Vancouver to Banff Train Journey

Hidden away in Banff National Park, you'll find a resort town filled with restaurants, boutiques, ski slopes and spas. Taking a train ride from Vancouver to Banff allows you to get up close and personal with the Canadian wilderness, giving you an experience you'll never forget.

Canadian Train Vacations has local travel experts available to help you create the perfect itinerary. Whether you want to glide down the slopes at Lake Louise in winter, dine at one of Banff's gourmet restaurants, or take a private wildlife tour, we'll use our insider knowledge to personalize your trip.

Train travel from Vancouver to Banff is the best way to see Canada's most famous sites. When you drive your own vehicle, you have to pay attention to the road instead of the beautiful sights around you. Even if you're not driving, it's tough to enjoy the scenery when you're surrounded by other vehicles. 

When you travel from Vancouver to Banff by train, you get to look for wildlife, learn more about Canada's history and enjoy the top-notch service provided by Rocky Mountaineer hosts. As you cover the distance from Vancouver to Banff, it's up to you whether you want to spend your time staring out the window or chatting with your travel companion. 

Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Banff has special windows in each level of service — giving you awe-inspiring views. See the mountains, wildlife, and colourful flowers. If you travel during the fall, you may even get to see some of Canada's famous foliage. No matter which level of service you choose, Rocky Mountaineer trains from Vancouver to Banff are known for offering an elevated experience. Gaze out oversized windows, dine on gourmet meals and relax in comfortable reclining chairs for the duration of your train journey. 

Rocky Mountaineer Service Levels

The two levels of service on Rocky Mountaineer are SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. While there are some differences between these train service levels, both SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf include meals (breakfast, lunch), drinks, and engaging commentary.

SilverLeaf Experience

SilverLeaf service on Rocky Mountaineer lets you relax and admire the spectacular scenery of British Columbia and Alberta. You’ll travel in a single-level glass-dome coach, which features oversized windows, spacious seats, and a small outdoor viewing area. Your hosts will tell stories about the historic sites, landscapes, and wildlife, while gourmet meals are served at your seat.

Features of SilverLeaf include:

• Reclining, comfortable seats in a single-level glass-dome coach
• Oversized glass-dome windows with panoramic views
• Hot entrée meals served at your seat throughout the day
• Small outdoor viewing area between train coaches
• Social atmosphere with 2 onboard hosts and culinary team
• Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including local BC wines and beers

GoldLeaf Experience

If you're looking to ride a Canada luxury train from Vancouver to Banff, opt for Rocky Mountaineer's GoldLeaf service, which includes spacious seats, access to the outdoor viewing platform and meals prepared with local ingredients. As you enjoy your train ride from Vancouver to Banff, chat with one of your hosts to find out more about the towns you're passing. 

Features of GoldLeaf include:

• Bi-level dome with comfortable recliner seating upstairs and a lower-level dining room 
• Full glass-dome windows with panoramic views upstairs
• Large picture windows in the lower-level dining room
• Gourmet a-la-carte meals prepared on board by a chef and served in the dining room
• An exclusive outdoor viewing platform perfect for photo opportunities   
• 3-4 onboard hosts, plus full culinary team
• Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including signature cocktails

The First Passage to the West is the Rocky Mountaineer's route from Vancouver to Banff. Before you depart, do some sightseeing in Vancouver or dine at one of the city's many gourmet restaurants. Vancouver is also famous for having its mountains meets ocean lifestyle — perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Once you board the scenic train from Vancouver, you’ll travel to Kamloops. You’ll see the landscape transform from the lush Fraser Valley — with the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains — to the desert environment of BC’s interior. Travelling from Kamloops to Banff, you’ll encounter  the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Dining on Rocky Mountaineer

Multi-course breakfasts and lunches are served on each day of this 2-day Rocky Mountaineer train journey. The menu changes daily and includes a variety of locally inspired dishes. Ingredients are often seasonal and sourced from the areas the train is travelling through. So not only will you see the breathtaking landscapes of Western Canada, but you’ll also taste the flavours of this beautiful region, too. 

Some sample menu items include:

• Breakfast: Fresh croissants, seasonal fruit, classic eggs benedict, buttermilk pancakes or smoked salmon avocado toast
  
• Lunch: Salad to start, then chicken primavera, Alberta striploin steak or crispy cauliflower bowl, and chocolate torte for dessert

One thing to note is that the GoldLeaf menu offers more choice than the SilverLeaf menu. Rocky Mountaineer can accommodate dietary requirements and allergies with advance notice.

Accessibility on Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer can accommodate some accessibility and mobility needs, and it is possible for wheelchair users to board the train. Availability of options does depend on your specific needs and requirements. For more information, please ask your vacation advisor at the time of booking.

Vancouver to Banff Train Time

Your train tour from Vancouver to Banff begins in Vancouver on Day 1 and departs from Kamloops on Day 2, giving you 2 full days of train travel before you explore the Canadian Rockies. It's also possible to reverse your Banff train tour, starting out in Calgary and travelling directly to Banff. 

In 2025, the train departs Eastbound on Thursdays and Sundays, with a Monday departure in high season. The train departs Westbound on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with a Wednesday departure in high season.  

Explore: Canadian Rockies Train Trips

When should you take the train to Banff?

Rocky Mountaineer offers the First Passage to the West route (Vancouver to/from Banff) from April to October each year. You can travel in spring, summer, or fall, depending on your preferences and what you’d like to see. Here’s what you can expect during each season:

Spring (April, May, early June):

Best season for bear viewing as they have just emerged from hibernation. Admire snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and rushing waterfalls. Less crowds in Banff and Lake Louise, so perfect if you want a quieter experience.

Summer (June, July, August):

Enjoy warm temperatures, lots of sunshine, and more daylight. Alpine wildflowers and turquoise glacier-fed lakes bring extra colour to Banff’s landscapes. Great time of year for hiking, canoeing, boat tours, and more.

Fall (September, October):  

Chance to see vibrant fall foliage, including the famous yellow larch trees in Banff National Park. Towards the end of October, snow can be spotted on the mountain peaks. 

The Vancouver to Banff train price depends on many factors, but packages start at $3,590 USD. This includes train tickets, hotel accommodations, excursions, transfers, all meals on the train and some meals off the train. 

5 Most Popular Places to Go in Banff

1. Banff National Park 

One of the main reasons travellers take tours from Vancouver to Banff and Lake Louise is to visit Banff National Park. If you love the outdoors, Banff National Park is a little piece of heaven, as it has lakes, hot springs, hiking trails and fabulous fishing spots. You can also explore caves or enjoy a relaxing canoe ride. 

2. Lake Louise 

Lake Louise is known for its turquoise waters, which create a picture-perfect setting for a fishing trip or boat ride. If you're willing to take a short hike, you can also take in the beauty of some local waterfalls. Many of our Banff train trips have Lake Louise as a destination.

3. Lake Minnewanka 

Lake Minnewanka is more than 10,000 years old, making it an important part of the region's ecosystem. It's also a popular destination for people who travel from Vancouver to Banff by rail. Hike along the lake to reach Stewart Canyon, which takes you past the Cascade River and through the lush Canadian forest. 

4. Sulphur Mountain 

Visitors love Sulphur Mountain's breathtaking vistas, which become visible after a half-day hike — or a little longer, if you prefer a slower pace. Sulphur Mountain also has hot springs and other outdoor activities. 

5. Banff Gondola 

Not in the mood for a hike? Reach the top of Sulphur Mountain via gondola instead. You'll have access to the same views, all without the exertion of a half-day hike. Once you reach the top, visit the discovery centre or dine at Sky Bistro.