Canada Rail Vacations: Custom Train Tours & Packages [2026]

Q: What is the difference between Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail ?

Rocky Mountaineer operates daylight-only, multi-day train journeys through the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada, with comfortable seats, large windows and hotel overnights off the train. It is designed around scenery and hosted onboard service in SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf Service. You can learn more on our Rocky Mountaineer train trips page. VIA Rail is Canada’s national passenger rail service, operating both overnight sleeper routes (like The Canadian and The Ocean) and daytime intercity services (The Corridor) connecting major cities across the country. VIA Rail is ideal for longer stretches and coast-to-coast journeys, including classic overnight trips in private cabins. See our VIA Rail train trips for examples.

Q: Does the train stop directly in Banff or Lake Louise ?

The Rocky Mountaineer stops at a siding in Banff, but VIA Rail does not stop in Banff or Lake Louise. This is a common point of confusion. We solve this logistics gap by including shared small group transfer & tours or private luxury transfers or tours from the nearest rail hubs (Jasper, Lake Louise or Banff) directly to your hotel door, ensuring you arrive stress-free.

Q: Will I know my specific hotels and room category before I book ?

Yes. We prioritize total transparency. While many other rail vacation companies act as middlemen and often cannot confirm your specific hotel until after they book with their suppliers, our Direct Partner status allows us to guarantee your exact accommodations immediately. Whether you want a guaranteed Lake View at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or a specific room at the Fairmont Banff Springs, we don't hide behind generic 'or similar' labels; you will know exactly where you are staying before you pay.

Q: How far in advance should I book for 2026 or 2027 ?

For premium inventory like Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service or VIA Rail Prestige Class, we recommend booking 8 to 12 months in advance. These exclusive cabins sell out first. Because we hold direct inventory access, we can often secure priority seats, but we advise booking early to guarantee your preferred dates.

Q: Is the train trip suitable for seniors or those with limited mobility?

Absolutely. Canadian rail travel is ideal for seniors. Rocky Mountaineer offers transfers directly to your seat, and VIA Rail offers specific cabins designed for mobility. Since we are a local operator, we can also arrange accessible private transfers and hotels with elevator access to ensure your entire journey is comfortable and safe.

Q: Can I combine both trains into one trip ?

Yes, this is our signature 'Circle Journey.' You can take the Rocky Mountaineer one way (e.g., Vancouver to Jasper) and return on VIA Rail, or drive one way and take the train back. We handle all the complex connections, ensuring the schedules line up perfectly so you experience the best of both worlds.

Q: How much does a complete multi-day rail vacation cost?

Most guests book complete 7-to-12-day itineraries. Our packages—which include the train, hotels, and transfers—typically range from $3,500 to $8,500 CAD (approx. $2,500 to $6,000 USD) depending on whether you choose SilverLeaf/Coach or GoldLeaf/Cabins. For the ultimate cross-country experience in VIA Rail Prestige Class, packages start around $15,000 CAD (approx. $10,500 USD). Because the US dollar is strong against the Canadian dollar, American travelers currently enjoy significant savings on all our packages.

Q: Do you offer packages beyond the Rockies, like to the East Coast or Alaska ?

Yes. We offer seamless rail vacations across the entire continent. Coast-to-Coast: We can build a complete transcontinental journey from Vancouver to Halifax, linking the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail. Atlantic Canada: Explore the Maritimes on VIA Rail’s 'The Ocean' to Nova Scotia. Alaska by Land & Sea: Through our sister brand, Alaska Rail Vacations, we can combine your Canadian train trip with an Alaska Cruise or a land tour to Denali. We handle all the connections between the ship and the train so you don't have to worry about the logistics.

Canada’s Leading Specialists for Rocky Mountaineer & VIA Rail

Plan your 2026 trip with Canada’s leading inbound tour operator. We welcome over 120,000 travelers annually, serving as the trusted source for Canada Rail Vacations for over 25 years. From Canadian Rockies train tours to Coast-to-Coast and Eastern Canada rail packages, we craft custom itineraries with guaranteed rooms at iconic Fairmont hotels. Skip the middleman and book with the verified Consumer Protection BC and Virtuoso® specialists.

Best-Selling Canada Rail Vacations & Train Packages [2026]

These are the itineraries our guests ask for again and again. From classic train journeys through the Rockies to cross-country rail adventures, each package has been fine-tuned by our Travel Designers after riding Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail themselves.

Explore Canada Rail Tours & Packages by Travel Style

Design your perfect Canada Rail Vacation with our curated collection of journeys. Browse our styles below—from exclusive Luxury GoldLeaf rail packages to magical Winter expeditions. Unsure where to begin? Lean on our local expertise and call our team to craft the Canadian rail tour that matches your dream.

Top 10 Best Selling Train Trips

Our Best-Selling Canada Rail Trips & Bucket List Itineraries

Canadian Rockies - Rocky Mountaineer Rail Packages

World-class luxury daylight rail journeys through the Canadian Rockies

Canadian Rockies VIA Rail Train Packages

Experience the romance of Canada’s legendary overnight sleeper train

Rocky Mountaineer & VIA Rail Combos

Experience both iconic trains: Luxury daylight rail meets classic sleeper romance

Coast to Coast Train Vacations

The ultimate trans-continental journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic

Eastern Canada & The Maritimes

Explore historic cities and coastal charm on a cultural rail journey

Canadian Rockies Rail & Drive Vacations

Combine a Canadian Rockies Road Trip with a Rail Vacation

Luxury Train Tours & GoldLeaf Packages

Canada’s Most Luxurious Rail Trips – GoldLeaf & Prestige Class

West Coast Rail & Luxury Lodge Escapes

Luxury West Coast Canada Rail Vacations with Iconic Lodges

Canada Winter Train Vacations (Snow Train)

Snow Train to the Rockies – Iconic Canada Winter Rail Vacations

Rocky Mountaineer & VIA Rail Vacations with Canada Rail Vacations

The 4,000-mile rail journey across Canada is one of the world’s greatest travel experiences. With Canada Rail Vacations, you can turn that dream into a tailor-made rail vacation. From short Canada rail trips in the Rockies to luxury cross-Canada rail tours linking Vancouver, Jasper, Toronto and Halifax, we combine iconic trains, hand-picked stays and curated sightseeing for every style and budget. 

