Trains Across the Rockies | Canadian Rockies Train Routes & Trips

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.

6 Canadian Train Trips to Book for a Summer Vacation

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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. Johanna, Carol & Judy

Johanna Oswald -

Little Rock, AR, United States

The tours and activities she chose for us were spot on!

We were a group of 7 from New Zealand. Jennifer organised our trip through two of our group who then liaised with the rest of our team. We did a self drive from Vancouver & stopped for two nights at Whistler, SunPeaks, Jasper, Banff, Calgary including the Stampede, back to Banff to catch the Rocky Mountainer train for two days ending back in Vancouver. Not one problem! The accommodation was perfect at every stop. The tours and activities she chose for us were spot on. Every part of our trip was well thought out and there were no hitches. I cannot praise Canada by Design enough and I speak for all 7 of our group. Thank you so much.

New Zealand

I highly recommend this company, They will tailor a trip to meet individual needs.

My wife and I had 10 days on Vancouver Island and the Rockies organised by Jennifer. It was excellent. The accommodation was very good, some of it apartment type which allowed freedom to do a bit of our own cooking. The included activities were first rate and with two nights at each stop the whole trip was very relaxed. Everything went smoothly.

Mel

New Zealand

We had a wonderful time, everything was perfect.

We would recommend trips organized by Canada by Design to anyone who is interested in actively exploring parts of the country. Many thanks for an outstanding job.

Astrid

Ottawa, Canada

Paulina organized an awesome trip for us which included Vancouver Island and the Rockies.

The tours with Discover Banff were great.

Peter -

Australia

Excellent Trip

Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated.

Paul Williams

Canada

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 by Design. . 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

From start to finish Jennifer 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 Jennifer Balicha 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. Jennifer was great to work with and will definitely reach out to her again. Thanks Jennifer.....You're the BEST!!

Kim -

Pennsylvania, United States

We definitely want to come back and we know who to contact.

We have just come back from 10+ days tour from Vancouver to Jasper/Lake Louise/Banff/Kamloops back to Vancouver via train/bus. We had a great time. Thanks Canada by Design, especially to Karen for putting together and planning such a trouble free, smooth running package to make our visit even more unforgettable. Every place we have been to have been carved very deeply in our memories. We fell in love with the Rockies, its wild life, ice fields, beautiful towns and the friendly people.

Lutfu -

Istanbul

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.

Mary -

California, United States