If you seek natural beauty, culture and relaxation, embark on a West Coast rail vacation. British Columbia in Western Canada will give you goosebumps as you glide through the landscape on a train.
See old-growth forests blanketed in moss, thundering waterfalls and rocky beaches lined with gnarled Arbutus trees. The official motto of British Columbia (B.C.) is "Splendour without Diminishment." To truly appreciate this splendour, you need to experience it for yourself. The best way to behold B.C.'s beauty is from a comfortable lounge chair in a train car, where you'll also enjoy delicious gourmet food and friendly service. Consider a West Coast train trip for seniors looking to see Canada in a relaxed, inviting way.
Our travel experts can help you plan a personalized itinerary for your West Coast train trip that suits your interests, tastes and budget. You may want to do more than watch the wilderness from the train window. Talk to our Canada travel experts at Fresh Tracks Canada about adding on wildlife viewing and food tours and even hiking and kayaking to your West Coast train trips. A helicopter sight-seeing tour is a popular activity. That way, you can fully explore the wild West coast.
Many of our train vacations start in British Columbia, giving you the opportunity to spend time in this stunning area. Whether you are visiting as part of a full journey across Canada, or a smaller-scale trip focused on West Coast destinations, you'll be enchanted by the beauty around you.
Speak to a Canadian Train Vacation Advisor to discuss all your options.
This eight-day West Coast railway tour departs from Vancouver and includes two days on the train. It is one of our most popular trips, allowing travellers to spend time exploring the Rockies, as well as relaxing on the Rocky Mountaineer.
Miles on train: 559 Miles
Days on train: 2
This West Coast train route takes you to Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise and Banff. It’s an ideal itinerary for those with time restrictions. You’ll ride the Rocky Mountaineer, plus get time in beautiful Lake Louise and the mountain town of Banff.
Miles covered on train: 594
Days on train: 2
Possibly the best West Coast train trip if you want ocean views, this route travels along scenic Howe Sound. This itinerary takes travellers between Vancouver and Calgary and includes a scenic tour of Icefields Parkway. Customize your trip with extra activities in Banff National Park or Jasper National Park.
Miles on train: 707 Miles
Days on train: 3
#1 Travel tip: Don't miss the flowers
Western Canada has stunning horticultural gardens! My favourites are Butchart Gardens in Victoria and Van Dusen Gardens in Vancouver. With the area's mild climate, you'll find stunning flora most times of the year.
Athena McKenzieContent Manager
#2 Travel tip: Pack layers
A trick for dealing with the West Coast's variable weather is to bring layers. We recommend packing lighter t-shirts, a fleece jacket and a waterproof coat. A woolen hat can come in handy any time of the year, with temperatures dropping at night.
Louise WeissDirector of Legendary Hospitality
You could spend months exploring all of the nooks and crannies of Canada's West Coast and still not see it all. There are just so many tiny islands, remote inlets, far-flung communities and friendly towns to explore. To get you started on planning your train vacations to the West Coast, here are a few of our favourite spots:
Vibrant and cosmopolitan Vancouver often tops lists of the world's "Best Places to Live." The attributes that make it delightfully liveable, such as walkable neighbourhoods, close access to nature and superb international dining, also make it very enjoyable to visit. Plus, the view of the snow-dusted mountains on the horizon never gets old.
When to go: Visit during the pleasant spring months, when the city's flower gardens and parks are in full bloom.
Train you'll ride on: VIA Rail Canadian
The highlight: Take a walk through the sprawling green Stanley Park and admire the ocean from the scenic seawall.
Home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America, Whistler is an alpine wonderland named after the whistling call of the furry marmot. The summer offers just as many fun activities for mountain fun. Take to the trails and enjoy a selection of scenic hikes, try an alpine picnic, ride the gondola, indulge in a Nordic Spa or try zip-lining. More extreme sports include mountain biking
When to go: While winter is the classic time, summer is a splendid time to explore.
Train you'll ride on: The Rocky Mountaineer (in the winter, an excursion to Whistler can be added to any of trips that start or end in Vancouver, but you will not travel by train to Whistler)
The highlight: Add an evening foodie tour of Whistler's excellent culinary scene to your trip.
