Canadian Train Journey Through the Rocky Mountains

Via Rail’s Scenic Train Through the Canadian Rockies

 
One of the highlights of the voyage on Via Rail’s Canadian is the stretch between Edmonton, Alberta and Kamloops, British Columbia.   This section of the transcontinental journey is where the train passes through the scenic Canadian Rockies, visits the town of Jasper and takes in sights of Mount Robson and Pyramid Falls.

 

Quiet Mornings and Scenic Sights

 
Last night the train moved quickly as the staff hoped to make up time.  Despite their efforts this morning, we are still some five to six hours behind schedule.  While this might sound frustrating, the fact is that if you had to choose a place to be stuck, then Via Rail’s Canadian would be a wonderful option...especially as it passes through the Rocky Mountains!

 
With the sounds of others quietly waking up and going to get breakfast, we changed our clothes in our bunks and walked to the Skyline dome car.  As the morning sunrise filtered through the windows, we quickly grabbed a cup of coffee, picked out a croissant and sought to get a seat in the dome for a day of breathtaking views.  If there is any single day that you want to be awake early and in the dome car, it is this one!  

 

Today is perhaps the most spectacular part of the journey as the Canadian passes through the Canadian Rockies.  No matter what time of the year you take the journey, passengers are given an amazing show full of natural wonders.  Whether it be glorious summer views of crystal blue lakes, wonderful fall colours or stunning winter scenes, the most challenging thing for the day is getting a good seat and figuring out which way to look while you try to take it all in.
 

The Climb into the Rocky Mountains

 
As we roll through the picturesque towns of Edston and Hinton, we catch our first glimpses of the towering Rockies.  Edson, a former divisional point station for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, is situated midway between Edmonton and Jasper National Park.  The region is known for its large ponds that attract migratory birds as well as for opportunities to spot wildlife such as big-horned sheep, elk, deer and bears.

 

Next, we the Canadian rolled through Hinton, a town with a long coal mining history, before also traversing through the village of Entrance, which, fittingly, is the entrance to the Rocky Mountains.

 
With more and more views of the Rocky Mountains, perhaps our favourite sight is the opportunity to capture an image of the long steel train snaking alongside a lake and through the mountains.  
 

Exploring Jasper : A Haven for Nature Lovers

 
By the early afternoon, the Canadian pulled into Jasper, which is a beautiful community at the heart of a world-famous national park, which has more than earned its place as one of the most photographed locations in Canada.  Over the years, we have loved exploring this town’s wonderful bakeries and shops as well as visiting the Miette Hot Springs during camping trips.

 
Jasper was originally named after Jasper House, a North West trading post that was run by Jasper Hawes.  The National Park, which shares the town name, was established in 1907 for “the perpetual use, benefit and enjoyment of the people” and serves as a wildlife sanctuary and means to preserve the spectacular landscapes of the region. 

 

In Jasper, we typically are given anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to wander the town. The National Parks Centre, the main street and even the train station are all worth exploring.  The brief break here allows passengers the opportunity to stretch their legs and grab some pastries and treats for the next part of our journey through the Rockies.   

Jasper town is once again one of those iconic Canadian communities that is stunning no matter which season you visit.  Over the years, we have gotten the opportunity on several occasions to be here in the winter and can attest that it is well worth the trip no matter the season!

Jasper 2022

Jasper 2024

 

Over the years we have loved our visits to Jasper.  Unfortunately, the train trips through here over the past year have been incredibly heartbreaking.  In 2024, a forest fire roared through the region and devastated the community.  As a result currently so much about the town of Jasper – whether it is rebuilt or entirely re-envisioned has yet to be determined.  All that seems to be clear is that even iconic towns and natural wonders like Jasper and Jasper National Park are not immune from the harsh realities of climate change.   
 

Departing Jasper Alberta

 
As we walked about, the train was refuelled, the cars were cleaned, and the dome cars had their windows washed.   All of this is done for the comfort of the passengers who will now have a clearer view of the natural splendour that we will travel past this afternoon as we venture through the Rocky Mountain range.

 
After an hour of exploring the town, we re-boarded the Canadian. Stepping back on board in Jasper, most people make a beeline for the Skyline dome cars to once again get a good seat for the afternoon journey.  

 
Soon after departure, there was a call for our lunch seating.   The views were too amazing to take time away from the windows or to give up our seats.  Not all was lost, however, as mere moments after pulling out of Jasper station, passengers in the dome car were served canapés and sparkling wine.  

