great train journeys canada

Best Canadian Train Trips

Canada is home to some of the most scenic train trips in the world. The best Canadian rail journeys immerse you in our country’s awe-inspiring scenery. You can sit in a glass-domed car and take in the Canadian coasts, prairies or Canadian Rockies. Plus, the service on these trains pampers you. You can enjoy delicious food and relax in a luxe sleeper cabin or lounge chair.

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Top twelve scenic train rides in canada, canadian rail journey tips, exploring canada by train, types of train trips available across canada, best canadian train routes, canadian regions to explore by train, frequently asked questions.

Canadian Train Vacations is Canada’s largest tour operator specializing in train trips. We know the top Canadian train routes. Some are a quick tour of the country's highlights. Others offer a leisurely journey across the prairies, mountains and coastlines. You'll find your perfect train trip in Canada in our list below. 

These routes are just the starting point for our travel advisors. At Canadian Train Vacations, we specialize in creating personalized train vacations to Canada. Unlike typical travel companies, we reject the one-size-fits-all approach to travel. We create unique Canadian experiences tailored to you and your loved ones. You pick your hotel class, rail service, dining options, excursions and activities.

Take a look at our suggested itineraries and get inspired.  Then contact us to start planning your dream train vacation.

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

Canada Coast to Coast by Train

The Coast to Coast by train is the ultimate train trip across Canada. You’ll see the country’s top highlights, including Peggy’s Cove, Niagara Falls and Lake Louise. This trip includes time on VIA Rail, in a sleeper cabin, and on the Rocky Mountaineer. 

The route goes from Halifax to Vancouver, and can also be done in the reverse direction. The first leg of this scenic train ride in Canada is on VIA Rail's The Ocean train from Halifax to Quebec City. True to its name, this train takes you along Canada's Atlantic Coast.

Quebec City is a UNESCO heritage site has many historic landmarks and museums. From here, a short train ride on VIA Rail takes you to Montreal, where you can enjoy the French culture in Canada. This can include private food tours and walking tours of Old Montreal. With its architecture and French influence, the city has a very European feel.

Another short train ride takes you to Toronto. Once in Toronto, Canada’s largest city, you have time to explore. Our travel experts recommend a day trip out to see Niagara Falls. Next, you board The Canadian train in Toronto to travel to Jasper. On this part of the trip, you will see the prairies and the Canadian Shield. 

Once in Jasper, you have time to explore the Rockies. Travelling westbound, you experience Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West route. This takes you from Banff, through Kamloops into Vancouver. 

Miles covered on train : 3,240 

Days on train : 5 

Nights on train : 4 

Ultimate Canadian Rockies by Rail

For the top train trip in the Canadian Rockies, we recommend the Ultimate Canadian Rockies by Rail. This package includes time in a private cabin on VIA Rail, between Vancouver and Jasper. You also have time to explore Banff and Jasper. Plus there's two full days on the Rocky Mountaineer, between Banff and Vancouver. You can make this trip in either direction. 

Like all our trips, speak to your travel advisor about personalizing your trip. Choices include guided nature walks, a boat cruise on Maligne Lake, and a motorcycle sidecar tour in Jasper. 

Miles covered on train : 1,025 

Days on train : 3 

Nights on train : 1 

Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail

Our most popular selling Canadian vacation gives you eight days to discover the Rockies. This includes two full days on a sightseeing dome car on the Rocky Mountaineer. This trip has the option of going eastbound, from Vancouver to Calgary, or westbound. You’ll have time to explore Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise. Your travel advisor can arrange personalized activities for you, such as canoeing, guided hikes, horseback riding, spa treatments and food tours. 

Miles covered on train : 594 

Days on train : 2 

Nights on train : N/A 

Lords of the Wilderness Bear Viewing

This trip combines excellent wildlife viewing experiences with a train journey across Canada from Vancouver to Winnipeg. Start your adventure on the West Coast, where you travel to a wilderness lodge to view grizzly bears. Then, hop onboard The Canadian train in Vancouver and enjoy the journey through the Canadian Rockies before arriving in Winnipeg. From here, fly north to Churchill, a remote community in Northern Manitoba and the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Spend three days exploring the arctic tundra and searching for polar bears before flying back to Winnipeg. 

Miles covered on train : 1159 

Nights on train : 2 

Canada Eastern Rail Classic  

Discover highlights of Eastern Canada on this train trip, which includes a night on-board VIA Rail’s Ocean train. This is another trip which can be done in either direction, between Montreal and Halifax. You’ll spend time exploring Montreal and Quebec City. Hotel options include the historic Chateau Le Frontenac. While in Halifax, join a tour to Peggy’s Cove to see one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses. 

Miles covered on train : 835 

Days on train : 1 

Across Canada by Train

Discover some of the best destinations in Canada with the Across Canada by Train tour. This train journey begins in Toronto and ends in Vancouver, allowing you to visit two major cities and some of Canada's most popular outdoor attractions. The 13-day itinerary includes Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise, making it the perfect choice for adventurous travellers.

Miles covered on train : 2,428 

Days on train :  5

Nights on train : 3

Discover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by Rail 

Possibly the best West Coast train trip if you want ocean views, this route travels along scenic Howe Sound. This itinerary takes travellers between Vancouver and Calgary and includes a scenic tour of Icefields Parkway. Customize your trip with extra activities in Banff National Park or Jasper National Park.

Miles covered on train : 717 

Days on train :  2.5

Nights on train : 0

Trans Canada by Rail in Winter 

This train tour from Vancouver to Toronto is the perfect Canadian winter adventure. Board the train in Vancouver, then stop in the Canadian Rockies for some winter sightseeing and activities. See snow-capped mountains, then re-board the train and travel across the prairies before arriving in Toronto.   

Miles covered on train : 2,762 

Days on train : 4 

Canadian History and Culture by Rail 

This Eastern Canada train trip lets you explore the best of Ontario and Quebec in 10 days. After your arrival in Toronto, you are whisked away to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which sits on the shores of Lake Ontario. Here, you have the chance to visit thundering Niagara Falls or discover the area’s beautiful vineyards on a winery tour.

Then you’ll head back to Toronto, before taking VIA Rail’s Corridor train to Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. This trip itinerary includes a day in each of these cities, so you can discover the highlights on your choice of sightseeing activities. As you travel by train between Toronto and Quebec City, you’re treated to stunning views of the countryside.

Miles covered on train : 452

Nights on train : 0 

Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise

Fancy ticking off two bucket list experiences in one trip? Our Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise itinerary combines a luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train journey with a small ship Alaska cruise. You’ll get to see the highlights of Banff National Park, including Lake Louise, before taking the train to Vancouver. The Rocky Mountaineer takes you through the Spiral Tunnels, Rogers Pass, and the desert-like landscape of British Columbia’s interior.

You’ll fly from Vancouver to Sitka, Alaska, to begin your 7-night cruise. On this small ship cruise, you’ll see ancient glaciers, remote bays, and vast fjords in Southeast Alaska, with opportunities to enjoy whale watching, kayaking, hiking, and more.

