How is the Rocky Mountaineer different from VIA Rail?

The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only luxury tourism train with hotel stops. VIA Rail's Canadian is a working sleeper train that runs through the night, more akin to traditional rail travel.

Can I book just a portion of the Canadian route?

Yes. Common segments include Toronto–Winnipeg, Winnipeg–Jasper, and Jasper–Vancouver, each two days long.

All Rocky Mountaineer fares include gourmet onboard meals. On VIA Rail, sleeper-class fares include all meals; Economy class does not.

The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond

Experience

Rail Journeys

A continent at conversation speed.

Overview

Rail travel built Canada, and it still offers the most evocative way to cross it. From the glass-domed Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies to VIA Rail's four-day Toronto-to-Vancouver run, the country reveals itself slowly and completely.

The Rocky Mountaineer runs in daylight only, with overnight hotel stops so guests don't miss a single mile of scenery. Routes include Vancouver–Banff, Vancouver–Jasper, and a southern circle through Whistler and the Thompson Canyon.

VIA Rail's transcontinental Canadian connects Toronto with Vancouver over four days and three nights, traversing the Shield, the Prairies, and the Rockies. Sleeper-class travellers enjoy private cabins, the Park dome car, and full dining service.

Signature moments

Don't miss

Three experiences that capture the heart of rail journeys travel in Canada.

Rocky Mountaineer

Daylight-only glass-dome rail through Banff, Jasper, and the Canadian Rockies.

VIA Rail Canadian

Four-day transcontinental journey between Toronto and Vancouver.

Agawa Canyon tour train

A day trip from Sault Ste. Marie into Ontario's Algoma wilderness.

Where to experience it

Related destinations

All destinations →

British Columbia

Alberta

Ontario

Manitoba

Good to know

Frequently
asked.

Practical answers from travellers and Canadian operators.

How is the Rocky Mountaineer different from VIA Rail?: The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only luxury tourism train with hotel stops. VIA Rail's Canadian is a working sleeper train that runs through the night, more akin to traditional rail travel.
Can I book just a portion of the Canadian route?: Yes. Common segments include Toronto–Winnipeg, Winnipeg–Jasper, and Jasper–Vancouver, each two days long.
Are meals included?: All Rocky Mountaineer fares include gourmet onboard meals. On VIA Rail, sleeper-class fares include all meals; Economy class does not.

Keep exploring

Other experiences

All experiences →

Rail Journeys