Alaska & Canada Part 3: Canada by Rail & Road — The Rocky Mountaineer and Beyond
Ask most Australians what they want to see in Canada, and Banff comes up almost immediately. The turquoise lakes. The mountains. The elk wandering through the town at dusk. And they're right — it is magnificent. But the way you get there, and what you do once you arrive, makes all the difference between a good trip and one you spend years talking about.
I'm Michelle Bandura from Travellers Lounge, and in this guide I want to take you through the best of Canada by rail and road — starting with the most iconic train journey on the planet, and ending with some of the most beautiful drives, cities, and wilderness lodges the country has to offer.
The Rocky Mountaineer: A Train Journey Like No Other
If there is one experience in Canada that I recommend without hesitation to every single client, it is the Rocky Mountaineer. This is not just a train ride — it is a moving window into one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet.
The Rocky Mountaineer runs by day only, which means you never miss a single moment of scenery. You'll travel through river canyons, past towering peaks, across sweeping valleys, and alongside glacial lakes in shades of turquoise that don't look real until you see them in person.
The most popular route runs between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper. I recommend building at least a few days in both Banff and Vancouver into your itinerary. Banff in particular is one of those towns that manages to feel cosy and grand at the same time — surrounded by mountains, with elk wandering through the streets at dusk.
For Australian travellers looking at Rocky Mountaineer packages, GoldLeaf Service offers a domed glass-ceiling carriage and gourmet dining that genuinely rivals fine dining restaurants. It is a splurge — but one you won't regret. GoldLeaf carriages sell out many months in advance, particularly for the peak June to August window. If this is on your list, do not wait to book.
Beyond the Cruise: Exploring Canada on Land
While the Rocky Mountaineer is the headline act, Canada rewards those who slow down and explore further. Here are the places I recommend building time into any Canada itinerary.
Banff & the Canadian Rockies
Banff National Park is world-class for a reason. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Icefields Parkway — these are landscapes that photographers travel from around the globe to capture. Stay at least three nights to give yourself time to breathe it all in. Moraine Lake in particular is one of those sights that looks too beautiful to be real — and yet there it is.
Vancouver
One of the world's most liveable cities, Vancouver combines urban sophistication with stunning natural scenery. Stanley Park, Granville Island markets, Gastown, and the seawall are all within easy reach. Most Australian travellers fall in love with Vancouver and wish they'd allowed more time. Build in at least two to three nights — ideally more.
Yukon & the Northern Lights
If you're travelling in winter or shoulder season, the Yukon offers one of the best Northern Lights experiences in the world. Whitehorse is a charming small city with excellent aurora-viewing tours, and the contrast of dog sledding by day and lights dancing overhead at night is simply unforgettable. For more on the Yukon and Canada's wilder side, read Part 2 of this series.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Canada from Australia?
One of the things I love most about Canada is that it genuinely rewards year-round travel — each season offers a completely different experience.
• May to September — peak season for the Rocky Mountaineer and glacier access. Long days, wildflowers, wildlife
at its most active. Expect higher prices and book well in advance.
• September to October — my personal favourite window. The summer crowds begin to thin, the autumn colours
in the Rockies are breathtaking, and the temperatures are still very comfortable.
• November to March — ideal for Northern Lights, skiing in Banff and Whistler, and a more intimate, less crowded
experience. The landscape transforms completely under snow and is stunning in its own right.
How to Plan a Canada Trip from Australia
The most common question I hear is: where do I start? Here's how I approach it:
• Start with your non-negotiables. Do you want the Rocky Mountaineer? Northern Lights? Polar bears? Knowing
your must-haves shapes the entire itinerary.
• Allow at least 14 days. Canada rewards time. A rushed 10-day trip will leave you wishing you'd stayed longer.
• Fly into one city and out of another. Vancouver in, Calgary out (or vice versa) allows you to see more without
backtracking.
• Book early — GoldLeaf carriages on the Rocky Mountaineer sell out many months ahead, especially for June to
August.
A Note on Travelling with a Specialist Agent vs Booking Online
Canada is not the kind of trip you want to piece together on a booking website at midnight. The logistics are complex: flights from Australia, pre- and post-rail accommodation, transfers, excursion bookings, visa requirements, travel insurance considerations. When one piece shifts — and it does — you need someone in your corner.
I've personally done this journey multiple times, and I know the questions to ask, the pitfalls to avoid, and the small touches that elevate a good trip into a truly great one. That knowledge is what I bring to every client conversation.
Ready to Start Planning Your Canada Adventure?
Whether you're dreaming of the Rocky Mountaineer, the turquoise lakes of Banff, polar bears in Churchill, or a blend of all three — Travellers Lounge can craft an itinerary that goes beyond what any brochure can offer.
Book a free consultation with me today — we work 7 days a week, around your schedule, and the conversation won't cost you a thing.
Author: Michelle
Travel designer, storyteller, and lifelong explorer.
Michelle believes the best journeys are those that breathe — where adventure meets stillness, and moments of pause turn into lifelong memories.