Miles covered on train : 559

Canadian Train and Polar Bear Experience

This trip combines a sleeper-train journey from Vancouver to Winnipeg with a multi-day polar bear tour in Churchill. The train takes you through the Canadian Rockies and across the prairie provinces. Once you arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital city, there's time to explore the city’s top attractions, including the Forks Market. Then you’ll travel to the remote town of Churchill, known as the polar bear capital of the world, for polar bear viewing, dogsledding, and more.

Miles covered on train : 1159

Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland

If you’re looking for a winter train trip through the Canadian Rockies, our Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland itinerary is for you. Board VIA Rail’s Canadian train in Vancouver and enjoy an overnight journey to Jasper. This is a sleeper train experience, where you can relax in a cozy private cabin as the snow falls outside your window.  Once you arrive in Jasper, you’ll have four days to explore frozen lakes, icy canyons, and snow-capped mountains. Activity highlights could include a sleigh ride in Lake Louise, dogsledding in Banff, and an ice walk tour in Jasper.

Miles covered on train : 532

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Get inspired with sample itineraries, train information, route maps, and travel advice from our local experts.

Train travel in Canada is like taking a scenic tour across the country . If you want to see the best of Canada, there's no better way than taking the train. Here are some important things to know about travelling by train: 

• Most trains run every few days. This allows you to enjoy a scenic train journey, then get off the train for some time to explore each destination. 
• You'll stay in hotels when you're not on the overnight train. We offer different classes of hotels, depending on your preferences and budget. 
• You’ll get access to unparalleled views. See wildlife and the best sights in the Canadian Rockies where there are no roads. 
• It’s a great way to achieve ultimate relaxation. Disconnect from the world as you sit back in your luxurious seat. Enjoy exquisite food, wine, and views. 
• There’s lots of opportunities to explore. At almost every destination, we offer activity add ons.

#1 Travel tip: Set your activity level

Your trip can be as active or adventurous as you like. Trek on an ancient glacier or see one on a helicopter ride. Relax in a spa or enjoy a local food tour.

Rocky Mountaineer 

The famous Rocky Mountaineer train connects British Columbia and Alberta, running through the Canadian Rockies. It only runs during the day. There are scenic unique routes, with stops in Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, Vancouver or Whistler. 

The train offers two levels of service, GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf. GoldLeaf has a full-domed upper level, with spacious reclining seats. Guests eat in the lower-level dining room. Other amenities include an outdoor viewing platform, complimentary beverages and snacks, and dedicated hosts. 

In SilverLeaf , guests dine at their seat, next to large picture windows. There is a small, enclosed outdoor area.

Via Rail 

As Canada’s major passenger rail service, VIA Rail connects Canada from Vancouver to Halifax. It offers four different train routes. Major city stops include Vancouver, Jasper, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. Depending on the train route, VIA Rail offers daylight or overnight sleeper train experiences. Its train cars feature large picture windows, so you can take in the vast Canadian landscape. Some trains offer a Panorama car, where giant windows extend to the ceiling. 

#2 Travel tip: Cover more Canada on the train

For first-time visitors to Canada who want to take in as much as possible, a trans-Canada train journey is an ideal trip. Add time in terminal cities, such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax to explore.

1. Daylight Train 

The Rocky Mountaineer runs from April to the end of September during daylight hours. It follows this schedule to make the most of the amazing views in the Canadian Rockies. Guests are transferred to hotels for overnight stops, and do not sleep on the train. 

2. Passenger Train 

VIA Rail is Canada’s main passenger train. It connects the country from Vancouver to Halifax with four major train routes. It offers different classes of train cars. Business class gets lounge access, food and beverage service included, priority boarding, extra luggage and wider, comfortable seating. 

3. Sleeper Train 

There are two train routes in Canada which allow you to sleep on the train. The first is between Vancouver and Toronto on The Canadian. You can break up this route with stop-overs in Jasper or Winnipeg. The second route with a sleeper train is the Ocean train from Montreal to Halifax. Both sleeper train routes are available all year long. Some sleeper trains in Canada are equipped with special panoramic viewing cars to provide you with the best view of the scenery day or night. 

Vancouver to Toronto

VIA Rail’s The Canadian connects Toronto and Vancouver. It stops in Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Jasper. This route can also be travelled in reverse. This train covers a total of 2762 miles, which takes about 86 hours. Enjoy sweeping views in the Panorama car, where giant windows extend up to the ceiling. Travelling from Toronto to Vancouver, the Canadian carries you from the forests of Ontario, through the expanse of the Prairies, and past the dramatic snow-capped Rocky Mountains. 

Montreal to Halifax 

VIA Rail’s The Ocean train connects Montreal to Halifax. The 839-mile journey takes approximately 21 hours. It has been running since 1904 and is the oldest continuously operated named passenger train in North America. You'll first travel through the French-speaking province of Quebec. Then past a backdrop of lighthouses and seascapes in the Maritime Province of Nova Scotia. As you relax onboard, you'll see tiny communities along your route, representing French Canadian, Acadian, Celtic and English heritage. 

Vancouver to the Rockies 

Along with a segment of VIA Rail’s The Canadian route, The Rocky Mountaineer runs from Vancouver through the Rockies. There are three different routes to enjoy. The Rainforest to Gold Rush connects North Vancouver and Jasper, with stops in Whistler and Quesnel. The Journey through the Clouds also connects Vancouver to Jasper, but takes the Yellowhead pass, and stops in Kamloops. The First Passage to the West connects Vancouver to Banff, with a stop in Kamloops.

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Canadian rockies and west coast.

Western Canada is known for its dramatic wild landscapes. This includes the mountains and glacier lakes of the Canadian Rockies. It also extends to the lush rainforests and Pacific Coastlines of British Columbia. It’s one of Canada’s most popular locations for a train vacation. Many remote areas are only accessible by rail. Spend an extra day or two exploring the city of Vancouver as well. 

Across Canada  

Make the journey across the country by rail. This coast-to-coast train trip connects Vancouver to Halifax, with stops in major cities, such as Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal. If you only have one trip to Canada, this lets you see it all. Highlights include the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, the Canadian Rockies, and the Prairies. 

Eastern Canada and Maritimes  

Along with amazing scenery, there’s lots of history and culture to explore in Eastern Canada. Visit the cities of Toronto and Montreal. Add a tour to famous places, like Niagara Falls, and the not-so-famous hidden gems, like the charming fishing towns of the Maritimes. There’s a lot to discover in eastern Canada. 

North and Arctic  

Taking the train to Churchill is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This community sits on the edge of Hudson Bay. It takes two days and two nights of travelling north on the rails to get there. There are no roads into this subarctic region.

What Our Customers Say

This was the best vacation we have ever experienced.

