{"id":2122779,"date":"2022-06-21T19:33:33","date_gmt":"2022-06-21T19:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/banffnationalpark.com\/?p=2122779"},"modified":"2024-11-08T14:03:02","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T14:03:02","slug":"from-vancouver-to-banff-by-train","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/banffnationalpark.com\/from-vancouver-to-banff-by-train\/","title":{"rendered":"From Vancouver To Banff By Train – The Canadian Rockies Vacation of a Lifetime"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For those looking for a unique way to discover the natural beauty and breathtaking scenery of Canada, traveling from Vancouver to Banff by train is an experience that any adventurer is sure to remember. You simply can\u2019t get the same views and experience when traveling by air or car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose from several options depending on your time frame and budget. You can choose a luxury experience in a domed train car offering exceptional service, lots of included amenities, and comfortable accommodation on a two-day trip. If you want to save your pennies for skiing the slopes or rafting trips, there are more budget-friendly options with fewer included amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people either do not like flying or just want to make the trip part of their vacation. Train travel gives you the chance to slow down and see the country at a human level. Watch the scenery, read a book, eat a delicious meal, and share conversations with family and friends. You can trade the cramped, hectic flying experience or the stress of being behind the wheel for a relaxing and nostalgic way of travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Relax and enjoy the Canadian Rockies scenery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Both Vancouver and Banff<\/a>, the beginning and ending locations are must-visit destinations that should be in every traveler\u2019s bucket list. Vancouver, British Columbia<\/a>, is not only a lively West Coast seaport but also one of the most ethnically diverse cities, a popular filming location, and a metropolis with a thriving artistic scene. The first stop of the journey is Vancouver, British Columbia. This city is located on the west coast of North America and has a population of approximately 675,000 people. It\u2019s home to several tourist attractions including Stanley Park, Granville Island Public Market, and Gastown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Banff, Alberta, on the other hand, is a vibrant mountain community surrounded by the Canadian Rockies with rivers to raft and fish, mountains to climb and ski, and stunning nature to paint and photograph. The town serves as the commercial center for Banff National Park<\/a> and was established in 1885 during construction of the railroad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions About Vancouver to Banff By Train<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is there a train between Vancouver and Banff?<\/strong>

Yes, there are technically two ways to enjoy train travel with Banff as your destination – the Rocky Mountaineer and the VIA Rail train. Both options are multi-day trips. Taking VIA Rail means you will likely book a travel package through an independent Tour Operator company.\u00a0 Those travel packages vary with trips over five, nine, or 10 days.\u00a0 They include a train trip to Jasper, from which you take buses or shuttles to other gems within Banff National Park such as Lake Louise<\/a> and Banff.On the Rocky Mountaineer, you will travel exclusively on a train from Vancouver to Kamloops, stay in Kamloops at overnight accommodations, and then travel from Kamloops to Banff. We wanted to focus on the trip wholly by train and so will highlight the Rocky Mountaineer.<\/p> <\/div>

How much does it cost to take a train from Vancouver to Banff?<\/strong>

The Rocky Mountaineer<\/a> offers 3 different package options for access to Banff:The First Passage to the West Classic is the most direct and least expensive option averaging $3,000 CAD per person.<\/strong> It travels the historic rail that connected eastern and western Canada back in 1885. The trip is between Vancouver, Kamloops for an overnight stop, and Banff, for a total of two full days on the train. Costs can vary depending on if you choose the Silverleaf, Goldleaf, or Goldleaf Upgrade. The cost in U.S. Dollars will depend on the exchange rate on the day of booking.Included in the package cost is a pass to the national park, dining on the train, alcoholic beverages, luggage handling in Kamloops, and hotel accommodations for three nights.\u00a0There is also a modified option of this trip that only includes the hotel accommodation in Kamloops at a lower price, allowing you to choose your own accommodation and save a little money both in Vancouver and in Banff.There are several modified versions of the First Passage to the West route that adds on days and trips to other locations within Banff National Park as well as a sightseeing bus ride to Calgary. Prices vary based on number of days and level of service.<\/p> <\/div>

What can you see on the train between Vancouver and Banff?<\/strong>

The Rocky Mountaineer travels the historic rail of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Completed in 1885, it connected the east of Canada with its economic centers in the west through what happens to be some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.\u00a0\"\"The train moves through a wide variety of landscapes, from ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, through valleys, and over mountain passes. One highlight of the trip is passing by Craigellachie<\/a>, the location where the last spike was driven in when the tracks were completed. Other highlights are Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, Fraser Canyon and along the Fraser River, and the Spiral Tunnels. Many passengers get most excited to see the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies as the train enters the forested inlands and crosses the Continental Divide<\/p> <\/div>

How long is the journey from Vancouver to Banff by train?<\/strong>

The purpose of this trip focuses more on leisure and luxury than on savings and practicality, and the time it takes to get from Vancouver to Banff varies depending on the train you travel on and the package you choose.The Rocky Mountaineer\u2019s<\/strong> First Passage to the West Classic<\/em> and the First Passage to the West Excursion<\/em> have a duration of 3 or 4 nights, respectively. If you choose to travel by VIA Rail <\/strong>the train trip from Vancouver to Jasper takes 19 hours and the bus ride to get to Banff is 3 hours.<\/p> <\/div>

Do you sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer train?<\/strong>

If you\u2019re wondering if you\u2019d sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer train during the trip the answer is no. Each pass offers the option to include the hotel service in the total cost of the trip or you can book your stay for each stopover destination.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>

Which is better Via Rail or Rocky Mountaineer?<\/strong>

VIA Rail<\/strong> and the Rocky Mountaineer<\/strong> trains are very different and have their perks.For those who don’t have a large budget, and don\u2019t mind traveling with less luxury or having to take a bus ride to get to Banff, the VIA Rail train is the best option. On the contrary, those who want to travel straight to Banff surrounded by fine dining, deluxe cabins, full-length windows, and other commodities then the Rocky Mountaineer is the perfect choice.<\/p> <\/div>

How much is the luxury train from Vancouver to Banff?<\/strong>

The cost of a luxury train trip from Vancouver to Banff varies widely depending on the service level, season, and duration of the journey. The Rocky Mountaineer<\/strong> is the most popular luxury train operating this route, offering different classes:1. GoldLeaf Service<\/strong>: This is the most premium service with a bi-level dome coach, gourmet meals, and panoramic views. Prices typically range from $3,500 to $5,000+<\/strong> per person for a two-day journey.2. SilverLeaf Service<\/strong>: A more affordable luxury option with single-level dome windows and high-quality meals served at your seat. Prices for this service often range from $2,000 to $3,500+<\/strong> per person.Exact pricing depends on the travel dates, availability, and any package inclusions such as hotel stays and excursions. It\u2019s best to use the form below to get the exact cost depending on options and accommodations you have requested.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Rocky Mountaineer Train passing through Banff<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Rocky Mountaineer along side Thompson River<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Best Time To Travel from Vancouver to Banff by Train?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Rocky Mountaineer operates between April and October each year, though dates can vary. Certainly, the best time to visit both Vancouver and Banff is during the summer months when the sun is shining, wildlife is moving about, and the views and weather tend to be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trains departing on Fridays tend to be the most crowded. Higher demand prices are attached to those Friday departures. You may be able to secure less expensive tickets if you vary your departure dates to mid-week depending on availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n