The Canadian Rockies are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. With stunning snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, thundering waterfalls and abundant wildlife, this area is a nature lover’s paradise. One of the best ways to experience the magnificent Canadian Rockies is by train. A rail journey through this iconic landscape allows you to sit back, relax and soak up the incredible views.
Why Take a Train Trip Through the Canadian Rockies
Taking a train ride through the Canadian Rockies offers many advantages over driving or flying. Here are some of the top reasons to book a Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Rail Canada train trip:
Enjoy Panoramic Views
Trains travel along routes with front-row views of the mountains that cars and buses can’t access. Floor-to-ceiling windows in train coaches let you immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery. It’s a comfortable way to experience the Rockies.
No Strenuous Driving
You avoid the stress of driving on winding mountain roads. On a train, you can sit back and relax while taking in the views. Train travel through the Rockies is smooth and comfortable.
Luxury Services
Rocky Mountaineer trains offer luxury gold and silver service with gourmet meals served at your seat. VIA Rail’s The Canadian train has sleeper cabins, fine dining and excellent service. The trains are designed for sightseeing in style.
Opportunities to Explore Destinations
The trains make stops at key destinations like Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. You can spend time in each place hiking, shopping or doing optional excursions. The trains are a scenic way to travel between destinations.
Meet Fellow Travelers
Striking up conversations with fellow train passengers is part of the experience. Enjoy mingling with other travellers who also appreciate the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Popular Canadian Rockies Train Journeys
From luxurious multi-day trips to scenic day trips, there are some amazing rail journeys to choose from for your Canadian Rockies train vacation. Here are some of the most popular routes:
The Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer operates four rail routes through British Columbia and Alberta. The trains travel in daylight for optimal viewing and stop overnight so you can stay in towns like Kamloops, Lake Louise and Jasper. GoldLeaf Service includes dome-level seating with panoramic views, gourmet meals and an outdoor viewing platform. SilverLeaf Service offers single-level seating with meals served at your seat.
VIA Rail’s The Canadian
VIA Rail’s famous transcontinental train The Canadian travels between Toronto and Vancouver. The 4-day journey crosses the Rocky Mountains and stops in places like Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper National Park and Kamloops. Sleeper cabins and dome car seating provide prime viewing.
Royal Canadian Pacific
For the ultimate luxury, Royal Canadian Pacific offers high-end vintage train experiences between Calgary and Vancouver. Travel like royalty in elegant, restored rail cars with fine dining, open bars and first-class service. This 6-day journey through Banff and Yoho National Parks is a dream vacation.
Day Trips
Take memorable day trips like the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver or Jasper to Kamloops. VIA Rail offers day trips to Jasper National Park from Edmonton, Winnipeg and Saskatoon. These short rail excursions let you sample the mountain scenery.
No matter which rail journey you pick, you’ll be rewarded with phenomenal views and unique perspectives of the Canadian Rockies that you can only get by train.
Planning Your Canadian Rockies Train Trip
A well-planned rail trip through the Canadian Rockies will help you make the most of your vacation. Follow these tips when booking your train vacation:
Choose a Route
Decide if you want to travel east to west or west to east. Travelling east to west on the trains provides better views in the morning. Determine key places like Banff, Jasper or Vancouver you want to visit and pick a route stopping in those destinations.
Book Early
Trains often sell out during the peak months of May through September. Reserve your tickets 4-6 months in advance for the best availability and prices on Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail.
Select a Service Class
Figure out which class of service best fits your budget and travel style. GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf for Rocky Mountaineer? Sleeper Plus or Economy for VIA Rail?
Add Excursions
Book any excursions like a glacier helicopter tour or gondola ride in advance to ensure availability. This avoids disappointment later.
Reserve Lodging
If your rail package doesn’t include hotels, be sure to book lodging in advance at your destinations. Hotels sell out fast in peak season.
Proper planning ensures your Canadian Rockies train adventure runs smoothly. Reach out to the knowledgeable booking agents at the rail companies for help designing your ideal itinerary.
What Are the Best Times to Visit the Canadian Rockies by Train?
The Canadian Rockies shine in different seasons, each offering its own charms. Here are the best times to go:
Summer (June to August)
Summer has long days perfect for sightseeing by train. You’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures and see the Rockies blanketed in green forests and wildflowers. It’s peak tourist season though, so book early.
Fall (September to October)
Fall brings vibrant golden colors to the larch and aspen trees as well as fewer crowds. You’ll get crisp, sunny days and maybe the first snow dusting the peaks. It’s an excellent time for train travel.
Winter (November to March)
Winter train journeys showcase the Rockies covered in snow. You’ll see frosty peaks and maybe spot winter wildlife like moose. The Christmas season offers festive trips. Dress warm though – the train cars can get chilly.
Spring (April to May)
In spring, see the Rockies wake up with fresh blooms, rushing waterfalls and active wildlife emerging from hibernation. Mild weather and lower prices make spring a nice time for a train trip.
No matter when you go, the magnificent scenery along the rail routes shines. A train ride through the Canadian Rockies will exceed your expectations any time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Rockies Train Trips
How long do Canadian Rockies train trips take?
Trips range from day trips taking a few hours to multi-day journeys up to a week long. Popular routes like Calgary to Vancouver take 2 days one-way. Factor in time to stop and explore destinations along the way.
What is the difference between Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail?
Rocky Mountaineer trains focus solely on sightseeing excursions through the Rockies. VIA Rail operates the transcontinental Canadian train along with other routes. Rocky Mountaineer provides superior viewing and luxury while VIA Rail offers budget-friendly options.
What are the trains like?
The Rocky Mountaineer trains are designed for optimal viewing with oversized windows and single or double-level seating. VIA Rail’s trains also have great viewing cars. Many trains have dome sections for 360 degree views. The cars are modern, comfortable and air-conditioned.
What accommodation is available?
Rocky Mountaineer travels during daylight so you stay in hotels at night. VIA Rail’s The Canadian has sleeper cabins. Royal Canadian Pacific provides luxury hotel stays. Your rail package may include hotels or you can book your own.
What is there to do on the trains?
On Rocky Mountaineer, guides provide interesting narrative and commentary. The trains have kitchens, so you can observe chefs preparing regional cuisine. Lounges provide space to relax and socialize. Outdoor viewing platforms are great for photography. VIA Rail also offers excellent sightseeing.
How much do the train trips cost?
Rail travel through the Canadian Rockies is a premium vacation experience. Fares depend on the route, date and service level selected. Packages typically start around CAD 1,000 per person for a multi-day Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Rail trip. Luxury Royal Canadian Pacific trips cost over CAD 6,000 per person.
Riding the rails through the majestic Canadian Rockies provides an unforgettable travel experience. With incredible scenery, luxury service and unique perspectives, a train journey is one of the best ways to see this beautiful region.
Book Your Trip With FAMF Limo Inc
After your amazing train journey through the Canadian Rockies, continue the luxury by booking a limousine service with FAMF limo inc. Their premium chauffeured vehicles will pick you up at the train station and whisk you away to your hotel or next destination in style. FAMF limo inc offers top-of-the-line transportation throughout Canada’s major cities including Vancouver, Banff, Calgary and Toronto. Their professional drivers provide door-to-door service so you can relax after your rail adventure. Book your luxury limo rides with Famflimoinc to make your vacation seamless and stress-free. With Famflimoinc, you’ll travel in comfort and sophistication.
