In 1881, American rail baron William Van Horne took on the job of building Canada’s transcontinental railway. Van Horne believed in tourism and the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. For more than 130 years travelers from around the world have enjoyed the most spectacular portion of the transcontinental journey through the ever-changing scenery of the Canadian Rockies.

The Canadian Rockies by Rail takes viewers along for an unforgettable trip through the Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Rockies, exploring some of the most stunning scenery in the world aboard the renowned Rocky Mountaineer, known as one of the best rail journeys in the world.

“If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists.”

William Van Horne, President, Canadian Pacific Railway

The journey begins in Seattle, Wash. with stops in Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Jasper, and other memorable places. The public television program explores the rich history and culture of the region and the history of the railroad and its importance to Canada. Along the way viewers will discover the local cuisine, meet the people of the region, and experience views of the endless natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

The core of the journey takes place aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train. The unique dome cars provide views of parts of the Rockies seldom seen or explored. The train also offers award-winning on-board service and dining during the daylight travel, creating an experience encompassing the scenery, history and people along the route.

Off the rails, the program visits several of Canada’s acclaimed national parks, travels along one of the most scenic highways in the world—the the Icefields Parkway and explores the Columbia Icefield Glacier. Viewers can experience small mountain towns and historic railroad hotels and learn about the culture of Canada’s First Nation’s peoples.

This grand journey with its distinctive rail routes, rich history, majestic scenery and unique destinations has been called “one of the world’s greatest trips” by National Geographic. The Canadian Rockies by Rail, produced by WNED PBS, Buffalo Toronto Public Media's PBS station,combines the romance of rail travel and acclaimed service with the magnificent scenery and destinations of the Canadian Rockies.

Contact your local public television station to see when the program is scheduled to air in your area.