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The Man in Seat 61

Canada's Rockies by train

The rocky mountaineer.

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In 1990, Canada's national rail operator VIA Rail sold off it's Rockies by daylight scenic train to a private company called Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, who renamed it The Rocky Mountaineer .  It's developed into a world-class travel experience operating on 3 different routes through the spectacular Canadian Rockies, with excellent on-board service.  In 1990 the trains carried 10,000 guests, they now carry over 100,000 each year.  Rocky Mountaineer offers regular departures April-October and you can buy one-way tickets.  This page is an insider's guide to the Rocky Mountaineer .

Routes, dates, times & tickets

What are the trains like?

What's the journey like, other trains in canada, which route to choose.

Rocky Mountaineer runs on 3 different routes.  Independent travellers can buy one-way or return tickets between Vancouver and either Banff or Jasper.  You can go eastbound or westbound as each route runs in both directions.  There's no real 'better' direction, as all the trains are designed to do all scenic sections in daylight.

Vancouver - Kamloops - Banff

Branded First Passage to the West, this is the route I'd recommend.  Formerly called the Kicking Horse route after the mountain pass it takes through the Rockies, this is by far the most historically-significant of the 3 routes as it travels over Canada's first trans-continental line opened in 1885, the famous Canadian Pacific Railway .  It's Rocky Mountaineer's original route which they started running in 1990 when the last regular passenger trains on this line were discontinued.  Rocky Mountaineer is now the only passenger train over this famous & historic Canadian Pacific line. 

It's also arguably the most scenic route to choose, as the Canadian Pacific route between Vancouver & Banff has always been considered more scenic than the later Canadian National route between Vancouver & Jasper, although the two routes share the same tracks between Vancouver & Kamloops.  You'll run along the wonderfully-scenic Fraser & Thompson rivers,  pass the site of the 1885 Last Spike and the Continental Divide, cross the much-photographed Stoney Creek bridge, and pass the pretty station at Lake Louise, Morant's Curve (where countless Canadian Pacific publicity photos were taken) and Castle Mountain.  You're likely to see bald eagles, ospreys, and maybe black bears or even grizzly bears .

The Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West route runs 3 times a week in each direction from mid-April to mid-October, the journey takes 2 full days with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops included in the fare.  The train used to run to/from Calgary, but currently only runs to/from Banff.

Vancouver - Kamloops - Jasper

Branded Journey through the Clouds, it was formerly called the Yellowhead route after the mountain pass it takes through the Rockies.  This route uses the second and later of Canada's two great trans-continental railways, the Canadian Northern line opened in 1917, nationalised in 1921 as part of Canadian National Railways.  Between Vancouver & Kamloops the Journey Through the Clouds & First Passage to the West routes are exactly the same - indeed, the two trains sometimes run coupled together.  Also note that this route and the Rainforest to Goldrush route share the few miles of line past Mount Robson and through the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper.  So if you want to make a circular tour, the best combination avoiding duplication is probably the First Passage to the West route Vancouver-Banff, then by bus between Jasper & Banff calling at the Columbia Icefields, then the Rainforest to Goldrush route between Jasper & Vancouver (you can go in either direction).  

The Rocky Mountaineer Journey Through the Clouds route runs twice a week from mid-April to mid-October, the journey takes 2 full days with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops included in the fare.

Incidentally, Rocky Mountaineer's Journey through the Clouds train takes exactly the same route as VIA Rail's Toronto-Jasper-Vancouver Canadian which runs several times per week all year round .  If you're on a budget, an economy class seat on the Canadian between Vancouver & Jasper starts at around $164 versus over $1,000 on the Rocky Mountaineer , making it a much cheaper way to travel through the Rockies by train between Vancouver & Jasper.  However, the Canadian runs day & night (sleeping-cars are available) so it passes half the scenery in daylight, the rest in darkness.  The Rocky Mountaineer runs the whole route in daylight with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops so you don't miss any scenery, and of course on-board food & drink is included.

Vancouver - Whistler - Quesnel - Jasper

Branded Rainforest to Goldrush , formerly the Fraser Discovery route , this journey is all about getting off the beaten track into gold-rush and timber country, rather than taking a famous trans-continental rail line.  It takes you along the mighty Fraser River over the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE), started in 1885 and only fully completed in 1952 - no wonder it was nicknamed the Prince George Eventually!  The scenery is truly wonderful, especially the Fraser River canyon, and you may see bald eagles, ospreys and black bears or even grizzly bears .  It runs roughly once a week from mid-April to mid-October, and the journey takes 3 full days with 2 overnight hotel stops at Whistler & Quesnel included in the fare.  Until 2015 this train used to start from Whistler, with passengers using the 5-days-a-week Whistler Mountaineer between North Vancouver & Whistler, but the latter train was sadly discontinued in 2016.  On the plus side, the main Rainforest to Goldrush train now runs direct to and from North Vancouver station and you still get half a day at leisure to explore Whistler, a ski resort and sort of Canadian Zermatt.

Red = Rocky Mountaineer.   Dark Blue = VIA Rail

Light blue = Amtrak .   K = Kamloops

Departures, timetable & fares

First passage to the west.

* The day of the week varies, so always check departures with www.rockymountaineer.com for your dates of travel.  The train no longer serves Calgary.

Silver Leaf starts at $1,247 inc tax, Gold Leaf starts at $1,705 inc tax.

Journey through the Clouds

* The day of the week varies, so check departures with www.rockymountaineer.com for your dates of travel.

Rainforest to Goldrush

You can check departure dates, times & fares at www.rockymountaineer.com .

Silver Leaf starts at $1,721 inc tax, Gold Leaf starts at $2,337 inc tax.

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How to buy tickets

Book it with Railbookers :  Train travel specialist Railbookers can sometimes get special rates for the Rocky Mountaineer when added to hotels at one or both ends, they can also arrange VIA Rail & Amtrak tickets.  In my opinion their package combining VIA Rail's Canadian from Toronto to Jasper with the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver is the ultimate trans-Canada experience.

  US call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com .

  canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com .,   uk call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au .,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ..

You can also book with Rocky Mountaineer at www.rockymountaineer.com .

Escorted tours

If you'd prefer to see Canada by train on an escorted tour with a convivial group of travellers rather than travelling solo or independently, there are the two UK companies which arrange escorted tours across Canada by VIA Rail's Canadian and the Rocky Mountaineer on various dates through the year.  Both companies are part of the same group.

What's the train like?

The Rocky Mountaineer offers two classes of service on each of its routes, Silver Leaf & Gold Leaf .

Which class to choose? 

The Man in Seat 61 says, "The Silver Leaf panorama cars are excellent, food & wine is included, and the scenery is exactly the same as you'd see in Gold Leaf.  The cost alone may decide for you, and you'll be very happy with your choice if you go Silver Leaf.  That said, there are three reasons to consider paying more for Gold Leaf:  First, you sit up high in the double-deck Gold Leaf cars, which can give you a better view over trees and so on.  Second, the food is more extensive, served in a restaurant rather than at your seat.  Third, there's an open air viewing platform, meaning reflection-free photos - for me the incident with the bear proved the value of that viewing platform, nothing between me and a grizzly..."  Take a virtual tour inside the Rocky Mountaineer .

Silver Leaf

Silver Leaf service was introduced in 2011, and replaced the cheaper Red Leaf service on all routes from 2016.  Silver Leaf passengers travel in a single-deck dome car with huge panoramic windows.  The fare includes breakfast and lunch with complimentary beer or wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

This is the premium option.  It's not cheap, and the scenery is the same as you'll see in Silver Leaf, but the onboard experience is excellent and more than meets expectations.  Is it worth the extra over Silver Leaf?  If you can afford it, yes, because of the food, wine, service, and not least, those upper level glass domes give the best all-round view of the Canadian Rockies you can get.

Gold Leaf passengers travel in modern purpose-built double-deck dome cars.  Upstairs under the glass roof there are 72 reclining seats with loads of legroom an drop-down tables.  Downstairs, reached by spiral staircase or wheelchair lift there are toilets, kitchens, a 36-seat restaurant for breakfast & lunch, and a small open-air viewing platform for fresh air and reflection-free photography.

A pair of attendants in each coach provide live commentary and keep the snacks and complimentary alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks flowing.  Rocky Mountaineer's excellent own-label Sumoc Ridge merlot is very easy to drink - all too easy, really.

Breakfast & lunch are served downstairs in the restaurant in two sittings, included in the fare.  There's a choice of excellent main courses freshly prepared in the kitchen and served on real china.  Lunch comes complete with Rocky Mountaineer's own-label British Columbian red or white wine.

All passengers get a copy of the 'Rocky Mountaineer newspaper', which features a route guide listing points of interest along the way (referenced by mile post), a map, and information about the train, the history of the route, and the wildlife you might see.

The fare includes a hotel room for the overnight stop, and transfers by motor coach to and from the hotel.

Virtual tour

This excellent virtual tour by Willy Kaemena shows the train in its latest form, with its latest blue and gold colour scheme.

Boarding in Vancouver

If you travel from Vancouver towards Kamloops, Jasper or Banff, see location map of the Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver station .  It is located in a former goods yard a little way behind the main Vancouver Pacific Central station used by VIA & Amtrak.  When you arrive you'll find complimentary tea & coffee available, and a row of check-in desks for Silver and Gold Leaf.  Note that the Rainforest to Goldrush route via Qesnel leaves from North Vancouver station .

This section gives you a flavour of what there is to see on each route.  The route guide in your Rocky Mountaineer newspaper on board the train lists these and other highlights, quoting the nearest milepost - the mileposts are black numbers on small white signs placed next to the track every mile.  The miles reset to zero at every railway divisional point.  Approximate times are used here to give you a better idea of the journey.

First Passage to the West :  Banff to Vancouver

This is the most historic and arguably most scenic route operated by the Rocky Mountaineer, previously known as the Kicking Horse route.  It takes the original Canadian Pacific Railway through the Rockies, opened in 1885, indeed it is now the only passenger train operating over the original Canadian Pacific trans-continental line.  You can make the journey in either direction, between Vancouver and Banff, a resort town in the Rockies.  It no longer extends to or from the big city of Calgary.  This account shows a westbound journey, note that the departure times have changed slightly since I made this trip, with an earlier departure from Banff, and that the train is shown here in its earlier colour scheme, with red leaf cars ahead of the gold leaf domes, rather than (as now) silver leave cars.

