Via Rail is not a tourist trap. It is a Crown Corporation and our national rail service. Basically the Canadian equivalent of Amtrak.

The journey itself between Victoria and Courtney is beautiful (I have only done it by car). As the train goes away from the main highway, I would think it is even more spectatular.

For $27 a person, that is a good deal. If there are 3 or more of you, a car might be cheaper.

The only thing you would miss out is the ability to stop in some of the smaller town along the way.