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
Our trip through western Canada planned by Canada by Design 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 By Design team!
Jeffrey -
California, 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
Thank you so much for a wonderful vacation that created memories for our lifetime! You did a great job!
Dale and I just returned from our "Ice Field Discovery" trip. Our vacation could not have been better! Everything was taken care of so we did not have to worry about anything! The train trip was a throw back in time to the 1950's and reminded me of the Zephyr that I rode as a child. Of course, there were many upgrades but the ambiance was so romantic! The bus trip from Jasper to Lake Louise was great. It was an intimate charter bus so we made friends with the other passengers. We made several stops on our journey for pictures and points of interest. Our driver was fantastic. Lake Louise and Banff were the highlights! Our hotel accommodations were upgraded so we got to stay in the "gold" area of the hotel. It was very special.
Pam
Illinois, United States
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 Discover Holidays 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
From start to finish Jennifer was very polite and easy-going as well as professional. She offered suggestions when needed and and was on top of all itinerary adjustments and refunds.
I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer Balicha on an itinerary for Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria, Canada. She kept me up-to-date on my clients progress while traveling and was very empathetic towards me and my client when handling itinerary snafu's along the way. Jennifer was great to work with and will definitely reach out to her again. Thanks Jennifer.....You're the BEST!!
Kim -
Pennsylvania, United States
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
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
Thanks again, we would certainly recommend you to our friends in Florida!
I want to tell you that we really enjoyed our vacation in Canada! Our contact person was Paulina. She was super helpful, provided me with lots of information & efficient.
Thomas
Florida, 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
Canada by Design has created my clients remarkable experiences with their families.
Every tour and detail was perfect for my families that I have traveling to Canada. There isn't anyone I would rather use for travel to Canada.
Emily -
Tennessee, United States