One of Western Canada's most popular destinations, Jasper offers amazing views, plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and a wide range of amenities. Jasper is in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a place of breathtaking natural beauty with rugged mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Taking a Vancouver to Jasper train trip makes it easy to see the sights while relaxing in a comfortable train car. You can ride the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, a daylight-only train that offers unparalleled views of wildflower meadows, alpine passes and deep valleys. Or you can take VIA Rail’s The Canadian train between Vancouver and Jasper. The train journey between Vancouver and Jasper is not just a mode of transportation, it’s a unique way to experience the scenery of western Canada.
If you want to take the train from Vancouver to Jasper, you can count on the travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada to help you plan the best journey. Our travel experts know about all the best Jasper train tours, including where to stay and what to do while you're on your trip.
The Circle the Canadian Rockies by Train itinerary runs from May through September and includes 12 days of travel. Spend the first day in Vancouver, a vibrant city filled with restaurants, shops and historic sites. Along with time to explore Jasper, the rest of the tour features stops in Whistler, Quesnel, Lake Louise and Banff.
Discover some of the best destinations in Canada with the Across Canada by Train tour. This train journey begins in Toronto and ends in Vancouver, allowing you to visit two major cities and some of Canada's most popular outdoor attractions. The 13-day itinerary includes Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise, making it the perfect choice for adventurous travellers.
In the Canadian Rockies, winter offers many attractions. Climb on board The Canadian, VIA Rail's famed "snow train," to take in the beauty of ice-covered fields, snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees adorned with icicles that sparkle in the sunlight. This Jasper vacation includes nine days of travel, giving you plenty of time to reveal in the beauty of a Canadian winter.
The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train, ensuring you get the best views of the Canadian countryside. It connects British Columbia with Alberta, with three different sight-seeing routes. Stops include Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Banff, Kamloops and Quesnel. In operation from mid-April through mid-October, the Rocky Mountaineer is one of the best ways to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train.
When travelling on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper, you can choose to go either eastward from Vancouver to Jasper, or reverse the route and begin in Jasper.
The driving distance from Vancouver to Jasper is approximately 795 kilometres (493 miles). Depending on the Rocky Mountaineer train route you choose, you’ll cover between 900 and 1200 kilometres (559 and 745 miles). There are two train routes between Vancouver and Jasper.
The first option takes two full days and includes a hotel overnight stop in Kamloops, British Columbia. You’ll see dramatic changes in scenery as you roll through the Fraser Valley, past the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like landscape of BC’s interior. On the second day, you travel from Kamloops to Jasper. The train takes you across the Continental Divide and climbs over Yellowhead Pass.
The second Rocky Mountaineer route takes three days and includes two hotel nights along the way. The first day is from Vancouver to Whistler. This is a half day on the train, and then you’ll get to spend the afternoon exploring Whistler village. The second day of this train journey is from Whistler to Quesnel, where you travel past canyons, farmland, lakes, and rolling hills. The train crosses Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. After an overnight stay in Quesnel, the final day of this route takes you through the forests of northern British Columbia, before arriving in Jasper National Park.
There are several Canadian train vacations that include the Rocky Mountaineer routes between Vancouver and Jasper, such as the Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail or the Circle the Canadian Rockies by Rail. Either lets you add various experiences such as additional nights in the Rockies combined with sightseeing tours.
Your journey takes you past the spectacular Pyramid Falls before continuing on until you are enveloped by the mountain views. Listen to the history of the railway and the area as you savor your gourmet lunch. On the way to Jasper National Park is Mount Robson. This stunning sight is the highest mountain peak in all the Canadian Rockies. The journey ends at the town of Jasper, where you are free to explore.
Choose between Silverleaf service and Goldleaf service for your train journey. Silverleaf service involves travel in a single-level glass dome coach. The oversized windows give you spectacular views of the scenery. Goldleaf service includes a bi-level dome coach. The addition of an upper level is a truly spectacular way to experience the panoramic views. Both levels of service include gourmet meals and exquisite storytelling from your host during the train journey. Silverleaf guests are served at their seats while those opting for Goldleaf Service eat their meals in a window-lined dining car.
Hotel options for your stopovers, along with other optional add-ons, are assigned by Rocky Mountaineer. You can view the details of your accommodations on your boarding pass. All hotels are clean, comfortable, and provide high-quality service for your needs.
