Jasper Canadian Rockies Train Tours
Rocky Mountaineer
Canadian Rockies Train Routes:
Rocky Mountaineer offers several routes through the Canadian Rockies, the most popular being:
First Passage to the West
Travels between Vancouver and Banff or Calgary, retracing the historic Canadian Pacific Railway.
Journey through the Clouds
Connects Vancouver with Jasper, offering spectacular views of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies and the stunning Pyramid Falls.
Rainforest to Gold Rush
An adventurous route from Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel, highlighting diverse landscapes from lush rainforests to arid desert landscapes.
Rocky Mountaineer Train Tour Season
Operates from April to October.
The Rocky Mountaineer Train Tour Experience
Daytime Travel
Trains only run during the day to ensure passengers don't miss out on any of the scenery. Nights are spent in hotels at various stops along the route.
Service Levels
Offers multiple classes of service, with SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf being the most popular. GoldLeaf features bi-level dome coaches with full-length windows and gourmet meals prepared by chefs.
Scenic Highlights
Passengers can see wildlife, towering rocky mountains, river canyons, and pristine lakes.
Rocky Mountaineer Booking and Packages
Packages often include hotel stays, meals, transfers, and sometimes additional activities in the stopover cities. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for peak travel times.
Jasper VIA Rail Train Tours
Route
The Canadian route is VIA Rail’s flagship service connecting Toronto to Vancouver. It offers an extended journey through the Rockies, focusing on both the prairies and the mountainous regions.
Frequency
Operates year-round, providing different seasonal perspectives of the landscape.
The Jasper VIA Rail Train Tour Experience
Classes of Service
Includes Prestige, Sleeper Plus, and Economy. The Prestige Class offers luxurious accommodations with all-inclusive amenities.
Onboard Features
Dome cars for viewing, activities like wine tastings and informational talks, and freshly prepared meals.
Scenic Highlights
Includes Jasper National Park, the Alberta prairies, and the Fraser Canyon with its Hell's Gate water torrent.
VIA Rail Booking and Packages
VIA Rail also offers packages that include accommodations, meals, and occasionally off-train excursions.
Planning Your Canadian Rockies Train Trip
Duration
Trips can range from a few days to over a week, depending on the route and stops you choose.
Budget
Prices vary significantly between the luxury levels and train companies. Rocky Mountaineer tends to be more upscale and consequently more expensive than VIA Rail.
Season
Consider what you want to see and do; summer offers lush green landscapes and full tourist services, while fall gives breathtaking autumn colors but with cooler temperatures.
What to Bring
Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the journey.
Camera: With panoramic views and potential wildlife sightings, a good camera will enhance your experience.
Binoculars: Great for closer views of wildlife or distant landscapes.
Train tours through the Canadian Rockies provide a memorable and comfortable way to access some of the most inaccessible and stunning natural beauty that Canada has to offer. They combine the romance of train travel with the luxury of modern amenities, making them a popular choice for those seeking a unique travel experience.
