Canada Rail Vacations
Located in Banff and Calgary, Alberta, our team has guided 15,000+ guests throughout North America, Canada, and the Rockies since 1995.
Canadian Train Vacation Planners
- 29 years' experience guiding in the Canadian Rockies - we know the best locations & experiences!
- Located in Calgary and the Canadian Rockies - we are on the ground
- 15,000+ guests have travelled safely, worry free with us
- Our team has travelled to 60+ countries around the world - we know what our guests need
- Our team lives at and plays at all of the incredible locations that we will share with you
- Our team is active! When we are not planning your tour, we are: hiking, backcountry guiding, camping, RVing, skiing, heli-skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cycling, rock climbing, swimming, boating, playing golf, cooking, eating at amazing restaurants, or travelling.
We love Canada and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Our History
Founded in 1995 by Martin Flanagan, Canada Rail Vacations is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company offering unforgettable rail tours across the country. Martin’s passion for sharing Canada’s beauty only grows stronger each year—and if you’re a cycling enthusiast, he’ll even arrange a private bike tour for you, year-round.
We specialize in custom rail vacations. Whether you dream of crossing Canada on VIA Rail, exploring the Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer, or chasing the Northern Lights, we build each itinerary from the ground up. Unlike larger companies, we don’t resell pre-made tours. Every trip is tailored by our small, family-run team with care and attention to detail.
Martin and his wife Heather have visited over 50 countries, always including train travel when possible. Their experiences abroad inspire the thoughtful, personalized service we bring to every Canadian adventure. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, they’ve built strong partnerships and personally vetted every hotel, route, and excursion we offer.

The Canada Rail Vacations Advantage
The advantages of booking your trip with Canada Rail Vacations can be summed up by 3 key categories:
Our Prices: They’ll get you in the door
Our Team: We’ll hand-make your holiday with quick response times
Our Experience: All of our Vacation Planners have experienced the tours that they’re recommending to you
Meet Our Team
As a family owned business, we keep a small tight-knit team. We work together on all bookings and we’re proud of our attention to detail in everything we do. When you book with us, you won’t just be a number as every one of us has worked on your file at some point in time. We’re happy to have you join our family when you book with us and we really look forward to hosting you on our tours.
Martin Flanagan
Company Founder
Tour Guide & Adventurer at Heart
Martin is the founder of Canada Rail Vacations. He has achieved the goal of turning a travel junkie’s passion into a reality of full-time travel. Martin has travelled to nearly every location in Canada and has stayed in every hotel we work with. He has been creating and guiding tours since 1995 and has personally guided over 10,000 guests in the past 29 years. Many of these guests have come back to Canada specifically to take a tour with Martin.
Martin speaks fluent English and German and was previously a competitor in the sport of luge. After realizing he couldn’t make a career out of travelling around the world sledding down icy chutes, he figured he would stop the sledding and just travel. In his spare time, Martin likes hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, travelling, and visiting excellent restaurants worldwide. Martin’s favourite tour is our Canadian Trip of a Lifetime. This was the trip he took his mother on to celebrate her 65th birthday.
Over the years, Martin has become an expert in curating personalized travel experiences for guests, ensuring every journey is unique and memorable, including large group tours. His passion for Canada and its stunning landscapes is matched only by his commitment to providing exceptional service, making each tour with him truly special.
These days, Martin spends more of his time as a guide with our clients. If you would like a private guide or if you would personally like to customize your dream holiday, please contact him at [email protected].
Heather Flanagan
Managing Partner
Travel Enthusiast & Music Lover
Heather Flanagan brings 35 years of experience in office administration, where she’s honed her ability to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently. As Managing Partner of Canada Rail Vacations, she’s passionate about fostering strong relationships with both clients and the team, ensuring that everyone works together to deliver the best possible travel experiences.
Heather’s ability to connect with people, whether in the office or on a tour, has been key to the company’s success. She’s dedicated to creating an environment where both staff and travelers feel supported, valued, and inspired.