#1 Travel tip: Don't miss the mountain views
My faviourite part about arriving in Jasper by train is catching that first glimpse of Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, right outside your window.
Hannah Poaros-McDermottTravel Writer and Senior Content Coordinator
VIA Rail runs across Canada and is the primary passenger service connecting Vancouver to Halifax. Follow the historic rail route that made Canada what it is today. Built in the 19th century to connect the nation, the Canadian National Railway stretches across the endless fields of the prairies and then carves through the Rockies before arriving on the West Coast. Take in the stunning views from the train and then explore the country's best destinations at extended stops. VIA Rail gives you the opportunity to see Canada's diverse scenery from lively and vibrant and historical cities to stunningly blue glacier lakes and majestic Rocky Mountain scenery.
The VIA Rail Vancouver to Jasper route takes about 19 hours and includes one night onboard the train. On this sleeper-train journey, you’ll leave the West Coast and travel to the Rocky Mountains. You’ll be able to watch the ever-changing scenery from the train’s viewing cars. In the morning, you’ll see the peaks of the Canadian Rockies and disembark shortly after breakfast.
There are different levels of service aboard VIA Rail, including Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class. Sleeper Class offers both upper and lower berths, and private cabins. When traveling on VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper in Sleeper Plus, we recommend a comfortable private cabin, where you can stretch out and watch the sunset. Depending on the size of your group, you can book a cabin for one, two or four travelers. You'll have your own toilet and sink, plus a shower that is only shared with a handful of other people.
The perks of Sleeper Plus include three gourmet fine dining meals per day with non-alcoholic beverages and complimentary fruit and cookies between meals. You’ll also have priority boarding and access to the station lounges in Vancouver and Toronto, as well as the Panorama and Skyline viewing cars.
Prestige Class is like a cozy home on rails. You'll have 50% more space in your cabin compared to Sleeper Plus class and a 60% larger window for admiring those views.
When night falls, you can retreat to your elegant cabin with a glass of wine, curl up in your Murphy bed for two and catch a movie on your personal flat-screen monitor — or simply watch the stars out the window. Your room includes a private bathroom, with toilet, sink, and shower.
The perks of Prestige Class include personal concierge and access to the exclusive Park Car, a lounge on the rails. You’ll also get complimentary coffee, tea, fruit and cookies, meals and beverages. When it comes to dining, those in Prestige Class have priority for reservations in the dining car, with pre-dinner appetizer service.
Make your train adventure even more exciting by choosing an itinerary that includes time on a sleeper train. In Canada, two train routes have sleeper cars: The Ocean Train and The Canadian. The Ocean Train travels along the East Coast of Canada, connecting Montreal with Halifax. The Canadian connects Vancouver and Toronto, with stops in Winnipeg and Jasper. Some cars even have glass domes, providing panoramic views of Canada's most beautiful sights.
The sleeper train service between Vancouver and Jasper takes around 20 hours and is a beautiful way to experience the Canadian Rockies. There are two weekly departures for this route.
Private sleeper cabins on this route can accommodate up to four people, depending on the size of your party, requirements, and availability. Semi-private accommodations are available with upper and lower berths. Berths give you access to facilities shared by the car while private cabins include your own washroom. Booking Sleeper Plus or Prestige class gives you access to service attendants and domed viewing cars, depending upon the season.
Train service from Vancouver to Jasper provides snacks and full, gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sleeper Plus Class meals are chef-prepared gourmet meals and have three courses to please your palate. Alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. If you have special dietary restrictions or preferences, a special meal option is available that meets your needs.
This route is part of our Canadian Rockies Voyage by Train package.
#2 Travel tip: Try a shorter train ride
If you prefer less time on the train, I recommend taking VIA Rail’s Skeena train on a half-day sightseeing tour from Jasper to Dunster or McBride. This is a scenic journey through British Columbia’s Robson Valley.
Katherine FoxcroftDirector of Product: Hotels, Tours and Excursions
During the winter is a special time to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train, and it's possible as VIA Rail Canada runs all year long. Train travel is actually one of the best ways to experience the awesome views of the Canadian Rockies in the winter while avoiding potentially hazardous conditions other travel methods encounter. Choose a sleeper car for the overnight journey to get the best of both worlds as far as scenery and comfort. Book this experience with our Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland package.
