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

Embrace the beauty of a Canadian adventure with Canada's leading rail specialist and save up to $3,000 per couple on your 2024 Canadian Rail Vacations (Limited Time Offer).

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

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

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

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

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

My first kudos goes to Canada Train Trips for giving us the flexibility.

Well, I am still amazed that we were able to get accommodations, Fairmont, train, etc. at last moment... and the way we were able to customize our trip drive/train and explore on our own was awesome!! So, my first kudos goes to Canada Train Trips for giving us the flexibility. Of course, I adored working with you!!! As far as the trip highlights....I think Jasper was our favorite town, our favorite hike was through the snow at Lake Louise to the Glacier Tea house, our favorite hotel was the Fairmont, and we really enjoyed the train ride/sleeper cabin. The lodging was all great, but Tekarra Lodge's location on the river bank was sooooooo cool! Plus, we enjoyed not being downtown Jasper, and food there was really yummy! Thanks again Jennifer!

Melinda -

Nevada, 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

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