Known as the "Salmon Fishing Capital of the World,' Campbell River is one of the quirky small communities that are the beating heart of the West Coast. Take a 30-minute flight from Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge, where you'll have the unforgettable experience of spotting grizzly bears in the wild.
When to go: September is the prime month for viewing grizzly bears, and it's also a great time to beat the summer crowds.
How to go: An excursion to Campbell River and Knight Inlet can be added to most of our itineraries out of Vancouver.
The highlight: Flying into the remote and unspoiled Knight Inlet, where bear viewing groups are limited to only 12 people at a time.
Secluded on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino, a small coastal village of about 1,600 residents, is one of Canada's secret gems. At Tofino's doorstep is the Clayoquot Sound region, a world UNESCO biosphere reserve. This Canadian area boasts one of British Columbia's most cherished nature reserves, the Pacific Rim National Park.
Rugged coastlines and lush temperate rainforests offer a feast of natural Canadian exquisiteness for the nature lover on your Canadian train trip.
When to go: Tofino's untamed beauty make it a popular destination during the summer months. Alternatively, visit in March, when thousands of grey whales migrate to the Sound in Canada and kick off the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival.
How to go: An excursion to Tofino can be added to most of our itineraries out of Vancouver. You can fly in on a small charter plane or we can arrange a self-drive component to your trip.
The highlight: Choose from a range of outdoor experiences: surfing, whale watching, hiking and more.
British Columbia's capital city, Victoria, lies on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and has a temperate coastal climate year-round. Surrounded by rugged west coast wilderness, the city is full of lush green spaces and fascinating historic buildings.
Explore Canada's oldest Chinatown, enjoy an elegant afternoon tea, go on a whale watching tour, kayak across the Inner Harbour, and take in the city's unique ambience of old-world blended with the new.
When to go: The spring months mark the beginning of the whale watching season and are the ideal time to discover Victoria's flowering parks and gardens.
How to go: An excursion to Victoria can be added to most of our itineraries out of Vancouver. You can travel by float plane or on an escorted tour.
The highlight: Stroll through the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, home to 900 plant varieties across 55 acres.
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.
About the author: Louise Weiss is Director of Legendary Hospitality with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for more than 25 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in North Vancouver and has spent time... 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
See old-growth forests blanketed in moss, thundering waterfalls and rocky beaches lined with gnarled Arbutus trees. The official motto of British Columbia (B.C.) is "Splendour without Diminishment." To truly appreciate this splendour, you need to experience it for yourself. The best way to behold B.C.'s beauty is from a comfortable lounge chair in a train car, where you'll also enjoy delicious gourmet food and friendly service. Consider a West Coast train trip for seniors looking to see Canada in a relaxed, inviting way.
Our travel experts can help you plan a personalized itinerary for your West Coast train trip that suits your interests, tastes and budget. You may want to do more than watch the wilderness from the train window. Talk to our Canada travel experts at Fresh Tracks Canada about adding on wildlife viewing and food tours and even hiking and kayaking to your West Coast train trips. A helicopter sight-seeing tour is a popular activity. That way, you can fully explore the wild West coast.
Many of our train vacations start in British Columbia, giving you the opportunity to spend time in this stunning area. Whether you are visiting as part of a full journey across Canada, or a smaller-scale trip focused on West Coast destinations, you'll be enchanted by the beauty around you.
Speak to a Canadian Train Vacation Advisor to discuss all your options.
This eight-day West Coast railway tour departs from Vancouver and includes two days on the train. It is one of our most popular trips, allowing travellers to spend time exploring the Rockies, as well as relaxing on the Rocky Mountaineer.
Miles on train: 559 Miles
Days on train: 2
This West Coast train route takes you to Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise and Banff. It’s an ideal itinerary for those with time restrictions. You’ll ride the Rocky Mountaineer, plus get time in beautiful Lake Louise and the mountain town of Banff.
Miles covered on train: 594
Days on train: 2
Possibly the best West Coast train trip if you want ocean views, this route travels along scenic Howe Sound. This itinerary takes travellers between Vancouver and Calgary and includes a scenic tour of Icefields Parkway. Customize your trip with extra activities in Banff National Park or Jasper National Park.