The 2-day Vancouver to Jasper train (via Kamloops) leaves Vancouver at 8am on select Tuesdays and Fridays between April and September. The train is scheduled to arrive in Kamloops between 6pm and 7.30pm on Day 1. On Day 2, the train departs Kamloops at 8.30am (pacific time) and arrives in Jasper between 7.30pm and 9pm (mountain time).
The 3-day Vancouver to Jasper train (via Whistler and Quesnel) leaves Vancouver at 8am on select Saturdays between April and October. The train is scheduled to arrive in Whistler between 11.30am and 12.30pm on Day 1. On Day 2, the train departs Whistler at 7.45am and arrives in Quesnel between 7pm and 8pm. On Day 3, the train leaves Quesnel at 7.30am (pacific time) and arrives in Jasper between 8.30pm and 9.30pm (mountain time).
VIA Rail’s The Canadian train departs Vancouver on Mondays and Fridays and arrives in Jasper on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper schedule for the train leaves Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station at 3pm (pacific time) and arrive in Jasper at 11am (mountain time). Sometimes the train can be delayed due to freight train traffic.
What makes Jasper train vacations so appealing are the variety of activities. These are some of the most popular attractions in Jasper.
Maligne Canyon is Jasper National Park's deepest canyon, making it popular destination for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The canyon has six bridges, making it possible for even inexperienced hikers to see Maligne Canyon in all its glory. A popular activity is a boat cruise of Maligne Lake. Many people visit in the summer, but Maligne Canyon is especially beautiful in the winter, especially if you take the Third Bridge to see a frozen waterfall.
Explore Jasper from a new point of view by taking a ride on the SkyTram, which takes you 2,263 metres into the air. Jasper SkyTram makes it easy to access trails in Jasper's alpine zone, making it a popular attraction for hikers. When the SkyTram is operating, a cabin departs from the lower and upper stations every 9 minutes. The upper station also has food and beverages available.
Take Icefields Parkway — considered one of the most scenic drives in the world — to one of Canada's most dramatic attractions: the Columbia Icefield. The icefield has a Glacier Discovery Centre, where you’ll ride out to a glacier in a specially designed buggy. There’s also a Skywalk with incredible views of the valley below.
Jasper is home to many wildlife species, making it the ideal destination for any traveller who loves animals. It's also a great place to visit if you enjoy photography and want to work with some new subjects. While you're in town, arrange for a private tour led by an experienced guide. Your guide will be able to point out some of the best spots for wildlife viewing and tell you more about the animals living in the region. Wolves, bears, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats and caribou all live in this area.
Popular hiking spots in Jasper include The Bald Hills, the Sulphur Skyline, Tonquin Valley and the Skyline Trail. Although Jasper has many natural wonders, it also has plenty of restaurants and other activities. Take a long hike in the morning and then unwind in the afternoon with a cocktail, a gourmet meal or a trip to the spa.
Jasper is home to several companies that offer dogsledding, usually with Alaskan Malamutes or Siberian Huskies. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be mushing like a pro. Some companies even offer family-friendly tours that are suitable for kids, making dogsledding a fun way to spend time with grandchildren or younger nieces and nephews.
Jasper offers everything from casual pizza joints to high-end restaurants with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. A foodie tour gives you a chance to taste some local favorites while learning some local stories.
A motorcycle sidecar tour of Jasper is a unique way to take in the sights. You'll get to ride in a sidecar as an experienced motorcyclist navigates the roads, stopping at some of the park's most popular attractions. You'll have the opportunity to take photographs and enjoy the natural beauty of Jasper, which is known for its wildflowers and majestic animals.
Please note that this experience is not currently available.
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.
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.
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.
It takes about 19 hours to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train. Itineraries with stops in both Vancouver and Jasper typically last for at least one week depending on how many other cities you're scheduled to visit. For example, a train trip across Canada should last for at least 12 or 13 days to ensure you have plenty of time to see amazing sights and participate in your favorite activities.
VIA Rail Vancouver to Jasper offers three classes of service. Economy offers basic transportation for an affordable price. Sleeper Plus includes access to the train's business lounge, two large checked bags, carry-on baggage, priority boarding, shower access and meal service. Prestige Class is the luxury service and includes all of the amenities included in Sleeper Plus, as well as access to a premium cabin, a personal concierge, a flatscreen TV, a private washroom and gourmet meals.
