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How to Book a Canadian Rockies Rail Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Canadian Rockies Rail Trip

See the mountains by train this fall by breaking a $2800 trip into manageable monthly payments.

Typical cost $2,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $186.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,800 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

The Canadian Rockies in the fall are something else. The summer crowds head home, the larch trees turn a bright gold, and the peaks get their first real dusting of snow. Taking the train through the pass means you actually see the glaciers and river canyons instead of staring at a highway from a rental car.

A trip like this usually costs around $2800. We can make that number feel smaller by using the Discover it® Cash Back to spread the cost out. It gives us a way to pay for the views over time without the total price climbing due to interest.

The 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers is a tool, not a gift. If you still have a balance after those 15 months, the standard interest rate applies to the remaining total. That interest will add up quickly, so stick to the monthly payment plan.

The steps

  1. 01

    Aim for the shoulder season

    Book your trip for late September or October. You avoid the peak summer pricing and the train cars aren't as crowded. The weather is crisp, which is perfect for the glass-domed observation cars.

  2. 02

    Select your route

    The line between Vancouver and Jasper offers some of the best elevation changes. Look for packages that include a hotel stay in the parks. Booking these together usually saves a few hundred dollars compared to buying them separately.

  3. 03

    Use the intro window

    Put the $2800 cost on your Discover it® Cash Back. It has a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. If you pay $186.67 every month, you'll have the trip cleared before the standard interest rates ever touch your balance.

  4. 04

    Fly to the coast

    Start in Vancouver to get your sea legs before heading into the clouds. Search for mid-week flights to keep costs down. Give yourself at least one full day in the city so a flight delay doesn't ruin your train departure.

  5. 05

    Pack for the peaks

    Mountain weather is unpredictable in the fall. You need layers and a solid pair of walking shoes for the station stops. Most of your time is spent in the lounge, so leave the formal wear at home.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Is the train better than driving?

It is if you want to actually see the scenery. The tracks go through canyons and passes that roads don't reach, and nobody has to keep their eyes on the pavement.

What is APR?

It stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It is the cost you pay each year to borrow money, expressed as a percentage of your total balance.

Do I need a visa for Canada?

US citizens typically just need a valid passport for tourist trips. Check the current entry requirements a few months before you leave to be safe.

When should I book the train?

Try to book at least six months out. The sleeper cabins are limited and they are the first things to sell out during the fall foliage peak.