We are extremely satisfied with Fresh Tracks - they are outstanding communicators, efficient, knowledgable, and answered every question we had. This was the best vacation we have ever experienced

Susan and William

We loved every minute of our trip

We enjoyed all of our trip. The scenery up in the Rockies was amazing. The train journeys were superb, we were well looked after by nice people. The highlight for us was probably t...   read more

Mike and Maureen

Aberdeen, Scotland

We thought the whole trip was wonderful

We had a GREAT trip in Canada. We thought the whole trip was wonderful, beautiful scenery, for sure. We saw lots of bears, elks, a moose or two, rams and mountain sheep. EVERYONE a...   read more

Diane and Bill

Something everyone should experience in their lifetime

We want to thank you all at Fresh Tracks for putting together such an incredible holiday for us. Your attention to detail enabled us to have a relaxing well planned trip. We were a...   read more

Pam and Paul

NSW, Australia

It is impossible to explain what an awesome time we had

The entire trip was fantastic. It is impossible to explain what an awesome time we had: the wildlife sightings in Jasper; the beauty of Lake Louise; the trail ride/cookout in Banff...   read more

Debbie and Randy

Why book with Canadian Train Vacations?

We take care of all the details

You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.

Independent travel with expert support

Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

What is the best train trip in Canada?

The Coast to Coast by train is the ultimate train trip across Canada. You’ll see the country’s top highlights, including Peggy’s Cove, Niagara Falls and Lake Louise.

How much does a train trip across Canada cost?

The Coast to Coast by train package starts at $12,340 for a 19-day trip, including transfers, hotels, and some meals and activities.

Is there a coast-to-coast train in Canada?

One train does not travel coast-to-coast in Canada. VIA Rail connects the Atlantic coast (Halifax) to the Pacific coast (Vancouver) with four different train routes.

About the author: Louise Weiss is Director of Legendary Hospitality with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for more than 25 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in North Vancouver and has spent time...   Read more

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The 11 Best Canadian Train Trips

By Michael Kaminer and Matt Ortile

Canada is second only to Russia when it comes to land mass, which means seeing the country's vast wilderness can be overwhelming. Luckily, Canadian train trips criss-cross most of it, and these rail journeys allow you to take in some of the world's most spectacular scenery, stress-free. Just imagine: the nation's vistas unfolding before you slowly (or swiftly, depending on your chariot) while you remain in the comfort of your seat. On top of that, some of the Canada's most remote—and beautiful—spots lack road access, so a train ride may also be the only way to visit. All the more reason to climb on board .

Read on to learn more about 11 of the most beautiful Canadian train trips you can take across the Great White North, as well as some recommendations for where to stay at the beginning or at the end of your railroad adventure. (And for more fabulous train rides, check out the results of Condé Nast Traveler 's Readers' Choice Awards 2023 to see which trains our readers voted the best in the world .)

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Via Rail’s Winnipeg to Churchill

This 1,054-mile trip north feels more interplanetary than provincial, whisking you from urban Winnipeg to the tundras of Churchill , known as the polar bear capital of the world. Accessible by plane or train only, it’s also prime turf for beluga whale-watching , and possibly the world’s best perch to view the northern lights. Landscapes en route are breathtaking, with stops including tiny river towns The Pas, Thompson, and Weir River. Splurge on Via’s Sleeper Plus class for access to a bed and shower.

Where to stay: In Winnipeg, check into the impressive and century-old Fort Garry Hotel , a prime example of twentieth-century châteauesque architecture, including prominent cornices and a steep sloping copper roof. In case you needed a bit more of that old-world feel to your trip.

Ontario Northland’s Polar Bear Express, Cochrane to Moosonee

Ontario is larger than France and Spain combined, but most visitors stick to its big southern cities. Embarking from tiny Cochrane—nearly 500 miles north of Toronto —the Polar Bear Express chugs five hours further north to Moosonee, so remote it lacks road access. The route mimics a path fur traders favored centuries ago, through a primeval landscape of thick forests and winding rivers. Note that reaching Cochrane involves a flight to northeastern Timmins and an overnight bus ride.

Where to stay: Break up your adventure with a night at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa in Timmins, Ontario. The place is all about rural and cozy vibes, letting you bask in the natural beauty of nearby Gillies Lake Park and Hollinger Park.

Agawa Canyon Tour Train, Ontario

It’s only accessible by trail or rail, which makes Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park near Sault Sainte-Marie such a thrill to visit. Hop on and off this 90-minute ride as you pass four dramatic waterfalls and a trail system that overflows with pristine natural beauty. Bonus: Beavers, the most Canadian of critters, traipse through here frequently.

Where to stay: Since this tour train takes just an hour and a half, you'll need a place to rest your head in Sault Sainte-Marie before continuing your journey. Luckily, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront is near the station, and offers cool views of Saint Mary's River and the United States beyond.

Royal Canadian Rockies Experience, Banff to Calgary, Alberta

Canada’s glitziest train ride is also one of its most cinematic, passing through splendid Banff and Lake Louise, along with jaw-dropping sights like Alberta’s Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a World Heritage Site where Indigenous people hunted ruminants by enticing them to leap off a cliff. Still eager to see more? At the end of the line, you can book a helicopter trip over the Rockies for a bird's eye view.

Where to stay: In Banff, you shouldn't miss the Fairmont Banff Springs . This Scottish Baronial fortress grants you a million-dollar view of those majestic snow-dusted mountain tops, which makes the moniker “the Castle in the Rockies” all the more fitting.

Charlie Hobbs

Maya Silver

CNT Editors

Via Rail’s The Canadian, Toronto to Vancouver

A single train journey can’t capture Canada’s magnificence, but this four-night/three-day adventure from Toronto to Vancouver comes close. You’ll take in prairies, lakes, peaks, valleys, hamlets, waterfalls, and, if you’re lucky, cameos by local wildlife like deer, elk, and bears. If you can, book a seat in Prestige Class—think concierge, superb meals, private lounges—for one of the most comfortable train trips you’ll ever take.

Where to stay: Once you're in Vancouver, keep the plush and casually fabulous energy going with a night or two at the dreamy Shangri-La Vancouver , where those who appreciate the subtleties of luxury travel won't be disappointed.

White Pass and Yukon Route, Yukon

Even today, building a railway through the mountains, glaciers, and gorges of Gold Rush country remains an impressive feat, let alone in 1898, when this route was first built. Survey views of the Yukon, BC, and Alaska , as your train rises a gut-churning 3,000 feet in just 20 miles to the summit of White Pass. Touring such treacherous terrain will leave you appreciating how the railway helped knit a nascent Canada together.

Where to stay: There aren't many hotel options in Skagway, Alaska, where this train journey begins. That said, there are a handful of cruises that call at this Alaskan port town, including options aboard Celebrity Cruises , so you can make this a two-for-one adventure.

Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West, Western Canada

If there’s one Canadian train ride that should make your bucket list, it’s the journey on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff . The whole ride is scenic, offering glimpses into the Great White North’s wildlife as well as its important Indigenous history. Thoughtful guides and storytellers onboard talk you through the locales and vistas from the comfort of your plush leather seats underneath the train cars’ glass-domed roofs. Meals here are delicious too, no matter which class of service you’re in, whether it’s SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf (though the latter’s linen-covered tables are a classy touch).