Outside the office, Heather’s love for live music takes center stage. Whether attending major concerts or discovering hidden venues, she thrives on the energy and connection music brings. As a passionate traveler, she’s especially proud of showing off Canada’s breathtaking landscapes, blending her passion for adventure with a deep pride in her home country.
Heather’s favorite journey? The Canadian Prestige—a tour that reflects the elegance, comfort, and breathtaking landscapes she believes every great adventure should offer.
Under Heather’s leadership, Canada Rail Vacations continues to deliver unforgettable experiences, celebrating the beauty and wonder of Canada for travelers from around the world.
Spencer Arsenault
Sales Manager
Spencer has been with Canada Rail Vacations since 2015 and is our most experienced Vacation Planner. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario (just south of Toronto), he has made his way across Canada and has finally settled in Calgary after living in Panorama for several years.
An avid golf player, Spencer has worked for several world-class golf courses, including Greywolf and Kananaskis. He loves to get out on the course, and has extensive experience in the industry, having played just about every major golf course in Western Canada. He is your go-to guy for questions about our Golf Tours!
In his free time, you will likely find him golfing. If he’s not on the links, he’s adventuring the mountains in Canmore, Kananaskis, Banff or Panorama or exploring downtown Calgary, enjoying local food, restaurants and live music.
Spencer’s favourite tour is our Rockies Gold Rush Golf tour as it provides the opportunity to play some of the top golf courses in Western Canada. If you’re looking for an extra playing partner for your round of golf, or have any local dining questions, please reach out to Spencer! He will be happy to assist you with any questions about your journey to Canada.
Dalton Feltham
Product Manager
Dalton has been with Canada Rail Vacations since 2016. He also joins us from Toronto, Ontario where he completed a diploma in Tourism Management. Following college, Dalton moved out west to the Rockies for a summer job in Kamloops, British Columbia, and hasn’t looked back since. Over the years, he has lived all over Canada with his two favorite stops along the way being a summer in the remote mountain town of Jasper, Alberta, and a year on Canada’s east coast in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Dalton has traveled in many different styles, including a study abroad in France where he had the opportunity to spend a couple of months traveling all over Europe, as well as six months traveling the coast of Australia in a camper van. He has done multiple road trips across Canada and the United States, spent plenty of time on beaches throughout the Caribbean, and has now been on five of our train trips throughout Canada and the US.
In his time off he can be found on the golf course or hanging out with his dog.
Dalton’s favorite trip is our Eastern Canada by Rail tour as it provides a homecoming trip where he can stop and see his friends and family in each city along the way.
Whitney McRae Johnson
Business Operations Manager
Born and (mostly) raised in Calgary, Whitney has found her way back home after spending over 6 years living in Vancouver. While not much of a hiker, she’s had the opportunity to explore some of the beauty Western Canada has to offer – a favorite being the stunning drive between Calgary and the West Coast.
Whitney has spent some time travelling internationally, having visited Seoul, done some road tripping through the Central/Pacific U.S., and enjoyed some gorgeous beaches in Mexico and Cuba. Over the last few years, she’s been more interested in vacationing in Canada, where Sechelt and Kelowna are top of the list. Taking the Rocky Mountaineer has been a lifelong dream, and she was so excited to be on her first train in 2022.
Whitney’s favorite trip is our new Rockies to the Red Rocks route between Denver and Moab as it offers a different perspective of the Rocky Mountains from the comfort of the Rocky Mountaineer through the unique landscapes of Utah’s National Parks! The rock formations provide some great, easy hiking trails that will make you feel like a kid on the jungle-gym.
When she’s not working, Whitney is busy cuddling with her pup, Bailey, watching scary movies, and making art. She’s very passionate about her friends and family, making connections with new people, and helping others accomplish their goals.
Ivana Momčilović
Sales Team Lead
An avid traveler, Ivana takes every available opportunity to voyage and discover the world. Born in Belgrade, Serbia, she has spent most of her career exploring Europe and sailing European rivers before eventually immigrating to Canada. Now a permanent resident, she is ecstatic to call Calgary her new home.
