Luxury Trains Across Canada

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 trips in Canada

A couple stands on the Goldleaf outdoor viewing platform on a Rocky Mountaineer train

The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-service train, while VIA Rail's Prestige class 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. 

The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations have planned more than 25,000 personalized trips. They are specialists in creating customized itineraries designed around the activities you want to do, including luxury train tours in Canada. We can promise you that it's the most elegant and enjoyable way to see the untamed landscapes of Canada.

3 Most Popular Luxury Train Trips in Canada

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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The Canadian Prestige Journey 

Travel across Canada on The Canadian in VIA Rail's Prestige class and experience personalized luxury service throughout your journey. Your deluxe cabin includes a private bath and shower, a television, and comfortable furnishings. This trip takes you from Toronto to Vancouver and can also be done in the reverse. Exclusive private tours compliment your experience in each of your stopover destinations. We recommend a 12 to 13 day itinerary to fully explore while you’re here.  

Miles covered on train: 2,762  

Days on train: 4 

Nights on train: 4 

Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail

This luxury train ride in Canada is our most popular Rockies vacation for a reason. It includes two full days on a sightseeing dome car on the Rocky Mountaineer. This trip has the option of going eastbound, from Vancouver to Calgary, or westbound. On this eight-day itinerary, you’ll have time to explore Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise. Your travel advisor can arrange personalized activities for you, such as spa treatments, private tours and fine-dining meals.

Miles covered on train: 594 

Days on train: 2 

Nights on train: N/A 

Essential Rockies by Rail with Alaska Small Ship Cruise 

Take the luxury to the next level by adding a small ship cruise to your train vacation. On this 14-day itinerary, you travel by plane, train and cruise ship. After experiencing the comfort and high-end service of the Rocky Mountaineer, along with some time exploring Banff and Lake Louise, you’ll fly to Sitka for your champagne welcome on board your small ship.  

Miles covered on train: 594 

Days on train: 2 

Nights on train: N/A 

Days on boat: 7 

Nights on boat:  6 

 

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

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Polar bear cartoon looking through a pair of binoculars

What to expect on a Luxury Train Ride

  • Your luxury train vacation will include valuable upgrades and extras, from the train service and hotel classes to fine dining and exclusive activities. Here’s what you can expect on your luxury train trip in Canada:  
  • Premium accommodation when not on the train, such as Fairmont hotels. This can also include upgraded room levels.  
  • Oversized cabins and concierge service of Prestige Class 
  •  Unique choice of privately guided sightseeing experiences
  • Feature dining experiences in destinations such as Toronto and Vancouver 
  • Airport and train station transfers with a private driver 

Quick Facts About Luxury Train Travel in Canada

  • 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. 

Luxury Train Experiences

These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure

VIA Rail Prestige Service 

Prestige class sleeper service on VIA Rail’s Canadian train operates year-round and you can travel all the way from Vancouver to Toronto or vice-versa. Both luxury train services provide spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities. 

Rocky Mountaineer 

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. 

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. 

Explore: Rocky Mountaineer Train and Alaska Cruise Trip

#1 Travel tip: Enjoy stays at iconic hotels

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Pair your luxury train journey with 5-star hotels, including Canadian Fairmont properties, for the ultimate bucket list trip.

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

Luxury 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.

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. 

In Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service, two couples eat breakfast together next to a large window

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. 

The Prestige cabin on The Canadian train includes an L-shaped couch facing a large picture window

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 night's 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 breakfast, 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 

#2 Travel tip: Prestige Cabin

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When you choose prestige class on The Canadian train, you’ll have a larger sleeper cabin with a bed for two. The bed faces the window so you can enjoy the views.

Katherine Foxcroft
Product Manager, Tours and Vacations

What Our Customers Say

We felt like a king and queen and we were definitely spoiled

We would like to thank you again for the surprise champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. That really started off our trip. We would like to thank you for our wonderful vacat... 

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Why book your luxury rail trip with Canadian Train Vacations?

We take care of all the details

You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.

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Independent travel with expert support

Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf is worth the cost for the spectacular dome car, the fine-dining meals, and the luxurious lounge chairs. In addition, there is at-seat bar service and personal attention from the hosts.

The only luxury train which goes across Canada is VIA’s Canadian Train. While it has other service levels, its Prestige Class is a luxury option with private cabins, concierge service, exclusive viewing and lounge cars, and fine-dining meals in the dining car.

A luxury train vacation in Canada can start from $5,020 for eight days in the Rockies. This includes your train, meals on the train, hotel accommodations while off the train, along with private tours and excursions.

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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