8 Bucket List Stops on a Canadian Rockies Train Trip

The Canadian Rockies are one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, where turquoise lakes sparkle beneath jagged peaks and glaciers carve their way through mountain valleys. Exploring them by rail is not just convenient, it is unforgettable. Trains glide past scenery you could never see from a highway, and Railbookers makes the whole experience effortless with hotels, excursions, and transfers included.

Here are eight bucket list stops you can experience on a Canadian Rockies train holiday.

1. Vancouver

Your adventure begins in Vancouver, a city where ocean and mountains collide. Stroll through Stanley Park, wander Gastown’s cobbled streets, or head up the Vancouver Lookout for panoramic views. With Railbookers, you can also take advantage of included sightseeing like a hop-on, hop-off pass or entry to the Vancouver Lookout, making your first days a perfect mix of urban energy and natural beauty.

2. Jasper

After an overnight rail journey into the Rockies, you will arrive in Jasper National Park, a wonderland of glaciers, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife. Keep your camera ready. Elk, moose, and even bears are often spotted here. With two nights to explore, you can soak up the laid-back mountain vibe while enjoying hikes, lakes, and guided tours.

3. The Icefields Parkway

Known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway connects Jasper and Lake Louise with non-stop views of glaciers, waterfalls, and peaks. Along the way of your included tour, you will step onto the Athabasca Glacier during a guided tour and experience the thrilling Glacier Skywalk, a glass walkway suspended above the valley.

4. Lake Louise

No Canadian Rockies holiday is complete without a stop at Lake Louise, where turquoise waters reflect snow-capped peaks in a scene straight out of a postcard. Ride the Lake Louise Gondola for sweeping views, stroll the lake’s shoreline, or relax with a coffee while the Rockies tower above you.

5. Banff

The lively town of Banff is a perfect blend of rugged wilderness and charming streets. With Railbookers, you will enjoy experiences like the Banff Gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain and a scenic Lake Minnewanka cruise. Spend your free time exploring shops and cafés or venturing into Banff National Park for hikes and photo-worthy views.

6. Calgary

Your Rockies adventure wraps up in Calgary, a vibrant city with a western spirit. Explore its lively downtown, visit the Calgary Tower, or extend your stay to dive deeper into Alberta’s cultural side. It is the perfect final stop before heading home.

7. The Trains Themselves

One of the true highlights of this journey is the train itself. On VIA Rail or Rocky Mountaineer, panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and onboard service turn travel days into experiences. Watch landscapes shift from coastal rainforest to glacier-carved peaks without lifting a finger. The train is more than transport, it is part of the adventure.

8. The Scenery Between the Stops

Perhaps the biggest bucket list “stop” is not a stop at all. It is the journey. The views between destinations, towering peaks, rushing rivers, endless forests, are what make the Canadian Rockies by train so unique. Unlike flying or driving, you will see every mile unfold in comfort, with nothing to distract you from the view.

Why Choose Railbookers for the Canadian Rockies?

• Effortless Planning: Trains, hotels, and excursions all arranged for you.
• Tailor-Made Flexibility: Add extra nights, combine routes, or customise excursions.
• The Best-Located Hotels: Stay close to the action in every destination.
• Scenic Routes: Travel through landscapes most people only dream about.
• Peace of Mind: Expert support before and during your journey.

Your Rockies Adventure Awaits

From Vancouver’s waterfront to Banff’s mountain trails and Lake Louise’s shimmering waters, a Canadian Rockies train holiday is pure magic. Add in iconic trains, included sightseeing, and seamless planning from Railbookers, and you have a bucket list experience you will remember forever.