After completing her degree in Tourism and Hospitality, her first stop was Martha’s Vineyard, where she spent her summer working in Edgartown’s historic Harbourview Hotel. After returning to Europe, she further pursued her passion for travel. Visiting the Swiss Alps and making cheese, navigating through the canals of Amsterdam, and sipping coffee while enjoying the views of the Middle Rhine castles was only the beginning! A true globally experienced traveler, she has also spent time in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Her newest passion is the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and she looks forward to showcasing its beauty to the world. In her time off, she can be found enjoying nature, hiking and trying out new sports, like snowshoeing.
Ivana’s favorite tour is the Canadian Adventurer as it includes exploring the Rockies and all the must-see highlights.
Sebastian Yoria
Senior Vacation Planner
All the way from Bogota, Colombia, Sebastian has been living in Canada since 2012. Upon completing his degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sebastian decided to leave South America and come here to improve his English by living abroad. After a few years of studying in Vancouver, working in Banff, and completing a post-graduate program in Toronto, he knew he was in it for the long haul.
Sebastian has lived in the Rocky Mountains for over 5 years, and the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place contributed greatly to his appreciation for adventure and natural surroundings. He moved to Calgary in 2020 to stay close to the mountains and has loved it ever since. Apart from his extensive Canadian travels, he has explored some places in South America, including Argentina and Brazil, and has even road-tripped through Montana, Washington, and Florida in the USA.
His other hobbies include reading, playing guitar, getting to the gym, snowboarding and climbing.
Sebastian’s favourite tour is the Train Lover’s Dream as it includes two unique train routes with time to explore Jasper and see friends in Banff.
Nikki Ganos
Vacation Planner
Nikki is another true Calgarian on the Canada Rail Vacations team! After having lived most of her life here, she ventured off in 2016 to Vancouver so she could experience the West Coast, where she discovered her love of the ocean, marine wildlife, and fresh coastal air. Aside from exploring British Columbia, Nikki has driven across Canada, travelled overseas to Thailand, and made her way around New York City (which has now made the top of the list as her favourite place she’s been). There’s no shortage of places she wants to see, but her number one priority is getting to Greece.
With over 15 years in Hospitality, Nikki loves connecting with people, sharing stories, and making new friends. She has a passion for creating the perfect experience for all our guests, and if you’re ever looking for great restaurants or activities to check out in Vancouver, Calgary or Montreal – don’t be afraid to ask, she’ll point you in the right direction!
Trying new foods, cooking at home, watching documentaries, and spending time with her friends and family are just a few of her favourite things!
Having now been on the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver, Denver to Moab, and on VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper, she’s always looking for the next adventure which she hopes will be the West Coast Expedition so she can explore the remote parts of Canada that few people ever get to see.
Hélène Dubreuilh
Vacation Planner
Hélène joins our team from France, bringing with her a deep love for travel and discovery that led her to Canada in 2018. Her passion for exploring the world began early. At just 16 years old, she participated in a student exchange program in Vermont, USA. That formative experience sparked a lasting interest in new cultures and landscapes. Since arriving in Canada, Hélène has taken part in many adventures, spending several months on the road exploring the country from coast to coast.
She has driven from Ontario to Vancouver Island and experienced the Canadian Rockies aboard VIA Rail’s overnight train, ‘The Canadian’. Along the way, she has visited all the hotels we work with in Western Canada, gaining firsthand knowledge of the regions and accommodations we proudly recommend.
After falling in love with the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Hélène chose to settle in Calgary and pursue a career in the travel industry. She holds a college diploma in tourism and is passionate about helping others create memorable journeys. Her approach combines professional expertise with insights gained through personal experience.
Hélène’s favourite tour is the Rockies Relaxer, which allows for more time in Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff. She enjoys the slower pace and uses the extra time to explore the outdoors, especially on hikes through the mountain landscapes she now calls home.
Brianne Byiers
Vacation Planner
Ontario-born and Alberta-raised, Brianne is an avid traveler who has had the opportunity to visit the majority of Canada, as well as the United States and Mexico.