Where to stay: The Rocky Mountaineer is often spoken about in the same breath as other famous luxury train rides across the world: the Orient Express , Seven Stars Kyushu , or the Royal Scotsman . But unlike those, this isn’t a sleeper train. It travels exclusively by daylight, making the most of the scenery. At night, guests check into a hotel along the route—so your comfort throughout the journey is assured.

Train de Charlevoix, Quebec

Inaugurated in 1889, when it connected Quebec City to remote Charlevoix, this train line cruises along a glorious section of St. Lawrence coastline. Much of the scenery en route seems unchanged a century and a half later, with the mighty river on one side and lush landscapes on the other. Stops include enchanting coastal villages like Baie-St-Paul; consider splitting the journey over two days to explore. The route runs June through October.

Where to stay: Before you climb onboard the train in Quebec City, prep for your journey in old Basse-Ville (meaning “lower city”) at the boutique hotel Monsieur Jean , which offers bright and breezy digs melded with friendly Quebecois hospitality.

Via Rail, Jasper, Alberta to Prince Rupert, BC

The windows-only Dome Car on this nature-filled route offers 360-degree views of the regal Canadian Rockies. During the seven-hour train ride, you’ll also get an ocean’s worth of lakes, including beautiful Yellowhead, Lucerne, and Moose. Have more time? The train heads to coastal Prince Rupert the next morning, where whale-watching and grizzly-bear-viewing are highlights. Bonus: At the Alberta-British Columbia border, the train crosses the Continental Divide.

Where to stay: Once you're on Kaien Island and the train pulls into the port city of Prince Rupert, head for the Crest Hotel , where you can wake up to beautiful waterfront views of—what else?—Prince Rupert Harbour.

Rocky Mountaineer's Journey Through the Clouds, British Columbia and Alberta

The Canadian Rockies’ tallest peak, majestic Mount Robson, is the star of this ten-day journey from Vancouver to Calgary. But it’s hard to pick a highlight when your trip spans sights like British Columbia’s astonishing Hell’s Gate—twice the width of Niagara Falls—and Moose Lake, home to plenty of its namesake. You’ll also get a glimpse of the gargantuan Albreda Glacier, a landscape dating back eons.

Where to stay: When in Canada, you can't go wrong with a Fairmont, and the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary is a true beaut. Plus, it's sandwiched between the city's downtown and the Calgary Design District, so you'll have plenty of sightseeing options when you get off the train.

Via Rail’s The Ocean, Montreal to Halifax

Climbing north into remotest Quebec and east into New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this aptly-named, 836-mile trip lets the wide-open spaces and clear-blue waters unfold like aqua-tinted postcards. Bonus: The Ocean is the oldest continuously running named passenger train in North America, rolling along since 1904.

Where to stay: In Montreal you've got the pick of the litter, but the stately yet modern Hotel Birks Montreal and the classically luxurious Four Seasons Montreal take the cake. Meanwhile, in Halifax, you've got the super sleek Muir, Autograph Collection in the downtown waterfront area, and the richly cozy The Pebble Bed & Breakfast in the South End for an inn-in-the-city experience.

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Canada's 4 best train trips

Nov 9, 2023 • 7 min read

See Canada from a unique vantage point – by rail © Boxcar Media / Shutterstock

Canada’s railways, operated by government-run VIA Rail , are a pillar of the country’s late 19th- and early 20th-century history. Impressive feats of engineering, the railways united the nation, delivered news and supplies to isolated communities and brought prosperity and mobility to the masses. 

While passenger services may have dwindled since their high point in the 1940s, a well-oiled transcontinental rail network still spans the country's entire breadth from Vancouver in the west to Halifax in the east. 

Outside the Toronto–Montreal commuter corridor, the trains remain a perennial favorite with tourists, slow travelers and those looking to sit back in a comfy carriage and absorb an endless conveyor belt of dramatic scenery.

Here are four of the best overnight train journeys in Canada you won’t want to miss.

1. Vancouver to Toronto on The Canadian

4466km (2775 miles), 94 hours

When The Canadian debuted in 1955, the flagship train was a prime example of post-war railway style. Stainless steel carriages outfitted with art-deco furnishings, 360-degree observatory domes and spacious sleeping cars were The Canadian's calling card. Except for a few sporadic refurbishments, little has changed in the years since.

The train offers three different classes: Economy (seat only), Sleeper Plus (sleeping berth) and Prestige (private compartment). In contrast to planes, reclining seats are large with plenty of legroom; bathrooms are invariably well-scrubbed, and musicians, presenters and wine tastings break up the journey. 

The luxury sleeper train’s restaurant offers gourmet meals from prime rib of beef to pan-roasted halibut, plus alcoholic beverages to sip while the train rocks and sways through the countryside.

Heading east, The Canadian departs late on the Vancouver -to- Toronto leg, so travelers have to wait until the following day to enjoy the scenery: flashes of evergreen British Columbian forests, mountain peaks (including – if you’re lucky – Mt Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak), dozens of river valleys and waterfalls, and animals like grazing elks, moose and, maybe, a bear or two (train staff will announce sightings).

The train passes through Mt Robson Provincial Park and Jasper National Park , where it stops for 90 minutes in the mountain town of Jasper. The scenery from here on flattens out with the line bisecting vast prairie land that continues for hours – across Alberta , Saskatchewan and Manitoba , also known as the breadbasket of Canada. 

Yellow canola flowers, hemp and flax form massive carpets of color. Wooden grain elevators stand like track sentinels against the flat landscape where – locals joke – they can see a stray dog running away for three days. Finally, the train rattles into Toronto, where this mammoth overland odyssey ends.

More info: VIA Rail  Canada – The Canadian

2. Montréal to Halifax on The Ocean

1346km (836 miles), 20 hours

This two-day, one-night journey runs along the Gulf of St Lawrence and through New Brunswick before terminating on Nova Scotia ’s eastern coast. In operation since 1904, it’s North America’s oldest named route in continuous service.

When traveling west to east, evening falls just after the train leaves Québec , meaning riders miss some of the scenery. Morning, however, reveals the beautiful Gulf of St Lawrence (a few are lucky enough to spot whales in the St Lawrence River).

From here, it’s vista overload: from water (the train crosses the wide Miramichi River, famous for its Atlantic salmon); to the Sugarloaf Mountain, an ancient volcano; then on to quaint Acadian communities that fly blue-and-red flags reflecting their French roots. And speaking of colors, fall is a stunning time to make this trip when the leaves turn rich shades of red, gold and yellow.

More info: VIA Rail Canada – The Ocean

3. Winnipeg to Churchill

1697km (1054 miles), 36 hours

Billed as one of VIA Rail's five "adventure routes," this two-day, two-night journey from Winnipeg to the waters of the Hudson Bay is considered a "remote service journey." 

Once you're north of the tiny town of Gillam, there's no road or plane access. The train is an essential lifeline for the First Nations people, from whose communities the route is accessible.  Along this route, anyone can come up to the track and hold up their hand. The driver must stop and let them on (along with their canoes under 5.5m/18ft long).

