Luxury Train Travel in Canada (2024 Local’s Guide)

Are you wondering if there is luxury train travel in Canada?

All aboard! You’ve come to the right place.

Luxury rail travel in Canada is one of the most exciting ways to travel, and there are genuinely some great options for luxury train trips in Canada! 

Although unavailable in some provinces, the most popular provinces (like Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta) offer luxury train travel.

Let’s take a look at what is available when it comes to luxury rail travel in Canada! 

Luxury Train Travel Providers In Canada

There are three primary providers of passenger train travel in Canada. I’ve traveled between Ontario and Quebec by train and look forward to seeing the Rocky Mountains from a glass-top train one day. 

Canadian Pacific Railway is Canada’s original railway, and while they mostly do freight these days, there are some passenger travel options. They have a specific train, the Royal Canadian Pacific, available for charter passenger travel, and it’s very exclusive.

British Columbia-based Rocky Mountaineer has been operating since 1990 and provides exclusively luxury rail travel. Whether traveling for a day or multiple days, you will feel pampered on any of their package trips.

Via Rail is the only service provider that offers anything close to cross-Canada travel. They provide different service levels, including sleeper cars, and it’s a great way to see the country.

If you’re wondering, “What is the best train trip in Canada” one of these providers will surely have what you are looking for.

Note: Keep in mind train travel does not always run on schedule. While passenger travel is a top priority, these train companies do not own their rail lines and must utilize that of other companies.

Best Multi-Day Luxury Train Tours in Canada

There aren’t many conventional train tours to book online in Canada. Most of the time, you have to book train tickets first and then figure out all the other logistics, like hotels and meals.

But you can book two excellent luxury train tours in Canada that are almost all-inclusive! 

6-Day Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff visit Yoho Jasper

Curious about a Canadian Rockies train vacation package? This Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Banff is one of the coolest Canadian train experiences that money can buy.

You can explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains on this 6-day train trip through the Canadian Rockies on board the Rocky Mountaineer. 

On this unique glass-ceiling train, you’ll travel through several Canadian National Parks and enjoy parts of the country highway travelers will never see. 

Starting in Vancouver, the journey takes you east to Lake Louise, Banff, Emerald Lake in Yoho, and then north through the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. 

The 6-day package includes national park admission, some meals, and all transportation. It’s the closest thing to the famous Orient Express Train in Canada. Five nights of hotel accommodation comes with the package as well.

If a Canadian Rockies luxury train trip is on your bucket list, you can cross that item off since this will meet all the criteria.

Note: this tour is non-refundable, so make sure to nail down your itinerary before booking.

5-Day Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Rockies Tour

Board the Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver, BC, and ride the rails through the mountains on this glass-top train to your final destination in Calgary, AB. 

Along the way, you’ll see some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. 

The 5-day package includes some meals, all transportation, and all hotel accommodation. It’s one of the best luxury train trips in Canada! 

With three out of four routes journeying through the mountains, it’s easy to understand why they’re the expert in Canadian Rocky Mountain railroad tours.

Note: this tour is also non-refundable. 

The Best Luxury Trains in Canada 

While many people have never taken a train trip across Canada, I hope you have the chance to try one of the three Canadian luxury train vacations. 

Royal Canadian Pacific 

The Royal Canadian Pacific Rocky Mountain Train is Canada’s most exclusive passenger rail travel experience, provided by Canadian Pacific Railway. 

It is the highest standard in Canadian rail luxury.

Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) is Canada’s original railway, formed partly to unite the country from coast to coast. As a Canadian, I’m proud Canada’s original iconic company is still operating today.

CPR built the railway east to west between 1881 – 1885. However, during the last few years of construction, they began a second effort from west to east, so the final connection point ended at Roger Pass in British Columbia.

Rogers Pass is known for its excessive snowfall; when you combine snow and mountains, you get avalanches. 31 snow sheds were constructed with a total length of 6.5 km to protect the track and the trains from snow. Many of these snow sheds are still in operation today.

