Rocky Mountaineer provides luxury train journeys through the Canadian Rockies, whereas VIA Rail offers scenic trips across the country. Rocky Mountaineer is daylight-only travel, whereas VIA Rail runs both day and night with sleeper accommodations. Both have glass-dome viewing cars allowing passengers to fully enjoy Canada’s breathtaking landscapes.

Rocky Mountaineer is an all-daylight luxury train, offering breathtaking views of the scenery between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. You’ll enjoy gourmet meals, world-class service, and commentary on the wildlife, landscapes, and historic sites. You’ll stay in a hotel at night, then rejoin the train the next morning, refreshed and ready for more stunning scenery.

Service Levels:

SilverLeaf: Travel in a single-level glass-dome coach with oversized windows, assigned seats, and meals served at your seat. SilverLeaf coaches offer great wildlife viewing opportunities at eye-level.

GoldLeaf: Travel in a bi-level glass-dome coach with lounge seating on the upper level, a dining room on the lower level, and an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. GoldLeaf features taller coaches for unobstructed views above the treeline.

For more information and a detailed comparison of the Rocky Mountaineer service levels, please speak to one of our local travel experts.

No, you can not sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer because it operates exclusively during daylight hours to prioritize scenic viewing across Western Canada’s mountain and canyon landscapes. Each journey is designed to conclude before sunset, with overnight accommodations arranged in hotels located in towns along the way (Kamloops or Quesnel). The travel format includes multi-day itineraries where passengers disembark each evening and resume travel the following morning. The structure allows uninterrupted views of landmarks (Fraser Canyon, Pyramid Falls, and Castle Mountain). The absence of sleeper cabins reflects the train’s focus on daytime luxury, panoramic sightseeing, and curated service experiences.

Our trips include your train travel, meals on the train, accommodations, guided tours or excursions each day, and airport and train station transfers. The price does not include any flights or insurance, though you can purchase specialized rail trip insurance through our travel advisors.

No, these itineraries are for independent travellers of any age and you will not have a group or guide travelling with you. If you’re hoping to meet other travellers, pick the small-group tour options for your daily activities. The train can also be quite social, especially in the dining and glass-dome viewing cars. We also offer private excursions if you prefer a quieter travel experience on your independent tour.

Yes, most trips can be customized to extend or shorten your stay in certain destinations, so your itinerary best suits your interests and schedule. This is dependent on the train schedule as some routes do not run every day.

Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.

We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible. Some train journeys with VIA Rail include sleeper cars with private berths and cabins.

We offer a range of carefully selected hotels to suit your preferences for comfort, location, and experience. Our accommodation options are typically categorized as follows:

• Comfort Level: Quality 3-star hotels with great locations and excellent service.
• Superior/Boutique Level: Upscale 4-star properties that offer additional character and charm, providing a memorable experience without the premium price.
• Deluxe Level: Luxurious 5-star properties, often iconic Fairmont hotels with rich history, exclusive amenities, and unforgettable views.

Sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level, or view. Our team can help you choose the ideal hotel level based on availability, your preferences, and the experience you’re looking for. For more examples, check out the accommodation section of the trip page or ask one of our Canadian Insiders for recommendations.

Yes, many of our trips are suitable for people with restricted mobility. It's best to inform the booking agent of any special requirements to ensure a comfortable experience.

Yes. We highly recommend insurance as our trips are non-refundable. Insurance coverage will protect your investment and offer peace of mind. Our insurance packages include all-inclusive and non-medical options, and are specifically designed to cover travel by train. Please ask your Fresh Tracks Canada travel advisor about insurance.