Your Top Questions Answered: Canadian Rail Holidays
Canada is a land built for train travel, vast, scenic, and full of destinations best appreciated from a window seat. From the glass-dome luxury of the Rocky Mountaineer to the classic overnight journeys of VIA Rail, there’s a rail experience for every traveller.
Railbookers makes planning effortless. We combine trains, hotels, and tours into one package, no juggling multiple bookings or timetables. Here’s your expanded guide to Canadian rail holidays.
Where can I go on the train in Canada?
The possibilities are endless. With Railbookers, you can:
- Cross the country coast to coast on VIA Rail’s The Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto.
- Explore the Canadian Rockies on Rocky Mountaineer routes like First Passage to the West or Journey through the Clouds.
- Ride VIA Rail’s Ocean from Montreal to Halifax for maritime charm.
- Combine rail with Alaska cruises or Niagara Falls tours for a multi-destination adventure.
Our team can customise any route into a longer holiday that includes city stays, national parks, and sightseeing tours.
Can I book a Canadian Rockies rail trip with hotels and tours?
Yes. Railbookers packages include train tickets, centrally located hotels, transfers, and optional tours. You might start in Vancouver, ride Rocky Mountaineer to Banff, visit Lake Louise, continue by VIA Rail to Jasper, and add tours like the Columbia Icefield or Maligne Lake cruise.
What’s the difference between Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail?
- Rocky Mountaineer: A luxury sightseeing train operating by daylight through the Canadian Rockies, with gourmet meals and overnight hotel stays off the train.
- VIA Rail: Canada’s national passenger rail service, offering long-distance routes with overnight sleeper accommodation, connecting major cities across the country year-round.
Many Railbookers itineraries feature both, for example, starting with Rocky Mountaineer through the Rockies followed by VIA Rail’s transcontinental journey to Toronto or Montreal.
Can I see Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff on one trip?
Yes, and it’s one of our most requested itineraries. A popular plan is:
- Vancouver for two nights
- Rocky Mountaineer through Kamloops
- Continue to Banff for two nights
- Scenic drive or transfer to Lake Louise
- VIA Rail to Jasper for wildlife spotting and glacier tours
Every leg is pre-arranged, so you can enjoy the journey without worrying about connections or logistics.
What is the sleeper car accommodation like on VIA Rail?
VIA Rail offers several options:
- Cabin for One or Two: Private space with beds that fold down at night and seating during the day.
- Prestige Class: Spacious double bed, private bathroom with shower, and personal concierge.
- Berths: Open sleeping areas with curtains for privacy.
All sleeper accommodation includes access to shower facilities, fresh linen, and turn-down service.
What meals are included?
On Rocky Mountaineer, all meals, snacks, and beverages, including wine and spirits, are included during travel days. On VIA Rail sleeper routes, all onboard meals are included in the dining car, featuring regional specialities and Canadian ingredients. In economy class, meals and snacks are available for purchase.
Do Canadian Rockies train trips run in winter?
Rocky Mountaineer operates seasonally from April to October. VIA Rail runs year-round, so you can still travel in winter for a completely different experience. Think snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and cosy lounge cars.
Can I add Alaska cruises to a Canadian rail holiday?
Absolutely. Many Railbookers itineraries pair a rail journey through the Rockies with a cruise from Vancouver up the Inside Passage to Alaska. This combo offers glaciers, wildlife, and the best of both land and sea.
Are there other scenic trains in Canada besides the Rockies routes?
Yes. VIA Rail’s Ocean takes you from Montreal to Halifax with views of the St. Lawrence River and Atlantic coastline. The Corridor Service connects cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City for a cultural and historic journey.
Ready to explore Canada by rail?
Whether you’re crossing the country, discovering the Rockies, or combining rail with a cruise, Railbookers will design a holiday that’s as relaxed or adventurous as you like, with every train, hotel, and transfer seamlessly arranged.
