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
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
Being a repeat customer attests to the quality
My planner this year was Paulina. I was very happy with her from start to finish. I did the same type of trip last year to Vancouver Sunshine Coast and Island and was very happy with the travel designer I had then too. Same with another trip earlier was to the Atlantic provinces. . On every trip we were very pleased with the outcome and the one or two tiny glitches that occurred were handled promptly and to a satisfactory conclusion. Being older our self drive touring days are probably over but I would definitely recommend this to anyone - but especially to young parents with families. It is a wonderful way to see the country and the team at Canada by Design seem very very competent in planning it out for maximum benefit. Thank you Paulina - I appreciate the extra care you took.
Annabelle -
Delaware, United States
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
My clients and myself most definitely benefited from working with Canada By Design!
My clients requested a self drive travel itinerary in Halifax with many different stops and Canada By Design offered a great itinerary and great rate!
Amanda
Central Travel
Loved this vacation!
We just came back from our winter adventure 5 days/4 nights in Whitehorse, Yukon. We had such a nice time. Everything was great. We saw the Northern lights, which was very special to start into the New Year, connected with the universe. We went dog sledding and snowmobiling..all the tour guides were always on time, had knowledge and made an extra step to make the clients happy. Also the hotel is a beautiful place with nice, warm beds. !!
Ina
Dominican Republic
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
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
I couldn't be more pleased with the trip!
My family recently completed the 7-day self-drive tour of Western Canada. Jennifer B. was absolutely fantastic helping me figure out how we wanted to customize our trip and making suggestions. She was always so patient with my many questions, too! The lodgings that this trip placed us at were more than wonderful. We particularly liked Deer Lodge at Lake Louise. It is a beautiful historic lodge, just a few minutes walk from the Fairmount. All aspects of the tour were problem-free, and I really feel that the cost of the tour was very reasonable, especially for the quality experience we had. I highly recommend Jennifer and Canada by Design to anyone who wants to visit Western Canada!!
Marlene Schillinger -
Virginia, United States
My first kudos goes to Canada By Design 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 By Design 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
Could not have asked for a better…
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 Good value for money spent Thank you
Lakshmi
Texas