I am often asked about train travel through the Canadian Rockies. Seeing the mountains and rivers pass by outside the window of a train is a very special way to experience the Rockies.
In Canada, there are two main options:
- VIA Rail’s The Canadian – This train goes twice a week in each direction on the route Vancouver-Kamloops-Jasper-Edmonton as part of the route connecting Vancouver and Toronto.
- The Rocky Mountaineer – Two key routes go seasonally Vancouver-Jasper and Vancouver-Banff.
Here are some of the differences and trade-offs if you are looking at your options:
| The Canadian | The Rocky Mountaineer |
| Operated by VIA Rail as part of the Toronto-Vancouver route. | A private train operating company with several routes in the Rocky Mountains. |
| Stops in Jasper (on its way to Edmonton and further east) | Ends in Jasper (“Journey through the Clouds”) or Banff (“First Passage to the West”) depending on route. This is the only passenger train that travels to Lake Louise and Banff. |
| Often travels scenic portions in darkness, including through Fraser and Thompson Canyon | Entire trip in daylight. |
| A traditional “sleeper” train with private ‘rooms’ as well as upper and lower ‘berths’ and three meals a day in a dining car. | Daylight only travel with an overnight stop in Kamloops where passengers stay overnight in hotels. |
| Three classes: – Prestige – large bedroom and all-inclusive meals and drinks – Sleeper Plus – berths and bedrooms with meals included in dining car – Economy – seats with access to a snack car and dome | Two classes: – Gold Leaf – two level dome car with meals served downstairs – Silver Leaf – single level dome car with meals served at your seat |
| Two or more dome cars with views forward, back and up. | Large glass windows on sides and above; has an outdoor viewing platform for “Gold Leaf” passengers. |
| More affordable, especially for seniors and during sales | More expensive |
| Operates year-round | Seasonal |
I have done both options and would recommend both, depending on your travel plans and budget. See my trip descriptions of riding The Canadian and the Rocky Mountaineer.
If your goal is to see the mountains then the Rocky Mountaineer is the better option with its daytime-only travel, outdoor viewing platform and route to Banff. The Canadian is also a great experience, particularly if your travel plans include coming or going from Toronto, or you want the traditional sleeper-train experience — private berths, a dome car, and a white-tablecloth dining car.