She spent five years in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Music at Acadia University. Before heading to Nova Scotia, however, she was able to travel throughout Europe, where she experienced her first train trip, visiting England, Spain, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as a few cities in Germany.
She then headed to Guangzhou China, where she taught English for three years. While there, she explored Southeast Asia, visiting Cambodia, Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines.
Brianne currently resides in Calgary where she can be found exploring the city and surrounding area, at the gym, spending time with friends and family, or at home writing her novel. Although in October almost everything is put on hold for Halloween and horror-related events.
Brianne’s favourite tour is the Canadian Trip of a Lifetime as it allows you to see the highlights across the country and experience both the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail.
Mara Dumonceaux
Vacation Planner
Born and raised in Calgary, Mara has always felt a deep connection to the Canadian Rockies. One of her most memorable outdoor experiences was a sunrise hike at the East End of Rundle, where she watched the first light of day illuminate the Bow Valley. This moment, just outside Banff National Park, remains a personal highlight among her many mountain adventures.
Over the years, Mara has taken road trips across much of Western Canada, visiting small towns, national parks, and scenic coastal regions. She particularly enjoys exploring British Columbia and anywhere on Vancouver Island for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. She finds that every visit offers something new, whether it is a hidden beach, a forest trail, or a peaceful garden.
Being half-Filipino, she has spent many summers visiting her mother’s hometown in the Philippines. She has also travelled to many destinations in the Caribbean and enjoys visiting warm, tropical climates. Looking ahead, she is planning future trips, such as visiting Iceland and Japan.
Mara’s favourite tour is the Rockies Glaciers and Gardens because it includes Victoria, one of her favourite places on Vancouver Island, and Jasper, an incredibly scenic place to be with lots of hiking and dark skies for stargazing.
Laura Buyers
Vacation Planner
Laura, originally from Mississauga, Ontario, is passionate about the beauty and charm of Victoria, BC, and the surrounding Vancouver Island area. With over 20 years of experience in the tourism and travel industry, she loves helping people uncover unforgettable experiences and new destinations. While she has shared the wonders of Canada, Vancouver Island holds a special place in her heart, thanks to its rugged coastlines and welcoming towns.
Laura’s career has also included time working in the school board, where she supported children with special needs. This experience strengthened her understanding of patience, empathy, and the value of creating inclusive spaces.
At home, Laura enjoys spending time with her son and their many pets. Animals have always brought joy and comfort to her family, enriching their lives. As a mom, animal lover, traveler, and dedicated tourism professional, Laura has found her perfect balance in embracing her love of nature and her work/home life.
Laura’s favourite tour is our Rockies Nostalgic with the Victoria Add-On, as it travels from Vancouver to the beautiful Canadian Rockies, with some extra time on Vancouver Island.
Ondra Maseja
Vacation Planner
Ondra has a passion for guest service, which is deeply rooted in his upbringing. He grew up on the stunning coast of British Columbia, where he spent his childhood surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Living in a charming bed and breakfast, he was immersed in the world of personalized care and creating memorable experiences from an early age. The B&B setting introduced him to the importance of attention to detail, warmth, and genuine connections with everyone who walked through the door.
When he is not focused on helping guests, you’ll likely find him outdoors. His love for nature and exploration has him seeking new trails, hiking spots, or serene locations to unwind. Growing up by the coast instilled a deep respect for the natural world, and he truly believes that embracing nature brings a sense of calm and clarity, which he shares with others through the experiences he helps create.
Hospitality is not just his job; it’s a way of life. He is dedicated to delivering exceptional service while also finding balance in the simple joys of nature.
Ondra’s favourite tour is our Rockies Winter Wonderland – There is no such thing as bad weather, only poor preparation, and when properly prepared, the stunning sights in the winter months are some of the most beautiful to be found.
Andrea McPherson
Vacation Planner
Andrea is a passionate traveler with a deep love for exploring the world. Having visited over 50 countries, she has made it her mission to experience diverse cultures and landscapes. Originally from just outside Toronto, she pursued studies in travel and tourism, which led to spending more than 15 years as a tour guide in the Canadian Rockies. Over the years, she’s lived in several beautiful places across Western Canada, including Jasper, Canmore, and Victoria, and now calls Calgary home.
