Meridian native and former railway worker - first as a water boy and later as a brakeman - Jimmie Rodgers is revered as the "father of country music". Having been something of an entertainer as a child, organising travelling shows twice by the time he was 13 years old, Jimmie returned to the world of entertainment after contracting tuberculosis.
Rodger's illness had ended his career with the railways and he moved to Asheville in North Carolina. His first major breakthrough as an entertainer was a regular slot on Asheville's only radio station, WWNC. His first 'big hit' as a recording artist was "T-for Texas", which sold almost half a million copies.
Over the course of his short career, the 'Singing Brakeman' balanced recording and performing with his fight against his illness; he died in 1933, within 36 hours of his final recording. The Jimmie Rodgers Foundation is devoted to preserving the heritage of country music. It presents special events throughout the year in Jimmie's home town of Meridian. The Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum is dedicated to his life, work and country music.
(191 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.
(70 reviews)Spend 14 days traversing the boundless Canadian landscape, discovering all the spectacular cities and natural wonders bestrewn upon it by train. This remarkable journey travels from the West Coast to the East using three rail lines - two overnight and one whose route connects the popular cities along the Windsor Corridor. Enjoy first-class...
A spectacular overland adventure showcases the beautiful and varied landscapes for which the world's second largest country is famed. Starting in characterful Vancouver, we explore the majestic west coast's jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains, rushing rivers, glacial lakes, and pristine forests before boarding the iconic Canadian train for a three-night...
(24 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...
(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. ...
(18 reviews)Let the rails guide your adventure on this 17-day coast-to-coast Canadian tour. The journey begins in Vancouver, where you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic ride into the Rockies. Soak in all the beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks and Lake Louise before boarding VIA Rail's Canadian for a three-day rail journey to Toronto. After time...
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
May 07, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Find your ideal adventure by discovering the best places to visit in Canada in the fall, from cultural cities with fewer tourists to the stunning Canadian Rockies.
Read more
Jan 18, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
If you need inspiration for your trip to Canada’s first national park, here are ten things to do in Banff National Park that create a vacation like none other.
Read more