Trip: Canadian Pacific Railway's Royal Canadian Pacific.
Duration: Six days.
Cost: $13,200–$14,800 for two in a sleeper.
Best time to go: Spring, summer, and fall.
Debuted in 2000, the Royal Canadian Pacific is made up of five to seven railcars with 1920s-era decor. Trips accommodate just 32 passengers, and in summer the company offers golf, fly-fishing, and culinary itineraries. All routes begin and end in Calgary, with the exception of the culinary trip, which ends in Vancouver (www8.cpr.ca/cms/english/rcp).

Trip: GrandLuxe Rail Journeys' National Parks of the West.
Duration: Ten days.
Cost: $11,000–$17,040 for two in a sleeper.
Best time to go: May and June.
A restored vintage train with 1940s decor, the GrandLuxe offers luxury rail trips year-round throughout North America. Among the most popular is the summer excursion through the American Southwest, which stops at four national parks—Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Zion or Bryce (americanorientexpress.com).

Trip: Sierra Madre Express.
Duration: Eight days.
Cost: $7,390–$7,790 for two in a sleeper.
Best time to go: May, September, and November.
From Tucson through central Mexico and back again, the train snakes over dozens of bridges and tunnels before arriving at stunning Copper Canyon. The six classic cars include a dining coach that serves Mexican fare which is as excellent as the views (sierramadreexpress.com).

Trip: Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train.
Duration: 12 hours.
Cost: $530–$608 for two people in GoldStar, or first, class (no sleepers).
Best time to go: May–September.
The journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks delivers prime views of Alaskan wilderness and wildlife and stops at Denali National Park (akrr.com).