Best Canadian Rockies Train Trips

Glide through some of the world's most amazing mountain scenery on a Canadian Rockies train trip.

View of Crowfoot Glacier along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park

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.

Popular Canadian Rockies Train Trips

Our travel experts have picked some of our favourite Canadian Rockies train tours below. Get in touch for more information.

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

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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

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Get inspired with sample itineraries, train information, route maps, and travel advice from our local experts.

Polar bear cartoon looking through a pair of binoculars
Polar bear cartoon looking through a pair of binoculars

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. 
Aerial view of Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park in summer

#1 Travel tip: Banff Gondola

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There are many exciting activity options and attractions in Banff, including the Banff Gondola. Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of six mountain ranges!

Katherine Foxcroft
Product Manager, Tours and Vacations

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.

A Rocky Mountaineer train with glass-dome coaches travels past Castle Mountain in the Rockies

SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf are the two service levels on Rocky Mountaineer. 

In SilverLeaf, guests have assigned seats in a single-level dome car. Breakfast and lunch are served to guests at their seat, with complimentary snacks and beverages available throughout the day.  

In GoldLeaf, guests have assigned seats in a bi-level dome car. Seating is on the top level and a dining room is on the lower level. Breakfast and lunch are served in the dining room, with complimentary snacks and beverages available throughout the day.  

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.

A VIA Rail train travels past snow-capped mountains on snowy train tracks during winter

#2 Travel tip: Winter train trip

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VIA Rail trains operate year-round. So, if you’re looking to visit the Canadian Rockies in winter, you can travel to Jasper by sleeper train from Vancouver or Toronto.

Blog Author - Hannah Poaros-Mcdermott
Hannah Poaros-McDermott
Travel Writer and Senior Content Coordinator

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.

There are three service levels on The Canadian train: Economy, Sleeper Plus, and Prestige. Both Sleeper Plus and Prestige classes are recommended if you are spending a long time on the train. Sleeper Plus includes a private berth or a cabin with bunk beds. Hot meals are served in the dining car of the train, and these are included throughout your journey. Prestige Class is a luxury service that includes priority meal reservations, afternoon tapas, snacks, drinks, meals, and more. Prestige Class cabins are larger than Sleeper Plus cabins and feature a lower bed for two. Prestige guests also have a dedicated concierge. Both Sleeper Plus and Prestige guests have access to the train’s viewing cars.

A VIA Rail sleeper train cabin has two chairs next to a window looking out to the Rockies

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.

A couple stand on the deck of an Alaska cruise ship looking out at an iceberg

Top 5 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.

1. 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.

View of Banff National Park and Banff townsite from above

2. 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.

A person looks up at the starry sky using a large telescope in Jasper National Park

3. 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.

A couple skates in front of an ice castle on frozen Lake Louise with snowy mountains behind

4. Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Yoho National Park, situated in eastern British Columbia, is part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to dramatic waterfalls, emerald lakes, fossil sites, and towering mountains. Field is a small town in the centre of the national park and the perfect place for lunch stops or cozy overnight stays. 

A canoe on Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park

5. Canmore, Alberta 

Surrounded by the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Canmore’s lively arts scene, charming shops, and diverse dining options make it a welcoming mountain community. This quaint small town is in Kananaskis County, just 22 kilometres (12 miles) east of Banff. 

View of a path next to the town of Canmore and snow-capped Three Sisters mountain

What Our Customers Say

The Canadian Rockies were amazing!

The landscape and scenery were some of the most beautiful we've ever seen. And the only way to see it is by train. The Canadian Rockies were amazing!

Susan and Brian review of their [object Object] trip

Susan and Brian

LA, USA

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Canadian Rockies located?

The Canadian Rockies cover parts of northern British Columbia and Alberta. The Canadian Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of seven parks. Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho national parks. Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine and Hamber provincial parks.

When is the best time to visit the Canadian Rockies?

The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies is the fall, but they are a great destination year-round. Each season offers a different experience, so the ideal time depends on what you'd like to see and do. To see snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes and go skiing or snowshoeing, head to the Rockies between December and February. Spring and summer months bring ideal hiking and wildlife viewing conditions. With warm temperatures and sunshine, June, July, and August are the most popular months to visit. For those who want a quieter experience, travelling to the Rockies in September and October is ideal. Larch trees change from green to yellow during mid to late September. If you would love to witness the mesmerising fall colours, this is the perfect time to go.

How much does a Canadian Rockies train trip cost?

Canadian Rockies train trip prices vary. Our Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail itinerary starts from $4,180 USD per person. Pricing includes transfers, hotels, and some meals and activities. Reach out to one of our Canadian Train Vacation Advisors to discuss a Rockies trip that suits your preferences and budget.

How tall are the Canadian Rockies?

Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) tall, is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

How can you see the Canadian Rockies?

You can get to the Canadian Rockies by train or vehicle. You can fly to Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary, then make the journey to Banff, Jasper or Lake Louise. There are so many ways to explore the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy sightseeing tours, lake cruises, mountain gondolas, alpine hiking and more.

Schedule a call with one of our Vacation Advisors to learn more about Canadian Rockies train excursions.

Can you drive through the Canadian Rockies?

Yes, you can drive the Trans Canada Highway through the Canadian Rockies. Between Banff and Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway is a more scenic driving route. The Icefields Parkway between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park is beautiful.

Is Whistler in the Canadian Rockies?

Whistler is in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and is not part of the Canadian Rockies. Whistler is about a two-hour drive from the city of Vancouver.

Which train ride is best through the Canadian Rockies?

If you are looking to enjoy a daylight train ride through the Canadian Rockies, then a Rocky Mountaineer journey is best. If you want to experience sleeping on the train as you travel to the Rockies, then choose VIA Rail’s Canadian train. Our Ultimate Rockies Rail Journey includes both trains.

How long do you need in the Canadian Rockies?

The amount of time you need to fully experience the Canadian Rockies depends on your interests and the specific places you want to visit. A minimum of 4-7 days is recommended to see the highlights of the Canadian Rockies, though you can easily spend two weeks exploring this area.

About the author: Katherine is Product Manager with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for almost 20 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in Calgary and one of her favourite Canadian destination is the... Read more

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