Whether you’re overnighting with swagger on Rocky Mountaineer or swaying down the rails with VIA Rail, a few key items will make your journey a comfortable one. A refillable water bottle and a portable power bank will ensure you have hydration and energy on hand throughout the day.
You can also carry a small personal bag onto the train and place quick-grab essentials like your charger, wallet, hand sanitizer, glasses, medication, and camera in it.
1. Comfortable Clothes
Train travel is a unique experience that Rail Canada Tours allows you to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery from the comfort of your seat or private sleeping cabin. To maximize your comfort, pack flexible clothing that you can layer based on the climate of your destination.
For example, you might bring a pair of comfortable hiking shoes and a pair of jeans or shorts for nighttime activities. Be sure to also pack a pair of warm, cozy socks and a hat or gloves.
A backpack or day bag is a great way to carry important items like your phone, wallet, and hand sanitizer. Consider bringing packing cubes to keep your belongings organized and to free up space in your suitcase for other essentials!
2. Sunglasses
You’ll want to protect your eyes from the bright sunshine that pours through the train windows during many rail journeys across Canada. Also, it’s a good idea to bring sunglasses so you can take in the breathtaking scenery as you ride along on your train vacation!
While the seats on most train journeys tend to be more comfortable than airplane seats, they can still feel a bit long and tedious, so you’ll want to have some entertainment options with you. A good book, e-reader, travel pillow and sleep mask (if you’re going to be staying in a private cabin), and noise-canceling headphones will all help you pass the time comfortably.
3. Toiletries
For long train trips, it’s best to have a personal bag that contains toiletries and change of clothes. This way, you can keep your suitcase free and easily access items like toothbrushes, makeup, hand sanitizer, lotion and deodorant on your trip.
Medications and other toiletries should be kept in a clear, travel-sized bag to ensure that they are safe during security checks. The ToiletTree bag is a great option for this, as it includes three prelabeled TSA sized bottles and has easy-to-open zippers. It’s also lightweight and has a convenient hanging hook. It’s available for purchase here. Baggage restrictions vary by tour and train, so it’s important to check your specific itinerary before packing for a Rocky Mountaineer Train Vacation.
4. Passport
If you’re taking a tour that includes a train journey, a passport is necessary for entry into Canada. Even day trips on the Rocky Mountaineer require a valid passport for boarding.
When packing for a Canadian rail trip, it’s important to pack light. You don’t want to have to lug around a heavy suitcase on and off the train each day.
Consider packing a small bag for essentials like snacks, water, hand sanitizer and electronics to carry along with your main suitcase. This will ensure you have easy access to these items throughout the tour. A refillable water bottle and a power bank will also come in handy on the train.
5. Camera
A rail vacation allows you to discover Canada’s beautiful landscapes, notable towns and extensive history in a relaxed, stress-free way. It’s important to bring a camera or your smartphone for photo ops, but it’s also a good idea to have other ways to pass the time in case Wi-Fi doesn’t work or your battery dies.
Taking lots of photos will help you remember the jaw-dropping sights and scenery you’ll see on your rail trip. You’ll also want to keep your camera charged throughout the day, so a Mophie or jumpack and extra chargers are worth considering. Also, a small power strip is a good idea.
6. Money
When you’re spending a lot of time in a car or train cabin, you need to make sure that you bring enough money to cover your meals and any additional expenses onboard. You also want to be able to shop and enjoy the local sights during your journey so it’s important to have some extra cash on hand.
It’s a good idea to bring extra entertainment with you as well, since many rail trips are long and the seats don’t offer the same type of onboard entertainment options that you’ll find on an airplane. Bringing your favorite movies, a book to read or a portable wireless speaker can help you pass the time more comfortably.
7. Passport Holder
A reusable, waterproof passport holder is an essential item to bring on any train trip. A holder is a great way to keep your important documents safe and dry as you travel around the country on the Canadian Train.
A large purse or cross body bag will also come in handy on your rail journey. This is a great place to store your passport, ID, and money while you’re on the train.
Whether you’re traveling on the Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Rail, a carry-on bag and personal item are permitted on board each train. Make sure you have all the necessities to enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime experience on a Canadian train tour!
8. Travel Documents
A travel wallet is a good place to keep all the important documents you’ll need during your rail journey. This includes boarding passes, train tickets, itineraries and travel insurance, as well as any other paperwork you might have. You can also download all of these items in advance to your mobile phone’s digital wallet or an app like Dropbox, so they’re easy to find when you need them.
Conclusion
It’s also important to know the baggage requirements for your specific rail journey. These details are usually outlined in your final tour documents. For example, Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail require two large checked bags per person. You can read more about this in our Rail Vacations Guide.
