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).

They not only tailored my itinerary to include activities I liked, but also made my car and hotel reservations, making it no-fuss for me.

Because it was a loose itinerary, it left plenty of room to explore on my own, finding my own unique experiences and sleeping in when I wanted!

Annette

California, United States

I don't know how I will ever thank you all at Canada by Design for everything you did for us and making a trip of a life time surpass our wildest expectations!

We LOVED Canada and look forward to coming back and doing the same route in the spring or autumn. In fact we would even consider doing it again in winter as it was so stunningly beautiful. After booking the trip and advising the date we wanted, I was very impressed with Karen's professionalism and prompt service, nothing was too much trouble. When we requested things from her, all the information given to us was accurate and up to date.

Ann -

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

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

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

The tours and activities she chose for us were spot on!

We were a group of 7 from New Zealand. Jennifer organised our trip through two of our group who then liaised with the rest of our team. We did a self drive from Vancouver & stopped for two nights at Whistler, SunPeaks, Jasper, Banff, Calgary including the Stampede, back to Banff to catch the Rocky Mountainer train for two days ending back in Vancouver. Not one problem! The accommodation was perfect at every stop. The tours and activities she chose for us were spot on. Every part of our trip was well thought out and there were no hitches. I cannot praise Canada by Design enough and I speak for all 7 of our group. Thank you so much.

New Zealand

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

Thanks for a great holiday.

The Rockies - awesome, Victoria- beautiful. Whistler- magic. All the itinerary was excellent. Well done team!!

Mark

Sydney, Australia

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

We definitely want to come back and we know who to contact.

We have just come back from 10+ days tour from Vancouver to Jasper/Lake Louise/Banff/Kamloops back to Vancouver via train/bus. We had a great time. Thanks Canada by Design, especially to Karen for putting together and planning such a trouble free, smooth running package to make our visit even more unforgettable. Every place we have been to have been carved very deeply in our memories. We fell in love with the Rockies, its wild life, ice fields, beautiful towns and the friendly people.

Lutfu -

Istanbul