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's tourism. Travelers came from across the country for alpine adventures, and today, vacationers can experience that same excitement on a train trip to Banff National Park.
Travel into the Canadian Rockies from Vancouver on the all-daylight Rocky Mountaineer or on an overnight journey aboard VIA Rail's Canadian. Once in this UNESCO-listed region, delight in the many wonders of Banff National Park. Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, soaking up panoramic views of Bow Valley and Banff town site below, or venture into the wilderness to Lake Minnewanka or Lake Louise, with Victoria Glacier behind it. Banff vacation packages showcase the best
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(130 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...
(204 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 Jasper and...
(229 reviews)One of our most popular Canadian Rockies trips, this journey puts Western Canada on display. Experience the urban ambiance of Vancouver before boarding Rocky Mountaineer for a daylight-only trip alongside rivers, canyons and forests to Lake Louise. From here, the route continues to the resort town of Banff, renowned for its enchanting...
(26 reviews)
Delve into the remarkable landscapes of Canada on world-famous trains. Our exploration begins with a guided tour of beautiful Vancouver on the Pacific coast before we enjoy two daytime trips on the amazing Rocky Mountaineer to the astonishing Canadian Rockies. Based in Banff and Jasper, we admire the awe-inspiring Lake Louise and the...
(14 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...
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...
(65 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...
(31 reviews)Set your sights on the best of the Canadian Rockies, as you arrive in Calgary and transfer to the rest town of Banff. Enjoy a sightseeing tour quintessential Banff sites, such as the hot springs; a gondola ride and much more before transferring to Lake Louise for an overnight. The next morning soak up the scenery and board an Ice Explorer for a...
(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...
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...
(28 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...
(8 reviews)Two national parks, endless mountain scenes, and remote landscapes clad in fluffy white snow set the stage for an adventure like no other in Canada this winter. This independent rail vacation offers ten days of exploration split between Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory. Each location provides a new look at why this time of...
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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