In 1885, the CPR drove the last spike into the railway at Craigellachie in the Rogers’ Pass. It represents the completion of the railway that ultimately united Canada as a country. It ushered in an era of luxury train travel in Canada.

The Royal Canadian Pacific is the ultimate in Canadian Rail Luxury. It is so exclusive that it is a waitlist-only opportunity. Many people refer to this train as Canada’s ‘Orient Express,’ and the fleet of fully restored vintage carriages may be the most luxurious train in the world.

It has hosted royalty like Queen Elizabeth II and other world leaders, such as John F. Kennedy and Sir Winston Churchill.

The luxurious onboard accommodations are second to none. Each tastefully appointed room has a three-piece private ensuite, bathrobes, luxury amenities, and an in-room safe.

You can also expect a gourmet dining experience from start to finish. ‘Locally and ethically sourced ingredients’ is the standard here. Meals are served in the Craigellachie dining car, paired with local beer and wine.

Three Luxury Excursions are available, but again, these are waitlist only. The three trips are Royal Canadian Rockies Excursion, the Royal Pacific Express, and the Royal Prairie Express.

The Royal Canadian Rockies Excursion

The Royal Canadian Rockies Excursion is a 4-night, 5-day experience in Calgary, Alberta—starting at $14,000 per person and limited to 24 people.

This journey travels through the Waterton Lakes National Park, then into British Columbia through Golden and the Kicking Horse Pass. 

Guests will delight in a visit to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, BC, where they can ride the gondola to the top of the mountain. 

There they can have lunch at the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Canada’s highest dining experience. 360-degree views of mountain tops will accompany lunch or dinner at the Eagle’s Eye. It’s incredible.

Then it’s through the Kicking Horse Canyon with a stop at Emerald Lake and the historic Spiral Tunnels. Then on to Lake Louise and Banff, and ultimately returning to Calgary.’

The Royal Pacific Express

The Royal Pacific Express is a 3-night, 4-day trip departs from Calgary, AB, and concludes in Vancouver, BC, traveling over the famous “Last Spike” at Rogers Pass.

Tickets start at $11,500 per person and are limited to 24 guests. 

The Royal Prairie Express

The Royal Prairie Express is a 3-night, 4-day journey that departs from Vancouver, BC. On this trip, guests will travel through the Fraser and Thompson canyons and will have the opportunity to stop at the Last Spike at Craigellachie.

It starts at $11,500 per person and is limited to 24 guests.

The Royal Canadian Pacific is also available for charter travel, with up to 30 guests to travel along with you. 

The CPR is also responsible for constructing many luxury hotels in western Canada, including The Banff Springs Hotel and the Chateau Lake Louise, two worldwide icons.

Rocky Mountaineer 

Discover the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains through glass-top train cars as you ride the rails onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. 

Two levels of service are available onboard the Mountaineer train in Canada, SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf.

Founded over 30 years ago, Rocky Mountaineer launched its operations with one 2-day trip in the Rocky Mountains. Five years later, they expanded by introducing GoldLeaf Service with bilevel rail cars and glass dome windows. 

They welcomed their one-millionth guest in their 18th year of operation and their two-millionth just nine years later. Rocky Mountaineer even holds the Canadian record for the largest passenger train in Canadian history with a 41-car train.

They have also earned more than a dozen travel industry awards, including the World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train, eight times. 

Rocky Mountaineer takes luxury train travel seriously. From spacious leather seats to glass dome cars to outdoor viewing platforms, many features onboard will elevate your experience. 

And luxury train travel is only complete with top-notch dining. Luckily, the food on board is delicious and always paired with local wine if desired. 

Here’s an example of what you can expect for dining on board; 

Silverleaf Breakfast – Spinach and Cheese Frittata with bacon, yams, and tri-color potatoes. 

Silverleaf Lunch – Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken or Pork Shoulder with Apple Rosemary Cider

GoldLeaf Breakfast – Eggs Benedict served with Canadian back bacon and English muffins. 