She’s also had the opportunity to live in Australia and New Zealand and dreams of one day settling in Japan, her favorite country. As an adventure seeker, she thrives on activities like snowboarding and scuba diving and has embraced a nomadic lifestyle for the past 10 years. Nature serves as her playground, whether camping under the stars or wandering through the forest. She also enjoys attending music festivals, where she can connect with others and share in the excitement of live music. With a deep passion for wildlife, she feels a strong connection to the natural world.
Andrea’s favourite tour is our Rockies Kananaskis Golf, which combines the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer with world-class golf.
Faith Thompson
Vacation Planner
Born and raised in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Faith is a mountain girl at heart. She spent her youth exploring the remote surrounding areas and grew up camping, hiking, kayaking and northern lights hunting. Her love for all of these things has carried on into adulthood. Now Calgary-based, she spends most of her spare time doing the same things in Kananaskis and Banff National Park.
Faith’s love for exploration has taken her outside of Canada on many occasions. At 18 years old, she moved to Australia for the summer and experienced a life-changing trip. Since then, she’s participated in two more Working Holiday Visa schemes in the UK and New Zealand. Living abroad made traveling a lot more accessible, and she’s had the opportunity to visit 23 countries and counting.
Faith’s favorite tour is our 7-Day Leisure – Rockies to the Red Rocks, as it offers the chance to visit one of her favorite cities in the world and the place she got married, Las Vegas! It also gives you the opportunity to visit the Glenwood Hot Springs, and hike in the extremely diverse landscapes of Utah.
Vladyslav Bazenkov
Logistics Coordinator
Vlad joins us from Ukraine and is passionate about exploring the world – scoping out the best-hidden gems. With over 8 years of experience in the travel industry, he has developed expertise in creating unforgettable trips that cater to every individual’s needs and preferences. Although his heart belongs to the Caribbean, he has fallen in love with the beauty of Canada since moving here in 2022.
Vlad is multilingual, speaking Ukrainian, English, and some Spanish, making him an excellent communicator with clients worldwide. His enthusiasm for travel and desire to help others discover unique places make him greatly suited for our team at Canada Rail.
His favorite tour is the Rockies Adventurer which combines Canada’s history, natural beauty, and the luxurious service of Rocky Mountaineer. He has personally experienced the breathtaking scenery of Banff National Park and loves hiking with his dog in his free time.
Michael Mardell
Digital Product Designer
Growing up in northern Saskatchewan, cold weather was always a part of everyday life, and through various winter sports including hockey and snowboarding, Michael’s adoration of frigid climates and brisk mornings only grew stronger. After living in Jasper as a freestyle snowboard coach at Marmot Basin, he has since followed his love of winter all around Western Canada. From the groomers in the Canadian Rockies to the champagne powder of the Okanagan, and even the sticky slopes of the Pacific Coast mountains, Michael found a new home in the west and never looked back. He cherishes every aspect of Canadian culture and can usually be found spending time with friends and family.
From the best après ski spots to perfect summer soiree venues, Michael cannot wait to share his local knowledge to make your time with us the very best it can be.
Michael’s favorite tour is the Rockies Circle Train Adventurer as it passes through various Canadian world-class winter destinations.
Jake Pawis
Tour Guide
Originally from Toronto, Jake has been living in the Canadian Rockies for the past few years. Now calling Canmore home, just 20 minutes from Banff, he spends his time skiing, rafting, biking, and hiking in the outdoor playground that is the Rockies. Having always been an outdoor person, Jake left a career in the automotive business and jumped full-on into the guiding and tourism world. He hopes to share his passion and enjoyment of the outdoors with others.
Building on skills developed from years of leading personal trips, he attended a guiding and naturalist course near Ontario’s beautiful Algonquin Park and has been lucky enough to lead trips over land, water, and snow. After trading the endless lakes of Ontario for the lofty heights of Alberta he has had the opportunity to work closely with the Parks Services in the province and has become very familiar with the best highlights of the area for people from all different walks of life.
