Tried to do a search, got an error message.

I am looking at the Vancouver-Toronto train, or reversed. If we do only a part of the trip (ending or starting in Winnipeg or Edmonton) will we miss much of the scenery?

Thinking of September 2015, if this makes a difference.

Best scenery is Vancouver to Edmonton. Saskatchewan and Manitoba are FLAT prairie, Ontario is a day of trees before a day of housing tracts. So definitely no loss if you stop in Edmonton.

Thank you, this is exactly the answer I was looking for

If you intend to ride straight through from Edmonton to Vancouver, or vice versa, it will take just over a day so inevitably some part of the journey will be in darkness. It's hard to choose which section of spectacular scenery to traverse in a blackout but you can try examining the respective schedule to get a better idea.One reason the Rocky Mountaineer train has been a success is that it only runs in daylight (definitely not cheap.)

After checking VIA Canada prices I didn't even want to look at Mountaneer

We plan to be in Vancouver next year, and searching all possibilities. So far train wins.

I looked at the Mountaineer. While the prices are higher, they only run during the day. Something to think about.

My friends just did the train from Vancouver to Banff. It was a tour and they spent the first night in a very nice hotel in Kamloops, BC. Second night was Banff. She said there was a lot of stopping and waiting while the freight trains went by. Canadian Rockies were beautiful.

Thank you, Cobbie!

The ViaRail Canadian leaves Vancouver on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday at 2030 (8:30PM). It arrives in Jasper about 1600 (4PM).
There are several car rental places within walking distance of the downtown Jasper station. Also within the station is the counter for Brewster bus tours.
My wife and I have stayed at the HI Hostel about 4 miles out of town near the north end of the Icefield highway.
You have great views of the Canadian Rockies from early morning until you arrive in Jasper. There is a combination dome/dining car for the coach passengers. The sleeper car passengers have their own dome car.

Tom Fuller, thank you! I will take time to explore, for now bookmarked the site.