Beyond Gillam, the landscape gradually morphs into tundra: an expansive, treeless, flat muskeg (an Algonquin word for bog). It’s slow-going here – the train track dips and shifts because of an extraordinary 12m (39ft) of permafrost that thaws and freezes repetitively. 

As for those strange white poles in the landscape: they’re tripods supporting communication posts. If you’re lucky, you might spot herds of caribou and, closer to Churchill , polar bears, the ursine beasts for which the town is famous. 

When night falls, keep your blinds up. Low light pollution ensures excellent stargazing and a good chance to be dazzled by the aurora borealis (northern lights).

More info: VIA Rail Canada – Winnipeg to Churchill

4. Jasper to Prince Rupert on The Rupert Rocket 

1160km (721 miles), two days

This lesser-known sojourn across the unheralded wilds of central British Columbia is little frequented by the international set. The exception is those on organized day trips from Jasper ,  who'll join the train for the first three hours as far as McBride in British Columbia.

To maximize daylight vistas, the trip is split over two days with an overnight in the nondescript town of Prince George. You'll have to organize your own accommodation .

Conceived in the early 20th century, the Jasper-to- Prince-Rupert service combines unadulterated backcountry scenery with plenty of chances to meet the northern British Columbia locals. Folks will flag the three-times-a-week service to call on "neighbors," visit the dentist or get to the nearest hardware store.

Glassy lakes, gritty backcountry and diminutive lumber and agricultural towns where the only civic buildings are a gnarly station and a generic Tim Hortons (Canada’s ubiquitous doughnut cafe) speckle the route.

Adding to the excitement are plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities, plus vintage steel-sided carriages that echo the golden age of streamlined travel. The train is fondly nicknamed the Rupert Rocket.

Touring class, including all meals, staff commentaries and access to a panoramic car, only runs from June through September. In the off-peak months (ie, the ones without touring class availability), Economy passengers have access to the sightseeing lounge with swivel chairs.

More info:  VIA Rail Canada  – Jasper to Prince Rupert

Planning Tips

• The earlier you book, the cheaper the fare you’re likely to get; book tickets through VIA Rail .
• One complimentary stopover is allowed on a long-haul train ticket, giving you a chance to wander around (and catch the next train coming through) or head off on a multiday hike.
• On-board luggage is limited to one small carry-on and two larger checked bags (max 23kg / 50lbs each). Overweight bags won't be allowed to board.
• Don’t book any other activity or onward travel on the day of arrival due to possible delays (with the exception of the more straightforward city-to-city routes, such as Toronto to Quebec City).
• Any time of the year is good for train travel. Winter snows provide a stunning dimension, especially over the Rockies (regular freight train traffic ensures the tracks are always clear).
• Canadian trains qualify as slow travel. Don’t expect Japanese bullet trains or French TGVs. Passenger trains in Canada defer to freight, so you'll often spend 30 minutes or more waiting in a siding for another train to pass. 
• Seniors over the age of 60 with a CAA can save up to 20% on fares.

On-board tips for a more comfortable trip

• If heading west, take the last dinner sitting to maximize the daylight hours to watch the scenery.
• Don’t miss some of the special activities offered on some services, from the heritage interpretations talks (on prairies, potash etc) to beer tastings.
• Wi-fi is not available on The Canadian, Rupert Rocket and Winnipeg–Churchill services

This article was first published July 2019 and updated November 2023

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Categories > Guides and Tips

Top 10 Train Trips in Canada

• The Canadian - Toronto to Vancouver
• Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper
• The Ocean - Montreal to Halifax
• Agawa Canyon Tour Train - Sault Saint Marie to Agawa Canyon
• Winnipeg to Churchill - Via Rail
• White Pass & Yukon Route - Skagway to Carcross

Canada Coast to Coast by Train

Ultimate rockies rail journey.

• Train de Charlevoix - Quebec City to la Malbaie
• Kettle Valley Steam Railway - Summerland, BC

You see, here in Canada, we’re incredibly blessed not just with maple syrup and hockey, but also with some of the most scenic and enchanting train trips on the planet. 

Trust me, folks, these trips will quench your thirst for adventure and sightseeing without having to deal with road maps or rental cars.

So, grab your backpacks, conjure your spirit of adventure, and let’s embark on a journey exploring the top train trips in Canada. Read on to start your next great Canadian railway adventure!

The Canadian – Toronto to Vancouver

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Website: www.viarail.ca  

Contact details: +1 888-842-7245

• Economy Class reclining seat – $444
• Prestige class sleeper – $4,655

The Canadian by Via Rail, covering the stretch from Toronto to Vancouver, has your name written all over it. This 4-night journey will make you fall head over heels for the classic transcontinental train experience.

As you trundle west from cosmopolitan Toronto, the urban views morph into the scenic lakelands of northern Ontario. 

Next, the train takes you through the ethereal wilderness of Manitoba and Saskatchewan before unveiling the larger-than-life panoramas of the majestic Rockies.

Pure bliss. And finally, the coastal beauty of Vancouver welcomes you.

Local tip: Grab a good book and a seat in the panoramic dome car for the best views. This is a journey you’ll want to savour!

Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper

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Website: www.rockymountaineer.com  

Contact details: +1 604-606-7245

• April & October 2023: $1,864 (SilverLeaf), $2524 (GoldLeaf)
• May, June & July 2023: $2,194 (SilverLeaf), $3,004 (GoldLeaf)
• August & September 2023: $2,261 (SilverLeaf), $3,091 (GoldLeaf)

This Vancouver to Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper journey isn’t just a train trip—it’s a first-class ticket to jaw-dropping wilderness wonderment. As the train chugs along, the ravishing beauty of the Canadian Rockies unfolds right before your eyes.

You can spend the night in rustic Kamloops before heading out for day two of your Rocky rendezvous. Then it’s onward to pure alpine magic in Banff, Lake Louise , or Jasper, depending on your final destination choice.

Local tip: Take advantage of the outdoor viewing platform on the train to get some epic, Instagram-worthy shots!

The Ocean – Montreal to Halifax

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Prices: 

• Economy Class reclining seat – $210
• Prestige class sleeper – $366

The Ocean route from Montreal to Halifax serves up aquatic views aplenty, along with a generous dash of historical charm. From the cultural heart of Quebec, the journey sets off through the undulating hills and charming towns of Canada’s Atlantic region.

And the cherry on top? Arriving in coastal Halifax , its picturesque waterfront is filled with history, character, and a lively culinary scene.

Local tip: Check out the seasonal Maritime menu onboard—lobster anyone?

Agawa Canyon Tour Train – Sault Saint Marie to Agawa Canyon

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sault Ste. Marie, ON 🍁 (@sault.ste.marie)

Website: www.agawatrain.com  

Contact details: +1 800-242-9287

August 3 – Sept 15

• Adult – $140
• Senior – $104
• Youth – $70
• Infant (Ages 2 and under, must sit on lap) – Free

Peak Pricing: Sept 16 – Oct 15

• Person – $155

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train takes you on a daylong round trip from Sault Saint Marie into the heart of the Ontario wilderness. Talk about an unforgettable, nature-infused Canadian expedition!

