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
From start to finish it was an ideal trip for us to enjoy Canada scenery, atmosphere and hospitality
We would like to express our appreciation for a wonderful trip arranged through Jules M, Canada Train Trips. . We were afforded the right amount of activity for the trip yet relaxing. The suggested route from Calgary to Jasper was just spectacular. The hotels we stayed in are in town. And of course the train ride is A plus. Again Thank you.
Manuel
United States
Our trip through western Canada planned by Canada Train Trips was fabulous.
Karen made all of our trip arrangements and handled our unique requests seamlessly. She responded to all of our questions (there were many) and took special care to follow up on those that could not be answered immediately. Our detailed itinerary included all the vouchers and tips, along with special hotel upgrades that included full breakfasts. We highly recommend their service. The Jasper Foodie Tour was our own private Jasper history lesson tied to local food and drink. The Maligne Lake Cruise, Ice Explorer Glacier Icewalk, and Glacier Skywalk were all educational, with spectacular scenery. The VIA Rail (overnight) from Vancouver to Jasper was a unique and enjoyable experience. Scenery along the way was breathtaking. The Vancouver Fairmont Pacific Rim, Jasper Fairmont Park Lodge, and Moraine Lake Lodge were all 5-star in every aspect of their hotel accommodations and service. Thank you, Karen, and the entire Canada Train Trips team!
Jeffrey -
California, 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
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
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
Everything that you and the team at Canada Train Trips organised for us was top class
From day one we felt comfortable that everything was going to be special. From the driver that met us at Seattle Airport, to the staff at Alexis hotel, everyone made us feel welcome. The Via Rail trip was great and once we picked up the vehicle in Jasper we could not believe that the sights of the Rockies could get any better, but they did!
Mark
Australia
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
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
When we turned off, there were all these trees covered in snow. It was like a Christmas tree fairyland.
I failed to mention how much we liked the hotel in Calgary. What a beautiful building. Our view out the window was the tower. What a treat when it started changing colors at night. It was snowing pretty good. So coming from Texas in the summer it was really special, almost magical. We did not get to see the lake he thought was so pretty cause it was too cloudy, but seeing the snow and trees it did not matter.
Anita
Texas, United States
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