08:40  Banff station:   Originally known simply as 'siding 29' on the Canadian Pacific Railway, Lord Strathcona named it 'Banff' after his home town in Scotland in 1880.  Banff station is just a few minutes walk from the town centre and 30 minutes walk from the best place to stay in Banff, the famous Banff Springs Hotel .  The station building dates from 1910, a replacement for the original 1886 log cabin.  If you're joining the train here, you check in at the Rocky Mountaineer desk placed just outside the station waiting room, you're given your seat allocation and your luggage is taken from you - it goes by the truck seen in the photo above and will arrive at your overnight hotel in Kamloops before you do. Tea and coffee are available inside the waiting room until the train arrives.  The train left around 09:00 (current departure time is a couple of hours earlier, see the timetable above ).

09:30  Castle Mountain (above right):  On leaving Banff, the train winds through the pine trees along the Bow River, with snow-capped mountains on either side of the broad valley.  Look out for the impressive and imposing Castle Mountain to your right, around milepost 99.  It's an appropriate name!

10:10  Morant's Curve:   At milepost 113, 3 miles east of Lake Louise, the train snakes through what has become known as 'Morant's Curve', although strangely it isn't mentioned anywhere in the Rocky Mountaineer route guide or on any map.  Nicholas Morant was a photographer with the publicity department of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and this was one of his favourite spots for taking PR shots of CPR trains.  If you've ever had a 'railway encyclopaedia' or 'boys book of trains', the chances are that it has an illustration of a Canadian passenger or freight train on 'Morant's Curve', and even today, many of Rocky Mountaineer's brochure photos are taken here.  The other classic location for PR shots of Canadian trains in the Rockies is the Stoney Creek bridge, which we'll come to later.

10:15  Lake Louise:   The Rocky Mountaineer passes the beautiful 'log cabin' style station at Lake Louse, on the left on a track slightly lower than the one that westbound trains now use.  Lake Louise station was used for the station scenes in the film 'Dr Zhivago'.  The lake itself is up in the mountains, out of sight.  The train now crosses and briefly runs alongside Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway.

10:25  Continental Divide (above left):  A small monument and wooden sign on the left mark the Continental Divide, and the boundary between Alberta & British Columbia.  Rainwater falling east of the divide flows to the Atlantic, rainwater falling to the west makes its way to the Pacific.  It's the highest point on the trip, 5,332 feet above sea level.  Travelling west, you now put your watch back an hour, as BC is an hour behind Alberta.

09:40 (BC time)  Spiral Tunnels:   The train passes Wapta Lake and enters the first of the two famous 'Spiral Tunnels'.  Inside the Upper Spiral Tunnel, the train describes a complete spiral and emerges further down the mountainside, facing the opposite way.  The train then crosses the deep wooded valley and plunges into the Lower Spiral Tunnel to descend even further.  Long freight trains can even cross over themselves here!  There's a cut-away diagram of the spiral tunnels in your route guide, and the commentary from your carriage attendant will explain it, but it's still disorientating.  The spiral tunnels were built in 1907, replacing a dangerously steep section of line known as the 'Big Hill', where many CPR trains and staff came to grief.

10:15  Kicking Horse Canyon:   The train calls at Field, an important operating centre for the Canadian Pacific Railway, then heads through the Kicking Horse canyon, crossing and re-crossing the Kicking Horse river several times.  The river is narrow, fast running, and blue with meltwater sediment.  The train follows the Kicking Horse river for 30 scenic miles, with many bridges and tunnels.

11:40  Rocky Mountain Trench:   The train now runs through a wide flat valley full of pines - the Rocky Mountain Trench.  The Columbia River is on the left.

13:00  Stoney Creek bridge:   This is the other classic location for illustrations of trains crossing Canada.  It's a beautiful arched steel girder bridge at milepost 76.2, 484 feet long and 325 feet above the creek bed below, built in 1929.  It's the latest of three bridges built on this spot.  The approach to the bridge is dead straight, so there's little opportunity to see or photograph the bridge, and although the line curves sharply to the left immediately afterwards there are so many trees in the way that it's still difficult to get a clear view of the bridge.  A new tunnel (the 9-mile long MacDonald Tunnel) was built in 1988 to increase capacity by by-passing both the Stoney Creek Bridge and the shorter 1916-built Connaught Tunnel, but the Rocky Mountaineer deliberately takes the original route.

15:55  The Last Spike:   The train passes Craigellachie, where on 7 November 1885 the last ceremonial rail spike was driven in, completing the Canadian Pacific Railway and linking Montreal to Vancouver by rail.  Here there's a monument and small museum by the tracks, on the right hand side.

16:20  Lake Shuswap & Osprey Alley:   The train passes Sicamous, 'The houseboat capital of the world' and for some miles runs along the shore of the huge and beautiful Lake Shuswap.  It passes 'Osprey alley', a long line of osprey nests in the tops of telegraph poles and trees by the lake.  Watch out for bald eagles, too.  After Lake Shuswap comes Lake Mara.

18:50.  The mountain give way to gentle hills along the South Thompson River.  The hills are volcanic, but at their feet lie sandstone mounds or 'hoodoos', which are the moraines left by ancient glaciers.  The country is more arid here, rocky and sandy with fewer trees, very different from the morning's scenery.

19:55 Kamloops:   The train pulls into Kamloops for its overnight stop.  Motor coaches meet the train and transfer passengers to their hotels.  There is a choice of two evening entertainment shows (with food) whilst in Kamloops, both bookable through Rocky Mountaineer, but don't overestimate how sprightly you'll feel on arrival at your hotel at 8pm after a day travelling with so much to take in.  Banff to Kamloops is 309 miles.

----- day 2 -----

07:20  Kamloops: Motor coaches pick you up from the hotel and transfer passengers to the station.  You may find a longer train than the one you left last night, as the Journey through the Clouds train from Jasper is usually coupled up to the First Passage to the West train between Kamloops & Vancouver.  This is the main Kamloops station, VIA Rail's Toronto-Kamloops-Vancouver Canadian uses the smaller Kamloops North.  263 miles to Vancouver, says the station sign.

07:55  The Rocky Mountaineer leaves Kamloops, combined with the Jasper-Vancouver train.  It veers right and crosses the Thompson River onto Indian ('first nation') territory, passing a small wooden church on the left that was allegedly used in the film 'Unforgiven' with Clint Eastwood.

Canadian National or Canadian Pacific?   Between Kamloops & Vancouver, the 1885 Canadian Pacific (CP) and the later 1917 Canadian National (CN) trans-continental routes run parallel, usually on opposite sides of the river.  For the first 58 miles west of Kamloops, the Rocky Mountaineer uses CN tracks in both directions, but between Basque and Vancouver there is 'directional running' where CN & CP co-operate, sending all westbound trains including the westbound Rocky Mountaineer down CN tracks on one side of the river, and all eastbound trains including the eastbound Rocky Mountaineer down the CP tracks on the other side.  You see the same scenery, of course, from a slightly different angle, but if you really want to travel on the original 1885 CP tracks (almost) all the way between Vancouver and Banff, you'll need to take an eastbound Rocky Mountaineer.

08:40 Kamloops Lake:   The train runs along the shore of Kamloops Lake - watch out for more bald eagles, and for the coloured rocks at 'Painted Bluff' on the right.

09:25  The train reaches the end of the lake and runs alongside the Thompson River.  The countryside here is even more arid than before - indeed, it passes Ashcroft, the driest town in Canada.

10:35  Black Canyon:   The train passes 'Black Canyon', a section of black lava cliff on the right, with the Thompson river on the left.  After Black Canyon Tunnel, the Rocky Mountaineer crosses the Thompson on a steel girder bridge.

11:30  The scenery now changes again, from dry & sandy back to rocky with pine trees.  The train enters the Thompson River canyon, with CP tracks one side of the river, CN tracks on the other side.

11:55  Avalanche alley (above right) :  The Rocky Mountaineer travels at the very edge of the river under a sheer cliff wall with avalanche protection sheds in several places.  One section of the rock wall is attractively coloured, known as 'rainbow canyon'.

12:05  Confluence of Thompson & Fraser Rivers:   Just after Lytton the train curves to the left over a bridge across the Fraser River.  The confluence of Thompson & Fraser rivers is now on the right.

12:15 Cisco crossing:   At Cisco, CP and CN tracks swap sides of the river.  The CN line crosses first on an distinctive orange-painted girder bridge (above right), the CP tracks then crossing in the opposite direction on a squared-off black steel bridge lower down (above left, lower picture).  Being the first, the CP engineers built their line down whichever was the easier side of the canyon, the later CN engineers had to made do with the opposite, trickier side.

13:35 Hell's Gate:   This is the narrowest and fastest-flowing point of the Fraser River.  On the right on the far bank is the Hell's Gate cafe, with a suspension footbridge across the river below the train and a cable car over the river and up the mountain.

15:15:  We're no longer right next to the Fraser River, which has become very broad.  The train is in a wide flat valley, with farms and greenhouses starting to appear.  The historic site of Fort Langley is just visible through the trees on the left.

16:50  Approaching Vancouver:   The train slows through the freight cars in Thornton Yard, finally curving right over a very long, low steel bridge across the Fraser River with a much higher arched road bridge on the left, which also carries the Vancouver 'Skytrain' metro.  Once across the river the Rocky Mountaineer curves sharply right again, weaving its way through the Vancouver suburbs.

17:40  Arrival at Vancouver:   We've travelled 594 miles from Banff.  Pictured above, the Rocky Mountaineer rolls past the Rocky Mountaineer terminal (on the right, with the buses parked outside).  It then slowly reverses back into it.  The Rocky Mountaineer terminal is a block away from the Pacific Central station where VIA Rail's Canadian arrives.  Rocky Mountaineer's impressive and spacious terminal building was once a diesel locomotive maintenance shed.

Journey through the Clouds :  Jasper to Vancouver via Kamloops

This train travels over the second trans-continental line built across Canada, the Canadian National route between Jasper (in Jasper National Park) and Vancouver, opened in 1917.    Originally known as the Yellowhead route , it's been marketed as the Journey through the Clouds since 2010.

The Rocky Mountaineer leaves Jasper station around 8am, and heads up through the Yellowhead Pass.  This is the easiest pass through the Rockies (in other words the lowest, at 3,718 feet above sea level).  The Canadian Pacific chose a more difficult route through the Kicking Horse pass to the south because of political tensions between Canada and the USA at the time, and a desire to safeguard Canadian territory.

Look out for the highlight of the trip, views of snow-capped Mount Robson to the right of the train.  At 12,972 feet it's the highest mountain in the Rockies.

After running alongside Moose Lake, the train crosses the Fraser River.

For almost 20 miles, the train passes some of Canada's most magnificent mountains in the Premier range, named after early Canadian prime ministers.

