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
Grizzly Bears and Spectacular Rockies by Train perfectly arranged by Samantha
We had the most amazing vacation in Western Canada, I explained what we was wanting to see and Samantha from Canada Train Trips she made it all happen plus more..
Stephan H
Atlanta, GA
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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