The Vancouver to Jasper train price depends on the length of your itinerary, the accommodations you select and the excursions you want to experience on your journey. Prices for our trip itineraries range from $3,390 to $8,080 USD per person, and include train tickets, hotels, activities and excursions, and some meals.
In general, two to three days gives you enough time to see the town's best sights before moving on to the next destination.
September is considered the best month to visit Jasper. It is known as the "golden month" because it's cooler and less crowded than the summer months. When the leaves start to change, you'll also have endless opportunities to enjoy the foliage. That said, there's really no bad time to visit Jasper, and the best time to travel depends on your interests. If you want to try dogsledding or other cold-weather activities, visit during the winter.
About the author: Katherine is Director of Product with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for almost 20 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in Calgary and one of her favourite Canadian destination is... Read more
Useful Links
Train Trip FinderWhere to go in CanadaJourneys Across CanadaCanadian Rockies and West CoastEastern Canada and The MaritimesCanadian North and ArcticSummer Train TripsWinter Train TripsFall Color Train TripsTours for SeniorsRoad Trips and Self DrivesFamily AdventuresVacations for Active SeniorsHistory and Culture TripsWildlife Viewing TripsExplore Canada
The Canadian TrainTrain Across CanadaCanadian Sleeper TrainLuxury Trains Across CanadaVIA Rail VacationsRocky Mountaineer Train ToursCanadian Rockies Train ToursTrain Tours for SeniorsCanadian Pacific RailwayBest Train Trips in CanadaNational Park Train ToursTrain Tours from VancouverCanadian Snow TrainAlaska Cruise and Train ToursCanadian East Coast Train ToursCanadian West Coast Train ToursPopular Train Trips
Vancouver to Toronto Train JourneyAcross Canada by TrainComplete Canadian Rockies by TrainCanadian Cross-Country JourneyClassic Eastern Canada by TrainTrans Canada Rainforest RouteCanadian Rockies Voyage by TrainCanada Coast to Coast by TrainRockies Winter Wonderland by TrainDiscover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by TrainMontreal and Quebec City Getaway by TrainCanadian Cross-Country Journey in WinterLords of the Wilderness Bear ViewingTrans Canada by Train in WinterEssential Rockies with Alaska CruiseCanadian Train Vacations
© 2025 Fresh Tracks Canada
Taking a Vancouver to Jasper train trip makes it easy to see the sights while relaxing in a comfortable train car. You can ride the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, a daylight-only train that offers unparalleled views of wildflower meadows, alpine passes and deep valleys. Or you can take VIA Rail’s The Canadian train between Vancouver and Jasper. The train journey between Vancouver and Jasper is not just a mode of transportation, it’s a unique way to experience the scenery of western Canada.
If you want to take the train from Vancouver to Jasper, you can count on the travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada to help you plan the best journey. Our travel experts know about all the best Jasper train tours, including where to stay and what to do while you're on your trip.
The Circle the Canadian Rockies by Train itinerary runs from May through September and includes 12 days of travel. Spend the first day in Vancouver, a vibrant city filled with restaurants, shops and historic sites. Along with time to explore Jasper, the rest of the tour features stops in Whistler, Quesnel, Lake Louise and Banff.
Discover some of the best destinations in Canada with the Across Canada by Train tour. This train journey begins in Toronto and ends in Vancouver, allowing you to visit two major cities and some of Canada's most popular outdoor attractions. The 13-day itinerary includes Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise, making it the perfect choice for adventurous travellers.
In the Canadian Rockies, winter offers many attractions. Climb on board The Canadian, VIA Rail's famed "snow train," to take in the beauty of ice-covered fields, snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees adorned with icicles that sparkle in the sunlight. This Jasper vacation includes nine days of travel, giving you plenty of time to reveal in the beauty of a Canadian winter.
The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train, ensuring you get the best views of the Canadian countryside. It connects British Columbia with Alberta, with three different sight-seeing routes. Stops include Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Banff, Kamloops and Quesnel. In operation from mid-April through mid-October, the Rocky Mountaineer is one of the best ways to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train.
When travelling on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper, you can choose to go either eastward from Vancouver to Jasper, or reverse the route and begin in Jasper.
The driving distance from Vancouver to Jasper is approximately 795 kilometres (493 miles). Depending on the Rocky Mountaineer train route you choose, you’ll cover between 900 and 1200 kilometres (559 and 745 miles). There are two train routes between Vancouver and Jasper.
