The story of Banff National Park begins with its bubbling hot springs and the railroad. In 1883, Canadian Pacific Railway laborers building Canada's transcontinental railroad discovered natural hot springs on the side of Sulphur Mountain. This discovery eventually led to the establishment of Banff as Canada's first national park, and, shortly after, that same railroad helped fuel Banff tourism. Travelers came from across the country for alpine adventures. Today, vacationers can experience that same excitement on a train trip to Banff.
Banff tours from Vancouver feature some of the country's great rail journeys: The all-daylight Rocky Mountaineer train into Alberta or an overnight trip on VIA Rail's Canadian train. Once in the lush Canadian Rockies, things to do in Banff are limitless, from hiking in the summer to dog sledding in the winter. Many Banff tours include a ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. From the summit's observation deck, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the Bow Valley and Banff town site below. Popular guided sightseeing tours include visits to Lake Minnewanka with its many outdoor activities; Cave and Basin Historic Site, where the first hot springs were discovered; and Lake Louise, the scenic hamlet with its eponymous turquoise lake and the massive Victoria Glacier looming behind it. Banff holiday packages showcase the best of the Canadian Rockies and are nothing short of memorable.
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(186 reviews)
Over 69,500 square miles of jagged peaks, emerald forests, and alpine lakes spread over two provinces await in the Canadian Rockies. Venture into the jaw-dropping scenery of Jasper National Park aboard VIA Rail's premier overnight train, the Canadian. On arrival, well-planned sightseeing in iconic Rocky Mountain locales, including Banff National...
(197 reviews)One of our most popular trips through the Canadian Rockies, this 7-day journey through Canada puts gorgeous scenery at every turn. The tour begins with two days of sightseeing in Vancouver, before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer for two days of daylight-only travel alongside rivers, canyons, and forests to the beautiful destination of Lake Louise.
Discover beautiful Western Canada on this journey into the Canadian Rockies. Spend two days on the coast, discovering the dynamic city of Vancouver with a range of optional excursions before traveling into the breathtaking Rocky Mountains aboard Rocky Mountaineer. With detailed service, high-end cuisine and spectacular panoramic vistas, the train...
Uncover Canada's most amazing landscapes on this journey from the Pacific Coast to the Great Lakes. Our exploration begins with a guided tour of Vancouver before touring the stunning Rocky Mountains from the mountain town of Jasper. Here, we admire awe-inspiring vistas, including the Maligne River Valley. An epic three-night journey from...
(115 reviews)All aboard the storied rails of the Rocky Mountaineer for a journey into Canada's picturesque Rocky Mountains. Our journey begins in Vancouver, a coastal metropolis that boasts a thriving art scene, stunning views of both the mountains and the ocean, and sightseeing opportunities that pique the interest of nearly every traveler. We have a full day...
(55 reviews)This 8-day adventure showcases the best of Western Canada, combining luxury rail travel with stunning mountain scenery. Start in Vancouver, then board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic ride through towering peaks and deep canyons to Jasper. Spend two nights in Jasper, exploring its breathtaking national park before traveling the Icefields...
(59 reviews)Ten days of mountains, glaciers, pristine lakes, national parks and unforgettable experiences beckon on this rail vacation. After an overnight journey aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder to Montana, spend a day amidst the awe-inspiring scenes of Glacier National Park before crossing the border into Canada. Admire the insurmountable beauty of Kootenay...
(25 reviews)Sometimes you just need to get away, even if only for a few days. This 5-day retreat into the Canadian Rockies is the perfect getaway, combining both sightseeing and relaxation, and of course spectacular scenery. Start your trip in Vancouver, where you'll have time to explore on your own. The next day, your train journey starts with a trip to...
A route of natural wonders and untamed landscapes comes to life on this Canadian Rockies vacation featuring Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise. Following a round-trip route from Calgary, delve into the immense beauty of the Rockies in Banff National Park before boarding Rocky Mountaineer for a ride on its limited-time route, Passages to Peaks, to...
(13 reviews)Snow-capped peaks surrounded by vibrantly hued lakes and emerald-green forests set the scene for this independent journey through Canada's Rocky Mountains. A brilliant combination of rail travel and time to drive through the amazing landscape at your own pace allows for an impressive and thorough introduction to interior Canada. Begin in Calgary,...
A magnificent small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada. This vacation features stays in the country's grandest hotels and is connected by spectacular journeys with private cabins on VIA Rail's Ocean and Canadian, and the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. From Quebec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac and on to Toronto, Jasper...
(7 reviews)A spectacular discovery of natural wonders awaits on this exploration by land and sea. From the mountain town of Banff in the Canadian Rockies, we marvel at the spellbinding beauty of Lake Louise before boarding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. This fantastic rail journey transports us to Vancouver, where we set sail on an unforgettable cruise. ...
Jul 24, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Whether in America’s national parks, the Canadian Rockies or traveling from coast to coast, discover the top destinations to visit in North America in 2026.
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Jun 06, 2025 · By Co-Founder Todd Powell
Let your imagination soar aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian, where overnight train travel becomes a cinematic journey of romance and wonder.
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Jun 10, 2025 · By Co-Founder Todd Powell
If there’s a place in the Canadian Rockies I wish I had spent more time, it’s Jasper — Rich in railway history and nestled right inside Jasper National Park.
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May 22, 2025 · By Co-Founder Todd Powell
Rocky Mountaineer operates as a daylight-only sightseeing train, allowing travelers to experience every mountain, canyon, and river crossing in their awe-inspiring glory.
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