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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Did a great job of building a Trans Canada Train Trip

Did a great job of building an East to West journey through the Canadian Rockies Banff to Jaspar and Gold Service on the Rocky Mountaineer. Thanks canada Train Trips Team you did an amazing Job

Allen M

Dallas, TX

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Bucket List dream come true!

We did the "Rail & Drive Across Canada" with you & it was wonderful. All accommodations were top notch, tours were above our expectations & the train ride was neat. We were so excited & privileged to see the Norther Lights in Jasper! A "Bucket List" dream come true!

Rita

Illinois, 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

Could not have asked for a better vacation

with my family My 24 year old and 13 year old enjoyed every aspect of the vacation The train ride was spectacular Very well organized It was well planned for our family Loved our stay in the Fairmont at every location. Highly recommend the tour with Canada Train Trips - Good value for money spent Thank you

Lakshmi

Texas