The first option takes two full days and includes a hotel overnight stop in Kamloops, British Columbia. You’ll see dramatic changes in scenery as you roll through the Fraser Valley, past the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like landscape of BC’s interior. On the second day, you travel from Kamloops to Jasper. The train takes you across the Continental Divide and climbs over Yellowhead Pass.
The second Rocky Mountaineer route takes three days and includes two hotel nights along the way. The first day is from Vancouver to Whistler. This is a half day on the train, and then you’ll get to spend the afternoon exploring Whistler village. The second day of this train journey is from Whistler to Quesnel, where you travel past canyons, farmland, lakes, and rolling hills. The train crosses Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. After an overnight stay in Quesnel, the final day of this route takes you through the forests of northern British Columbia, before arriving in Jasper National Park.
There are several Canadian train vacations that include the Rocky Mountaineer routes between Vancouver and Jasper, such as the Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail or the Circle the Canadian Rockies by Rail. Either lets you add various experiences such as additional nights in the Rockies combined with sightseeing tours.
Your journey takes you past the spectacular Pyramid Falls before continuing on until you are enveloped by the mountain views. Listen to the history of the railway and the area as you savor your gourmet lunch. On the way to Jasper National Park is Mount Robson. This stunning sight is the highest mountain peak in all the Canadian Rockies. The journey ends at the town of Jasper, where you are free to explore.
Choose between Silverleaf service and Goldleaf service for your train journey. Silverleaf service involves travel in a single-level glass dome coach. The oversized windows give you spectacular views of the scenery. Goldleaf service includes a bi-level dome coach. The addition of an upper level is a truly spectacular way to experience the panoramic views. Both levels of service include gourmet meals and exquisite storytelling from your host during the train journey. Silverleaf guests are served at their seats while those opting for Goldleaf Service eat their meals in a window-lined dining car.
Hotel options for your stopovers, along with other optional add-ons, are assigned by Rocky Mountaineer. You can view the details of your accommodations on your boarding pass. All hotels are clean, comfortable, and provide high-quality service for your needs.
#1 Travel tip: Don't miss the mountain views
My faviourite part about arriving in Jasper by train is catching that first glimpse of Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, right outside your window.
Hannah Poaros-McDermottTravel Writer and Senior Content Coordinator
VIA Rail runs across Canada and is the primary passenger service connecting Vancouver to Halifax. Follow the historic rail route that made Canada what it is today. Built in the 19th century to connect the nation, the Canadian National Railway stretches across the endless fields of the prairies and then carves through the Rockies before arriving on the West Coast. Take in the stunning views from the train and then explore the country's best destinations at extended stops. VIA Rail gives you the opportunity to see Canada's diverse scenery from lively and vibrant and historical cities to stunningly blue glacier lakes and majestic Rocky Mountain scenery.
The VIA Rail Vancouver to Jasper route takes about 19 hours and includes one night onboard the train. On this sleeper-train journey, you’ll leave the West Coast and travel to the Rocky Mountains. You’ll be able to watch the ever-changing scenery from the train’s viewing cars. In the morning, you’ll see the peaks of the Canadian Rockies and disembark shortly after breakfast.
There are different levels of service aboard VIA Rail, including Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class. Sleeper Class offers both upper and lower berths, and private cabins. When traveling on VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper in Sleeper Plus, we recommend a comfortable private cabin, where you can stretch out and watch the sunset. Depending on the size of your group, you can book a cabin for one, two or four travelers. You'll have your own toilet and sink, plus a shower that is only shared with a handful of other people.
The perks of Sleeper Plus include three gourmet fine dining meals per day with non-alcoholic beverages and complimentary fruit and cookies between meals. You’ll also have priority boarding and access to the station lounges in Vancouver and Toronto, as well as the Panorama and Skyline viewing cars.
Prestige Class is like a cozy home on rails. You'll have 50% more space in your cabin compared to Sleeper Plus class and a 60% larger window for admiring those views.
When night falls, you can retreat to your elegant cabin with a glass of wine, curl up in your Murphy bed for two and catch a movie on your personal flat-screen monitor — or simply watch the stars out the window. Your room includes a private bathroom, with toilet, sink, and shower.
