How can you visit Banff by train?

There are two ways to reach Banff by rail — aboard the Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West route, which connects Vancouver with Banff or Lake Louise, or aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian to Jasper, followed by a road transfer of about 3.5 to 4 hours to Banff. Calgary is a popular gateway for travellers visiting Banff, with the town located about 130 kilometres (81 miles), or 1.5 hours, from the city by road.

Travelling car-free from Vancouver to Banff or Lake Louise can be simple and seamless when your tickets and transfers are pre-arranged for you. When you book with us, our Vacation Advisors create a personalized itinerary and handle the details and logistics, including train tickets, accommodations, tours, experiences and transfers between airports, hotels and train stations. This means you can focus on discovering the Canadian Rockies without worrying about driving or navigating between destinations.

Banff is one of Canada’s most scenic destinations, with plenty to see and do for different interests and activity levels. Many of the highlights are conveniently close to one another, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace without spending long periods travelling between activities and sites.

Some of the favourite experiences for rail travellers include relaxing at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, taking the Banff Gondola for panoramic mountain views, enjoying a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka, exploring Banff Avenue, and staying at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

1. Banff Upper Hot Springs

Located about 4 km (2.5 miles) from Banff townsite, Banff Upper Hot Springs was opened to the public in 1886, with the bathhouse built in 1932. It was carefully designed and constructed to protect the natural source of the original hot sulphur spring. Visitors can enjoy the striking beauty of the surrounding Mount Rundle while soaking in its waters. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy Banff at a slower pace, with no long hike or strenuous activity required.

This spring is one of the nine naturally occurring hot springs in the Banff region. It flows from a rock crack in the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault. The average temperature of the Upper Hot Springs water ranges from 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F), making it the hottest spring in Banff.
Visitors can enjoy it here from 10 am to 10 pm. The last entry is at 9:30 pm. It is open for all Canadian holidays as well. The convenient location and relaxed pace make the hot springs an easy addition to a day of sightseeing in Banff. The best time to visit Banff Upper Hot Springs is on a weekday morning, when crowds are lighter.

The Upper Hot Springs ticket price starts from around $19.75 CAD for each adult. Senior citizens and youths have to pay approximately $17.25 CAD, while children under the age of 3 can enjoy the Upper Hot Springs for free. The family package of up to 4 people with a maximum of 2 adults costs around $64.25 CAD.

2. The Banff Gondola 

The Banff Gondola carries you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, bringing you to an elevation of 2,281 metres (7,486 feet). It’s an easy way to experience the mountain scenery without a challenging hike. The journey is especially beautiful when the surrounding mountains are covered in snow during Winter.

At the summit, visitors can take their time enjoying the panoramic views along the accessible boardwalk or settle in for a meal at Sky Bistro, the award-winning restaurant with mountain views. The gondola is about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from Banff townsite and can be reached by car or Roam Route 1 shuttle from downtown Banff. Taking the shuttle can be a convenient option, particularly during the busy Summer months when parking can be limited.

Gondola tickets are priced from around $55 to $96 CAD per adult, while children under five years old can ride for free.

3. Other things to do in Banff

Travellers can also cruise Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park, on a guided boat tour and learn about the area's history, geology and Indigenous stories. In town, Banff Avenue is lined with shops, galleries and restaurants. Nearby, visitors can learn about the founding of Canada’s first national park at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where railway workers found hot springs in 1883. For a memorable stay, Fairmont Banff Springs offers mountain views, a spa and fine dining. Guided tours along the Icefields Parkway reveal turquoise lakes, glaciers and the Columbia Icefield.