Rail Travel in BC

BC Train Schedules

From VIA Rail's iconic cross-country routes to the Rocky Mountaineer's luxury scenic journeys — travel BC by rail and see the province from a whole new angle.

Must-See Rail Views

Scenic Highlights Along BC Rail Routes

The Canadian

Thompson River Canyon

Dramatic red-rock canyon between Kamloops and Lytton — one of the most scenic rail segments in North America.

The Skeena

Skeena River Valley

Follows the Skeena River through ancient Indigenous territory with towering peaks and river mist.

Rocky Mountaineer

Hell's Gate, Fraser Canyon

The narrowest navigable point on the Fraser River — a jaw-dropping gorge visible from the train.

Journey Through the Clouds

North Thompson Valley

Passes through Clearwater and Blue River — gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Rail Operators & Routes

Schedules are subject to seasonal changes. Always confirm with the operator before booking.

VIA Rail Canada

Iconic Route

Canada's national passenger rail service

VIA Rail operates two major routes through British Columbia — the Canadian (Vancouver to Toronto) and the Skeena (Jasper to Prince Rupert). Both are iconic long-distance journeys through some of Canada's most spectacular scenery.

Reservations required. Sleeping car and economy class available. Discounts for seniors, students, and youth.

The Canadian — Vancouver to Toronto

Long Distance

One of the world's great train journeys. The BC portion passes through the Thompson River canyon, the Rockies, and the North Thompson Valley.

BC Stops:

VancouverKamloopsBlue RiverJasper (AB)
Frequency: 3× per week (each direction)Duration: ~4 days Vancouver → Toronto
EconomySleeper PlusPrestige
View Schedule

The Skeena — Jasper to Prince Rupert

Scenic Rail

A two-day journey through northern BC following the Skeena River through dramatic mountain and river scenery. Overnight stop in Prince George.

BC Stops:

Prince GeorgeVanderhoofBurns LakeSmithersTerracePrince Rupert
Frequency: 2× per week (each direction)Duration: ~2 days (overnight in Prince George)
EconomyTouring Class
View Schedule

Rocky Mountaineer

The world's most spectacular train journey

A luxury daytime-only scenic rail experience through the Canadian Rockies and BC Interior. All travel is done in daylight so you don't miss a single view. Operates April through October.

Daytime travel only — no overnight on the train. Accommodation in Kamloops or Banff included in packages. Premium experience with full meal service.

First Passage to the West — Vancouver to Banff/Calgary

Luxury Scenic

The classic Rocky Mountaineer route. Day 1 follows the Fraser Canyon through Hell's Gate to Kamloops. Day 2 climbs through the Rockies to Banff.

BC Stops:

VancouverHell's GateKamloops
Frequency: Daily (Apr–Oct)Duration: 2 days (overnight in Kamloops)
SilverLeafGoldLeaf
View Schedule

Journey Through the Clouds — Vancouver to Jasper

Luxury Scenic

Follows the North Thompson River through Clearwater and Blue River before climbing into the Rockies toward Jasper.

BC Stops:

VancouverKamloopsBlue RiverTête Jaune Cache
Frequency: Daily (Apr–Oct)Duration: 2 days (overnight in Kamloops)
SilverLeafGoldLeaf
View Schedule

Rainforest to Gold Rush — Vancouver to Whistler to Quesnel

Luxury Scenic

A unique northern route through the Sea to Sky corridor, Lillooet, and the Cariboo Gold Rush country.

BC Stops:

VancouverWhistlerLillooetWilliams LakeQuesnel
Frequency: Select dates (May–Sep)Duration: 2 days
SilverLeafGoldLeaf
View Schedule

BC Heritage Rail Experiences

Historic railways and scenic excursions

Several heritage and excursion railways operate across BC, offering short scenic rides and living history experiences.

Heritage railways operate seasonally. Check individual operators for current schedules and ticket availability.

Kettle Valley Railway Steam Train — Summerland

Heritage / Excursion

A restored 1912 steam locomotive hauls passengers through the Okanagan hills above Summerland with views of Trout Creek Canyon.

BC Stops:

Summerland (Okanagan)
Frequency: Weekends & holidays (May–Oct)Duration: ~90 min round trip
Open-air coachCovered coach
View Schedule

West Coast Express — Vancouver to Mission

Commuter Rail

Commuter rail along the Fraser River. Scenic route through the Fraser Valley — a pleasant way to reach the eastern suburbs from Vancouver.

BC Stops:

VancouverPort MoodyCoquitlamPitt MeadowsMaple RidgeMission
Frequency: Weekday peak hoursDuration: ~75 min (Mission)
Standard coach
View Schedule

BC Forest Discovery Centre Railway — Duncan

Heritage / Excursion

A narrow-gauge steam train loops through the BC Forest Discovery Centre grounds near Duncan on Vancouver Island. Great for families.

BC Stops:

Duncan, Vancouver Island
Frequency: Daily (May–Sep)Duration: ~20 min loop
Open-air coach
View Schedule

Train schedules, routes, and fares are subject to change. Rocky Mountaineer operates April through October only. VIA Rail schedules vary seasonally. Always confirm directly with the operator before booking. StayBC provides this information as a travel planning convenience.

Arriving by Train? Find a Motel Near Your Station

Browse StayBC partner motels in Kamloops, Prince George, Clearwater, and other rail stop communities.