GoldLeaf Lunch –  Fraser Valley Chicken Paillard with berries or Alberta Beef Shank Ragout with Okanagan Stone Fruit

GoldLeaf Travelers will also enjoy signature cocktails and dine in a private dining car!

You should be aware, though, the Rocky Mountaineer is not a sleeper car service. Guests will disembark in various locations and check in at a prearranged hotel.

While the Rocky Mountaineer strives to arrive at their intended destinations on time, occasionally, washouts or required infrastructure maintenance can cause delays.

Via Rail Canada 

Via Rail is the only regularly scheduled train travel provider with service across Canada. And when I say across Canada, I mean almost the entire country – It’s the only luxury train with service from Toronto to Vancouver. 

Via Rail is the only passenger train service provider offering all-inclusive train trips across Canada. 

One northern route is available from Winnipeg to Churchill, but that’s it. This northern part of Canada simply doesn’t have the population or the demand to justify train travel in that area, so most of the routes travel along Canada’s southern border. 

Via Rail offers various luxury train travel Canada routes from Vancouver to Halifax, and trains run all winter, too, if you want to see Canada under a blanket of snow! Winter travel also increases your chances of seeing the northern lights in Canada!

Four service levels are available with Via Rail Canada – Economy, Business, Sleeper Plus, and Prestige.

Economy: Spacious seats, bar service, and meals available to purchase are all part of the economy class. 

Business: New, ergonomic seats are available to business class travelers. The fare includes meals and bar service. 

Sleeper Plus: In Sleeper Plus, guests get priority boarding and have access to the business lounge before departure. A personal service attendant is available, and travelers can access other cars for dining and sightseeing.

Prestige: Available exclusively between Toronto and Vancouver, Prestige Class offers the highest level of service for folks traveling across Canada. Starting with priority boarding and expedited baggage service, you may enjoy the Business Lounge while awaiting your train.

Sleeper Plus and Prestige are the only Canadian train trips with sleeper accommodations. A personal concierge is always nearby to help make your journey in their all-inclusive train trips across Canada as pleasant as possible.

As for food, meals are free in all classes, except economy, where you must purchase meals separately). Via Rail prides itself on sourcing local ingredients and Canadian beer and wines to make your onboard experience as authentic as possible.

Furthermore, guide dogs, service dogs, and emotional support dogs are welcome onboard Via Rail.

So, what does this luxury train across Canada cost? 

The all-inclusive Prestige Cabin for 2 (Vancouver to Toronto) starts at $11,740 CDN per person. 

FAQs

How much does it cost for luxury train travel in Canada?

It depends on your service level; Via Rail offers a superior service (Prestige) on their Vancouver to Toronto route. It starts at $11,000.

Which luxury trains go across Canada?

Via Rail is the only train that goes across Canada and offers the only luxury sleeper train across Canada.

Are there any luxury trains in Canada?

Yes, there are three luxury trains in Canada. Rocky Mountaineer, Royal Canadian Pacific, and Via Rail. 

How much is a luxury train from Toronto to Vancouver?

The luxury train from Toronto to Vancouver costs approximately $11,000 per person.

Do you sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer?

No, you do not sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer. The train stops each night, and guests enjoy various hotels throughout the region. 

What months are best for Rocky Mountaineer?

Rocky Mountaineer (a.k.a. The Mountaineer Train in Canada) operates during three seasons – spring, summer, and fall – to maximize the most daylight. 

You may book your trip from April to October. There are no Rocky Mountaineer train trips in the winter.

Conclusion

If you love luxury train travel, you should book a Canadian Rockies train vacation package!

Three prominent companies in Canada provide luxury train travel – Canadian Pacific Rail, Rocky Mountaineer, and Via Rail. All train companies have routes in British Columbia, Alberta, and the Rocky Mountains.

Traveling across Canada aboard a train is a fantastic experience, especially if you have saved enough to do it on a luxury train! 

By far, the best option is this 6-Day Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff/Yoho/Jasper. 

It’s one of the more affordable options for luxury train Canada, offering everything you need for a memorable trip! 

I hope you enjoy traveling across my home country and have the trip of a lifetime!