The train passes the site marked by a small cairn, where 12 members of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery were killed when two CN trains collided.

The train passes Pyramid Falls (see photo above), where water cascades 300 feet beside the tracks.

The train arrives at Kamloops and passengers stay overnight in a hotel, included in the fare.

Between Jasper & Kamloops the Journey through the Clouds takes exactly the same route as VIA Rail's Canadian , which also (if it's on time, of course...) does this section in daylight, before continuing through the night to Vancouver.  So see the Jasper-Kamloops photos on the Toronto-Vancouver Canadian page .

On day 2 the Journey through the Clouds travels from Kamloops to Vancouver coupled to the First Passage West , see the Kamloops-Vancouver photos above .

Rainforest to Goldrush:   North Vancouver - Whistler -Quesnel - Jasper

This is a less well-known but remarkable route, through the gold rush & timber country of the Cariboo.  Until 2010 this route was marketed as the Fraser Discovery route and until 2015 it started at Whistler and you had to take Rocky Mountaineer's Sea to Sky Climb train between North Vancouver & Whistler, which was also useful for local journeys as it ran 5 times a week and could be used by people just going to Whistler.  Unfortunately, Rocky Mountaineer have discontinued their Vancouver-Whistler train, instead from 2016 the main Rainforest to Goldrush train will start from North Vancouver.

06:15 - 07:15:  Passengers are collected by motor coach from central Vancouver hotels, and driven through Stanley Park and across the Lion's Gate Bridge to the North Vancouver station, a simple siding a block or two away from the original BC Rail passenger station.  BC Rail stopped normal passenger service on his route in 1999.

07:30 Leaving Vancouver:   After leaving North Vancouver, the train passes right under the Lion's Gate Bridge and over a girder bridge across the Capilano River (Vancouver's famous Capilano footbridge, www.capbridge.com , is out of sight further up the valley).  Breakfast is served.

The train runs alongside the sea (on left hand side) until it heads off into the mountains.  It passes through the mile-long Horseshoe Bay Tunnel, built to eliminate a difficult section of line around the headland, emerging onto the banks of Howe Sound.  For some miles the train run along the banks of this beautiful sound (also on left hand side) past the BC Ferries terminal serving the islands.  The trains passes waterfalls and an old copper mine, once the largest copper mine in the British Empire and now a museum.

09:50 Cheakamus Canyon:   The train starts to climb, away from Howe Sound up into the hills.  This is the most scenic part of the journey, as the train passes over several high trestle bridges along the Cheakamus canyon (pictured, above) with the narrow fast-flowing river way down below. 

The train passes over the top of 195-feet-high Brandywine Falls.

11:30 Whistler:   The train arrives at Whistler station.  This is in the Creekside area of Whistler, near Nita Lake.  A fleet of buses meets the train and transfers passengers to their hotels in Whistler Village a mile or two away.  You now have the afternoon and evening free to explore Whistler, and you stay there in a hotel overnight.  Whistler is one of Canada's biggest ski resorts, a sort of North American Zermatt.  Cable cars run up the mountains, seaplanes run scenic flights, and there are many outdoor activities in both summer and winter.  The centre of Whistler village is pedestrianised, with many bars and restaurants.

07:30 Leaving Whistler:   The Rocky Mountaineer train leaves Whistler at 07:30 on day 1.  Whistler station is in the Creekside area of Whistler between Alta and Nita lakes, a few minutes' taxi or motor coach transfer from Whistler village itself.  Check-in opens at 06:30, you hand over your luggage (which travels by road) and you are given a boarding card with seat allocation.

08:10 Green River, Birkenhead River:   Breakfast is served as you pass through snow-capped mountains and run alongside the Green River.  The scenery is beautiful, although there are still houses and occasional timber yards here, not to mention a few power pylons!  The Green River soon gives way to the Birkenhead River, also on the right, but flowing in the opposite direction.

08:35 Nairn Falls:   The train crosses a low bridge just above the top of a waterfall in the pine trees, Nairn Falls.

10:00 Anderson Lake:   The train skirts the blue waters of Anderson Lake right by the water along the cliffs.  The tracks follow the shore for 15 miles, with many photo opportunities.

10:30 Seton Lake:   The train passes the end of Anderson Lake and crosses the spit of land known as Seton Portage separating it from another lake, Lake Seton.  Originally one big lake, lakes Anderson and Seton were separated by a landslide over 1,000 years ago.  Lake Seton is a luminous turquoise colour, an effect caused by the sediment washed down by meltwater from the mountains.  The train passes the BC Hydro Bridge River hydro electric plant and a timber yard.

11:20 Lillooet:   Lillooet is a major railway town, and there's a 10-minute locomotive crew rest stop here in the freight yards.

11:35 Fraser River Canyon:   After leaving Lillooet, the train crosses the wide and brown Fraser River on a massive and dramatic girder bridge, 800 feet long and 190 feet above the river.  Immediately after the bridge the train snakes left onto the Fraser's left bank and starts climbing a steep 2.2% gradient for the next 30 miles.  It's one of the longest sustained 2.2% rail gradients in America.  This 30 mile stretch is the highlight of the trip:  The train follows the Fraser River canyon, high up on the mountainside with the river far below.  The sheer scale of the canyon is spectacular.  There are few trees, the landscape is arid an sandy here.

13:00 Cariboo Plateau:   The train finally leaves the Fraser River canyon.  It's now on the Cariboo plateau, and pine trees make a welcome reappearance.  These are the gentle rolling hills of cattle country.

16:00-17:00:  Still on the Cariboo plateau, this is also timber country.  You can smell the sawdust from the many lumber yards.  You pass Lac La Hache and Williams Lake.

18:00 Deep Creek Bridge:   1,194 feet long, 312 feet high, one of the highest rail bridges in North America (in fact, only the Stoney Creek bridge on the Banff-Vancouver route is higher).  You pass many cattle ranches, and can spot many deer in the wooded areas.

20:00 Quesnel:   The train passes lumber yards and the occasional osprey nesting in telegraph poles or tall trees, and arrives at Quesnel (pronounced 'kwanell') for the overnight hotel stop.  Quesnel is the local centre for the Cariboo, and if you've never seen small-town Canada it's well worth an evening wander.  This is easier to do if you're at a town centre hotel such as the Best Western, less easy if you're in a hotel a few miles out (Gold Leaf passengers are currently bussed a few miles out to the Sandman's hotel in an industrial/retail area).  Personally, I'd suggest requesting the town-centre Best Western even if you're in Gold Leaf.  In Quesnel you'll find the longest wooden truss footbridge in the world across the wide and fast-flowing Fraser River, pictured above right - check out the steak house & pub on the hill the other side!  There's also a Greek restaurant, a casino built to look like an old paddle steamer, and a gift shop by the river that's often open in the evenings when the train arrives.  There's a town museum (complete with allegedly haunted doll 'Mandy') which you may or may not find open when the train comes in.

----- day 3 -----

07:40 Leaving Quesnel:   Motor coaches transfer you from the hotel around 06:45, and the Rocky Mountaineer leaves Quesnel around 07:40 when everyone is on board.

08:00 Cottonwood Bridge:   The train crosses the dramatic Cottonwood bridge, 1,023 feet long and 236 feet high, over a valley full of pine trees with a river racing beneath.  The bridge was only completed in 1952, the last major link in the railway from Vancouver to Prince George and Prince Rupert.  The 'last spike' was driven in 8 miles further on, at the slightly smaller Abhau Creek bridge, on 31 October 1952.  Since they started building the line in 1912, it was no wonder the Pacific Great Eastern Railway became known locally as the 'Prince George Eventually'!

09:10:  The Fraser River is sighted again, on the left.  Endless pines and birch trees, and the odd sawmill including a fully automated one at Dunkly.

10:20  Prince George (almost!):   The Rocky Mountaineer makes slow progress through the yards approaching Prince George.  The train heads for a long low steel bridge across the Fraser into Prince George, which is the route passengers trains (when there were any) would normally take.  But immediately before the bridge the train turns right at a triangular junction onto the line leading out of Prince George towards Jasper.  The train is no longer on the Pacific Great Eastern but on the Grand Trunk Pacific.  The GTP is Canada's third trans-continental line, built from Jasper through Prince George to the pacific ocean at the port of Prince Rupert.  Although not in the same league as Vancouver, much freight is still shipped overseas via Prince Rupert.  The GTP was nationalised after its bankruptcy in 1921 and is now part of Canadian National Railways.

12:30:  Lunch is served as the train enters the Rocky Mountain trench, a wide valley between the mountains.  The train follows the meandering brown river through the pines and birches.

16:00:  The train passes McBride, with agriculture now in evidence across the valley.

17:50 Mount Robson:   Another highlight of the trip, the train passes Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Rockies at 12,972 feet.  The Rocky Mountaineer Journey through the Clouds route also passes this spot, so gets this same view of Mt Robson, as does VIA Rail's Toronto-Vancouver Canadian .

18:10:  The Fraser river is now narrower, cleaner and greener.  The valley narrows, with snow-capped mountains on each side. 

18:50 Yellowhead Pass:   The train joins the Jasper-Kamloops-Vancouver main line, and passes through the Yellowhead Pass.  This is the easiest and lowest pass through the Rockies at 3,718 feet above sea level.  The train crosses from British Columbia into Alberta, and the clocks go forward an hour.

20:30 (19:30 BC time) Jasper:   The train arrives at Jasper, at the heart of Jasper National Park.  The station is right at the front of this small town, which grew up around the railway.  Jasper station is used by two Rocky Mountaineer routes and VIA Rail's Toronto-Jasper-Vancouver Canadian .

Bear! bear! bear !

You may see ospreys, bald eagles and deer from the train, and if you're lucky maybe a bear or two.  There are two sorts of bear, black bears are more common, grizzly bears less so.  Keep your eyes peeled!  In Jasper, you'll see many elk just wandering about the outskirts of the town.  Below, the best bear sighting they've had for several years on the Rainforest to Goldrush route, approaching Jasper near Mt Robson.

G uidebooks

Buy Rough Guide from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Or buy direct from the Lonely Planet website , with shipping worldwide.

The Trans-Canada Rail Guide

Trailblazer's Trans-Canada Rail Guide is well worth buying if you're planning a trans-Canada train trip.  It will help you plan your journey, and best of all it includes mile-by-mile lineside route guides showing what to see from the train on all the main VIA Rail & Rocky Mountaineer services.  Buy in the UK from Amazon.co.uk .  Buy in the USA from Amazon.com

Recommended hotels

In vancouver:  fairmont vancouver hotel.

