Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail are two iconic train journeys that showcase Canada’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Each offering a unique experience, these railways traverse through some of the most scenic regions in the country, providing passengers with an immersive journey into Canada’s natural wonders.
Rocky Mountaineer is renowned for its luxury travel, combining unparalleled comfort with panoramic views of the majestic Rocky Mountains. VIA Rail offers a more extensive network, connecting major cities and remote areas, allowing travellers to explore the vastness of Canada from coast to coast. Despite their differences, Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail promise unforgettable train travel experiences that capture Canada’s awe-inspiring beauty.
Trains in Canada
While both Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail deliver remarkable rail experiences, they cater to different styles of travel. Rocky Mountaineer operates exclusively during daylight hours and includes gourmet meals served at your seat, allowing guests to fully absorb the passing scenery without overnight travel. In contrast, VIA Rail offers classic sleeper cabins and continuous long-haul service, ideal for those seeking a more traditional cross-country journey. Whether opting for Rocky Mountaineer’s high-end, scenic-focused excursions or VIA Rail’s expansive, overnight adventures, both options provide memorable ways to experience Canada’s landscapes in comfort.
Rocky Mountaineer specializes in providing passengers with front-row seats to some of the most spectacular views in the Canadian Rockies. Their routes primarily cover Western Canada, offering jaw-dropping views of pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and dense forests.
The advantage of travelling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is that they can slow down at the most scenic areas to offer guests the best viewing and camera opportunities. They call it “picture-perfect speed”. While there are areas where the train reaches up to 90 kph (60 mph), the average speed is approximately 50 kph (30 mph).
However, it’s important to note that the Rocky Mountaineer focuses more on the experience of enjoying the scenery rather than being a means of transportation to various destinations.
VIA Rail Canada combines efficient transportation with comfortable accommodations, making it an excellent option for those looking to experience Canadian hospitality while travelling to their desired destinations.
The most significant advantage to VIA Rail travel is the space to stretch out, curl up, and get cozy. The seats are roomy, and train rides are smooth and turbulence-free, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey in comfort. You will have ample opportunity to focus on being in the moment, enjoy a good book, or work on your craft.
Rocky Mountaineer
Canadian Rockies Routes
Rocky Mountaineer offers three scenic rail routes through Western Canada, each highlighting a different part of the Rockies. The First Passage to the West travels between Vancouver and Banff, following the historic route that first connected Canada by rail. Journey Through the Clouds links Vancouver and Jasper, passing waterfalls and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies. Rainforest to Gold Rush takes a less-traveled path between Vancouver and Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel, showcasing diverse landscapes from coastal rainforest to alpine wilderness.
Rocky Mountaineer – First Passage to the West
The Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West train route travelling between Banff / Lake Louise and Vancouver. Information on amenities onboard, service types, and schedules.
Rocky Mountaineer – Journey Through The Clouds
The Rocky Mountaineer's Journey Through The Clouds train route travelling between Jasper and Vancouver. Information on amenities onboard, service types, and schedules.
Rocky Mountaineer – Rainforest to Gold Rush
The Rocky Mountaineer's Rainforest to Gold Rush train route travelling between Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, and Jasper. Information on amenities onboard, service types, and schedules.
Although moving between train cars is not permitted, there is still room to stretch and socialize onboard.
- SilverLeaf Service allows guests to interact and move about within their coach and offers a covered outdoor vestibule.
- GoldLeaf Service offers added flexibility, with access to the upper-level seating area, the lower-level dining room, and a larger open-air outdoor vestibule.
For more information about the Levels of Service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, please visit: Rocky Mountaineer Information – Levels of Service
One night of moderate accommodation in either Kamloops or Whistler and Quesnel, depending on the selected route. Hotel pre-selections are not available and are assigned during the boarding process.
Enjoy exceptional service and engaging interpretive commentary from knowledgeable Onboard Attendants as you travel through some of Canada’s most stunning landscapes. Each journey includes beautifully prepared meals made with locally sourced ingredients, served either at your seat or in a dedicated dining room, depending on your service level.
GoldLeaf Service guests benefit from a dedicated dining area, with all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
SilverLeaf Service offers meals served at your seat with non-alcoholic beverages included; alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.
No matter which level you choose, friendly hosts ensure a comfortable, informative, and memorable journey.
VIA Rail Canada
Trans-Canadian Routes
VIA Rail operates several iconic routes across Canada, each offering a unique view of the country’s vast and varied landscapes. The Canadian travels between Toronto and Vancouver, crossing the Prairies and the Canadian Rockies. The Ocean links Montréal and Halifax, passing through scenic Maritime provinces. The Corridor connects major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City, offering fast and frequent service in Eastern Canada. The Skeena runs between Jasper and Prince Rupert with an overnight stop in Prince George, showcasing Northern British Columbia. The Winnipeg–Churchill route ventures deep into the subarctic, connecting Southern Manitoba with the remote community of Churchill on Hudson Bay.
VIA Rail - The Canadian
The VIA Rail Canadian train route between Vancouver and Toronto. Information on onboard amenities and travel classes.
VIA Rail - The Ocean
The VIA Rail Ocean train route between Montréal or Québec City and Halifax. Information on onboard amenities, and travel classes.