The train whisks you 114 miles north, thundering over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes and rivers, and through the granite rock formations of Canada. And the star of the show?

Agawa Canyon’s stunning waterfalls and amazing vistas are right there, as if waiting for you to arrive.

Local tip: Don’t forget a comfy pair of walking shoes if you plan to hike in Agawa Canyon!

Winnipeg to Churchill – Via Rail

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• $256.83 – $283.85 (Depends on date and peak time)

The Via Rail journey from Winnipeg to Churchill is an experience like no other. Something of an “outer-worldly” experience!

From Winnipeg’s urban beat, we bet you’ll be eagerly peeking out the window, waiting to spot the curious polar bears, the majestic belugas, or the radiant northern lights . And after that richly rewarding two-day ride, the Arctic town of Churchill will greet you.

Local tip: Book the sleeper plus class for the best comfort and complimentary meals—worth the splurge!

White Pass & Yukon Route – Skagway to Carcross

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Website: www.wpyr.com  

Contact details: +1 800-343-7373

• Adult – $200
• Child – $100

The White Pass and Yukon Route brings you face-to-face with the beauty of Canada’s glorious north, in Yukon. Right off the bat, from the town of Skagway, this train trip is a feast for the eyes—and we’re not exaggerating!

The spectacular route, originally built during the Klondike Gold Rush, chugs along rugged mountains, tunnels, bridges, and waterfalls. I bet you didn’t think the wild could look this good.

As the train climbs nearly 3000 feet in just 20 miles, hold your breath for the pièce de résistance, the ‘Tormented Valley.’ It’s not tormented, trust us!

It’s loaded with charm, showcasing a moonscape-like topography and pristine glacial lakes.

Local tip: Be sure to grab a right-hand side seat when going north for the best views en route!

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Website: www.greatrail.com  

Contact details: +1 800-422-0141

• Price starts at $10,080

Covering an impressive span from Vancouver to Halifax, this epic train ride is bound to be the trip of a lifetime.

Embarking from the west coast jewel Vancouver, the train soars through the heart of the Rockies, then delves into the Prairies before striding into bustling Toronto.

And along the way, there’s plenty of time to soak up the grandeur of Banff, Jasper, Montreal, and Quebec City. Essentially, it’s a visual lookbook of Canada’s most stirring landscapes, fascinating cultures, and everything in between.

Local tip: Make sure to book your accommodation at the key stopovers well in advance to truly savour the experience.

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Website: https://canadiantrainvacations.com/trips/ultimate-rockies-rail   

Contact details: +1 604-332-3715

• Comfort Level – $5,290
• Superior Level – $5,690
• Deluxe Level – $7,690

The Ultimate Rockies Rail Journey integrates two iconic routes—the Rocky Mountaineer and Via Rail’s Canadian—to offer a sumptuous Rockies retreat. 

Starting from the cultural hub of Toronto, the train escapes into the vast prairies, leading you into nature’s wonderland.

The Rocky Mountaineer portion steps up the excitement, winding through canyons, lofty mountain peaks, and waterfalls. You can explore the alpine towns of Banff and Jasper and enjoy an Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier.

Local tip: Don’t forget to pack layers—it can get a bit chilly, even in the summer!

Train de Charlevoix – Quebec City to la Malbaie

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Website: https://traindecharlevoix.com   

Contact details: +1 877-536-2774

Mountain side

• Adult – $99
• Group – $396
• Child – $69
• Adult – $109
• Group area – $436
• Child – $79

The Train de Charlevoix train route is the perfect pick. The train starts gliding from Quebec City, showcasing the delights laden on the St. Lawrence River banks right up to the charismatic seaside town of La Malbaie.

Upon reaching La Malbaie, bask in the effortless charm of this quaint resort town. Go and stroll along the river, relish the local culinary scene, and soak in the area’s soothing serenity.

Local tip: Don’t miss the onboard gourmet dining experience with local Charlevoix produce—it’s absolutely fabulous!

Kettle Valley Steam Railway – Summerland, BC

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Website: www.kettlevalleyrail.org  

Contact details: +1 877-494-8424

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland is a charming vintage journey that takes you back in time, all the while offering stunning BC landscapes.

Climb aboard the lovingly restored 1912 Steam Locomotive and get ready for a leisurely 90-minute ride through the beautiful Okanagan territory. 

You’ve got orchard vistas, vineyards, lush farmlands, and a spectacular view of the Trout Creek Bridge, an engineering marvel.

Local tip: Keep your camera ready when the train crosses the Trout Creek Bridge—the views are absolutely stunning!

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Over the past 27 years we've hosted over 11,000 clients in Canada and USA. We've since had hundreds of clients come back on repeat tours. One gentleman has even travelled with us five times. It warms our hearts when guests rebook year over year as it means so much to us to see and speak with them and keep them in the Canada Rail Vacations' family.

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This has been the tour I dreamt of doing. Along the route, the Rocky Mountaineer was the best in service! They know how to wow the client and are good at it. I have glowing accolades for them. Everything in Alberta was amazing. Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff ... all those stops were incredible. We will arrive home on Saturday at about 3 pm. While there’s no place like home, our journey with Canada Rail Vacations was where it all began in September 2017. Thank you Martin, for operating a tour company that fit our needs....and then some. You gave us options to customize this trip to meet our wishes. Thanks to your staff who know their stuff and coddled me along the way, especially Spencer. And a huge shout out to our Tour Guide Julian. Absolutely knowledgeable about the routes we took and of the trains going through the spiral tunnels. Julian really made those four days of private tours so worth it for us. You have in us four happy clients who will now recommend Canada Rail Vacations to others, plus we have amazing memories. Thanks Martin! Lori, Brian, Ruby and Rudy, Virginia, USA (The Canadian Adventurer)

We just returned home from our recent trans-Canada train adventure and wanted to pass along our thoughts on the holiday. We arrived in Vancouver and stayed at the Fairmont, which was lovely. All of the Fairmont accommodations were outstanding. The Rocky Mountaineer was exceptional! The aesthetic, the staff, the food... everything was amazing. The staff in particular on the train were outstanding, I was so touched, as a vegan they went out of their way to accommodate me and went so far above and beyond (I never would imagine that level of service!). We were also so pleasantly surprised by the Delta Kamloops, our room was gorgeous and the location was great. Of course, the scenery in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper was incredible, and we so often found ourselves speechless. Both of our tours in Banff and Lake Louise with Julian were outstanding. He was so knowledgeable and kept us entertained every moment of the tour! All in all, an incredible experience from booking to the actual trip. Thank you for a memorable holiday! Stephanie, Hovan & Doris K., Toronto, Canada (The Canadian Adventurer)

