The train journey doesn't have to be at night - you can go from Vancouver via Banff to Calgary, or via Jasper to Edmonton, on the Rocky Mountaineer with an overnight hotel stop, so all the travel is by day.

Via Jasper you get to see Mount Nelson, via Banff you do the spiral tunnels. Both routes are absolutely spectacular.

If you can afford it, upgrade to Gold Leaf which means you get superb meals and drinks, commentary, and sit in luxury under a glass domed roof.

Been there, done that!