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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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

The whole experience was breathtaking...

Thanks very much to Jasmine for helping to organise our wonderful holiday from Vancouver across the Rockies to Calgary. The whole experience was breathtaking and we appreciate the effort you put into organising the trip. We both loved the National Music Centre, especially the theatre organ there! We also loved the Maligne Lake cruise that we did when we were in Jasper. The accommodation was excellent and the rental car was perfect.

Graham

Perth, Australia

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

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

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

It was such a relief to know that we could trust Canada by Design before and during our trip.

What a trip!!! Thank you Karen J. from Canada by Design! What a trip!!!! Karen J. from Canada by Design was amazing in helping us to plan our once in a lifetime trip! Everything was planned perfectly. Thanks to Karen, we stayed in the beautiful Rimrock hotel in Banff- across of the Hot springs and five minutes away from the Gondola. We were picked up for our day trips from our hotel and enjoyed the beauty of the place. In Jasper-Karen suggested to stay at Fairmont Jasper. We LOVED the resort and got a beautiful cabin on the lake. That was an amazing surprise for us! Again the day trips were well organized from A to Z. We finished the trip with a two day ride on the Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver (we got the silver leaf and we were so very happy with it). Canada by Design's staff always responded by email of a phone call, also when Karen was away.

Vered Mei-Tal -

Lutherville, United States

I would give it ten stars if it was possible.

I toured on the Vancouver, Whistler and Vancouver Island tour. It was brilliant. The bus drivers were very helpful and knowledgeable. The sea to sky experience was wonderful and it was great going to the top of the mountains and the cultural museum was very interesting. The whales very kindly decided to perform when I was whale watching. Apparently it was only the third time this year the marine biologist had seen them so active and of course the Butchart Gardens were magnificent. The three hotels in which I stayed were all first class. I could not fault anything, even the weather was hot and sunny.

Janet

New Eltham, United Kingdom

My husband and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Eastern Canada.

We travelled from Toronto (visiting Niagara Falls) to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. We could not have been more pleased with the trip that was planned by Canada by Design. The travel agents are professional and helped us plan a wonderful trip. Their selection of hotels was ideal. The train travelling from Province to Province was such a great way to travel. Thank you to all of the agents made this a very memorable trip.

Carol Cevolani -

Petaluma, United States

We saw spectacular sights, met warm and friendly people, saw the Northern Lights, and made a lifetime of memories.

We want to thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance and recommendations along the way.

Nick

Florida, United States

Destinations, itinerary and accommodation was all well thought out and we had a very memorable time. I'd happily use Canada by Design again.

We just returned from a trip around Newfoundland. Destinations, itinerary and accommodation was all well thought out and we had a very memorable time. Thank you Jules! I'd happily use Canada by Design again.

Christopher -

Zurich, Switzerland