Rocky Mountaineer

Travelers with a passion for historical adventure should consider the Canadian Rockies Rail Tour with Rocky Mountaineer. Onboard this world-famous train, you can choose between the First Passage to the West, Journey through the Clouds or the Rainforest to Gold Rush in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service.

VIA Rail

VIA Rail Canada has perfected the art of ferrying passengers across the country's vast and diverse landscapes, all year round. Unwind on a classic overnight train across Canada, where you can stretch out in a cozy sleeper cabin and dine on exquisite meals. It's the most comfortable way to explore the natural beauty of Canada.

Common Questions About Your Canada Rail Vacation

From seasonal planning to packing tips for your overnight sleeper train, we handle the details so you don't have to. Read the answers to our most common traveler questions below, or contact our team for personal advice on your 2026 itinerary.

What is the difference between Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail ?

Does the train stop directly in Banff or Lake Louise ?

Will I know my specific hotels and room category before I book ?

How far in advance should I book for 2026 or 2027 ?

Is the train trip suitable for seniors or those with limited mobility?

Can I combine both trains into one trip ?

How much does a complete multi-day rail vacation cost?

Do you offer packages beyond the Rockies, like to the East Coast or Alaska ?

Canada Rail Vacations REVIEWS

"We had a wonderful holiday in Eastern Canada due largely to your efforts to put together such an amazing tour at very short notice for us. Our sincere thanks for both your hard work and your expertise. We are very grateful. You have helped make a dream come true for us both."

Cherie & Julia

"I am a solo independent traveler. Andre Duque patiently and timely addressed my questions and concerns all along the way while putting this vacation plan in place to exactly meet my expectations, and it went flawlessly. Would I recommend others to make the trip? For sure. "

Charlotte

"Thank you so much for a wonderful vacation that created memories for our lifetime! You did a great job!"

Pam Illinois, United States

"Thanks again, we would certainly recommend you to our friends in Florida!"

Thomas Florida, United States

"I would highly recommend Canada Rail Vacations and would certainly use them again when going to another area they service."

Joyce - New Jersey, United States

"We can’t truly express our gratitude to you and your team for the absolute success and awe of this trip! From Halifax to Vancouver and back, not one problem, not one disconnect, not one unexpected glitch! You had to have toiled immeasurably on all the excursions, transfers, various modes of transport, lodging, and food services. Everyone expected us, called us by name, all were polite, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Your contacts throughout Canada act as one seamless team! "

Tom

"This was an A++ experience! I'll definitely use Canada Rail Vacations for our next trip to Canada."

Kathleen Texas, United States

"I don't know how I will ever thank you all at Canada Rail Vacations for making our trip of a lifetime!"

Ann Australia

"Thanks Canada Rail Vacations for putting together and planning such a trouble free, smooth running package."

Lutfu - Istanbul

Joseph Moore Terrebonne, OR, United States

"We will be recommending you to others and will use you again when we return for more adventure. Thanks Canada Rail Vacations Team you all amazing !"

Kay - New Zealand

"One of our best vacations. Perfectly planned and all went off without a hitch. "

Joel Yellin - Rochester, United States

"From start to finish it was an ideal trip for us to enjoy Canada scenery, atmosphere and hospitality. "

Manuel United States

"We did the "Rail & Drive Across Canada" with Canada Rail Vacations & it was wonderful. A Bucket List dream come true!"

Rita Illinois, United States

"What an AMAZING VACATION. Everything was seamless. It was beautiful and we were taken care of by everyone, and every place we visited. A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!! SO GRATEFUL. "

Steven

"We really enjoyed our tour of eastern Canada with Canada Rail Vacations. Andre was very helpful and responsive to questions as we researched and booked the tour."

Greg & Ann

"I loved the trip! You did a great job of offering me excursions that were just right for me."

Gail

"It was a very memorable trip and I highly recommend Canada Rail Vacations to all."

Cherie Arizona, United States

"Thanks for a great holiday. The Rockies - awesome, Victoria- beautiful. Whistler- magic."

Mark Sydney, Australia

"It was such a relief to know that we could trust Canada Rail Vacations before and during our trip."

Vered Mei-Tal - Lutherville, United States

"Canada - Endless beauty from a train window."

Jane Touzeau Elwood, VIC, Australia

"We found our experience with Canada Rail Vacations to be most wonderful for our Trans-Canada Rail Trip."

Marjorie Stock California, United States

"We could not have been more pleased with the trip that was planned by Canada Rail Vacations"

Carol Cevolani - Petaluma, United States

"We had a wonderful trip and everything was arranged very well!"

Jacqueline - Netherlands

"Thanks again for a well planned and hassle free vacation. We will look forward to future vacations with Canada. "

Ross - Ontario, Canada

"It was like a Christmas tree fairyland. It was snowing pretty good. So coming from Texas in the summer it was really special, almost magical. Thanks Canada Rail Vacations"

Anita Texas, United States

"From day one we felt comfortable that everything was going to be special."

Mark Australia

"Very knowledgeable and professional, they put together a great trip to explore Canada, from Toronto to Vancouver with extra time in Rockies. Highly recommend."

Susan