Now safely back in Cyprus and settled in again after a great holiday with you in August. Big thanks to Canada Rail Vacations for leaving the excellent wine at the Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver, it certainly dampened down the trail dust! Shame you couldn't join us to drink it! You have a great team from the ladies who sorted us out before we left the hotels in Vancouver and Banff, to the staff waving us off and those welcoming us at each stop. The entire trip was memorable on so many levels, but an understated highlight for me was standing at the water's edge of Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, and gazing in wonder at the Walcott Quarry/Burgess Shale! I read about and studied the fossils but to see it in real life was awesome! Anthony, Cyprus (Rockies Circle Essentials)

Now that my wife and I have rested after our very enjoyable tour of Canada and are back into our normal routine we would not like the time to pass without passing on to Canada Rail staff our sincere thanks for making all the reservations and organizing the itinerary.  Suffice it to say that things went like clockwork obviously due in large part to the experienced and dedicated Canada Rail Vacations staff. We will happily refer you to any of our friends and acquaintances who are considering travelling in Canada and will look to you next time we choose to travel in Canada. Many thanks to all! Doug & Norma L, Farrer, Australia (The Canadian Trip of a Lifetime)

Thanks for helping make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for my daughter and myself. We had many planned, and unplanned, adventures and have many memories. Cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff on both VIA and Rocky Mountaineer. There were some hiccups with scheduling but the graciousness of the staff was superb. Our hotels were very good and thanks for the special gift in Vancouver. We also used your suggestions for touring the city, spot on! Will most likely never tour Canada again as my husband and I toured from Toronto East, but I am recommending Canada Rail Vacations to my family and friends. Thanks again. Judith & Cameron C, Alabama, USA (The Canadian Adventurer)

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Great Canadian Rail Journey

• Fully Guided
• Train & Rail

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 ARRIVE IN TORONTO, ONTARIO
• Day 2 TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS
• Day 3 TORONTO–VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN–ONTARIO
• Day 4 VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN–ONTARIO–WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
• Day 5 VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN–MANITOBA & SASKATCHEWAN
• Day 6 VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN–SASKATCHEWAN–JASPER, ALBERTA
• Day 7 JASPER. EXCURSION TO MALIGNE LAKE
• Day 8 JASPER–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–LAKE LOUISE–BANFF
• Day 9 BANFF
• Day 10 BANFF–KAMLOOPS
• Day 11 KAMLOOPS–VICTORIA
• Day 12 VICTORIA
• Day 13 VICTORIA–VANCOUVER
• Day 14 VANCOUVER

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Where You'll Stay

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It began more than 90 years ago, when a young man purchased a boat to transport visitors across Lake Lugano, Switzerland. Who would have thought that this single boat would launch one of the world's leading travel companies? Today, the Globus family of brands is a global company reaching every corner of the world, yet remains family-owned and steeped in the values Antonio Mantegazza had when he set out across Lake Lugano in 1928 - to enlighten travelers by showing them the very best of the destinations we know so well. At Globus, we create first-class escorted tours with just the right balance of included features & free time. We’re all about hidden gems, not hidden charges. We throw in more visits, toss in more experiences & include more sightseeing, all in the price of the vacation.

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
• Itinerary Excellent 5.0
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Excellent 5.0
• Food Excellent 5.0
• Tour Operator Globus 5.0
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• A Ann · 23rd September 2023 Sue is an excellent guide handled all details, problems, and people well. Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Anonymous · 23rd September 2023 Very professional great experience great food fantastic service Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Vanessa · 22nd September 2023 Great itinerary, good combination of cities, modes of transportation, etc Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Corinne · 19th September 2023 This was a wonderful trip made even better by our small numbers of 22 fellow traveller's and our tour guide Marcie, who made sure we made many memorable stops and was able to pivot as needed if the forest fires changed our plans. Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Robyn · 19th September 2023 Thoroughly enjoyable tour with lots to see and do. Doing both the bus and the train made the trip even better as they provided different ways of experiencing Canada. Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Ainslie · 18th September 2023 Well organised and managed by Marci Excellent accommodation and included meals. Included tours good value. Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Kaye · 14th September 2023 Well planned journey. Sudden changes to itinerary didn't cause any inconvenience to us. T/D Marci very accommodating to any requests Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Kaye · 14th September 2023 Our first major overseas trip was perfection. A sudden change in the itinerary didn't cause anyone any inconvenience. T/ D Marci made everything run so smoothly. Well done Globus our 2024 trip is already being planned with you to the UK & beyond. Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Wendy · 9th September 2023 Well run, good accommodation, great place to visit. Friendly co-travellers, lovely efficient guide and safe coach drivers. Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Frances · 6th September 2023 Incredible trip. Would have loved an extra day in Kamloops. It's beautiful and the hotel very relaxing but with less than 12 hours there, it wasn't enough time Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in canada.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia.

Canadian long-distance trains are run by VIA Rail Canada, www.viarail.ca .  They're a great way to see the country, whether you travel on the inter-city trains between Toronto, Montréal and Québec, the Océan from Montréal to Halifax or Canada's classic trans-continental train, The Canadian from Toronto to Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper & Vancouver.  As well as VIA Rail, there's the excellent Rocky Mountaineer through the Rockies between Vancouver & Banff, Calgary or Jasper.  This page explains routes, timetables, prices & what the trains are like.

Train times, fares & tickets

On other pages

Interactive map:   click a route, useful country information, toronto - winnipeg - vancouver.

The greatest train in Canada and one of the world's great train journeys, VIA Rail's Canadian runs 2 or 3 times a week, linking Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper National Park in the Rockies & Vancouver.  See schedule, fares, how to buy tickets & a guide to the train & journey .

Back to top

Montreal - Halifax

Three times a week, a train runs the 836 miles between Montreal and Halifax Nova Scotia.  See the Montreal to Halifax page for train times, fares, info, and an illustrated account of the journey .

Toronto - Ottawa - Montreal - Quebec

There's no need to fly.  Comfortable VIA Rail inter-city trains link Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec, centre to centre with no airport hassle.  If your budget permits, upgrade to VIA's Business Class with complimentary hot meal and wine, attentive steward service and access to VIA Rail's Business Lounges at major stations.  It impressed me, it's as good as anything we have here in Europe.  Since October 2019 only credit cards have been accepted as payment on board, not cash.

Toronto to Montréal by train in 5h10

VIA Rail's fast inter-city trains link Toronto, Ottawa & Montréal.  Montréal to Toronto takes around 5h10 city centre to city centre.  Use the times below as a guide and check current train times at www.viarail.ca .  See the photos .  Watch the video .

Montréal to Québec by train in 3h15

From Montréal to Québec, air-conditioned trains run several times daily, taking around 3h15.  Check current times, fares & book online at www.viarail.ca .

Montreal to Ottawa & Toronto to Ottawa, www.viarail.ca

Montreal to Ottawa takes 1h50.  Toronto to Ottawa takes about 4h20.

How much does it cost?

Montréal to Toronto starts at around Can$ 61 if you book in advance, fares vary like air fares. 

Montreal to Quebec starts at around Can$ 48 if you book in advance, fares vary like air fares.

