Ride the coasts of North America

No worries about driving on the wrong side of the road, no bitter recriminations over missed turns, no unwittingly passing the locations of momentous events - instead, room to move, food, drink and commentary mean that travelling by train beats a self-drive holiday hands down.

For a no-worries and relaxing break, here are five of the best journeys on the scenic west coast of North America.

1. Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic, Alaska
Route: Between Anchorage and Seward, four hours, 20 minutes one way, daily May to September.

Scenery score: 8/10 for Turnagain Arm, snow-capped Kenai Range, glaciers, reflecting lakes and impressive zig-zags up to Moose Pass. Extra points for the mountain goats.

Experience: Early start (6.45am) but the upper-level GoldStar Service eases the pain with a dome car, reclining seats and free refreshments. There's an outdoor viewing area downstairs for fresh air and photographs, and the excellent commentary can be heard there, too.

Tip: Sit on the right going south. There's a dining car for those doing the return journey.

Hotels: Hotel Seward has unique decor in the foyer; Copper Whale Inn, Anchorage.

2. White Pass and Yukon Route, Alaska
Route: From Skagway to White Pass, three-and-a-half hours' return, twice daily May to September.

Scenery score: 10/10. A steep climb from sea-level to alpine, tunnels, trestle bridges, snowy peaks, mirror lakes, precipitous drop-offs.

Experience: An unmissable optional excursion for those on an Alaskan cruise: riding in vintage carriages behind a steam engine built in 1947. The historic narrow-gauge track follows the route trodden by stampeders in the gold rush of 1897-8 and the commentary sounds more like an adventure story.

Tip: Choose the rear carriage for photos of the train on bends, but be prepared to jostle for space on the tiny open platform.

Hotel: Your own cruise ship - Silversea recommended.

3. Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West, Canada
Route: Vancouver to Banff, two days, overnighting in a hotel in Kamloops (train continues to Calgary), April to October.

Scenery score: 9/10 for spectacular mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and lakes, Hell's Gate and the engineering triumph of the Spiral Tunnels.

Experience: The GoldLeaf service dome car is the best way to appreciate the scenery, although all that food and comfort can lead to a counter-productive temptation to snooze. Lunch and dinner downstairs, by big windows, were delicious and unhurried, beautifully served, and the wine generous. The commentary was interesting and wide-ranging, though you can't hear it on the viewing deck. This is a deservedly famous train journey. In Kamloops, the BC Wildlife Park is well worth a visit for close-ups with Canadian wildlife, including bears. Our hotel in Kamloops was arranged by Rocky Mountaineer.

Tip: Sit at the back, upstairs. Second sitting for dinner is late, but gets added cheese.

4. VIA's The Canadian, Canada
Route: Jasper to Vancouver, 19 hours overnight (train runs from Toronto to Vancouver), two to three days weekly, year-round.

Scenery score: 6/10 simply because this is a sleeper service. However, before it gets dark, crossing the divide there are mountains, tumbling rivers, forest and a first-class waterfall.

Experience: Refurbished 1950s stainless steel carriages are equipped for sleeper passengers with dome cars and a lounge with games and free refreshments. Dinner in the dining car was very good and efficiently served, and mixing with the other passengers made for a sociable time.

Tip: Head straight up to the dome car to claim a seat and wait for the champagne and canapes. Some carriages are newer than others - explore right to the end (good exercise for legs, and arms). Make sure your suitcase doesn't exceed 23kg.

Hotel: Try the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

5. Rocky Mountaineer's Sea to Sky Climb, Canada
Route: Vancouver to Whistler, three-and-a-half hours, five days a week, year-round.

Scenery score: 7/10 for Howe Sound's milky blue waters, the rafted logs, waterfalls, the Coast Mountains and dizzying Cheakamus Canyon with its roaring waters.

Experience: Even on a rainy morning, the platform staff, and all the regular Vancouver window wavers saw us off as we ate a hot breakfast at our seats upstairs in the Dome Service carriage. The Sound with its colourful settlements gave way to a narrow, rocky gorge and glacier-scraped bare peaks. Criss-crossing the river, we went through nine tunnels, passed the 70m Brandywine Falls and saw a billion trees. The train slowed for the scenic highlights, and an open-sided heritage observation car allowed for raindrop-free photographs. The commentary was interesting and complimentary drinks and snacks were constantly offered.

Tip: Sit on the left going north and dress warmly for the viewing car. There will always be a tree in the middle of your photos.

Hotel: Fairmont Chateau Whistler and one of the three in Vancouver.

CHECKLIST
World Journeys, specialists in itineraries for both independent travellers and escorted small groups, has a range of rail options in North America.

The writer travelled with some assistance from World Journeys.