This Scenic Train Journeys Through Jasper And Banff National Parks In The Canadian Rockies

When imagining a picturesque train journey winding along the edge of deep green valleys ringed by towering snow-capped peaks, the mind might wander to the European Alps. Or maybe you think of slicing through the weather in a Japanese bullet train on your way to some dreamy mountain hot springs. If a trip into the Canadian Rockies didn't come to mind, we're about to change that. Rail is an under-appreciated and under-utilized mode of transport in North America, but there are some epic journeys to add to your bucket list. 

The Seattle and Canadian Rockies Winter Discovery Amtrak route offers a stunning blend of coastal scenery, mountain vistas, and calm winter beauty. For just under $2,000, this journey stops in four destinations over nine days, giving you time to experience the best of each. Starting in Seattle, the train follows the coastline to Vancouver, British Columbia and then heads northwest, terminating in Jasper, Alberta. All the while, large train windows make it easy to watch small waterfront towns of the coast turn into snow-covered foothills, seemingly endless forests, and steep valleys. Travelers venture deep into the Rockies where frozen lakes, wide river plains, and sharp mountain peaks are on display.

But the fun extends beyond the rail route. From Jasper, travelers catch a scenic transfer to the famous mountain town of Banff for a night and then head to Calgary on day nine. At each stop, enjoy city tours or explore at your own pace. The Winter Discovery itinerary emphasizes comfort and exploration, pairing scenic rail travel with carefully selected off-train adventures, and it takes all the guesswork out of travel logistics. For anyone seeking a mix of mountain beauty and iconic winter experiences, this vacation offers a unique and inviting way to discover the Canadian Rockies.

The Seattle and Canadian Rockies Winter Discovery route is a laid-back way to travel without crowded airports or cramped cabins, and offers mountain scenery without the perils of winter driving. The trip includes all transportation from Seattle to Calgary, seven nights in hotels, one overnight train, and city-focused adventures, like admission to the Space Needle before setting off from Seattle. The Amtrak's Cascades takes a scenic four-hour ride that follows the shoreline north to Canada as forests and mountain silhouettes unfold outside the windows. Then passengers can spend two nights exploring Vancouver before continuing deeper into winter territory.

Day four starts in the city and features one of the highlights of the trip: the VIA Rail overnight run into the Canadian Rockies. As the train climbs into higher elevations, snow thickens, valleys narrow, and frozen lakes appear between wide stretches of evergreen forest. Many travelers gravitate to the observation car, where wraparound windows offer views of British Columbia's rugged backcountry. Choose from the different dining cars and snuggle into the cozy atmosphere of your on-board accommodation as night falls over the mountains.

Morning brings more dramatic mountain scenery — snowy canyons and towering peaks drift by as the train approaches Jasper. The remainder of the day allows time to appreciate the national park's winter quiet and abundant wildlife. The next leg is a drive on the Icefields Parkway – a stunning Canadian road trip route along mountains and lakes — to the world-famous Banff National Park for the ultimate mountain town vibes. The trip concludes with a transfer to Calgary, ending a journey defined by expansive vistas and a front-row seat to winter in the Canadian Rockies.

A perk of booking the Amtrak tour is that the price includes an activity or pass in each destination. In Seattle, you get admission to The Space Needle, with sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The city has a lot to see and lots of great places to eat, like the classic Pike Place Market for fresh seafood. Most of the trip is spent in Vancouver, and the rail ticket includes a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour around the city. Beyond that, it's fun to get lost in, with old neighborhoods that blend historic streets with thriving nightlife.

After the night train, you wake up on your way to Jasper National Park — one of the 12 most beautiful places in Canada to visit. There's a Winter Wildlife tour for passengers, with elk, deer, goats, and moose wandering in the snow. In Banff National Park, the trip includes a ride on the Banff Gondola, which takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a stunning panorama of six mountain ranges. Once there, hit the slopes, dip into some hots springs, or make your own way to the neighboring town of Lake Louise. Be sure to save some energy to explore Calgary on your way out.

Along with various first-class upgrades like a private bedroom with your own bay window and included meals, an advantage to the Canadian Rockies Winter Discovery itinerary is the flexibility. You could completely reverse the order and start in Calgary, add time in a particular city before jumping on the next train, or spend extra time at either and of the trip enjoying Seattle or Calgary on your own.