Train Tours of the Canadian Rockies

A train tour is one of the best ways to explore Western Canada. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from sun-dappled beaches to snow-capped mountains, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery to behold. Many of our West Coast tours feature Canadian Rockies train trips that allow you to get a closer look at the region’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re planning to take a one-way trip or a round-trip, our experts have put together a range of rail journeys that take in the very best of the Canadian Rockies. Some of these train journeys also include overnight stops at some of the most popular and iconic mountain resort towns in the country.

Vancouver to Banff: This route is the most scenic Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, and takes you over some of the most impressive passes through the Rockies. It’s a wonderful way to get off the beaten track and experience the breathtaking natural landscapes that make the Canadian Rockies such a special place.

The route starts in Vancouver (or Banff/Lake Louise if you’re taking the train starting in reverse), and then travels through Jasper, Lake Louise, and Kamloops before ending in Jasper, where you will have time to enjoy the stunning scenery of Jasper National Park. This route is a great choice for first-timers, and includes all of the major attractions of the Canadian Rockies.

Yellowhead Pass: This is the easiest and lowest pass through the Rockies, at just 3,718 feet above sea level. The train crosses over the Continental Divide, which divides Alberta and British Columbia, and you will see a small monument and wooden sign on the side of the road. Rainwater falling east of the divide flows to the Atlantic, while water from the west goes to the Pacific Ocean.

Lake Louise: The train passes the beautiful ‘log cabin’ style station at Lake Louise, which was used in the movie ‘Dr Zhivago’. You can take in the view from the www.canadarail.ca/canadian-train-tours/canadian-rockies-tours train windows or visit this quaint town, which is now a major resort and refuel with some of the most delicious maple syrup you’ll ever have.

Kamloops: You arrive at the cosmopolitan city of Kamloops, where you can enjoy a few hours before your overnight hotel stay in this charming railway town. You can do a little sightseeing around the area, or head out for an adventure on a river cruise to Glacier National Park.

Whistler: Your tour includes a guided city tour in Vancouver, and then the train heads out into the stunning mountains of the Whistler Valley, where you will enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies. The town has lots of great shopping and dining options, as well as a number of excellent hiking trails for the more adventurous among you!

Banff: The Rockies are the next stop, and a quick train ride will take you to the quaint mountain town of Banff. This picturesque mountain resort has lots of shops and restaurants, as well as beautiful hiking and biking trails.

Canada Rail Vacations

1400 Kensington Rd NW #206

Calgary, AB

T2N 3P9

Canada