Miles on train: 707 Miles
Days on train: 3
#1 Travel tip: Don't miss the flowers
Western Canada has stunning horticultural gardens! My favourites are Butchart Gardens in Victoria and Van Dusen Gardens in Vancouver. With the area's mild climate, you'll find stunning flora most times of the year.
Athena McKenzieContent Manager
#2 Travel tip: Pack layers
A trick for dealing with the West Coast's variable weather is to bring layers. We recommend packing lighter t-shirts, a fleece jacket and a waterproof coat. A woolen hat can come in handy any time of the year, with temperatures dropping at night.
Louise WeissDirector of Legendary Hospitality
You could spend months exploring all of the nooks and crannies of Canada's West Coast and still not see it all. There are just so many tiny islands, remote inlets, far-flung communities and friendly towns to explore. To get you started on planning your train vacations to the West Coast, here are a few of our favourite spots:
Vibrant and cosmopolitan Vancouver often tops lists of the world's "Best Places to Live." The attributes that make it delightfully liveable, such as walkable neighbourhoods, close access to nature and superb international dining, also make it very enjoyable to visit. Plus, the view of the snow-dusted mountains on the horizon never gets old.
When to go: Visit during the pleasant spring months, when the city's flower gardens and parks are in full bloom.
Train you'll ride on: VIA Rail Canadian
The highlight: Take a walk through the sprawling green Stanley Park and admire the ocean from the scenic seawall.
Home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America, Whistler is an alpine wonderland named after the whistling call of the furry marmot. The summer offers just as many fun activities for mountain fun. Take to the trails and enjoy a selection of scenic hikes, try an alpine picnic, ride the gondola, indulge in a Nordic Spa or try zip-lining. More extreme sports include mountain biking
When to go: While winter is the classic time, summer is a splendid time to explore.
Train you'll ride on: The Rocky Mountaineer (in the winter, an excursion to Whistler can be added to any of trips that start or end in Vancouver, but you will not travel by train to Whistler)
The highlight: Add an evening foodie tour of Whistler's excellent culinary scene to your trip.
Known as the "Salmon Fishing Capital of the World,' Campbell River is one of the quirky small communities that are the beating heart of the West Coast. Take a 30-minute flight from Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge, where you'll have the unforgettable experience of spotting grizzly bears in the wild.
When to go: September is the prime month for viewing grizzly bears, and it's also a great time to beat the summer crowds.
How to go: An excursion to Campbell River and Knight Inlet can be added to most of our itineraries out of Vancouver.
The highlight: Flying into the remote and unspoiled Knight Inlet, where bear viewing groups are limited to only 12 people at a time.
Secluded on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino, a small coastal village of about 1,600 residents, is one of Canada's secret gems. At Tofino's doorstep is the Clayoquot Sound region, a world UNESCO biosphere reserve. This Canadian area boasts one of British Columbia's most cherished nature reserves, the Pacific Rim National Park.
Rugged coastlines and lush temperate rainforests offer a feast of natural Canadian exquisiteness for the nature lover on your Canadian train trip.
When to go: Tofino's untamed beauty make it a popular destination during the summer months. Alternatively, visit in March, when thousands of grey whales migrate to the Sound in Canada and kick off the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival.
How to go: An excursion to Tofino can be added to most of our itineraries out of Vancouver. You can fly in on a small charter plane or we can arrange a self-drive component to your trip.
The highlight: Choose from a range of outdoor experiences: surfing, whale watching, hiking and more.
British Columbia's capital city, Victoria, lies on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and has a temperate coastal climate year-round. Surrounded by rugged west coast wilderness, the city is full of lush green spaces and fascinating historic buildings.
Explore Canada's oldest Chinatown, enjoy an elegant afternoon tea, go on a whale watching tour, kayak across the Inner Harbour, and take in the city's unique ambience of old-world blended with the new.
When to go: The spring months mark the beginning of the whale watching season and are the ideal time to discover Victoria's flowering parks and gardens.
How to go: An excursion to Victoria can be added to most of our itineraries out of Vancouver. You can travel by float plane or on an escorted tour.
The highlight: Stroll through the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, home to 900 plant varieties across 55 acres.
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.
About the author: Louise Weiss is Director of Legendary Hospitality with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for more than 25 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in North Vancouver and has spent time... 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
