canadian pacific railroad trips

The Canadian Pacific Railway

The historic Canadian Pacific Railway is more than 130 years old. This iconic train line traverses the Canadian Rockies and sweeping prairie fields. Built between 1881 and 1886, the railway connects Canada from coast to coast.

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Canadian pacific railway history and timeline, quick facts about the canadian pacific railway, canadian pacific railway routes and maps, train experiences on the canadian pacific railway, popular canadian pacific railway hotels, places to visit along the canadian pacific railway, popular canadian pacific railway tours, frequently asked questions.

Today, there are several ways to experience Canadian Pacific Railway routes . Travel through Canada's varied landscapes, enjoy gourmet meals and watch for wildlife. It's a once-in-a-lifetime train journey that's as unspoiled and timeless as it was in 1886.

Since 1996, Canadian Train Vacations have been sending travellers on memorable train trips. We specialize in train tours in Canada and only in Canada. We work with you to create the perfect itinerary, where you decide on tours, hotels, train service, and more. Schedule a call with one of our travel experts and let us help you plan your Canadian Pacific Railway vacation.

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

• Canada's growth was guided by these steel tracks laid almost a century and a half ago. Moments in Canadian Pacific Railroad history include: 
• 1871 : British Columbia enters Confederation and requests a transcontinental railway. It would not be cheap, but Prime Minister John A. Macdonald sees the value in connecting the nation from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 
• 1873 : Production stalls after Alexander Mackenzie takes power. He believes the railway is a waste of money, but BC threatens to succeed if it's not built. 
• 1873-1878 : This time is known as the 'Battle of the Routes'. There were arguments over what the best route would be through the mountainous terrain of Alberta and British Columbia. 
• 1878 : John A. Macdonald is back in power, and the Canadian Pacific Railway is now a top priority for the country. 
• 1882 : William Van Horne is appointed as the leader of the CPR project. He would complete the project in five years — much faster than planned. 
• 1885 : This massive cross-country construction project was completed. The historic Last Spike was driven in by Donald Smith.
• This route was not easy to build. Railway workers had to face many hardships. Obstacles included forest fires, grizzly bears and swathes of seemingly impenetrable forests. 
• Several elegant hotels were built, including Banff Springs Hotel and the Jasper Park Lodge, along the railway route during the late 19th and early 20th century to promote tourism. 
• The railway played an important part in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. It allowed soldiers to get from Ontario and Quebec to the Prairies in only ten days. 
• The railway was also to thank for the discovery of natural gas in Alberta. In 1886, gas was found when construction crews were digging a well to get water for the steam locomotives in Alderson, Alberta. 

Glide down the rails on a Canadian Pacific Railway train and travel along the same route as the early settlers of Canada. Our Canadian Pacific rail maps show you where you can go. 

Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver to the Rockies 

The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train running between British Columbia and Alberta. From Vancouver, the train follows three different routes. It stops at the towns in the Rockies: Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise. Journeys include an overnight stay in Kamloops, Quesnel or Whistler, depending on the route. 

Rocky Mountaineer runs from mid-April to mid-October . 

Explore: Rocky Mountaineer Train Trips

#1 Travel tip: Enrich your vacation with themed reading

There are many great non-fiction books and novels about the Canadian Railway. Pierre Berton's The National Dream is an option for history buffs, while Suzanne Mayr's The Sleeping Car Porter is perfect for fans of literary fiction.

The Canadian Train, Vancouver to Toronto 

The Canadian train was the flagship of the Canadian Pacific Rail line when it began service in 1955. The train operates between Toronto and Vancouver, making stops at major cities and small towns. Travellers can enjoy the entire four-night train ride or choose a section of this route. Jasper and Winnipeg are popular stops. 

The Canadian train runs year-round .

These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure. 

Rocky Mountaineer, daylight train 

The Rocky Mountaineer Train offers a luxury sightseeing experience through the Canadian Rockies. Since the train only moves during daylight, you won't miss any scenery. The train has glass-dome coaches, an outdoor viewing area, and large windows.

VIA Rail Train 

VIA Rail is Canada's national passenger rail service. There are different train routes, including The Canadian, The Ocean, and The Corridor. You can travel from the west coast to the east coast on VIA Rail and pass through the prairie provinces. Some trains have overnight sleeper cabins.

