Best Canadian Rockies Train Trips

Carving out a route through the Rocky Mountains wasn't easy. Early pioneers had to lay rails on steep switchbacks and blast through rock with dynamite. But they persevered. And their efforts resulted in a track that hugs pine-clad slopes and clings to the mountainside. It twists and turns through view after stunning view. This Vancouver-to-Banff train route is a vital part of Canada's history. And it gets you so much closer to the wilderness than any road trip ever could.

From your seat, see ice-blue glacier lakes, alpine forests and dramatic rock formations. There's no better way to immerse yourself in the wild backcountry of the Canadian Rockies.

The travel expert at Canadian Train Vacations have local knowledge of these scenic Rockies train trips. We can customised our trip itineraries to your interests and preferences. You can choose your activities, train service level, and hotel type for the best vacation possible. Discover more about these trips.

Essential Rockies by Train 

Discover the best of the Canadian Rockies in six days! Start your trip with a Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey between Vancouver and Lake Louise. Admire the lake’s sparkling turquoise waters, then head to the mountain town of Banff for more adventures. 

Miles on train: 594 Miles 

Days on train: 2 

Stops: Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff and Lake Louise 

Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail 

This 8-day Canadian Rockies itinerary is full of exciting activities so you can experience all the highlights in just over a week. Enjoy a train journey to Jasper and a sightseeing tour down the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. Explore both Banff and Jasper national parks on your choice of sightseeing tour. Read our Canadian Rockies train trip reviews and see why this is one of our bestselling trips! 

Miles on train: 559 Miles 

Days on train: 2 

Train Stops: Vancouver, Kamloops, and Jasper 

Canadian Rockies Voyage by Train 

Experience an overnight train journey on this Rockies vacation package. See the towns of Banff and Jasper, as well as the West Coast city of Vancouver. This 6-day itinerary also includes a tour along the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway and is packed with impressive mountain views. 

Miles on train: 332 Miles 

Days on train:1 

Night on train: 1 

Train Stops: Vancouver and Jasper

Regional highlights 

See the best of the Canadian West Coast on board a train. Our great itineraries showcase west coast Canada. 

Choose a summer Rocky Mountain journey or a winter wonderland adventure. Customise your train trip how you like. You could include golf, spas, and your favourite activities. When the train stops, sample the area's highlights on small-group tours. You can also combine your Canadian Rockies vacation with a trip to Alaska's Inside Passage. 

Rockies and West Coast Highlights: 

• Stand in awe of the turquoise waters and glacier mountain views at Lake Louise. 
• Travel along the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Lake Louise. This 232-kilometre stretch of highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. 
• Watch for Rocky Mountain wildlife like elk, mountain goats, and bears. 
• Glide past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, as you travel by train. 
• Discover emerald lakes and rushing waterfalls, which provide amazing photographic opportunities. 

Canadian Rockies Train Experiences

These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure. 

Rocky Mountaineer, Daylight train 

The Rocky Mountaineer winds through British Columbia and Alberta and stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Kamloops. There are three main train routes, including the Canadian Rockies train Vancouver to Banff. The train only runs during the daytime and from April to October (start and end dates vary annually). Large windows, an outdoor platform, and glass-dome coaches are perfect for sightseeing.

VIA Rail Train 

VIA Rail runs trains across Canada all year round. There are a few major train routes. The Canadian train passes through the Canadian Rockies, stopping at Jasper on its way to Vancouver from Toronto (or vice versa). On VIA Rail, you can also go to Prince Rupert, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. VIA Rail offers daylight and overnight sleeper train experiences.

Sleeper Train, VIA Rail 

One option for your Canadian Rockies train travel is the Sleeper train. Sleeper Class is available on The Canadian between Vancouver and Toronto. You can go all the way from coast to coast or choose to stop in Jasper or Winnipeg. Jasper is where you would disembark for your Canadian Rockies adventure.

If you want to extend your stay in Canada, you can also sleep on board The Ocean train. This VIA Rail train travels between the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Both sleeper train routes are available all year long.

Alaska Cruise - suggested add-on 

Canadian Rockies train tours from Vancouver can combine with an Alaska Cruise. The rail part of your trip can come before or after your Alaska cruise. There are two types of cruise ships. Choose a larger, more luxurious vessel or a smaller ship that allows you to visit more coves and inlets. Each type of ship has its advantages, so it depends on your style of travel and what you want to get out of your Alaska cruise adventure.

Places to see in the Canadian Rockies 

These are examples of the places you can visit on a Canadian Rockies trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability for your Canadian Rockies train ride.

Banff, Alberta 

The townsite of Banff, established in 1885, is the hub of Banff National Park. A lively mountain town with great restaurants, Banff is a welcome change of pace. Enjoy strolling Banff Avenue or try one of the outdoor adventures. Banff was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its incredible mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls.

Jasper, Alberta 

Nicknamed the 'gentle giant of the Rockies,' Jasper is a small alpine town in the heart of Jasper National Park. It’s the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jasper is also a Dark Sky Preserve, making it the perfect place for stargazing.

Lake Louise, Alberta 

Lake Louise, named after the nearby lake, is a quaint hamlet in the heart of the Rockies. The lake is known for its sparkling turquoise waters and impressive glacier-clad peaks. It offers a surreal paddling experience in the warm summer months. In winter, the lake turns into one of the most scenic skating rinks in the world.