VIA Rail - The Corridor
The VIA Rail Corridor route with multiple daily departures between Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, and Toronto.
VIA Rail - The Skeena
The VIA Rail Skeena train route traveling between Jasper and Prince Rupert, stopping overnight in Prince George.
The Canadian
Skyline Car: On the top floor, the windows extend to the ceiling, providing you with the perfect place to admire the breathtaking scenery as it unfolds.
Skyline Car Café: Enjoy a relaxing selection of games or stop in to check the daily schedule for today’s happenings on board.
Dining Car: Three-course meals are made to order in the dining car. You can choose from three dishes at each meal.
Sleeper Cars: Cabins for One or Two. Each car has a shared shower.
Prestige Park Car: An elegant and inviting lounge located at the back of the train where travellers can enjoy great views, photo opportunities, and great company.
The Corridor
Business Class: Wide, comfortable seats with plenty of legroom and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Ocean
Service Car Lounge: Comfortable lounge area with complimentary Wi-Fi, a take-out counter, and a plasma screen television.
Dining Car: Three-course meals are made to order in the dining car. You can choose from three dishes at each meal.
Sleeper Cars: Cabins for One or Two. Cabins booked in advance will have a private shower.
While VIA Rail trains do not provide access to an outdoor vestibule, you will be able to go outside at certain stops for some fresh air.
VIA Rail offers comfortable overnight accommodations on both The Canadian and The Ocean routes, making it easy to rest while travelling across Canada’s expansive landscapes. These long-distance journeys feature sleeper cabins with full amenities, allowing passengers to relax as they move between major cities and scenic regions.
For shorter daytime travel, The Corridor route provides efficient service between Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City, offering a convenient way to explore the culture and charm of Eastern Canada without the need for overnight stays.
Spend your time onboard enjoying a range of leisure options in the Skyline Car, including a relaxing selection of games and a posted schedule of daily onboard activities.
Mealtimes are a highlight of the journey, with freshly prepared, three-course meals served in the dining car. Each meal offers three carefully crafted options, showcasing quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. All guests enjoy non-alcoholic beverages throughout the trip, while those traveling in Prestige Class receive complimentary alcoholic drinks as well, adding an extra level of comfort and indulgence to the experience.
Rocky Mountaineer
Luxury in the Canadian Rockies
Rocky Mountaineer connects British Columbia and Alberta, with stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, and Kamloops.
Rocky Mountaineer offers two levels of service: SilverLeaf Service and GoldLeaf Service. Both come with friendly hosts, gourmet breakfasts, lunches, and beverages.
SilverLeaf Service
SilverLeaf Service is comparable to first class on a plane, and guests enjoy a single level, half-glass dome car. You have spacious, comfortable seating, large, oversized windows, and meals that are served and eaten at your seat.
GoldLeaf Service
GoldLeaf passengers enjoy a bi-level glass-dome coach with spacious seats upstairs and a dining room and outdoor viewing platform below that is perfect for fresh air and unobstructed photo opportunities. You also have more options for food and drinks.
VIA Rail Canada
Nostalgia Across Canada
VIA Rail’s main destinations are Vancouver, Jasper, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Québec City, Halifax, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Churchill, and Winnipeg.
VIA Rail Canada offers two levels of service: Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class. Both include private cabins, scenic views, and fresh meals prepared daily onboard.
Sleeper Plus Class
Sleeper Plus Cabins are available for both One and Two, suitable for a single traveler or two guests traveling together. Due to the nature of rail travel, these cabins are small and include bunk beds and a private half-bathroom.
Prestige Class
Prestige Class Cabins are 50% larger than a Sleeper Plus Cabin for Two. It features an extra-large window and a private washroom with a shower. A double Murphy bed folds down at night, and during the day you have a comfortable leather sectional.
So, Which is Better?
In conclusion, the choice between Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail ultimately lies in one’s preferences and priorities. Rocky Mountaineer offers an unparalleled luxury experience, combining breathtaking scenery with top-notch service, gourmet cuisine, and panoramic views from its glass-domed train cars. On the other hand, VIA Rail provides a more traditional and diverse travel experience, catering to a wider range of budgets and offering access to various destinations across Canada. Whether one seeks the epitome of elegance or a more nostalgic experience and an extensive rail network, both Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail promise unforgettable moments and an opportunity to explore the diverse beauty of Canada by rail.
Guests with mobility considerations are welcome aboard both Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail trains, with select services and accommodations designed to support accessibility needs. While features vary by route and train type, assistance can often be arranged in advance. For detailed information on accessible travel options and recommendations, please visit our blog post: Accessible Train Travel in Canada
Planning Your Adventure
Experience Canada’s most iconic landscapes by train with a journey tailored to your travel style. Choose Rocky Mountaineer for daylight sightseeing through the Rockies, complete with panoramic views and exceptional onboard service. For a classic cross-country experience, VIA Rail offers overnight journeys connecting major cities and remote destinations. With personalized itineraries, guided tours, and flexible options, Canada Rail Vacations helps you explore the country in comfort and style.
Book Soon!
The key to securing your ideal rail journey is early planning. Popular routes like Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail’s The Canadian tend to fill quickly, especially during peak travel periods. Booking 6 to 8 months in advance is recommended to ensure availability and access to preferred travel dates, service levels, and accommodations.