In the centre of downtown Vancouver, next to Christ Church Cathedral and only a few blocks from the Waterfront, the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel is a former railway hotel.  It was started by Canadian National Railways but completed in partnership with rival Canadian Pacific, opened in 1939 by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.  It's another iconic Canadian chateau-style hotel, a true Vancouver landmark.  And if your budget will stretch, Fairmont won't disappoint.

If you want something cheaper, try the St Regis Hotel , also excellently located downtown and also a historic Vancouver landmark, opened in 1913.

In Jasper:  Fairmont Jasper Lodge

First established in 1915 in association with the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad, it became a Canadian National Railway hotel in the 1920s.  Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, and members of the British Royal family including King George IV and the Queen have stayed here.  It's on Lake Beauvert, a 9 minute drive from Jasper station.

In Banff:  Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Another famous classic hotel, originally built & owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and designed in the style of a Scottish castle.  If your budget will stretch, it's the most celebrated hotel in Banff and an experience in itself.

Flights to Canada

Overland travel around Canada by train & bus is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But a long-haul flight might be unavoidable to reach Canada in the first place.  To compare prices for flights to Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, check Skyscanner .

Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com .

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Train Calgary - Vancouver

• Train Calgary to Vancouver

Travel information

• Bus Calgary - Vancouver

Information about train from Calgary to Vancouver . The great state of railways and its reliability make the train one of the safest transportation systems to travel the distance that separates in train Calgary and Vancouver.

During the travel by train from Calgary to Vancouver passengers can relax. Other reason for choosing train to travel from Calgary to Vancouver is the price, because the price of the train ticket is only $63 CAD. This price is approximated and the train company could change it. Ask to the train company in order to get the oficial information.

According to our database, there is a direct train route between Calgary and Vancouver . Don't miss it! Take a look to the available schedules and use the calendar to choose the day that suits you better.

Tickets and schedules

Calgary Station

Vancouver Station

Frequently asked questions

How can i get cheap train tickets to go from calgary to vancouver.

If you want to get cheap train tickets from Calgary to Vancouver we recommend that you book in advance as the best Greyhound Canada tickets sell out fast.The cheapest ticket is usually $63 CAD and the most expensive one to go to Vancouver is approximately $75 CAD. .

What time is the first train from Calgary?

The first train leaves at 08:00 from Calgary and costs $75 CAD while the last one arriving at Vancouver costs $63 CAD and it is at 12:35.

What companies can help me on my trip?

The companies that can help you are: Greyhound Canada.

How can I get ticket refund on Greyhound Canada?

Each company has its rules and depending on the ticket, price, and offer different refund policies apply. We recommend that you contact the company where you bought the ticket to get a solution.

How far is Calgary from Vancouver?

The approximate distance between the two places is 781 km. With the route we propose, it will take approximately 12h 5m.

Trains from Calgary

• Train Calgary to Saskatoon
• Train Calgary to Winnipeg
• Train Calgary to Medicine Hat
• Train Calgary to London
• Train Calgary to Halifax
• Train Calgary to Olds
• Train Calgary to Enderby
• Train Calgary to Lethbridge
• Train Calgary to Okotoks
• Train Calgary to Moose Jaw
• Train Calgary to Quebec
• Train Calgary to Brandon
• Train Calgary to Ottawa
• Train Calgary to Cranbrook
• Train Calgary to Brooks
• Train Calgary to Chilliwack

Trains to Vancouver

• Train Hamilton to Vancouver
• Train Thunder Bay to Vancouver
• Train Sault Ste. Marie to Vancouver
• Train Nelson to Vancouver
• Train Kelowna to Vancouver
• Train Regina to Vancouver
• Train Fort St. John to Vancouver
• Train Lethbridge to Vancouver
• Train Salmon Arm to Vancouver
• Train Canmore to Vancouver
• Train Winnipeg to Vancouver
• Train Osoyoos to Vancouver
• Train Revelstoke to Vancouver
• Train Barrie to Vancouver
• Train Medicine Hat to Vancouver
• Train Montreal to Vancouver

6Day Rocky Mountaineer Train Tour, from Calgary to Vancouver, Including Banff, Jasper, Yoho 3 National Parks, visit Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake an more

Arrive calgary, [ city guided - explore - route a] explore "calgary cbd" + check out trendy locations + the core shopping mall (5hr), [ city self-explore - route c ] shopping shopping shopping @ crossiron mills outlet （5hr）, [ city self-explore - route d ] shopping @ chinook centre (5hr), calgary "city walk" 1-day tour [heritage park (including admission ticket) + walking in "calgary cbd" + landmarks] (dept. 9am, including pickup and drop-off and guided tour, approx. 8 hours) (minimum of 4 people), calgary-banff gondola-bow falls-fairmont banff springs hotel-johnston canyon, banff national park, sulphur mountain, play-option: (summer) banff gondola, surprise corner, fairmont banff springs hotel, johnston canyon, （summer）banff gondola, french brasserie at fairmont banff springs hotel（chicken）, banff night tour, banff-lake louise-moraine lake-yoho national park-emerald lake-natural bridge, lake louise, moraine lake, emerald lake, natural bridge, lake louise asian/western set lunch, banff-bow lake-peyto lake-columbia icefield-athabasca falls-jasper, crowfoot glacier, icefields parkway, columbia icefield, play-option: glacier adventure + columbia icefield skywalk, athabasca falls, jasper national park, columbia icefield glacier explorer (snowcoach), columbia icefield skywalk, the crossing western lunch box, jasper - rocky mountaineer train - kamloops, kamloops - rocky mountaineer train - vancouver.

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From calgary to vancouver | rocky mountaineer train journey, a truly moving train journey..

Exploring the Rocky Mountain National Parks of Canada by Rocky Mountaineer Luxury Train together with the prestige guided tour to Banff, Icefield, Yoho and Jasper !

Discover Lake Louise , Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake and Peyto Lake .

Your guided trip starts from Banff National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy one of the most famous “world-class” parkway, Icefield parkway , to the Columbia Icefield .

Join the unique experience [Glacier Adventure (Snowcoach+Skywalk)] onto Athabasca Glacier. Cruising on Maligne Lake . Experience the region’s most scenic lakes and majestic canyons in Jasper National Parks .

Yoho National Park , “rock walls and waterfalls,” as an expression of wonder and awe, it can roughly be translated as, “Wow!”

1. Air-conditioned vehicle; RM train package

2. Admission of National Park

3. Bilingual Tour Guide (English and Mandarin); Only English representative on RM trail

4. Hotel Accommodation as listed

5. Traffic Accident Liability

6. Meals: Rocky Mountaineer train onboard: 2 breakfast + 2 lunch

7. GST (Goods and Services Tax)

- Meals & All Personal Expenses such as laundry, phone & travel insurance.

- Driver/Tour Guide gratuity C$15/pp/day, airport pick up C$4/pp

- Refunds for costs caused by force majeure

- All add-on activity & meal options must be purchased 7 days before the tour start, and subject to availability of resources

The following conditions apply to cancellations and changes:  

- Reduce the number of participants on the same booking 

- Cancel the entire booking 

- Change the itinerary 

- Change the departure date but keep the same itinerary 

1. Within 45 days of departure, there will be no refunds for changes or cancellations of an entire booking (including but not limited to: activities, meals, tickets, pre-paid items, and accommodations in the itinerary).  

2. You will be charged 30% of tour fee for cancellations or modifications made more than or 46 days before departure (Refundable for activities and catering). 

The following conditions apply to booking modifications:  

- Increase the number of travelers in the itinerary（Depending on resource availability corresponding to the itinerary dates） 

- Modify the name of a traveler participating in the itinerary. 

• No changes will be made within 45 days before departure. 
• You will be charged a service fee of C$50/booking/time for changes or modifications made more than or 46 days before departure. 
• When modifying your booking, you may be charged for any services fees, penalties or additional costs due to resource circumstances. 
• If for any reason you need to cancel or modify your booking, a bank wire fee, merchandise fee, or credit card service fee, etc. will be deducted from your refund. 
• Any changes or cancellations must be made through email or fax. Verbal changes or cancellations are not accepted. 
• Cancellations and refunds are processed within 1-7 business days 

Booking notice：  

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- Guests travelling on Rocky Mountaineer are limited to two checked pieces of luggage per person. Total checked luggage weight per person is not to exceed 30 kg (66 lb.). Each piece of luggage must have an identification tag attached to it that includes name, return address, and telephone number. Oversized items, e.g., sports equipment, may be subject to a surcharge. 

- Westar and Partner Rocky Mountaineer will not be responsible for the performance of this Agreement if prevented or delayed by acts of God, strikes or other labour relations matters, accidents, weather, traffic, airport conditions, lack of performance by third-party suppliers, or other causes beyond their reasonable control from meeting its terms. Nor will they be responsible for any loss or damage relating to train cancellations or any other cancellations. 

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1. This product is a local bus tour. All foreign travelers are responsible to have ready and to bring a  valid visa . Confirm and process  eTA  in advance according to your passport type. For details, please click the link:  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp  (Electronic Travel Permit [Mandarin] for reference only： https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4iyyMVFvfM ） 

2. Please provide accurate and complete information (Name, gender, adult / child, copy of passport and contact information) when booking a tour to avoid errors that would affect your travel. If you cause a delay or cause losses due to missing or inaccurate information, you will be held responsible. 

3. If you have not received a “ Tour Confirmation” 7 days before your trip, please contact our office. 

4. To ensure a smooth and complete trip, we strongly recommend that you order activity tickets and meal packages, at the time of booking a tour.  No additional changes or modifications will be provided within 7 days before or during the tour.  

5. This product is a local bus tour. Under the premise that the promised service and standards remain unchanged, your itinerary may take place alongside another traveler’s itinerary to form a group tour. Depending on arrival and departure dates, travelers’ itinerary sequence may differ. 

6. Hotel Class: North American Hotels do not have an official hotel star rating standard. The hotels involved on the trip are local brand hotels. 

7. If the product ordered includes a train itinerary, we suggest that guests do not arrange connecting transportation (including trains, cruise ships, flights, etc.) on the same day as arrival at the end of a trip. 

8. The North American Hotel Standard Room is equipped with one large bed or two standard beds. If you have a specific request for bed types, please inform us at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

9. Product components such as: tour vehicles, hotels, restaurants, attraction facilities, etc. may have different standards (ratings, classes, quality) in different regions of the world; please understand. Our bilingual tour guides will use Mandarin and/or English to serve you. 

10. Tour vehicles: Vehicles are arranged according to the number of people in a group. In a group up to 24 passengers, the driver will also be the tour guide. In a group of more than 24 passengers, an individual driver/tour guide will be provided. 

