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.

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Most Wonderful Trans-Canada Rail Trip

We found our experience with Canada by Design & Jennifer B in particular to be most wonderful for our Trans-Canada Rail Trip. All arrangements made by her were perfect, not a hitch anywhere. When I was in touch with her with concerns, she was very prompt in responding & resolving them. We really felt her customer service was so welcoming. We have talked to a few people since our return and have recommended your company to them.

Marjorie Stock

California, 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 a marvelous trip. Everything fell into place.

Worked with Jennifer planning a road trip from the Calgary Stampede through Lake, Louise, Banff, Jasper, Sun Peaks and finishing in Vancouver. We worked together using some of my ideas and many of her ideas. She booked most of our hotels, sight seeing venues and car rental. We had a marvelous trip. Everything fell into place and each hotel she selected was great and a little different from the one before. Thank you Jennifer for all your help. Will never forget this trip.

Anne

New Jersey, United States

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

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

The tours with Discover Banff were great.

Peter -

Australia

When we go back in future to Canada we will contact you again. Will recommend your company!

We are back again from a wonderful trip in the Rockies. Everything was great! The Fairmont hotels we loved it. We had wonderful rooms in each hotel, the bus transfers very good arranged. We enjoyed our trips - snowshoeing, ice canyon walk, sleigh-ride, is was all fantastic! I was happily surprised with the informative travel documents with the lonely planet guide that we received on arrival in the Banff Springs hotel. So we want to thank you and your colleagues very much for arranging this wonderful trip for us!

Jacqueline -

Netherlands

This was an A++ experience! I'll definitely use Canada by Design for our next trip to Canada.

Paulina booked a week long self drive tour of Nova Scotia for my family. This was so easy to arrange. I just told her what we wanted to do and the time frame we had. She got back to me within a day with an outline of what she had arranged and shortly after that, I had a finalized tour. The hotels were outstanding and she also included maps and a guide book that helped us while we were in Nova Scotia. The price was very reasonable for the tour. This was an A++ experience and I'll definitely use Canada by Design for our next trip to Canada.

Kathleen

Texas, 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

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

Everything that you and the team at Canada by Design 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