Traveling through Canada by train is one of the most popular ways to see this beautiful country. There are a variety of routes and expeditions available that take passengers through mountains and valleys, national parks and along rivers. The durations of certain travel packages and programs on Canadian Railways can be up to 12 days or more, and include stopovers and overnight accommodations, with meals and motor coach tours of towns such as Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise and Whistler.

The most popular rail tour is the “Canadian Rockies,” which includes five different tours and routes. The longest is 12 days, called the “Trans Canada Rail Adventure,” and runs between Vancouver and Toronto. The “Canadian Rockies at Leisure” tour includes 2 nights at Lake Louise and land tours to Jasper, Yoho National Park and Banff. These tours can be reserved through the Rocky Mountaineer Railtours.

Train routes allow passengers to view and take photographs of Canada’s majestic terrain, waterfalls, rivers, wildlife and seasonal changes from the comfort of their touring. Expeditions may coincide with special events and festivals, and may include winery tours. Traveling by rail offers opportunities to chat with other passengers, and to share opinions and experiences.

High season is May 1 through October 31, and fares vary accordingly. Talk with a travel agent who has taken a Canadian Rockies rail tour and study guide books to decide when to travel and which tour is best for you. There are Fall Foliage, Christmas and holiday rail tours available during the year; however, spring and summer tours are more comfortable weather-wise, especially with motor coach tours added to the itineraries.

In 1885, Canada initiated its transcontinental railway system, joining British Columbia with the rest of Canada. It was inspired by the East to West railway program begun by its neighbor, the United States. Rocky Mountaineer vacations was a privately owned service taken over from a failing government program; it made daytime travel profitable, and proved to be a boom for tourism. It began as a 2-day journey to the Rocky Mountains and has grown to include numerous programs and itineraries.

If possible, travel first class, called the “Gold Leaf Service.” The additional expense is well worth it, and offers upstairs seating in domed cars for unobstructed views of the landscape, which changes often. Daily newsletters provide maps and points of interest. Attendants provide pillows, blankets, drinks and snacks. There is assigned seating for gourmet breakfasts and lunches served on China in the dining car.

Canadian Rockies Tour website

Canadian Railway Expeditions

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