You got me thinking, this is getting complex.
Half of trip is at night and the mountins are the highlight but the important part is how much of the mountains is in daylight?
It must depend on the train direction, assuming each direction always goes through at the same time, which direction has the most mountain daylight?
Such a trip is a no brainer if you live close to mountains but from Toronto it could get boring fast.
Also, summer is a bad time to go, full of tourists so tickets are way more expense
Winter may be good for $ but what about snow storms? Train keeps going but nothing to see but snow.
In between seasons seems optimal. Fly to Emonton, train to Vancouver fly back to Toronto as planes are cheaper than the train .
Also, for one day and half train trip to Vancouver you could go coach and save money.
Whole trip may be less than 3 days with no hotel costs.
Sounds like less than a grand in off season.
So, fly to Vancouver or Edmonton?
You also have the Rocky Mountaineer from Calgary much more scenic and expensive as they stop at a hotel for the night