11. Westar Travel acts only as a Tour Operator for the owners and contractors providing transportation, accommodation or other services and is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage or injury, delay or accident due to an act of default of any company engaged in providing service included in these packages. 

12. In case of force majeure including but not limited to weather, traffic accidents, etc. our company has the right to modify or cancel the itinerary. 

13. It is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for your personal benefit. 

14. Westar Travel is not responsible for any transportation cancellations or delays, climate change, or any other travel safety issues within the trip that are caused by circumstances not under our company’s control. 

Travel Notice：    

1.If your itinerary includes airport pick-up and drop-off service, please provide accurate flight information and arrive at the designated pick-up location in advance. If the pick-up or designated pick-up location is mistaken due to inaccurate information you have provided, Westar Travel reserves the right to provide second transfer services with an additional charge; according to the paid private car airport pick up service fee) or coordinate the next available pickup according to the availability. Kindly note that only one pick up service will be provided for each booking.

2.According to different hotel operation requirements, you may be required to provide credit card information as a deposit during your stay for miscellaneous expenses and incidental guarantees (such as telephone expense, laundry, catering).  

3. Before your trip, if you need any assistance, you are welcome to call our customer service: North America toll free No.: 1-855-201-8525

4. All activities and meals must be booked in advance. Please understand that no additional bookings will be provided during the tour. 

5. During the tour, please arrive at the pick-up location at the time scheduled by the tour guide .  Do not be late to avoid delaying other tourists’ itinerary. If you are late or miss the transportation we have provided, you are responsible (at your own expense) to meet the group at the next designated meeting location. 

6.During your trip, the tour guide may pick-up or drop-off travelers accommodated at different hotels. The tour guide will make reasonable arrangements according to the presented situation. Please cooperate and understand, thank you. 

7. During your trip, there may be different vehicles and tour guides serving you. 

8.If for any reason you need to leave our group during the trip, you must fill out a “Letter of Liability Release”; no exceptions. 

9. Guests under 16 years old, must be accompanied by an adult (Age 18 or above). 

10. In the event of traffic, weather, or other circumstances not under our company’s control, or if you are unable to participate in activities included in the itinerary due to personal reasons, no refunds will be given.  

11. If you have special needs (such as but not limited to: bed type, vegetarian options, high-chairs, etc.) please inform us at least 7 days before your trip. We will do our best to accommodate you, but there is no guarantee

1. In the Rockies, there can be large temperature differences between morning and evening. The average daytime temperature in summer is 25 °C, and the average night temperature is 15-18 ° C. Please prepare clothes appropriately.  

2. In the Rockies, there’s ample sunshine and usually high levels of Ultraviolet rays (UV rays) that may cause sunburn, so proper sun protection will be needed. The region has a dry climate and body lotion is one of the must-haves when traveling.  

3. When encountering wild animals, feeding is prohibited; In the case of large animals, do not leave the vehicle and approach.  

4. Smoking is strictly prohibited in hotel rooms and throughout the hotel. Violation of the rules will result in a fine of $300 CAD or more.  

5. Within the national parks, please note smoking is permitted in certain areas only. Please follow the rules and do not litter cigarette butts. Please make sure that they’re fully out in case of a fire hazard.   

6. Please note that hotels in the Rocky Mountains area are mostly 3-4 story wooden structures. Some hotels do not have elevators.   

7. For environmental protection, Rocky Mountains area hotels are not provided with toothpaste, toothbrush, slippers, comb; Only shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and soap are provided.  

8. Most hotel rooms are not equipped with kettles. If you need hot water for drinking, please ask the hotel’s front desk for assistance. If no kettle can be provided, please use the coffee machine properly as instructed.  

9. There is no “hot (boiling)” drinking water at the attractions, if necessary, please prepare it yourself before departure.  

10. Canadian voltage power is 110V, and the electrical socket is a three-pin plug: the upper one is round, and the lower two are flat and parallel.  

11. Don't forget to bring your camera and enjoy your journey! 

Exploring the Rocky Mountain National Parks of Canada by Rocky Mountaineer Luxury Train together from Vancouver with the prestige guided tour to Banff, Icefield, Yoho and Jasper !

Discover Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake and Peyto Lake .

· price quote in CAD and base on per person price on the selected date

· Child or infant shares bed with adult family member

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• Destinations BAY 8-3300 14AVE NE CALGARY AB T2A 6J4

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Calgary to Vancouver Tours & Trips

Find adventures that start in Calgary and then finish in Vancouver. Trips from Calgary to Vancouver are most popular in August, with the most tours doing this route then.

28 Calgary to Vancouver tour packages with 1,500 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Canadian Rockies: National Parks Westbound

Loved the tour and our guide was awesome very well organised and fun, adaptive and flexible. Great trip overall with lots of activities. Would be great to have a night in Victoria in a hostel rather than campground as it was too far from the city. Personally for me I would prefer more freedom on what to eat as I am quite picky and would love to have more opportunity to eat out rather than being restricted by tight food budget of a campground, also I thought I would rather spend more time doing things than cooking/washing and just pick up my own lunch on the go but thats a personal preference. Would also be great to see similar tours running for people looking for more challenging hiking. My suggestion would be to run a group once a month with the same program but substituting most hikes with moderate/difficult ones rather than super relaxed walking and put fitness level as a requirement for the trip. It seems there is a gap on the market between hardcore expiditions with heavy backpacks and chilled tours requiring below average level of fitness.

Active West Coast & Canadian Rockies

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Heart of the Canadian Rockies

We real enjoyed our time away.

Wonders of the Canadian Rockies (10 Days) (7 destinations)

See everything that you want Well organized

• Ocean Cruise

Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise

Just returned from a Cosmos Rocky Mountains and Alaska cruise . We had the most wonderful trip. Our tour guide Mark Love and driver Cam made it such a special holiday! Nothing was too much trouble,Mark had a great passion for his country and shared amazing stories and info. Cam kept the bus spotless and drove with skill ,care and safety .All Aussies on the bus which was fun too. Everything ran so smoothly and small problems were taken care of with little fuss.Lots of free time ,hotels were above expectation,scenery amazing! No food included on the land part of the tour but we loved going to local shops and most hotels had fridges to keep it in.All hotels close to the town centres . Rockymountaineer train ..we went silver leaf and great value ,carriage fantastic great views food and wine, the hotel was close in town ,gold leaf stayed outside town . Cruise on the Volendam was Amazing! Thanks Cosmos !

Great Resorts of the Canadian Rockies with the Rocky Mountaineer

The only thing that was not organised right was the weather. Otherwise everything was excellent.

Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast (Calgary To Vancouver)

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover the Canadian Rockies - Westbound National Geographic Journeys

Our Westbound tour of the Canadian Rockies with National Geographic/G Adventures was first class. It was made memorable by the care our tour guide Joanne took of what we saw, the multiple stops for photos, her knowledge of the history and geography of where we were and endless recommendations of things to do and see and where to dine. The scenery in the Rockies is breathtaking, the towns of Banff, Jasper and Whistler a delight and Victoria is charming with lots to see. Our shared house experience at Blue River with the barbecue cooked by Joanne was also something to remember.

Rocky Mountaineer Journey Through the Clouds 6-Day Tour｜Deluxe Train Vacation & Rockies Relax｜Calgary Departure

VIA Railway Experience｜7-Day Rockies Railway Full Experience Tour｜Calgary Departure

Western Journey

The views on this tour are spectacular and make it worthwhile. The distances travelled by bus are in hundreds of kilometres and long duration. There were more than enough stops. Plenty of memorable photos taken. The additional tours to lake Louise the glacier and Vancouver Island are worthwhile but tours in Canada are not inexpensive. The hotels are more than adequate though the hotel in Kamloops is a little dated. Please be aware that you will in the main be living out of a suitcase. Our driver was doing this trip for the first time and took all the necessary steps to ensure that we arrived safely. More interaction from the guide would have been appreciated.

From the Rockies to Vancouver Island

• Train & Rail

Canadian Rockies by Train

This was s bucket list trip. I was really looking forward to taking the train through the Rockies and it did not disappoint. The scenery was beautiful.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Majesty of the Rockies (Small Groups, No Cruise, Base, 9 Days, Door To Door)

Majestic Rockies & Alaskan Cruise

What people love about calgary to vancouver tours.

This trip was the best experience of my life so far! My CEO Melanie was so amazing, I felt so at ease and happy throughout every step of the tour. This is the perfect trip to see some of Canada. 100000/10 would recommend to everyone!

Was a very good tour great Tour guide & First class Driver The only down for the tour was being let down by Costsaver by being put in sub below Hotel for 2 nights in Canmore when we all thought we would have been in Banff They obviously did not inspect rooms no heating working dusty smelly rooms toilets not flushing dirty sheets even with blood on them an absolute disgrace for the money we paid for this trip Was so disappointing as rest off accomodation was above our expectations

• Canada Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Stargazing Tours & Trips 2024
• Explorer from Calgary to Vancouver (25)
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• In-depth Cultural from Calgary to Vancouver (8)
• Coach / Bus from Calgary to Vancouver (7)
• Ocean Cruise from Calgary to Vancouver (5)

Luxurious Train Trips from Vancouver

Vancouver is the perfect starting point for your Canadian train adventure. This West Coast city sits beside the Pacific Ocean against a backdrop of mountains. Give yourself time to explore the city before or after your train trip. Train rides based out of Vancouver take you through British Columbia's interior. See Canada’s beautiful valleys, rivers, lakes and mountains.

Table of contents

Popular train tours from vancouver, how to plan a train trip from vancouver, vancouver train experiences, vancouver city information, frequently asked questions.

The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations can help you pick the best Vancouver train trip for you. We specialize in creating customized trips and have a deep local knowledge of this area.

Vancouver to Banff train tours wind their way through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Get off the train and explore the region, visiting Banff and Lake Louise. Travel even further across the wide-open prairies on a Vancouver to Toronto train. It's the most comfortable way to experience the sheer scale of Canada.

There are several different train trips from Vancouver to choose from, and our travel experts have picked some of our most popular trips to share with you.

Speak to a Canadian Train Vacation Advisor to discuss all your options.

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.

Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail  

One of our bestselling Canadian Rockies train trips! This 8-day itinerary starts in Vancouver and ends in Calgary. Relax as the Rocky Mountaineer train takes you from Vancouver to Jasper. Then, spend five days in the Canadian Rockies. Travel the Icefields Parkway, see turquoise-coloured Lake Louise and explore Banff National Park. 

