Vancouver Train Vacations & Rail Station Guide

Vancouver is the spectacular Pacific gateway to your Canadian rail vacation.

As the only city where the Rocky Mountaineer and the classic VIA Rail sleeper trains converge, it demands more than a quick stopover.

Let our local Vancouver team craft the perfect pre- or post-trip itinerary, helping you explore the city from every angle—whether soaring over the harbour by seaplane, cruising the coastline by boat, or discovering the rainforests of Stanley Park on land.

We handle every logistic to ensure a seamless connection between your excursions, your hotel, and your train platform.

Vancouver Rail Station Guide: What You Need to Know

Unlike other cities, Vancouver has two separate train stations located in completely different parts of the city. Arriving at the correct one is critical for a smooth start to your trip.

Rocky Mountaineer Station (1755 Cottrell St)

Located in an industrial area away from downtown, this private terminal is exclusively for the Rocky Mountaineer daylight sightseeing trains. It is not accessible by public transit and you cannot walk here from downtown. Our packages include private transfers ensuring you are dropped off right at the platform.

Pacific Central Station (VIA Rail Hub)

Located near Main Street and the Science World dome, this heritage station is the hub for the cross-country VIA Rail 'Canadian' sleeper train. (Note: This station also serves Amtrak arrivals from Seattle, though our packages focus exclusively on Canadian rail routes). It is a separate terminal entirely from the Rocky Mountaineer station, and we manage the complex logistics of transferring between them.

Where to Stay & What to Do in Vancouver

Guaranteed Rooms at Iconic Hotels

We refuse to play the "or similar" game with your accommodation. We hold direct inventory contracts with Vancouver's most prestigious properties, ensuring you are exactly where you want to be for your pre- or post-trip stay. Cruise & View Focused: Stay at the Fairmont Waterfront or Fairmont Pacific Rim, located steps from the Canada Place Cruise Terminal and the seaplane docks.City & Shopping: Choose the historic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or the boutique Wedgewood Hotel, putting you right on Robson Street’s famous shopping mile.

Canada Rail Vacations REVIEWS

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

Carol Cevolani - Petaluma, 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

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

Lutfu - Istanbul

"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

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

Manuel United States

"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

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

Thomas Florida, United States

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

Jacqueline - Netherlands

"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

"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

"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

"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

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

Mark Sydney, Australia

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

Mark Australia

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

Ann Australia

"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

"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

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

Marjorie Stock California, 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

"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

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

Pam Illinois, United States

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

Kathleen Texas, United States

"Canada - Endless beauty from a train window."

Jane Touzeau Elwood, VIC, Australia

Joseph Moore Terrebonne, OR, United States

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

Ross - Ontario, Canada