The perks of Prestige Class include personal concierge and access to the exclusive Park Car, a lounge on the rails. You’ll also get complimentary coffee, tea, fruit and cookies, meals and beverages. When it comes to dining, those in Prestige Class have priority for reservations in the dining car, with pre-dinner appetizer service.
Make your train adventure even more exciting by choosing an itinerary that includes time on a sleeper train. In Canada, two train routes have sleeper cars: The Ocean Train and The Canadian. The Ocean Train travels along the East Coast of Canada, connecting Montreal with Halifax. The Canadian connects Vancouver and Toronto, with stops in Winnipeg and Jasper. Some cars even have glass domes, providing panoramic views of Canada's most beautiful sights.
The sleeper train service between Vancouver and Jasper takes around 20 hours and is a beautiful way to experience the Canadian Rockies. There are two weekly departures for this route.
Private sleeper cabins on this route can accommodate up to four people, depending on the size of your party, requirements, and availability. Semi-private accommodations are available with upper and lower berths. Berths give you access to facilities shared by the car while private cabins include your own washroom. Booking Sleeper Plus or Prestige class gives you access to service attendants and domed viewing cars, depending upon the season.
Train service from Vancouver to Jasper provides snacks and full, gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sleeper Plus Class meals are chef-prepared gourmet meals and have three courses to please your palate. Alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. If you have special dietary restrictions or preferences, a special meal option is available that meets your needs.
This route is part of our Canadian Rockies Voyage by Train package.
#2 Travel tip: Try a shorter train ride
If you prefer less time on the train, I recommend taking VIA Rail’s Skeena train on a half-day sightseeing tour from Jasper to Dunster or McBride. This is a scenic journey through British Columbia’s Robson Valley.
Katherine FoxcroftDirector of Product: Hotels, Tours and Excursions
During the winter is a special time to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train, and it's possible as VIA Rail Canada runs all year long. Train travel is actually one of the best ways to experience the awesome views of the Canadian Rockies in the winter while avoiding potentially hazardous conditions other travel methods encounter. Choose a sleeper car for the overnight journey to get the best of both worlds as far as scenery and comfort. Book this experience with our Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland package.
The 2-day Vancouver to Jasper train (via Kamloops) leaves Vancouver at 8am on select Tuesdays and Fridays between April and September. The train is scheduled to arrive in Kamloops between 6pm and 7.30pm on Day 1. On Day 2, the train departs Kamloops at 8.30am (pacific time) and arrives in Jasper between 7.30pm and 9pm (mountain time).
The 3-day Vancouver to Jasper train (via Whistler and Quesnel) leaves Vancouver at 8am on select Saturdays between April and October. The train is scheduled to arrive in Whistler between 11.30am and 12.30pm on Day 1. On Day 2, the train departs Whistler at 7.45am and arrives in Quesnel between 7pm and 8pm. On Day 3, the train leaves Quesnel at 7.30am (pacific time) and arrives in Jasper between 8.30pm and 9.30pm (mountain time).
VIA Rail’s The Canadian train departs Vancouver on Mondays and Fridays and arrives in Jasper on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper schedule for the train leaves Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station at 3pm (pacific time) and arrive in Jasper at 11am (mountain time). Sometimes the train can be delayed due to freight train traffic.
What makes Jasper train vacations so appealing are the variety of activities. These are some of the most popular attractions in Jasper.
Maligne Canyon is Jasper National Park's deepest canyon, making it popular destination for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The canyon has six bridges, making it possible for even inexperienced hikers to see Maligne Canyon in all its glory. A popular activity is a boat cruise of Maligne Lake. Many people visit in the summer, but Maligne Canyon is especially beautiful in the winter, especially if you take the Third Bridge to see a frozen waterfall.
Explore Jasper from a new point of view by taking a ride on the SkyTram, which takes you 2,263 metres into the air. Jasper SkyTram makes it easy to access trails in Jasper's alpine zone, making it a popular attraction for hikers. When the SkyTram is operating, a cabin departs from the lower and upper stations every 9 minutes. The upper station also has food and beverages available.
Take Icefields Parkway — considered one of the most scenic drives in the world — to one of Canada's most dramatic attractions: the Columbia Icefield. The icefield has a Glacier Discovery Centre, where you’ll ride out to a glacier in a specially designed buggy. There’s also a Skywalk with incredible views of the valley below.