His favorite trip is the Lake Louise Explorer, as it highlights the very best of the magnificent Bow Valley.
Duncan Rodway
Tour Guide
Born and raised in North Vancouver, BC, on the west coast of Canada, Duncan has been living in Calgary on and off since 2014. He first arrived in the area for University, but due to the high quality of life and natural scenery, he decided to make the move full-time. One of his favourite aspects of guiding in the Rockies is meeting people from all over the world and getting to share the Rockies experience with them. In addition to guiding, he previously worked as a flight instructor and regional airline pilot, and has been fortunate to live and travel around the world. He is looking forward to seeing you in the mountains!
His favourite excursion is our Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls between Banff and Lake Louise, as there is always an opportunity for some excellent sightseeing along the way.
Delano Paquin-Mannington
Tour Guide
Delano was born and raised in Abbotsford, BC, where frequent road trips along the Coquihalla Highway to visit family in Calgary sparked a lasting connection to the mountains. After years of visits, he made that connection permanent by relocating to Canmore for the 2023/24 winter season. There, he embraced mountain life through skiing, exploring, and immersing himself in the natural surroundings. It was a change that quickly felt like home.
With several years of guiding experience, Delano has led youth aged 5 to 17 on a wide range of outdoor adventures. These included single-day excursions and multi-day hiking, biking, and canoeing trips across BC’s coastal ranges and Ontario’s Great Lakes region. Through these journeys, he developed a passion for storytelling and environmental education, both of which now shape the way he leads tours. His approach is energetic, engaging, and grounded in firsthand experience.
Delano’s top pick for a tour is the Rockies Adventurer, which offers a dynamic mix of natural history, geology, and awe-inspiring views. The highlight for many is the scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, a route widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Neil Zeller
Photographer & Tour Guide
Neil grew up in Saskatchewan but claims Western Canada as his own. Working in a corporate setting for 15 years, he had a mid-life creative and chose to build a photography business 10 years ago. Now a decade later and he is regarded as one of Alberta’s best photographers and guides. He enjoys showing people his backyard, with the Alberta Prairies, the Foothills, and the Rocky Mountains as his greatest inspirations.
Traveling all the backroads and main highways with his wife and son, Neil has honed his appreciation of this part of the world and counts ‘showing off’ this area as his absolute favorite thing to do professionally. Neil loves to help folks make the best of their time here by giving them positive memories for a lifetime!
His favorite tour is the Rockies Relaxer. As he is well travelled and an experienced guide, this tour captures his imagination and offers plenty of time to explore.
Julián Pérez de Camino
Tour Guide
After travelling the world for years, Julian met his wife Jen and decided to settle near Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There, he worked as lead guide and sales manager with a leading travel company showcasing Canada, to the Spanish market. Julián started his journey with Canada Rail Vacations as our guide in 2013. He is one of the most knowledgeable guides in Canada and his “on the ground” experience helps make our clients’ trips even smoother.
Originally from Spain, he was raised between Madrid and the little ski town of Jaca in the Pyrenees. In his personal time, he is skiing every possible powder run he can find.
Julian has travelled to every region in Canada and our country never gets boring but his favourite part of our trips is the Victoria Add On because it can be included on any one of our tours that include Vancouver and offers everyone the opportunity to explore Vancouver Island, which is where he currently calls home.
The Office Dogs
You may also, on occasion, end up speaking to one of our office dogs over the phone!

Bailey

Lily

Poppy

Phoebe

Lori
29 Years of Excellence
1995
Year Canada Rail Vacations was incorporated in Calgary, Alberta
16640
Guests have travelled with Canada Rail Vacations
Located in Canada
Our staff are located in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. We love meeting our clients while they are getting to know Canada.
Community Oriented
Each year we fundraise towards medical research in North America - specifically MS and cancer.
Love Outdoors
Our staff love mountain life, whether exploring by foot, bike, car, or train
Experienced Personal Guides
Our three guides have a combined 39 years of guiding experience - so we know how to tailor a tour to your interests