Luxury Train Trips Across Canada
Exquisite service and amenities onboard The Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf and VIA Rail Prestige
On a luxury train vacation, you'll not only be dazzled by the scenery outside — you'll also be delighted by the level of pampering you'll get inside as well. The Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf and VIA Rail Prestige classes are two examples of popular luxury train services. The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-service train, while VIA Rail offers luxury sleeper train service with private cabins. Both feature gourmet meals prepared with fresh local ingredients by professional chefs, as well as a great selection of Canadian-made wines.
Your friendly concierge will ensure everything is taken care of and will regale you with entertaining stories and historic tidbits about the scenery you are passing through. It's the most elegant and enjoyable way to see the untamed landscapes of Canada.
WANT TO MAKE IT BETTER?
Quick Facts about Luxury Train Travel
- Canada's luxury train services connect BC and Alberta by daylight train, or travel all the way to Toronto with a sleeper train.
- Luxury sleeper train service runs year-round and daylight service trains from mid-April to mid-October.
- Both the luxury sleeper train and daylight services provide spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities
- Chef prepared meals and local BC wines are included on the train as well as gourmet snacks.
- Every need is taken care of by attentive onboard hosts or exclusive concierge service.
EXPERIENCES
These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure
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Luxury Train Service
GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer train connects Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. The train runs by daylight and operates from mid-April to mid-October. Prestige class sleeper service on [VIA Rail Canadian](https://canadiantrainvacations.com/explore/the-canadian-train) train operates year-round and you can travel all the way from [Vancouver to Toronto](https://canadiantrainvacations.com/trips/vancouver-to-toronto-train-tour) or vice-versa. Both luxury train services provide spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities.
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Alaska Cruise
The rail portion of your trip can come before or after your Alaska cruise. There are two types of cruise ships to choose from: 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 and it depends on your style of travel and what you want to get out of your Alaska cruise adventure.
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Rocky Mountaineer
Daylight Train
The Rocky Mountaineer connects British Columbia and Alberta, with stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Kamloops. The train runs from mid-April until mid-October. The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight only train designed so that passengers can experience the most spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities.
Train Types
Both Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail offer luxurious train services across Canada. Let our Canadian Insiders help you choose the train service that is right for you, or combine both styles of luxury into one trip.
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Rocky Mountaineer
Vancouver to the Rockies
The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight only train, perfect for experiencing the most spectacular views and optimal photo oppotunities of the Canadian Rockies. The train connects BC and Alberta, with stops in Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, Vancouver and Whistler on three unique routes. Your overnight stay during your journey will be in Quesnel or Kamloops.
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The Canadian
Vancouver to Toronto
Hopping a ride on this train is the ultimate way to discover how big and beautiful Canada is. 'The Canadian' was the flagship of the Canadian Pacific Rail line when it began service in 1955. Travelling from Toronto to Vancouver, the Canadian carries you from the forests of Ontario, through the sweeping fields of the Prairies and past the dramatic snow-capped Rocky Mountains
Luxury services on the Rocky Mountaineer
The GoldLeaf Service
Rocky Mountaineer's premium GoldLeaf Service is, quite simply, as good as it gets. The custom designed coach with fully-domed, panoramic windows ensure you'll get a superior viewing experience of the Canadian Rockies. And with hot, gourmet meals prepared from regional cuisine by Rocky Mountaineer's executive chefs, you'll experience luxury at its finest along the way.
What's included in GoldLeaf:
- Fully domed windows that give you unparalleled panoramic views from your seat in the upper-level of a custom-designed bi-level dome coach
- Reclining seats that rotate to accommodate groups of four
- 36 dining room seats with picture windows (four guests per table)
- Spiral staircase and ADA elevator to dome level
- Complimentary beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) throughout the journey, along with gourmet snacks.
- An exclusive outdoor vestibule in the lower-level of your dome
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Kamloops or Quesnel with luggage delivered to your hotel
- Two daily gourmet meals with full table service
- Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout your journey
- Transfers to and from the train
Luxury Services on VIA Rail
Prestige Class
Available between Toronto and Vancouver Prestige Class offers a refined experience with completely revamped cars and accommodations. This unparalleled encounter with nature comes with thoroughly personalized attention. It's an inspiring way to admire Canada's beautiful landscapes. Enjoy attentive, personalized concierge service throughout your trip. Prestige Sleeper class is designed to offer passengers complete peace of mind, with priority reservations in the dining car and priority boarding. Savour the all-inclusive treatment, with refined dining and complimentary drinks service.
What's included in Prestige Class:
- Personalized concierge service throughout your trip
- The Prestige Sleeper cabin is 50% larger than the cabin for two in Sleeper Plus class
- It features a comfortable sectional couch during the day, facing an extra-large picture window for incredible views
- Private washroom with shower
- Get a good nights rest in a deluxe fold down bed with turndown service
- A flat-screen TV with video selection
- Minibar stocked with a selection of beverages
- Priority reservations in the dining car, offering delicious brekfast, lunches and dinners prepared by onboard chefs.
- Access to the Prestige Park Car, which offers spectacular views, complimentary bar service, snacks, activities such as wine tastings, and interactive talks on local history and culture
TO VISIT
Canada was built along the historic Canadian Rail system, so it makes sense that many major Canadian cities are easily accessible by train. With train stations often centrally located within these cosmopolitan cities or remote towns, it is easy to explore the best of Canada by train.
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Biking the Vancouver Seawall Vancouver
British Columbia
Vancouver is a delightfully liveable city throughout the year, but it really shines in the summertime. You'll have the best of both worlds - the culture, dining and shopping of a world class metropolis and mountains and hiking trails right on the doorstep. The climate of Vancouver is also ideal in the summer — not too cold, but also not scorching hot. It's just the right temperature to treat yourself to some ice cream as you wander around the city.
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Maligne Lake Jasper
Alberta
Jasper is the gentle giant of the Rockies and this small mountain town offers visitors a more laid-back mountain experience – with equal options for adventure, discovery and relaxation.
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Banff National Park 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 numerous outdoor adventures offered in this outdoor playground. Banff was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for the mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls.
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Whistler Village Whistler
British Columbia
Celebrated for its incredible skiing, this bustling resort town has plenty to see and do all year round. Take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola high up into the mountains, spend the day at the spa or on the golf course, and in the evening enjoy fine food and wines at one of the many world class restaurants. Whistler has something for everyone.
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Lake Louise Lake Louise
Alberta
The quaint hamlet in the heart of the Rockies is named after the nearby lake. Known for its sparkling turquoise blue waters and impressive glacier-clad peaks, Lake Louise offers a surreal paddling experience in the warm summer months and one of the most scenic skating rinks in the world in winter.
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Downtown Kamloops Kamloops
British Columbia
The Shuswap First Nation set up camp here many centuries ago, as the many rivers and lakes were abundant with salmon. These days, this pleasant town is a lively place to stop on the way during your Rocky Mountaineer (depending on which route you take).
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Rocky Mountaineer traveling along Seton Lake Quesnel
British Columbia
The other option for where to spend the night while on the Rocky Mountaineer. Located directly between Williams Lake and Prince George, it is one of the main stopping off points on the route through British Columbia to the Yukon. Quesnel is a popular destination for nature lovers, as it provides access to some truly legendary canoeing, hiking and fishing.
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Toronto Skyline Toronto
Ontario
Toronto has great neighbourhoods, wonderful ethnic restaurants and bars, museums, Broadway shows, concerts and galleries. You will want to visit landmarks such as the CN Tower, the Skydome and museums - then get off the beaten path and walk vibrant, quirky neighbourhoods that reflect the incredible diversity of Canada's population.
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