Slow travel across Canada's rails has a kind of magnetic draw that feels like a remnant of a time just passed, with no choice but to slow down and enjoy the views of lesser-explored landscapes. By rail, Canada is waiting.

Taking the train through Canada is your way into the heart of the country. There’s something about the ever-changing views out your window, and those quiet, in-between moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.

At Canada Rail Vacations, we specialize in crafting these little moments, finding the things you’ll love most along the way, and helping create memories you’ll keep for years to come.

We’ve put together answers to the questions that we frequently receive about Canada rail travel, so you can feel totally ready before you ever step onboard.

Common Questions | Canada Rail Travel

We have broken these questions down into three categories to help you find what you need:

• General Rail
• Rocky Mountaineer
• VIA Rail

For more general questions about Canada, please visit our dedicated page: Common Questions | Visiting Canada

VIA Rail Canadian train in the Rockies | Credit: VIA Rail

General Rail Questions

What is the difference between VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer?

VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer are the two main train travel companies that visitors will encounter in Canada. Both trains offer a classically nostalgic rail experience, with meals and drinks included onboard, and your nights taken care of.

Rocky Mountaineer train trips offer luxury sightseeing by rail through the Canadian Rockies. Routes run between Vancouver, on the West Coast, to Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper.

The journey is daylight-only, meaning you do not sleep on the train. Instead, passengers are transferred from the train to a hotel each night and re-board the train the following morning for breakfast.

VIA Rail offers trains across Canada, letting visitors explore the country coast-to-coast entirely with train travel. Long-distance trains run between Vancouver, British Columbia all the way to Halifax, Nova Scotia. And, through a multitude of connecting train routes, you can explore north to Churchill, Manitoba, and down to Windsor, Ontario.

VIA Rail's overnight trains, The Canadian and The Ocean, both have sleeper cars, and you will sleep onboard the train while you travel.

Are Canada train trips appropriate for people in wheelchairs?

Yes, both Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail can accommodate people in wheelchairs. Any accessibility requests should be made at the time of booking.

For more information on our accessibility options, reach out to one of our Travel Designers.

Will I experience delays?

The majority of trains in Canada run on the Canadian National Railway, which is shared by both passenger and freight trains. As the freight service is a highly important part of keeping Canada connected and supplied with necessities, freight trains take priority, and this can result in delays.

For this reason, we recommend you do not book important transfers, flights, or tours on arrival days. However, you are well taken care of during any extended periods onboard your train.

Can I take a train from Canada to Alaska?

No train runs directly between Canada and Alaska. If you are looking to connect train trips in both Canada and Alaska, speak to a Travel Designer and they can help arrange travel options for you.

How do I book a train trip in Canada?

Most train trips in Canada include both time on and time off the train itself.

If you are just looking for a train ticket between cities, they can be booked online at the Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Rail websites.

If you are looking for a rail vacation in Canada, using a tour operator like Canada Rail Vacations ensures your entire trip blends smoothly. From boarding the train on time to arranging connecting tours, you are welcomed into a seamless experience.

Rocky Mountaineer train in the Rockies | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer Questions

Rocky Mountaineer trains are Canada's most luxurious way to travel the tracks.

Where does Rocky Mountaineer go?

Rocky Mountaineer operates three routes in Canada between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies:

• First Passage to the West - 2 days | Vancouver to Banff or Lake Louise
• Journey through the Clouds - 2 days | Vancouver to Jasper
• Rainforest to Gold Rush - 3 days | Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler

See our Rocky Mountaineer Train Trips post for more information on the various routes.

Is there WiFi onboard?

No, there is no WiFi onboard Rocky Mountaineer trains, and on many of the routes, both internet connection and cell service is extremely limited. The experience is designed around disconnecting from the digital and experiencing rail travel as it should be seen — enjoying the sights as they pass and the commentary and storytelling from onboard hosts.

Do I need to pay gratuities onboard? If so, how much?

Onboard gratuities are discretionary, but we recommend $10-20 per guide/server/helper.

Can I sleep onboard Rocky Mountaineer?

No, travelers do not sleep onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Instead, you will be transferred to a hotel room for the night, before re-boarding the train the following morning for breakfast.

What is the difference between Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf Services?

GoldLeaf Service is Rocky Mountaineer's premium service. The main features are bi-level coaches with upper-level seating under near-complete glass-domed windows and a lower-level dining car where multi-course meals are served.

SilverLeaf Service is the more affordable service level, offering single-level seating cars and meal service direct to your seat.

For more details on service levels onboard, please visit our dedicated post: What to expect onboard a Rocky Mountaineer train

What are the luggage policies on Rocky Mountaineer?

Luggage onboard Rocky Mountaineer is split between a small day bag, which you will bring onto the train with you, and your checked luggage. Onboard the train, passengers are permitted to bring one small bag measuring:

• GoldLeaf Service: 16” x 11” x 8”
• SilverLeaf Service: 23” x 8” x 8”

Your day bag should only contain items you will need on the train, medical devices, valuables, and your passport.

Each passenger can bring two pieces of checked luggage, not exceeding a total weight of 66 lbs, and no single item weighing over 50 lbs. These bags will be stored in the dedicated baggage car and transferred to your hotel during your overnight stop. Your bags will arrive at your hotel before you do, so everything you need during your night will be readily accessible.

Are kids welcome on the train?

Children are welcome onboard Rocky Mountaineer. However, the experience is designed with adults in mind. It is based around long periods of sitting, and does not offer separate children's menus.

