted, and the maximum dimensions include wheels and handles.
Cameras, photography equipment, and liquids (including perfume) must be in your carry-on.
If you are traveling on both Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail we recommend only bringing one large suitcase, one carry-on suitcase, and one personal item each.
What Should I Pack in my Carry-On?
As you will be spending anywhere from one to four nights onboard a VIA Rail train, and will not have access to your checked luggage, you will need to pack your carry-on a little differently than you would for the Rocky Mountaineer.
In addition to having enough clothing and toiletries, we recommend bringing the following items with you aboard the train:
Passport and valid ID or driver’s license
Travel insurance
Travel Documents (tickets and booking information)
Medication(s)
Medical machines and devices
Phone and accessories
Money (CAD or USD)
A sweater or light jacket
Sunglasses to help combat any glare in the dome car
Reading material and/or tablet
A camera and extra batteries
Headphones
A water bottle
Sea-band acupressure wristbands if you suffer from motion sickness
Earplugs and a weighted eye-mask
Hand sanitizer
Hairdryers are available onboard, although there are a limited number
Packing Considerations
What Should I Wear on the Train?
There is no dress code for either the Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Rail, with both being casual. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable, flat shoes with adequate grip. It is also a good idea to dress in layers, bringing a light sweater or jacket with you for when you are on the open-air vestibule aboard the train.
What are Some Seasonal Packing Considerations?
There are a few things that you will want to have for your Canadian vacation but won’t necessarily need while on the train. These include:
A lightweight and waterproof jacket or windbreaker
A lightweight but warm jacket if you are travelling in the spring or fall
Midweight fleece or wool sweater
Warm and cool, quick-dry layers
Comfortable, waterproof shoes for sightseeing
Casual sneakers
Flat-bottomed shoes for on the train
Swimsuit
A scarf, mittens, and a warm hat if travelling in the winter, spring or fall
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
A small backpack or daypack
Binoculars
Hiking shoes and bug spray if you plan on hiking
Think about dressing in layers when you are packing. The mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in the spring and fall.
If you have any questions or would like any other suggestions on what you can bring on your Canada Rail Vacations trip you can send us an email at [email protected].