Sleeper Train

The Canadian (Toronto <> Vancouver) is one of the VIA Rail routes with sleeper class. In Sleeper Plus Class, you can fall asleep easily in your own berth or private cabin. The Canadian train has a variety of services, including meals served in the dining car. Some Sleeper trains have panoramic viewing cars and lounge areas, so you can enjoy the views as you travel across the country.

Explore: Canadian Train Trips with Sleeper Accommodation  

Fairmont Banff Springs 

Built in 1888, the Banff Springs hotel was one of the grand Canadian Pacific railway hotels. This hotel helped put the Canadian Rockies on the map as a tourist destination. The elegant building, which has the grandeur of a castle, sits above Bow Falls and is only a short walk away from the resort town of Banff.

Banff Springs Golf Course : This luxury golf course is within one of the most spectacular locations in the world. Designed by Canadian architect Stanley Thompson, the golf course exists in harmony with the natural contours of the mountains. With such dazzling views of snow-capped peaks all around you, it might be hard to concentrate on the game! 

Dining : The hotel has several excellent dining options with incredible views. Options include 1888 Chop House and Waldhaus Restaurant. 

Luxury amenities : 

• A fitness centre with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. 
• Massage services, ideal for post-hiking sore muscles. 
• Tennis courts, bowling, a skating rink, ski storage and a games room. 
• Coffee makers, hair dryers and stunning views in every room. 

#2 Travel tip: Stay at a historic proporty

In addition to riding along the original tracks, you can stay at an iconic railway hotel, such as the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Fairmont Royal York.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge 

The elegant Jasper Park Lodge opened in 1922 as a challenger to the Banff Springs Hotel. The lodge has hosted many celebrities — including Marilyn Monroe and Bing Crosby — and is also well-loved by the Royal Family. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited in 1939, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip in 2005.

Jasper Park Golf Course : Stanley Thompson also designed the Jasper Park Golf Course. It is a challenging 18-hole par 71 course that meanders alongside glacial lakes through a wildlife corridor where elk and caribou roam. Considered Canada's number one Golf Resort, it's a must-play course for any golf enthusiast. 

Dining : There are several restaurants, including Nook Smokehouse, Oka Sushi and ORSO Trattoria. 

• The Fairmont Jasper Park Spa, where you can rejuvenate. 
• A ski shuttle takes you straight to the slopes. 
• An outdoor pool, perfect for those hot summer days. 
• An arcade and games room. 
• Ice skating, mountain biking, horse riding, snowshoeing and other activities.

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Since Canada was built along the country's rail system, most major cities and remote communities are accessible by train. 

Vancouver, British Columbia 

Endless mountain and ocean views. That's what you can expect from the west coast city of Vancouver. The city has a mild climate, making it the perfect year-round destination. You can go hiking in old-growth forests and cycling along the sea wall. During the winter, visit one of the three local ski hills that lie a short distance from the city centre.

Jasper, Alberta 

Jasper is a charming small town within the Canadian Rockies' largest national park. There are many ways to explore the 11,000 square kilometres of Jasper National Park. You can try ice climbing, alpine hiking, or rafting. For a more laid-back experience, enjoy a wildlife viewing tour or spa treatment.

Banff, Alberta

Established in 1885, the townsite of Banff is the hub of Banff National Park. Banff is a lively mountain town with plenty of restaurants, shops, nightlife venues and museums. Nearby, there are lakes, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks to explore. 

Whistler, British Columbia 

Whistler is a resort town in the Coast Mountains, a two-hour drive from Vancouver. Whistler's incredible alpine terrain provides excellent winter and summer sports opportunities. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains is open throughout the year. Whistler has world-class restaurants, spas and golf courses, too. 

Lake Louise, Alberta 

In the heart of the Rockies lies the hamlet of Lake Louise. Millions of visitors come to the area to see the turquoise lake (of the same name) and the Victoria Glacier. When temperatures drop, the lake freezes and creates a beautiful ice rink. 

Winnipeg, Manitoba 

Winnipeg, a sophisticated metropolis rising out of the prairies, will surprise you. It has a thriving dining scene, excellent museums, theatre, comedy and music. Major tourist attractions include the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and The Forks National Historic Site.