What can I bring on the train?

You don't need to bring much on the train. A carry-on containing your daytime items will do. Large bags will be checked in and stored for the duration of your journey onboard. At night, your bags will be unloaded and brought to your hotel room. The following morning, they will be collected from the hotel front desk and reloaded onto the train.

You cannot bring vehicles, electric scooters, or pets onboard the train. Service dogs are permitted, so long as they can stay at your feet without impeding on other passengers' space or the aisle.

The Canadian Train passing Mount Robson | Credit: VIA Rail

VIA Rail Questions

VIA Rail operates trans-Canada passenger trains ranging from long-distance sleeper trains to commuter routes.

Where does VIA Rail go?

VIA Rail operates multiple routes across the country.

The most popular routes are:

• The Canadian, running between Vancouver and Toronto
• The Corridor, running between Windsor and Quebec City
• The Ocean, running between Montreal or Quebec City and Halifax

Additional Scenic Adventure Routes see passenger trains running between bigger connecting cities and more remote towns.

Is there WiFi onboard?

There is WiFi onboard some VIA Rail trains.

If you are travelling on train routes in the Quebec City - Windsor corridor, including The Ocean train, complimentary WiFi is available for passengers in Business Class or in the lounge cars.

However, The Canadian train does not offer onboard WiFi, and internet connection and cell service is limited through much of the route. WiFi can be found at Vancouver, Jasper, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto stations.

Do I need to pay gratuities onboard? If so, how much?

Onboard gratuities are discretionary, but we recommend $10-20 per guide/server/helper.

Can I sleep on board VIA Rail?

VIA Rail operates both sleeper and non-sleeper trains.

On The Canadian train — traveling between Vancouver and Toronto — you can sleep in:

• Economy class seats
• Sleeper Plus class semi-private berths (bunks)
• Sleeper Plus private cabins for one (bunks)
• Sleeper Plus private cabins for two (bunks)
• Prestige Sleeper cabins (double bed)

On the Ocean train — with service between Montreal and Halifax — you can also choose between:

• Economy class seats
• Sleeper Plus class semi-private berths (bunks)
• Sleeper Plus private cabins for one (bunks)
• Sleeper Plus Private cabins for two — either the HEP car, featuring two armchairs during the day, or the Renaissance car, featuring a large couch during the day (bunks)
• Sleeper Plus Private cabins for three (one upper and two lower bunks)

On both routes, we strongly recommend booking Sleeper Plus class and above, in order to enjoy a comfortable night onboard.

What is the difference between service levels?

As stated above, Economy class on VIA Rail features carriages with large seats. Meals are available for purchase.

Sleeper Plus and Prestige class passengers have access to included meals onboard the train, served in a dedicated dining car, and the Skyline car, a specialist second-level viewing car covered by domed glass windows, in addition to flat beds in semi-private and private cabins — details are listed above.

Prestige class passengers also enjoy larger private cabins featuring an L-shaped couch and the Park Car Bullet Lounge which, in the daytime, is private for Prestige class passengers to enjoy.

What can I bring on the train?

Vehicles cannot be brought on the VIA Rail trains. If you need assistance arriving at or leaving a train, speak to a Travel Designer about arranging transfers between your hotel and the station. Some animals can be brought onboard VIA Rail trains:

• Service animals are welcome onboard all VIA Rail trains
• On Corridor trains only (Quebec City to Windsor), some personal pets can be brought on board so long as they fit in a carrier measuring 21.5 in. (L) x 15.5 in. (W) x 10.5 in. (H), and must remain in the carrier for the duration of the trip
• On long-distance trains, some personal pets can be transported in the baggage car so long as they are in a metal or hard plastic cage not exceeding 33 in

All personal pets onboard VIA Rail are subject to a $50 pet fee. Please speak to your Travel Designer before bringing a pet on VIA Rail.

What are the luggage policies on VIA Rail?

When travelling on VIA Rail long-distance trains, large luggage will be checked and stored in a separate baggage car. They will not be available to passengers for the duration of the train trip. Smaller items, including anything you need for your time on the train, should be brought onboard and stored in individual cabins or berths.

Onboard, VIA Rail allows for one personal item (up to 25 lbs) and one small carry-on item (up to 50 lbs) per passenger.

Sleeper-Plus and Prestige passengers can check two large bags (each up to 50 lbs) for free. Economy passengers are able to check one large bag (up to 50 lbs). Oversized and extra bags are subject to extra charges.

Bags must be checked at least 45 minutes before the train's departure time, and will be available again after disembarking the train at your final destination.

Are kids welcome on the train?

Children are welcome onboard VIA Rail's trains across all routes.

Our team members experiencing VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer firsthand

How to Book a Canadian Train Trip

Now that we’re acquainted, reach out to a Travel Designer and let us take care of the rest.

Working with a tour operator like Canada Rail Vacations is a perfect way to ensure your trip to Canada runs smoothly.

It begins when you contact one of our team — you can submit an enquiry or arrange a call with a Travel Designer directly.

From there, your personal Travel Designer will work one-on-one with you to craft a train trip tailored to you, centered around what you love most. With travel experts — and locals themselves — helping you plan, you can find hidden spots that few others know, and make a trip truly yours.

If you have further questions or concerns, reach out. Our Travel Designers can help with everything from last-minute queries to booking a trip. In the meantime, take a look at our featured Canada rail trip ideas or subscribe to our newsletter for more inspiration.