Compare Rocky Mountaineer & VIA Rail Journeys Through the Mountains
Several of Canada’s most iconic rail routes cross the Canadian Rockies, each offering a different way to experience the mountains. Rocky Mountaineer focuses on daylight viewing between Vancouver and either Banff or Jasper, while VIA Rail’s Canadian continues further across the country with overnight segments between major stops.
Use this page to understand the key differences between these Canadian Rockies train routes, then explore sample trips that combine them with time in mountain towns, national parks and other regions of Canada.
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Read moreWhat our fellow travellers have to say
My first kudos goes to Canada Train Trips for giving us the flexibility.
Well, I am still amazed that we were able to get accommodations, Fairmont, train, etc. at last moment... and the way we were able to customize our trip drive/train and explore on our own was awesome!! So, my first kudos goes to Canada Train Trips for giving us the flexibility. Of course, I adored working with you!!! As far as the trip highlights....I think Jasper was our favorite town, our favorite hike was through the snow at Lake Louise to the Glacier Tea house, our favorite hotel was the Fairmont, and we really enjoyed the train ride/sleeper cabin. The lodging was all great, but Tekarra Lodge's location on the river bank was sooooooo cool! Plus, we enjoyed not being downtown Jasper, and food there was really yummy! Thanks again Jennifer!
Melinda -
Nevada, United States
Canada - Endless beauty from a train window.
I thought I could visit friends in Toronto after seeing my daughter in NYC and, knowing nothing about Toronto googled ‘what to do’ there. The first thing that came up was an ad from Canada Train Trips about travelling by train to the Rockies. My immediate thought was ‘yes!’ I liked their proposed itinerary and loved every day of the trip. Via Rail from Toronto to Jasper offered wonderful views, companionable and delicious meals, and a cosy cabin. The amount of water - lakes, rivers, waterfalls - is just about incomprehensible to we Australians and nurtured my spirit. Interesting late night stop at Winnipeg - behind the station is the magnificent Human Rights Museum - wonderful to know it even exists. The hotel stays and wildlife tours in Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff gave me a good introduction to the magnificent Rockies, and all the arrangements fell into place well. The Rocky Mountaineer trip to Vancouver was a dreamlike experience. Travelling by train offers so much more than flying-in-flying-out, and crossing beautiful Canada’s waterways, rocky shield, prairies and mountains was uplifting.
Jane Touzeau
Elwood, VIC, Australia
It was a dream come true, I am so happy!
It was a dream come true. I am so happy! Thank you so much for putting this together for us! The Northern Tales guides were awesome! Helpful and so passionate about what they do, we loved them all! It was fantastic! The hotel in Vancouver was incredible ! They were so friendly and helpful to us weary travellers! We did the Capilano Suspension Bridge and then enjoyed the view and some wine & tapas from a very nice waterfront hotel!
Joanne
Massachusetts, United States
From start to finish Mandy was very polite and easy-going as well as professional. She offered suggestions when needed and and was on top of all itinerary adjustments and refunds.
I had the pleasure of working with Mandy Canada Train Trips on an itinerary for Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria, Canada. She kept me up-to-date on my clients progress while traveling and was very empathetic towards me and my client when handling itinerary snafu's along the way. Mandy was great to work with and will definitely reach out to her again. Thanks Mandy.....You're the BEST!!
Kim -
Pennsylvania, United States
Our trip to Canada was incredible!
We had quite an adventure travelling by planes, train, auto and boat. We enjoyed every moment of our trip from Calgary to Vancouver and your company made it all so convenient with the trip vouchers. We came back with many happy memories and beautiful photos of your breathtaking country. This was a special trip for our family and it was everything we wanted it to be! We will certainly be using Canada by Design again if we get the chance to explore the East coast of Canada. Thank you for your assistance Canada Train Trips !. Johanna, Carol & Judy
Johanna Oswald -
Little Rock, AR, United States
We booked a trip in Eastern Canada - It was wonderful
We booked a trip in Eastern Canada by rail last fall. It was a wonderful, well-designed package, with minor adjustments to accommodate some special requests we had made. Great service!!
Los Angeles, CA
Grizzly Bears and Spectacular Rockies by Train perfectly arranged by Samantha
We had the most amazing vacation in Western Canada, I explained what we was wanting to see and Samantha from Canada Train Trips she made it all happen plus more..
Stephan H
Atlanta, GA
We loved our holiday in Canada
all of the tours and hotels arranged by the company were excellent. They made the holiday a breeze. We would love to come back again and visit in the Summer for a totally different holiday and would be happy to use this company again.
Louise W
California
We had the most fabulous trip to our Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies.
Thank you so much for organizing all our travels and hotels. Highlights: the vintage train from Vancouver to Jasper! Via Rail Canadian needs better pictures to tout the awesome rail with it's adorable public rooms, dinning car, glass roof cars and cozy cabins. I left the shade up all night and watched the world go by. Thanks Canada Train Trips !
Mary -
California, United States
Vacation Perfection
Our trip through Western Canada was as breathtakingly beautiful as we had hoped and the whole experience progressed flawlessly. Our agent was Jasmine Wong and she understood what we wanted and had the expertise to arrange the whole two weeks to perfection. Our trip included a Via train trip, various sightseeing coaches, a flight to Whitehorse and then another to Vancouver, narrow-gauge railway trip to Skagway (utterly fantastic) and a rental car for our time in Whistler, and of course great accommodations throughout as well as side excursions. Our detailed itinerary included all the vouchers and tips and hints for our added enjoyment. We highly recommend their service.
Evelyn D
Miami, FL