Toronto, Ontario 

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the capital of Ontario. It's one of the world's most multicultural cities, with over 200 ethnicities represented. You can see famous landmarks, including the CN Tower and Casa Loma, cruise past the Toronto Islands, and stroll through the vibrant neighbourhoods.

Canada Coast to Coast  

Five rail journeys are in this itinerary, making it the ultimate trans-Canada vacation! Spend 19 days travelling from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast, and stop to enjoy authentic local experiences along the way. 

Miles covered on train : 3,240 

Days on train : 5 

Nights on train : 4 

Essential Rockies by Rail  

Our Essential Rockies itinerary is perfect for those with limited vacation time. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer from the city of Vancouver to beautiful Lake Louise, and spend time in the mountain town of Banff. 

Miles covered on train : 594 

Days on train : 2 

Nights on train : N/A 

Across Canada by Train  

Follow the Canadian Pacific Railway across Canada on this 13-day train tour. This is one of our Canadian Pacific Railway vacations that features both a VIA Rail sleeper train and a Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing train. 

Miles covered on train : 2,458 

Nights on train : 3

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Get inspired with sample itineraries, train information, route maps, and travel advice from our local experts.

What Our Customers Say

The trip was amazing.

It's difficult to know where to start. The trip was amazing! The hosts on the Rocky Mountaineer, both upstairs and downstairs in the dining room, were wonderful! Very attentive and...   read more

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Your knowledge and guidance was invaluable

The Rocky Mountaineer was SPECTACULAR! We couldn't have been more pleased with everything and everyone associated with the Mountaineer. We are so delighted we selected the Silver S...   read more

Ron and Joan

The trip was just what we wanted

The trip was just what we wanted. The perfect blend of leisure and activity time, all in a fantastic setting. The dog sledding was a highlight for us. Fresh Tracks were VERY helpfu...   read more

Why book with Canadian Train Vacations?

We take care of all the details

You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.

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Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

Why was the Canadian Pacific Railway built?

When British Columbia joined the Confederation in 1871, they requested a transcontinental railway. They wanted it to be built within 10 years.

Who built the Canadian Pacific Railway?

Sir William Van Horne oversaw the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Thousands of immigrant workers helped to build the tracks.

What did the Canadian Pacific Railway symbolize?

The Canadian Pacific Railway symbolized national unity. This is because it connected Western Canada with Eastern Canada.

Where does the Canadian Pacific Railway start and end?

The Canadian Pacific Railway runs between Montreal, Quebec, and Vancouver, British Columbia.

How long is the Canadian Pacific Railway?

The Canadian Pacific Railway owns 20,100 kilometres (12,500 miles) of track across Canada and the United States.

How much does it cost to ride the Canadian Pacific Railway?

Canadian Pacific Railway holidays vary in price. The cost to ride the Canadian Pacific Railway depends on the length of the trip, train service, desired destinations, and more. Please speak to one of our Canadian Travel Advisors to find out more.

About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and...   Read more

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VIA Rail Tours

Travel unlike any other - see the best of canada's natural landscapes from sea to shining sea aboard historic via rail routes., via rail vacation packages.

The trip of a lifetime! You’ll interact with Canada’s natural beauty in a rare and special way – aboard friendly trains from the lush rainforests of the West Coast, alongside icy-blue glaciers in the Canadian Rockies, and through big-sky Prairies and lake country, you’ll experience the breadth of our great country. Train enthusiasts around the world have raved about these journeys. Customize your tour and see Canada by rail, your way.

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Sunday and Thursday departures

From cad $2889 per person, vancouver to toronto - eastbound, 7 day canadian nostalgic.

Step back into a golden past aboard “The Canadian” train – destination Toronto. With five days aboard the train, you’ll be mesmerized by Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Prairies and lake country, you’ll be rocked to sleep by the motion of the train and you’ll savour made to order meals as you glide across our great country. This nostalgic journey from Vancouver to Toronto aboard this 50’s era train is one you’ll never forget.

From CAD $7699 per person

7 day canadian prestige.

