The Canadian Rockies: A Journey by Rail and Beyond

The Canadian Rockies are a land of superlatives. Towering peaks, glacial lakes almost impossibly turquoise, and wildlife roaming freely in lush forests—this is nature at its most breathtaking. For those longing to experience the majesty of this region, a road trip might come to mind. But with nearly 1,500 kilometres of rugged terrain stretching across British Columbia and Alberta, there’s a better way to travel: by rail.

Rail travel carries a certain romance—evoking a bygone era of slow, luxurious journeys through landscapes often inaccessible by road. The Rocky Mountaineer, North America’s largest privately owned passenger rail service, delivers this experience with a level of elegance that makes the journey as memorable as the destination. Named one of the world’s greatest trips by National Geographic and a seven-time winner of the ‘World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train,’ this train journey offers an unparalleled window into the wild beauty of Canada.

The Rocky Mountaineer Experience

Departing from Vancouver, a city known for its dramatic coastal setting and vibrant culture, the Rocky Mountaineer begins its journey into the heart of the Rockies. Over the course of two days, passengers traverse historic railway lines, crossing rushing rivers and winding through deep mountain valleys. The first night is spent in Kamloops, a charming city set along the banks of the Thompson River. The next day, the train climbs eastward, following the Kicking Horse River and crossing the Continental Divide before reaching the alpine wonderland of Banff National Park.

Travelers can choose between two levels of service. GoldLeaf Service offers a bi-level coach with a glass-domed roof, providing panoramic views of the passing scenery. Passengers enjoy gourmet à la carte meals in an exclusive dining room, with complimentary alcoholic beverages available throughout the journey. SilverLeaf Service also provides exceptional comfort, with oversized windows and hot meals served at your seat, complemented by a selection of wine or beer at lunch. Whichever option you choose, the experience is elevated by the onboard hosts, who bring the journey to life with entertaining storytelling and attentive service.

Banff and Beyond: Exploring the Rockies

After disembarking in Banff, travellers are welcomed into a landscape that seems almost too picturesque to be real. The jewel of the park is Lake Louise, a glacial-fed lake so vibrantly blue that it has to be seen to be believed. Nearby Moraine Lake, though smaller, is just as stunning, framed by the striking Valley of the Ten Peaks. For those looking to stretch their legs, short hikes to places like Peyto Lake or Tunnel Mountain offer unforgettable vistas. As evening falls, the best place to unwind is on one of Banff’s scenic rooftop patios, where you can enjoy a drink with the mountains towering above you.

Continuing along the Icefields Parkway, one of North America’s most scenic drives, travelers reach the Athabasca Glacier. This 10,000-year-old expanse of ice, part of the vast Columbia Icefield, offers a chance to step onto ancient glacial ice via the Ice Explorer Snocoach—a vehicle specially designed for navigating this frozen wonderland. Further north lies Jasper National Park, a wilder and less crowded counterpart to Banff. Here, visitors can marvel at the power of Athabasca Falls and keep an eye out for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and perhaps even a grizzly bear.

Luxury in the Wild: Fairmont Hotels

Part of what makes this journey so special is the chance to stay in some of Canada’s most iconic hotels. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, often referred to as the ‘Castle in the Rockies,’ combines old-world charm with stunning mountain views. Lake Louise is home to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a grand hotel where past guests have included royalty and Hollywood legends. In Jasper, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers a luxurious retreat nestled among towering peaks and serene lakes. The experience continues with stays at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, where an indulgent afternoon tea is a must—or, for the adventurous, a whale-watching excursion awaits.

Rail Travel Beyond the Rockies

While the Rocky Mountaineer is a premier experience, Canada’s railway system offers other opportunities for exploration. VIA Rail Canada operates long-distance routes that showcase the country’s vast landscapes.

1. The Canadian: A three-day journey from Toronto to Vancouver, passing through the prairies and the Rockies.
2. The Hudson Bay: A northern adventure from Winnipeg to Churchill, a hotspot for polar bear viewing in winter.
3. The Skeena: Connecting Jasper with Prince Rupert, where travelers can continue to Alaska via ferry.
4. The Ocean: A journey between Montreal and Halifax, featuring modern European sleeper cars.
5. Quebec–Ontario Corridor: A fast and frequent intercity service linking major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, VIA Rail also offers special request stops in remote areas, allowing hikers and kayakers to disembark in the middle of the wilderness.

A Journey Unlike Any Other

Train travel in Canada isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s about embracing the journey. Unlike the rush of air travel, rail journeys invite you to slow down and immerse yourself in the world outside your window. Whether you’re indulging in the luxury of the Rocky Mountaineer, exploring the grandeur of Banff and Jasper, or venturing further afield with VIA Rail, the experience is about more than just seeing the sights—it’s about feeling the heartbeat of the land.

For those who crave adventure but appreciate comfort, who long for the wild but love a touch of luxury, the Canadian Rockies by rail offer an unforgettable journey through one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.