Rail World: Three Spectacular Train Trips

THE CANADIAN ROCKIES - VIA RAIL

The approximately 500-mile passage from Vancouver to Edmonton is a bucket-list trip for those who want to see the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies by train. The government-run Via Rail Canada still uses the sturdy, albeit outdated Zephyr-inspired cars built in Philadelphia in 1953, but it boasts amenities such as observation cars and a parlor car with free champagne and appetizers. Via Rail has sleeper cars and higher-end Prestige cars, which feature pull-down beds and a private concierge. There’s a kitchen near the dining car, and meals are served on china with white tablecloths. Dinner entrées are especially enticing, from rack of lamb to prime rib.
...
FAIRBANKS TO SEWARD - ALASKA RAILROAD
...
This is the centennial year for the Alaska Railroad, which runs 470 miles from Fairbanks and Denali National Park and Preserve to Seward. President Warren G. Harding marked the completion of the line in 1923, and cities like Anchorage sprang from the railroad construction camps. The most notable route is north from Anchorage on the Denali Star Train. Passengers go through Alaskan towns like Talkeetna–the inspiration for the TV show Northern Exposure. Talkeetna is the first chance to see Denali–the highest peak in North America–at least if the weather is cooperating.
...
SEATTLE TO LOS ANGELES - COAST STARLIGHT

The Coast Starlight is a glitzy name for Amtrak’s route between Seattle and Los Angeles. It takes about 35 hours to cover 959 miles of rail line that meander through some of the West Coast’s most celebrated scenery–but finding a spot to soak up the sights can be challenging. The single observation car is often packed with passengers who’ve staked out their claim to these coveted seats. (Amtrak has also eliminated the popular parlor car.)
...