Combine nostalgia and luxury to get prestige: unparalleled customer service, five-star accommodation, and the finest attention to detail. The Prestige rail cars aboard VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” train are a masterpiece of design and a once in a lifetime travel experience. This tour includes private transfers, private tours, Fairmont Gold Floor hotel rooms with all-inclusive service aboard the train.

Sunday, Monday & Thursday departures

From cad $2779 per person, vancouver to calgary - eastbound, 7 day rockies nostalgic.

Step back in time and board “The Canadian” train for an overnight journey into the Canadian Rockies. You’ll enjoy great made to order meals as you glide from the west coast through the mountains, relax in the lounge car while you watch the sunset, and be rocked to sleep by the motion of the train. You’ll never forget this 50’s era train experience: nostalgia. From Jasper to Banff, you’ll be mesmerized by the scenery of our mountain national parks.

Sunday, Wednesday & Friday departures

From cad $3279 per person, toronto to halifax - eastbound, 11 day eastern canada by rail.

Explore Canada’s cultural cities with this relaxing tour of Eastern Canada by rail. Highlights of this journey of exploration include: the “Centre of the Universe” in Toronto; our nation’s capital in Ottawa; trendy, chic Montreal; the European flare of Quebec City; an overnight train journey along the St Lawrence River to the maritime city of Halifax on Canada’s East Coast. Every component of this tour can be customized to suit your specific needs and desires.

Thursday departures

From cad $5499 per person, vancouver return trip, 9 day train lover's dream.

A train enthusiast’s dream! Combine the nostalgic feel of VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” train with the luxury of the Rocky Mountaineer and you’ll experience the best of both worlds throughout the Canadian Rockies. On these historic Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National routes, you will see the very best of Canada’s landscapes: mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, from the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Sunday departures

From cad $7489 per person, 12 day canadian adventurer.

A Canadian adventure is calling your name! Packed with unforgettable natural excursions, must-see highlights, and endless landscapes, this tour combines two legendary trains that connect the Pacific Ocean and the Great Lakes. Travel through the Canadian Rockies in style aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, explore the national parks with four nights in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, then step into a golden past aboard VIA Rail’s iconic “The Canadian” train and glide across Prairies and lake country. Conclude your tour with metropolitan Toronto and thunderous Niagara Falls.

From CAD $7099 per person

13 day west coast expedition.

Our most unique tour. Immerse yourself in Canada’s West Coast as you tour the entire length of Vancouver Island, ride the Inside Passage ferry to Northern British Columbia, ride the nostalgic “Skeena” train to Jasper. Conclude with excursions in our mountain national parks and the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer back to Vancouver. Not for the faint of heart, but memories your heart will never forget.

From CAD $8769 per person

Vancouver to halifax - eastbound, 16 day canadian trip of a lifetime.

The trip of a lifetime. You’ll start at the Pacific and end at the Atlantic, and over 16 days, you’ll see the full breadth of our great country. From lush West Coast rainforests, to remote glaciers atop mountains, to Canada’s Prairies, lake country, and rugged East Coast, you’ll see Canada in a way that few people ever have. Nine days of life changing train travel, eight provinces, and places you would never dreamt existed: this is our Canadian Trip of a Lifetime.

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Western Canada Rail Vacations

A Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation is one of those iconic experiences of a lifetime. 

Soak up jaw-dropping scenery punctuated by more than 100 ancient glaciers, towering peaks and turquoise blue lakes, all while catered to by attentive rail staff. , whether it's aboard rocky mountaineer or via rail’s famous canadian train, your trip can begin in the pacific port of vancouver or in the cowboy city of calgary . , western canada rail vacations introduction.

From its rugged Pacific coastline to its soaring mountain peaks, lush rainforests and endless vineyards, British Columbia marks the perfect starting point for a Western Canada train vacation.

Neighbouring British Columbia is Alberta - home to five national parks, charming resort towns and the incredible scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Continuously listed as one of Canada’s most beloved destinations, getting here by rail is an experience not easily forgotten. Travel into the heart of the mountains on a Canadian Rockies train trip and experience stunning vistas of verdant river valleys, dramatic rock sheds, lush rainforests and deep canyons. As you enter the majestic 69,000-square-mile mountain range that is the Canadian Rockies, you will become immersed in some of the most dramatic scenes in North America.

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Banff | Calgary | Jasper | Lake Louise | Vancouver | Whistler

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