I did the “land tour” Vancouver and the Rockies, last autumn, including time in Vancouver and Victoria. By the way the whale watching on Victoria is actually orca watching, although interesting, not the same species as whales! I was surprised to learn, that The end of the is just outside of Jasper. The rest of the journey, although very scenic, is through other national parks. I certainly don’t regret not doing the train. We spent two days in Whistler, well worthwhile, and not on the train itinary. The advantage of the road trip is a number of interesting detours from the highway. We visited a First Nations living museum, and one of the first hotels where stagecoach passangers stayed overnight. Even had the chance to ride on a stagecoach. For long stretches of the journey the highway is parallel to the rail tracks. Each to his own, but I certainly don’t regret opting for a land tour