Jasper is home to many wildlife species, making it the ideal destination for any traveller who loves animals. It's also a great place to visit if you enjoy photography and want to work with some new subjects. While you're in town, arrange for a private tour led by an experienced guide. Your guide will be able to point out some of the best spots for wildlife viewing and tell you more about the animals living in the region. Wolves, bears, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats and caribou all live in this area.
Popular hiking spots in Jasper include The Bald Hills, the Sulphur Skyline, Tonquin Valley and the Skyline Trail. Although Jasper has many natural wonders, it also has plenty of restaurants and other activities. Take a long hike in the morning and then unwind in the afternoon with a cocktail, a gourmet meal or a trip to the spa.
Jasper is home to several companies that offer dogsledding, usually with Alaskan Malamutes or Siberian Huskies. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be mushing like a pro. Some companies even offer family-friendly tours that are suitable for kids, making dogsledding a fun way to spend time with grandchildren or younger nieces and nephews.
Jasper offers everything from casual pizza joints to high-end restaurants with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. A foodie tour gives you a chance to taste some local favorites while learning some local stories.
A motorcycle sidecar tour of Jasper is a unique way to take in the sights. You'll get to ride in a sidecar as an experienced motorcyclist navigates the roads, stopping at some of the park's most popular attractions. You'll have the opportunity to take photographs and enjoy the natural beauty of Jasper, which is known for its wildflowers and majestic animals.
Please note that this experience is not currently available.
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.
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.
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.
It takes about 19 hours to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train. Itineraries with stops in both Vancouver and Jasper typically last for at least one week depending on how many other cities you're scheduled to visit. For example, a train trip across Canada should last for at least 12 or 13 days to ensure you have plenty of time to see amazing sights and participate in your favorite activities.
VIA Rail Vancouver to Jasper offers three classes of service. Economy offers basic transportation for an affordable price. Sleeper Plus includes access to the train's business lounge, two large checked bags, carry-on baggage, priority boarding, shower access and meal service. Prestige Class is the luxury service and includes all of the amenities included in Sleeper Plus, as well as access to a premium cabin, a personal concierge, a flatscreen TV, a private washroom and gourmet meals.
The Vancouver to Jasper train price depends on the length of your itinerary, the accommodations you select and the excursions you want to experience on your journey. Prices for our trip itineraries range from $3,390 to $8,080 USD per person, and include train tickets, hotels, activities and excursions, and some meals.
In general, two to three days gives you enough time to see the town's best sights before moving on to the next destination.
September is considered the best month to visit Jasper. It is known as the "golden month" because it's cooler and less crowded than the summer months. When the leaves start to change, you'll also have endless opportunities to enjoy the foliage. That said, there's really no bad time to visit Jasper, and the best time to travel depends on your interests. If you want to try dogsledding or other cold-weather activities, visit during the winter.
About the author: Katherine is Director of Product with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for almost 20 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in Calgary and one of her favourite Canadian destination is... Read more
Useful Links
Train Trip FinderWhere to go in CanadaJourneys Across CanadaCanadian Rockies and West CoastEastern Canada and The MaritimesCanadian North and ArcticSummer Train TripsWinter Train TripsFall Color Train TripsTours for SeniorsRoad Trips and Self DrivesFamily AdventuresVacations for Active SeniorsHistory and Culture TripsWildlife Viewing TripsExplore Canada
The Canadian TrainTrain Across CanadaCanadian Sleeper TrainLuxury Trains Across CanadaVIA Rail VacationsRocky Mountaineer Train ToursCanadian Rockies Train ToursTrain Tours for SeniorsCanadian Pacific RailwayBest Train Trips in CanadaNational Park Train ToursTrain Tours from VancouverCanadian Snow TrainAlaska Cruise and Train ToursCanadian East Coast Train ToursCanadian West Coast Train ToursPopular Train Trips
Vancouver to Toronto Train JourneyAcross Canada by TrainComplete Canadian Rockies by TrainCanadian Cross-Country JourneyClassic Eastern Canada by TrainTrans Canada Rainforest RouteCanadian Rockies Voyage by TrainCanada Coast to Coast by TrainRockies Winter Wonderland by TrainDiscover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by TrainMontreal and Quebec City Getaway by TrainCanadian Cross-Country Journey in WinterLords of the Wilderness Bear ViewingTrans Canada by Train in WinterEssential Rockies with Alaska CruiseCanadian Train Vacations
© 2025 Fresh Tracks Canada