Miles covered on train : 594 

Days on train : 2 

Nights on train : N/A 

Vancouver to Toronto Train Tour  

On this across-Canada tour, you’ll experience a daylight sightseeing train and a sleeper train. First, enjoy the luxury of Rocky Mountaineer’s daylight train from Vancouver to Banff. Discover the beauty and wildlife of Banff and Jasper national parks before boarding VIA Rail’s The Canadian train. You will then sleep on the train for three nights before arriving in Toronto. 

Miles covered on train : 2,775 

Days on train : 5 

Nights on train : 3 

Canadian Cross Country Journey  

Spend four days and nights on VIA Rail’s The Canadian. See as the scenery changes from towering mountains to flat farmland to lake-dotted countryside. In Toronto and Vancouver, choose from a unique selection of small-group sightseeing tours for a full experience of these cities. 

Miles covered on train : 2,762 

Days on train : 4 

Nights on train : 4 

Download a brochure

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

Step 1: Plan your trip with a Canadian Insider 

There’s nothing cookie-cutter about our train tours from Vancouver . Combining deep local knowledge and a passion for sharing Canada with the world, our travel experts work directly with travellers to design their perfectly personalized experience of Canada.

Step 2: Have everything organized for you 

From booking hotel transfers and accommodations to arranging tours and activities — and even restaurant reservations — our local experts make your travel arrangements from the time you arrive in Canada to the time you leave. All you have to do is enjoy your train trip from Vancouver . 

Step 3: Get help when you need it 

We're here to make sure you get the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax on your vacation because you know that we're a phone call away if you have any questions while you're in Canada.

#1 Travel tip: Get out on the water

The coastal city of Vancouver offers some great boat tours. Get a unique perspective on the skyline or go whale watching on an guided excursion.

These are some suggested experiences for your train journey from Vancouver . Your Canadian adventure starts here.

Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer operates three daylight train routes through the Canadian Rockies. The train has an outdoor viewing platform, large windows and glass-dome coaches. Passengers enjoy optimal photo opportunities and spectacular views. The train runs from mid-April to mid-October and only during daylight hours. Each evening, passengers step off the train and stay overnight in a hotel. From Vancouver, you can go to Whistler, Quesnel, Kamloops, Jasper, Lake Louise, or Banff. City stops depend on the route you choose. 

Explore: Rocky Mountaineer Train Trips

VIA Rail Train 

VIA Rail trains operate across Canada, connecting the East Coast and the West Coast. Four main train routes run year-round. From Vancouver, you can embark on a train trip to Prince Rupert, Jasper, Winnipeg or Toronto. You can also go to Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax and more. VIA Rail offers daylight and overnight sleeper train experiences.

Explore: VIA Rail Vacations  

Sleeper Train 

There are three train routes in Canada that allow you to sleep on the train. Travel between Vancouver and Toronto on The Canadian and stop in Jasper or Winnipeg on the way. Choose to continue your travels on The Ocean train from Montreal to Halifax. You can also sleep onboard the Winnipeg to Churchill train. These sleeper train routes are available all year long. Some sleeper trains in Canada have panoramic viewing cars, so you have the best views day or night. 

• Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, Canada’s western-most province. Greater Vancouver is also Canada's third-largest metropolitan area. The city sits next to the Pacific Ocean, is close to the US border, and has the Coast Mountains to the north. Vancouver has a mild coastal climate, making it a delightful place to visit year-round. 
• You can spend hours discovering Vancouver’s neighbourhoods. Visit Robson Street for excellent shopping and dining. Stroll past Gastown's heritage buildings. Shop for local food and artisanal products at Granville Island. There are many art galleries, museums, and gardens to explore as well. Whale-watching tours and harbour cruises are popular activities during the summer. Other major attractions include Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. 
• Stanley Park, Vancouver’s first park, is considered to be one of the world's top urban parks. Close to downtown, the park features ancient cedars, rainforest, beaches, and more. Every year, the scenic seawall path is used by millions of walkers and cyclists. 
• Both Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail run trains into and out of Vancouver.

#2 Travel tip: Explore Indigenous culture

The Vancouver area is the ancestaral home for many Indigenous cultures. Learn more on a guided tour, such as Talaysay Tours in Stanley Park, or take in the stunning art at a gallery, such as the Bill Reid Gallery.

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What our customers say, the logistics were perfect.

The train travel was great. The quantity and quality of tours were just right. We enjoyed being busy but also having some downtime and some time to explore on our own. The places w...   read more

Isaac and Ellen

A wonderful trip

Yesterday we reached Victoria after a wonderful trip you arranged for us from Toronto to Vancouver as part of our Canadian ocean-to-ocean excursion. We learned a lot and saw a lot...   read more

Mary and Edwin

We will be back!

We arrived in our favourite city last night after a really enjoyable exploration of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Welcomed back to the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel by a smiling girl a...   read more

Jennie and David

ACT, Australia

Why book 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.

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.

Where can I travel from Vancouver by train?

Train journeys from Vancouver can take you to the Canadian Rockies or across Canada. Rocky Mountaineer’s trains go from Vancouver to Lake Louise, Jasper or Banff. VIA Rail’s The Canadian train runs from Vancouver to Toronto, with stops in Jasper and Winnipeg.

Is there a train from Vancouver to Banff?

The Rocky Mountaineer runs a train from Vancouver to Banff. This Vancouver scenic train ride only operates between mid-April to mid-October. If you’re looking to travel outside of these months, please ask us and we can advise you how to get from Vancouver to Banff.

How long is the train ride from Vancouver to Banff?

Train rides from Vancouver to Banff take two full days. On this Rocky Mountaineer route, passengers stop in Kamloops for one night along the way. The train leaves early in the morning and arrives in Banff in the evening.

How far is Vancouver from Toronto?

The driving distance between Vancouver and Toronto is approximately 4,500 kilometres (2796 miles). Canadian train trips Vancouver to Toronto take four days and four nights.

How much is the train journey from Vancouver to Toronto?

There are several options for a Vancouver to Toronto train trip. One example is below.

Our Vancouver to Toronto train package includes two train rides. A train journey from Vancouver to Banff and then from Jasper to Toronto. Pricing starts from $6,090 USD per person for an 11-day trip, including transfers, hotels, and some meals and activities. Schedule a call with one of our Canadian Train Vacation Advisors to learn about trips to suit your preferences and budget.

Is there a train from Vancouver to Calgary?

There is no train between Vancouver and Calgary. Anyone travelling to Calgary would get the train to Banff, Jasper or Lake Louise, then drive the rest of the way. Approximate driving distances to Calgary: Banff - 1.5 hours, Lake Louise - 2 hours, Jasper - 5 hours.

About the author: Louise Weiss is Director of Legendary Hospitality with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for more than 25 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in North Vancouver and has spent time...   Read more

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Rockies Passage: Westbound

4 day rocky mountaineer train trip.

from Calgary/Banff to Vancouver

This quick 4-day tour takes you aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer for two full days along the historic Canadian Pacific Railway route from Banff National Park to Vancouver. While enjoying world-class service you will see the most iconic of Canada’s landscapes: mountains, lakes, and waterfalls through the domed glass windows of the train. Included on either end of the trip is a hotel stay in Banff and Vancouver, as well as a complimentary shuttle service from Calgary to Banff at the start of the tour.

Travel Dates in 2024 & 2025

2024 start dates - westbound.

Starting on Sundays and Thursdays with occasional Mondays

2025 Start Dates - Westbound

Travel summary.

• Day 1: Arrival in Calgary and Scenic Transfer to Banff - overnight in Banff
• Day 2: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops - overnight in Kamloops
• Day 3 : Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver - overnight in Vancouver
• Day 4 : Vancouver Departure

What's Included

• 2 day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches onboard train
• 3 nights hotel accommodation
• Transfer from Calgary airport or downtown to Banff
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff (select hotels in Vancouver and Banff only)
• Gratuities/tip for onboard train staff
• Independent Tour

Not Included

• Transportation to Vancouver airport (available, please ask for details)
• Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Gratuities/tip for hotel and transfer staff
• Canadian sales tax

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - arrival in calgary and scenic transfer to banff.

Arrive in Calgary and enjoy the scenery as you leave the city and transfer out to the mountains. The transfer to Banff takes approximately two hours. The resort town of Banff is located within Banff National Park, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. You’ll have some time to explore before spending the night in this charming mountain town.

Day 2 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops

Today your spectacular train journey commences. After a short transfer to the Banff Station, board the Rocky Mountaineer train. Toast a breathtaking trip through the Rockies with your hosts and enjoy an uncompromised view of the untouched landscapes our country is famous for.

Learning about landmarks like the Spiral Tunnels and Glacier National Park as you view them from your dome car will add a sense of awe to your ride. After a full day of mountain peaks, fine dining, and awe-inspiring views, a dramatic change of scenery will take place as you approach the drier environment of the city of Kamloops, your home for the night.

Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver

Today the mountains return and combine with thick fir forests and the Fraser River to create a spectacular setting for your second day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Today, one of the highlights will be passing by Hell’s Gate, a narrow canyon that transforms the Fraser River into a powerful surge of water rapids.

Arrive in Vancouver in the late afternoon and after checking into your hotel, take the time to wander through this incredible city on the west coast of Canada. Overnight in your hotel located in downtown Vancouver.

Day 4 - Vancouver Departure

Your tour ends once you’ve checked out of your hotel. Another incredible bucket list item has been added to your list of world travels. Thank you for traveling with Canada Rail Vacations!

4 Day Tour Pricing 2024 & 2025

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*Book your 2025 Canada Rail Vacation now and receive 2024 pricing for 2025 travel **You’ll also receive complimentary hotel room upgrades where available

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Pricing Details:

• Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars and are subject to an additional 5% Canadian sales tax.
• Prices are based on double occupancy. For single and triple sharing, please request a quote .
• To qualify for any current Specials , please request a quote .
• Upgrades to Premium hotel rooms (5 stars) and Private Tours/Transfers are available. Please  request a quote .

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10 Scenic Train Trips Across Canada

• Train trips have become popular among travelers in Canada as a more sustainable and enjoyable way to explore the country's natural wonders.
• From coast to coast, Canada offers scenic train journeys that allow passengers to experience breathtaking landscapes, French culture, and stunning architecture.
• Whether it's admiring polar bears in Churchill, witnessing fall foliage in Nova Scotia, or cycling through the Niagara region, there are many unique train trips in Canada for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

The world is slowly adopting the green economy as a way of saving the planet from destruction. Even travelers haven’t been left behind. Most of them have recognized that airplanes and vehicles are not sustainable ways of traveling and are exploring other options. For this reason, train trips have become more common and appealing.

