News, Blogs, & General Information

See the latest travel updates and advisories, learn more about train travel in Canada and our top destinations

Read the Latest from Canada Rail Vacations


The Best Books About Trains – A Reading List for Riding the Rails

A reading list of the best train-related books to take on a train vacation.

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Canadian Wildfire Updates

Information and Current Travel Updates

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Should I Get Travel Insurance?

The question of whether to get travel insurance is one that comes up often.

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Martin’s Moab Trip

Canada Rail Vacations founder Martin Flanagan's trip and Live Blog from Salt Lake City to Denver

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When is the best time to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer train?

Hiking is as quintessential to the Canadian Rocky Mountains as swimming is to the ocean.

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History of Banff National Park

Information on the history of Banff National Park

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What’s Happening in Calgary – Summer 2023 Edition

A look at all of the special events coming up in Calgary for the 2023 summer.

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Wildfires in Canada and the Impact on Rail Travel

Everything you need to know about the wildfire situation.

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Golfing in the Calgary Flames Alumni Masters – 2023

Golfing in the Calgary Flames Alumni Masters - 2023

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Accessible Train Travel in Canada

Accessibility on the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail.

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Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service

Information about Rocky Mountaineer's GoldLeaf Service.

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Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Service

Information about Rocky Mountaineer's SilverLeaf Service.

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What to Pack for a Canadian Train Trip

Tips on what to pack for a Canadian train trip and how much luggage you are allowed.

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Sleeping on Canada’s VIA Rail Train

Information about what it's like to sleep onboard the VIA Rail train in Canada.

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Things to Do in Banff National Park in the Summer

Things to do on a free day in Banff National Park

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Calgary’s Hidden Gems: Something for everyone!

Calgary is famous for being home to the “greatest outdoor show on earth” – otherwise known as the…

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Fairmont Banff Springs – Canada’s castle in the Rockies

For many of our guests, a stay at this historic hotel isn’t a highlight— it’s a must. And why…

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Rocky Mountaineer’s First Train of 2022

In April 2022, the Canada Rail Vacations team were aboard the first Rocky Mountaineer train of the…

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Our Journey from Rockies to Red Rocks

In October of 2021, the Canada Rail Vacations team took a staff trip down to the United States in…

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Private Tours in the Canadian Rockies

Private Tours are one of the best ways to experience Canada's natural beauty

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The difference between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf

The difference between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer train

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COVID-19: Keeping You Safe on Board

Our main goal is for you to experience world class service while still being as safe as possible…

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Halifax – The Heart and Soul of Canada

If you are looking for an authentic Canadian experience, the East Coast is definitely where its at.

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Jasper’s Best Kept Secret

Whether you are a passionate stargazer, a city dweller that hasn’t seen the night sky in some time,…

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Golf, the Fairmont Banff Springs and Matt Kuchar

In 2013 I literally moved across Canada for mountain golf.

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Grotto Canyon- A unique hike through the Rockies

Grotto Canyon Trail is a fun, easy hike that is very popular and appropriate for just about anyone…

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Getting to know Calgary, Alberta

Many of our guests ask about coming to Calgary a few days before they start their tour in order to…

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Experiencing Spring on the Banff Gondola

One of the best meals I've ever had in my life was atop the Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain.

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Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

Hiking is as quintessential to the Canadian Rocky Mountains as swimming is to the ocean.

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Red Rocks – My New Favourite Tour

Both my friends, and the staff here at Canada Rail Vacations know that one of my favourite places…

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How to get the Best Seat Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

There are no bad seats aboard this staple of the Canadian Rocky Mountains

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Banff National Park aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train

The Canadian Rockies train chuffs through pine forests that cover most of Western Canada.

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The History of the Canadian Railroads

It gets called everything from Trans-Canadian Railroad to simply Canada Train, but after riding it…

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Canadian Rail Vacations & Alaskan Cruises

Similar to cruises, train-based holidays are a luxurious and relaxing way to take in the scenery

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Luxury in the Wilderness: Hotels of the Canadian Rockies

These historic, luxury hotels are available throughout all of our tours through the Canadian…

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Canada Rail’s History

Our company started as Gaia Travel Services in 1995, but the ideas for it arose much earlier.

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