Whether to mark the occasion and spectacular views or to apologize for the ongoing delays, it was never made clear.  Regardless of who was going to complain as we were given treats while lounging in one of the most beautiful parts of Canada on a train.

 
In truth, there are no words to describe this part of the journey. 

 

Added to the rugged wilderness outside is the opportunity to see the train snake through the mountains, giving you a near-perfect view of the long chain of steel cars from the Park car all the way forward to the engines. 
 

Majestic Mountain Passes and Mount Robson

 
Amid the majestic mountains is the Yellowhead Pass, which is the border between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.  This is also the point at which we have our final time change shifting between the Mountain time zone as we enter into the Pacific time zone.  

Interestingly, the Yellowhead Pass is one of the lowest passes in the continental divide and it is the point at which water can flow toward the Pacific in the West, the Atlantic in the East or the Arctic in the north.

 
Soon after crossing into BC, we arrive at one of the most talked-about sights along this route is Mount Robson, which is also known as the “Monarch of the Canadian Rockies”.  At 3953 meters, it’s the tallest peak in the Rockies and a wonder to see in its full glory.  It is without a doubt a distinctive mountain that dominates the landscape and is easily recognizable.

 
As the afternoon unfolds, the train slowly winds its way deeper into the mountain range, full of towering peaks and crystal clear lakes around us.  The beauty of this section of the journey is unparalleled, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular spots on the entire train route.

 
This scenic beauty is matched only by the wildlife sightings en route, including moose, elk, foxes, and bears, which are common in these parts.   Even though we're just passengers on a train, it always feels like we’re part of this rugged wilderness.

 
Throughout the afternoon, the Canadian continued to weave through the Rocky Mountains – with scenes of deep forests, clear lakes and towering mountains all around us.  The unspoken etiquette on board in the dome car means that it is good form to allow others the opportunity to sit and enjoy. 

As such, every hour or so we would venture down to the lounge for a coffee or spend time in our own assigned seats.  As always, every car and space on this magnificent train has huge windows and so there really is no bad place to be on board.

Winter on the Canadian 

As with so many other places throughout Canada, the Rockies are wonderful regardless of the season.  While our last voyage on the Canadian was in the summer, we have been fortunate to travel through here a number of times in the winter as well. 

Each time we have been onboard the Canadian, we have been amazed at the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains as well as how they seem so different depending on the lighting or season. 

Continuing the Journey on the Canadian

 
As we approach Valemount, a town nestled at the junction of the Rockies, the Caribou, the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, the train continues to meander through British Columbia’s diverse landscapes. Valemount is a lumber town situated on a long arm of water that was created by the creation of the Mica Dam 100 km to the south.   

 
From here, the train passed through Blue River, a popular centre for heli-skiing and outdoors enthusiasts. A short distance after this community, the train slowed down to provide passengers with amazing views of Pyramid Falls located alongside the tracks.

 

Final Dinner on the Canadian

 
It is in the Rockies on Day 4 that you have your final dinner on board, as, according to the schedule, the Canadian is due into Vancouver tomorrow morning.  Refreshed and showered, we entered the dining car ready for our evening meal.   Tonight Today Sean limited himself to a simple large salad while I enjoyed the amazing Veggie Burger.  

While we ate the sunset outside, lighting up the rugged landscape. Once again truly grateful for the fact that the dining car has huge picture windows, so that even while you are eating, you never miss a moment of the natural beauty outside. 
 

Reflecting on the Train Journey Across Canada

 
By the time we arrive in Kamloops BC, it is already midnight, meaning that we are currently five to six hours later than expected.  Kamloops began in 1812 as a fur trading post for the Pacific Fur Company. it was also later used by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1821 and became a boomtown during the Caribou Gold Rush in 1862.  Today, Kamloops is one of BC’s largest cities, and from here the train continues its journey toward Vancouver, traversing the rugged wilderness of the province throughout the night. 

 
While there is no shortage of ways to travel across Canada, there are few experiences like Via Rail’s Canadian.  From the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the lush rainforests of British Columbia, the journey on the fourth day on board takes passengers through the heart of the country’s most awe inspiring landscapes and there’s no better place to experience them than from the comfort of a train car as the world slowly passes by.
 
Tonight marks our final night on board the train and tomorrow we arrive into Vancouver. 

See you on the Trails or the Rails!