Canada is a large country with many beautiful natural wonders and top destinations to visit . And seeing them through a window is the best way to experience the country. Besides phenomenal views, train passengers enjoy comfortable, stress-free, and relaxing trips. They only need to occupy their seat and enjoy the ride. Here are 10 scenic train trips across Canada.

16 Thrilling Sleeper Train Journeys In Europe To Add To Your Bucket List

Canada coast to coast by train, see niagara falls, lake louise, and peggy's cove.

Coast-to-coast by train is one of the best train trips in Canada. It is a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, including Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, and Peggy’s Cove. Travelers are offered time on VIA Rail and travel in a sleeper company. The journey starts in Halifax and ends in Vancouver. Taking this ride lets one enjoy the French culture in Canada, stunning architecture, and scenic landscapes.

• Trip distance from Halifax to Vancouver: 4,466 kilometers
• Trip length: 4 days and 4 nights
• Cost : Around $11,380

Vancouver To Toronto On The Canadian

Traveling through forests, mountain peaks, and waterfalls.

The Canadian is a flagship train that offers three classes: economy, sleeper plus, and prestige. Unlike planes, it has large reclining seats with plenty of legroom. The trip includes presenters, musicians, and wine-tasting sessions. The train leaves Vancouver for Toronto, and visitors can see forests, mountain peaks, waterfalls, valleys, and wildlife along the way. It passes through Jasper National Park, stops for some time, and continues to Toronto.

• Trip distance from Vancouver to Toronto: 4,466 kilometers
• Trip length: Almost 4 days
• Cost: Varies between routes and towns, but around CAD 2,500 per person during winter (Approximately $1,850 USD)

Lord Of The Wilderness Bear Viewing In The Canadian

See grizzlies in a wilderness lodge and polar bears up north.

Here is something for wildlife lovers. The train drives passengers across Canada, from Vancouver to Winnipeg. The adventure begins on the West Coast, where passengers go to a wilderness lodge to see grizzly bears. Then, they board The Canadian train in Vancouver, which takes them across the Canadian Rockies before arriving in Winnipeg. After the journey ends, passengers are recommended to fly to Northern Manitoba, the Polar Bear Capital of the world, to explore the arctic tundra and look for polar bears before returning to Winnipeg.

• Trip distance from Vancouver to Winnipeg: Approximately 1,866 kilometers
• Trip length: 3 days and 2 nights
• Cost: $13,430

Winnipeg To Churchill VIA Rail

Admire lush prairie land, huge boreal forests, & hudson bay's polar bears.

Regardless of the time of the year someone is traveling, they are guaranteed things to wow about every step of this trip. From Winnipeg, passengers can admire the lush land at Rivière Rouge and Rivière Assiniboine confluence. As they travel, they can see the waters of Lake near The Pas, the huge boreal forest encompassing the Thompson, and finally, the rocky shores of Hudson Bay in Churchill, where they can see polar bears and belugas in their habitat. For those who’ve never seen the Prairies, this VIA Rail trip will bring them up close.

• Trip distance from Winnipeg to Churchill: 1,710 kilometers
• Trip length : 44 hours 55 minutes
• Cost: From $199

Montreal To Halifax On The Ocean

See whales in the gulf, clear miramichi river, and sugarloaf mountain.

The Ocean journey runs on the Gulf of St Lawrence and passes through New Brunswick before the train heads to Nova Scotia. This is the oldest route in North America and has been operating since 1904. Passengers are rewarded with phenomenal views of the Gulf of Lawrence, where they can spot whales. From there, they can see clear waters as the train crosses the Miramichi River, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Acadian communities. Fall is the perfect time for this trip as travelers see the leaves turn into shades of yellow, red, and gold.

• Trip distance from Montreal to Halifax: 1,346 kilometers
• Trip length: 21+ hours
• Cost: $210 on Economy

Jasper To Prince George On The Rupert Rocket

Tour glassy lakes and charming agricultural towns in central british columbia.

This trip across central British Columbia isn’t popular, especially among the international community. But, it is a very scenic journey to consider. The Rupert Rocket goes over several days to allow travelers to check out daylight vistas. But, passengers organize their accommodation. Along the way, they see glassy lakes and charming and historic towns filled with agricultural produce and wildlife. Some drives include meals and drinks. Others don’t. But regardless of the ride, guests are assured of phenomenal views.

• Trip distance from Jasper to Prince: 1,160 kilometers
• Trip length : 2 days
• Cost: Around $260

Getting From New York City To Niagara Falls: 16 Things To Know

White pass & yukon route railway, see trestles, gorges, and glaciers on a historic railway climbing 3,000 feet with views of skagway harbor.

The White Pass and Yukon Route is a great ride for those who want to learn about the history of Alaska. It leaves Skagway and offers scenic views while allowing ample time to enjoy the area’s other charms. The train goes through Shyster and climbs almost 3,000 feet above sea level. Passengers pass through an inspiration point that looks down on the Skagway Harbor. Dead Horse Gulch with bleached bones of perished animals can be seen. Before reaching the White Pass Summit, travelers have a chance to see the headwaters of the Yukon River.

• Trip distance from Skagway to Whitehorse is: 172 kilometers
• Trip length: 2-2.75 hours
• Cost: $140 for adults, $70 for children

Banff To Calgary On Royal Canadian Experience

Fine dining and canadian rockies views through the alberta prairies.

Fine dining and luxurious accommodations are why people book this trip. On top of that, passengers are rewarded with exceptional views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Royal Canadian Experience is a charming and delightful trip, starting in Calgary and traversing through the Alberta Prairies. There is an off-train experience that allows travelers to visit historical attractions such as Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. They can also see Banff and Lake Louise’s cinematic views along the way.

• Trip distance from Banff to Calgary : Around 127 kilometers
• Trip length : 4 nights, 5 days
• Cost: From $14,000 CAD per person ( Approximately $10,360 USD)

16 Beautiful Towns In Alberta That Give Banff A Run For Its Money

Quebec city to la malbaie on the train de charlevoix, stop at beaches, cliffs, and charming villages.

The Train de Charlevoix travels from the old Quebec City to La Malbaie while making several stops. It is a fun journey with opportunities to hike, cycle, and admire picturesque villages. Passengers can enjoy the beach at Saint-Irenee and later get history lessons at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, or soak up the beauty of the charming towns and cliffs from the comfort of the train. There are different packages, allowing travelers to choose one they like.

• Trip distance from Quebec City to La Malbaie: 125 kilometers
• Trip length: Under 4 miles
• Cost: From $248

Toronto To Niagara Falls On The Greenbelt Express

Perfect for cyclists to stop at waterfalls and wineries.

Nature lovers and cyclists should take this trip on the Greenbelt Express . It is a seasonal train operating around the Niagara region, designed for those who want to experience nature on a two-wheeler. The train is designed with special bike cars that come with in-built racks. From waterfalls to wineries, there are many sights to visit, and the good thing is that the train makes several stops throughout the entire route, allowing passengers to enjoy many cycling trails.

• Trip distance from Toronto to Niagara Falls: 50 kilometers
• Cost: Around $399 for two cyclists

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Everything you need to know about the train from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies

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Travellers who want to explore Canada's Rocky Mountains by train have several options from Vancouver. 

Three train companies offer service out of Pacific Central Station through the bucket-list destination, including Amtrak, the Rocky Mountaineer, and Via Rail.

While Amtrak has routes across North America, it uses Via Rail's trains through the Rockies. However, it packages them with other things, such as accommodations, cruises, activities, and more, to offer complete vacations. 

Travellers who prefer to create personalized itineraries without pre-selected lodging and activities may wish to book directly through Via Rail. 

The Rocky Mountaineer is considered one of the world's leading luxury scenic rail operators, offering multiple tours through the Rockies featuring panoramic views, gourmet food, and knowledgeable guides. 

Amtrak also provides low-cost train rides to Seattle and other U.S. destinations, while Via Rail offers cross-Canada trips from the city.

Here's a look at planning a train trip from Vancouver through the majestic Canadian Rockies on Via Rail, Amtrak, or the Rocky Mountaineer.

Travellers can experience several routes on a Via Rail journey across Canada.

The train from Vancouver to Toronto , known as the Canadian, can be broken down into segments if travellers want to explore some select cities. However, the train won't come through those cities daily, meaning they must stay there for at least a couple of nights before they can resume their journey. 

To book a multi-stop itinerary, travellers can call VIA Rail and make arrangements with a representative. If they only wish to make one or two stops, it may be possible to keep the price they'd pay for booking "The Canadian" minus the stops. However, they should arrange this as the booking is made rather than after in case space fills up. 

A one-way economy class ticket from Vancouver to Toronto may cost $500 to $700 based on availability. This class of service has lots of legroom and "comfortable reclinable seats." 

Travellers hoping to catch a decent night's sleep may want to book Sleeper Plus tickets. These tickets are in upper or lower areas where travellers can fully stretch out in a "semi-private" bed. There is a curtain to close at night but the area is communal. During the day, they may be seated across from other people but also have access to other carts, including the  Skyline car , the  Park car , the  Renaissance car  and the  Dining car , based on route and season. 

Sleeper Plus tickets include onboard accommodations for one or two people. Passengers have access to common showers. 

Folks who want to travel across the country in ultimate comfort should opt for Prestige Class cabins. These private accommodations feature "a modular leather sofa that can be transformed into a double bed" and a personal concierge. Guests can enjoy gourmet, three-course meals and watch movies from their cabin on a large flatscreen TV. Each cabin also has a private bathroom.  

The Prestige options offer an "unparalleled level of elegance, comfort and privileged service," with prices starting at $2,500 (see slide two).

Passengers in Sleeper class or higher can relax in the  Business lounge  and enjoy free beverages, newspapers and Wi-Fi.

Amtrak Vacations 

The Amtrak train from Vancouver to Seattle is a popular option but the company also partners with other Canadian travel providers for holiday voyages.

• Related: Is it cheaper to take the bus or train from Vancouver to Seattle in 2024?

Amtrak Vacations include hotels and day trips with the Canadian by Via Rail for travellers who want to savour their time in the Rockies.

The Canadian Rockies Discovery Eastbound trip includes a seven-day journey through the Rocky Mountains that kicks off with a couple of days in Vancouver (see slide three). On a Hop On Hop Off tour, tourists will visit the city's most popular attractions, such as Stanely Park, Granville Island, and many others. They'll also stop to get a bird's eye view of the city from the Vancouver Lookout. 

The Hampton Inn & Suites Vancouver is included in the price but guests can upgrade to another accommodation.

On day three, guests will journey from Downtown Vancouver to Victoria via BC Ferries to discover some Vancouver Island highlights before heading to the Rockies (see slide four).

Guests who live in Vancouver and want to skip the local highlights can call Amtrak Vacations to start with one night's hotel or simply begin on the train. This may reduce the cost of total package price, too.

On day four, passengers will board VIA Rail’s The Canadian from Vancouver's Pacific Central Station en route to Jasper. The journey begins with a "sparkling wine send-off in one of the train’s many domed observation cars while passing through Vancouver’s eastern suburbs and into British Columbia’s agricultural heartland." 

Guests spend two days in Jasper and then enjoy a leisurely drive to scenic Banff, home to "wildlife, pristine lakes, and breathtaking mountain peaks along the world-famous Icefields Parkway."

The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest stretches of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Guests can step out on a glass-floored observation platform to view some of the frozen wonderland. They can hop on the Ice Explorer for an interactive ride where they will get "up close and personal with massive glaciers."

After an overnight in Banff, travellers head will soak in the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Louise. They can relax at the historical Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or enjoy activities like canoeing, camping, or wildlife viewing in the area.

Passengers are transported to Alberta's largest city, Calgary, on day nine and the trip ends the following day. 

The packages start at US$1,449 per person before taxes or roughly C$1,979.81 based on the current exchange rate.

Several other Amtrak Vacations options include the Canadian Rocky Mountains but add in some other cities south of the border. However, these packages are longer and more costly but travellers get to see some U.S. highlights, too.

Rocky Mountaineer

Western Canada's popular Rocky Mountaineer is praised for its massive picture windows and glass-dome ceilings. The luxury rail tour operator takes guests on awe-inspiring trips through the Rocky Mountains, connecting Vancouver to Banff and Jasper in Alberta. 

Since it was founded in 1990, the Canadian rail tour company has transported over two million guests, "making it the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world."

In its Goldeaf category , guests can enjoy "elegantly plated meals" made with local ingredients in the dining car, including mains like Alberta Striploin Steak, Crispy Skin Lake Louise Steelhead, and Fraser Valley Chicken Paillard. 

There is also an outdoor viewing platform to enjoy the scenery "closer to the action."

Passengers can ride the train by day and then sleep in one of the company's Goldleaf hotels by night. For example, guests travelling to Vancouver stay at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, considered a landmark in the downtown core. In Jasper, they stay at the Fairmont Jasper Lake Lodge in the wooden chalet or heritage cabin on the shores of Lac Beauvert.

The company's Silverleaf  menu also includes gourmet food and well-reviewed hotels. However, they aren't quite as flashy as the top-tier selection. Also, the Silverleaf menu has several entrees to choose from at dinner, while the Silverleaf only has a couple. The menu changes changes each night, though. 

Short Journeys include one or two days on board the train and one or two nights in a mid-point hotel; they end in a different place than they start. 

Rockies Highlights include two or three days on any route, one or two nights in a mid-point hotel, one to two nights in Vancouver, two to seven nights in the Rockies, and "extra days to explore in the Canadian Rockies or American Southwest." These journeys also end in a different place than they begin. 

Circle Journeys include four or five days onboard on any two routes, two or three nights in a mid-point hotel, one to two nights in Vancouver, two to six nights in the Rockies, and also have extra days in the Rockies or American Southwest. Unlike the other options, these tours return to the same location where they began (see slide five). 

Travellers should prepare to pay more for an experience on the Rocky Mountaineer than with Amtrak Vacations or Via Rail. Since it is considered a luxury operator, the company charges a premium.

For example, a 10-day Canadian Rockies Circle Journey also includes stops in Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and a visit to the Columbia Icefields. It starts and ends in Vancouver and also includes stops in Kamloops and costs around $6,590 to $12,053 per guest.

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Passenger rail master plan coming to Alberta with goal to connect Calgary to Banff, Edmonton

The Government of Alberta announced Calgary will be connected by rail to major tourism and economic hubs in a 15-year plan to expand transportation options for Albertans and visitors to the province.

Premier Danielle Smith announced the passenger rail master plan on April 29, which included a Crown corporation to operate like Ontario’s Metrolinx to develop rail infrastructure, oversee daily operations, collect fares and provide bookings, and plan for future expansion.

Among the destinations included in the announcement would be from Calgary to Edmonton, a connector to the Calgary International Airport, and Calgary to Banff.

“We want to build stronger connections along Alberta’s busiest corridor and to Alberta’s top tourist destination,” said Premier Smith.

“I mentioned the lack of rail connections to Alberta’s two primary airports from downtown core but we’re looking into more than that. We don’t want to leave those in surrounding communities on the outside of these mobility solutions.”

Premier Smith said that the province had to step in to create a master plan for rail travel in the province, because of all of the different stakeholders involved.

“We see the value in a commuter passenger line that connects folks in those communities to the Calgary airport and then on to the downtown core. In the case of Airdrie, for a more streamlined and relaxed commute. We believe that a solution like that will also work in Edmonton and the entire capital region,” Smith said.

Premier Smith said that the province had received multiple unsolicited proposals for rail and transportation networks in the province, including that of a Hyperloop between Calgary and Edmonton.

“We got to thinking, what happens, how do these all integrate together, and who’s going to lead the discussions talking to the City of Calgary and the City of Edmonton? who’s going to lead the discussions talking to CN and CP about using their right of way? How are we going to solve the problem of the choke point getting into downtown. It seemed to us that that was really only us who could do it,” she said.

Feasibility study first step in rail project

She said that a feasibility study would scope out the cost of the rail system, and compare the potential billions in development costs to that of creating six, eight, and 10-lane highways in the province.

“Plus, we want to leverage our private sector partners as much as we possibly can, if we can create the provincial initiative that will solve some of the choke points coming into the downtowns,” she said.

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, said that analysis would look at the transportation needs well into the next decade.

He said that the rail plan would be broken out into six different phases, consisting of two commuter rail plans for Calgary and Edmonton to their respective airports and surrounding communities, a high-speed rail line from Calgary to Edmonton with a stop in Red Deer, and tourism lines going to Banff and Jasper.

Other connected cities would include Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, and other southern Alberta communities.

“This master plan will look forward decades and we’ll identify concrete actions that can be taken now to build the optimal passenger rail network for Alberta,” said Minister Dreeshen.

“As part of the master plan, our government will engage a wide variety of stakeholders including Albertans to gain their perspectives. The input received throughout the development of the master rail plan is critical to its success.”

Under the province’s 2024 budget, $9 million was set aside to create a rail master plan.

The time is right for rail, says Premier

Speaking on the feasibility of a province-wide rail project, Premier Smith pointed to the population sizes of Ontario cities when commuter rail service was introduced in that province.

“When I visited the Metrolinx in Ontario, one of the things that they told me in that very first commuter line they did between Oakville and Pickering, they established that, and I think it was 1968 when the Toronto area was 1.6 million people,” she said.

“We’re kind of in that zone in both the Edmonton area and the Calgary area, which is why we want to look at the pieces that make the most sense right off the top.”

She said there was also an expectation from tourists, like those visiting Vancouver, that there is rail service available for them.

“I think there’s an expectation for tourists that when they arrive at the airport, they should be able to efficiently get downtown with rail.”

Premier Smith said that in terms of likely implementation, commuter lines would come first, followed by the airport lines.

“We’ll have to get some advice on when it’s feasible to build it out between Calgary and Edmonton airports,” she said.

The rail plan, said Minister Dreeshen, would be a first of its kind as a holistic examination of rail service in the province. Previous studies, including several going back to the start of the 1980s, have looked at rail service in Alberta.

Both Minister Dreeshen and Premier Smith emphasized the need for private industry to become involved in the provincial development of rail service.

Construction would still be at least several years away from starting, Dreeshen said.

“If there are any provincial construction dollars, it’s kind of that budget ’26 time period, and then construction is assumed best-case scenario by 2027.”

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Thanks in advance

Have a nice weekend

22 replies to this topic

A classic half way, hotel on the highway on the edge of a city option, would be Kamloops, lots of options in all budget ranges there.

Another popular option would be Revelstoke, an excellent quaint mountain town to walk, views, great restaurants. This isn't quite half way.

A 3rd option I would probably do if I needed a half way point, would be to leave early from Canmore, stop in Revelstoke for a few hours, have lunch, and continue to Sicamous. Stop at D-Duchman for an ice cream and take in the petting zoo and food vendors, and then stay near the harbour, or continue onwards to Salmon Arm for the night.

How many nights in total do you have? Are you planning on any time in Vancouver ?

The problem with all 5 nights in Canmore you are limiting yourself and not seeing Jasper?

Personally I’d forget the drive to Vancouver, add those 2 nights into your time in the Rockies.

3 nights Canmore for Banff National Park, 3 nights Jasper, 1 night Lake Louise and fly to Vancouver from Calgary .

5 days we are staying in. Canmore because of family event.

Would not want to miss Jasper but it seems it’s not on the way to Vancouver .

Maybe as suggested we go to jasper and then fly to Vancouver from Calgary ? As we are flying from all the way from Africa it’s once in lifetime chance and don’t want to miss. We have to be in Vancouver by 1st July as we have booked Alaska cruise on 2nd July

We have booked Canmore from 23rd June to 28th june. So we have 2 days , 3 days max , am really confused how to go about it

To be able to make most of our stay around Banff area.

From jasper to Vancouver it’s 8 and half hour, acc to google but it could be more dep on road traffic etc

Not sure if that’s feasible considering the short amount of time

Appreciate all the advice

Need help to make the most of this trip

Also the road conditions, we don’t really know whether highways or single lanes, I realize it will be mointaneous

I hope we p,an wisely to make most of the area as it’s once in lifetime experience

You are coming over an extremely busy weekend. July 1st is Canada Day and highways will be busy, you also might have trouble finding accommodation.

Visitors to Canada often underestimate the distance involved and the time required to travel it.

Canada Day weekend will have very busy highways.

Whether you do Jasper or not, do NOT miss doing at least half of the Icefield parkway. Find a way to set aside 4-8 hours to do it. Lots of opportunity to pull over for viewpoints and short hikes.

Oh didn’t realize that! Thanks for the advice and will def look into it .

So it will be long weekend , as July first is Monday !! things will be busy over the weekend !

The next day as we don’t want to feel rushed or drive after 7 pm ( not sure if it’s safe as well as we don’t want to drive once it’s dar)

We are a couple in our sixties in fairly good health and mobile

I appreciate You drawing our attention to this fact

Or maybe it will be better we just fly out from Calgary to Vancouver , would that be a better option ? How bad is the traffic on highways during this holiday? Could we be stuck for hours? We would prefer not to be on the road after daylight

It will be daylight from approximately 4:30am until 9:30pm in late June. 😊 It will be dusk until well after 10pm.

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