How to buy tickets

Option 1, buy at www.viarail.ca

Booking opens 11 months (331 days) in advance.  You print your own tickets.

Payment problems on viarail.ca?

There are recent reports of VIA's payment system refusing non-Canadian cards.

One theory is that they have a standard for card verification higher than most foreign cards.

Option 2, buy at Omio.com or 12go.com

You can easily buy economy or business class tickets at Omio.com in multiple currencies & languages, with no payment problems.

You can also buy tickets at 12go.com , also in multiple currencies & languages.

To buy tickets by phone , call VIA Rail on 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245).

Toronto Union Station

Union Station sits in the centre of Toronto in the shadow of the CN Tower, just across the road from the wonderful and highly-recommended Royal York Hotel .  One of the world's classic railway stations, the current structure was built 1914-1920, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Station_(Toronto) .

Via Rail's Inter-city trains.  See the video

Montreal central station, watch the video :  toronto to montreal, toronto to niagara falls, take a day trip by train to niagara falls.

You can easily take the train from Toronto to Niagara Falls (Ontario) either as a day trip, longer trip or as a stopover en route to New York.  The Canadian side of the Falls gives great views of the Falls themselves and features both a boat ride (the Hornblower cruise, www.niagaracruises.com ) and a walk behind the Falls, www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/journey-behind-the-falls.html .  For trains between Niagara Falls and New York, see the section below .

Option 1, by once-daily VIA Rail train from Ca$28

A daily direct VIA Rail train called the Maple Leaf links Toronto Union Station and Niagara Falls Ontario on its way to & from New York.  It's ideal for a day trip, and uses comfortable Amtrak Amfleet cars with coach class, a small business class section and a cafe car, even though it is operated by VIA Rail Canada on the section between Toronto and Niagara - an Amtrak crew take over at Niagara.

Outward:   Toronto Union Station depart 08:20 every day, Niagara Falls Ontario VIA station arrive 10:20. 

Inbound:   Niagara Falls Ontario VIA station depart 17:45, Toronto Union arrive 19:43.

Fares from around $28 each way including taxes.

Buy tickets at www.viarail.ca , or buy at Omio.com or 12go.com in multiple currencies & languages . 

Reservation is compulsory but it's usually possible to get tickets on the day.

Option 2, by GO Transit direct train from Ca$21

GO Transit operates three daily trains from Toronto to Niagara Falls (Canada) every day, including a useful morning one.  The trains are distinctive green & white double-deck GO Transit trains, see the photos below.

Departures from Toronto :  Weekdays at 09:52, 17:12, 22:40.  Saturdays at 09:03, 13:03, 18:21.  Sundays at 09:03,

Departures from Niagara Falls Canada :  Weekdays at 06:32, 13:10, 21:10.  Saturdays at 12:05, 16:05, 21:05.  Sundays at 12:05, 16:05, 20:05.

Journey time 2h15.

Fares start at Ca$21.15 each way.

If the timing of these few direct trains doesn't suit you, use the hourly train+bus combo shown in option 3 below.

Check times & buy tickets at www.viarail.ca or www.gotransit.com .

When using www.viarail.ca , the direct GO Transit trains are shown in the search results with as green GO logo.  The train+bus combo departures (option 3 below) are shown with a grey train & bus icon.

Option 3:  By GO Transit train/bus combo from Ca$21 each way

Roughly every hour through the day, distinctive double-decker GO trains link Toronto Union Station with Burlington station, from where a connecting bus runs to Niagara Falls Bus Terminal (located directly across the road from Niagara Falls Ontario rail station).  Total journey time 2h47 - roughly 1h05 train and 1h30 bus.  This is a simple turn-up-and-go service, no reservation is necessary, it cannot sell out, just buy a ticket for Ca$18 at the station (or bus terminal) immediately before departure.  As it needs no pre-planning it's ideal for the return part of a day trip from Toronto, as you don't need to commit to a specific time to come back. 

You can check bus-rail times at either www.viarail.ca or www.gotransit.com .  When using www.viarail.ca , the train+bus combo departures are shown in the search results with a grey train & bus icon.  Any direct GO Transit trains (option 2 above) will be shown with as green GO logo.

Where are the station & bus terminal?  See map showing station, bus terminal & Falls

Niagara Falls (Ontario) Station & Niagara Falls Bus Terminal are just across the road from each other in the old downtown area.  The falls themselves (and all the tourist attractions) are a mile or two to the south, a taxi to the Falls costs around Ca$14 + tip and take 5-10 minutes.  You'll find plenty of taxis waiting at the station and bus terminal.  The station is sometimes called the GO Station, but it's the same one used by VIA Rail.   Map showing location of Niagara Falls VIA Rail station, Bus Terminal & the Falls .

Visiting the Falls

Vancouver to victoria & seattle, vancouver to victoria by bus & ferry.

If you're going to Vancouver, don't miss a trip to the British Columbia provincial capital Victoria, on Vancouver Island.  Regular buses link Vancouver with Victoria in about 3½ hours, going on board a ferry to reach the Island.

See bcfconnector.com for times, fares & online booking.

Vancouver to Seattle by train

Two daily articulated Spanish-designed Talgo trains link Seattle with Vancouver, one morning, one evening.  For details, see www.amtrakcascades.com   or www.amtrak.com . 

You can also travel between Vancouver and Seattle via Victoria, using bus to Victoria ( bcfconnector.com ) , then the fast ferry to Seattle ( www.clippervacations.com ).

Victoria to Seattle by fast ferry

There is an excellent daily fast catamaran service between Victoria and Seattle, see www.clippervacations.com .

Vancouver Island train service:  Victoria-Nanaimo-Courtenay The Malahat

Railcar service.  This used to run every day on the 225 km route, leaving Victoria 08:00 Mon-Sat, 10:00 Sundays, returning in the afternoon.  Unfortunately, this service has been suspended for some years now due to the condition of the track.

New York to Toronto & Montreal

Two excellent trains link New York with Montreal & Toronto every day, with inexpensive fares, comfortable reclining seats, a café car & great scenery along the Hudson River Valley.  It's a day well spent, highly recommended.  The Adirondack from New York to Montreal is run by Amtrak, the Maple Leaf from New York to Toronto is run by Amtrak whilst in the USA then by VIA Rail when in Canada.  Watch the video .  Map showing location of Niagara Falls VIA Rail & Amtrak stations & the Falls .

New York-Montreal starts at $70 in coach class. 

New York to Toronto starts at $134 in coach class or $169 in business class.

Buy tickets at www.amtrak.com or www.viarail.ca

You print your own ticket or (if booked with Amtrak) you can show it on the Amtrak app on your phone.

Tip:   The booking systems show the Maple Leaf as two separate trains either side of the Canadian border with two different train numbers.  But rest assured that it is indeed one direct train, run by Amtrak in the USA and taken over by VIA Rail when in Canada.  You get off at the border to go through border formalities, see the border controls paragraph below. 

What are the trains like?

The New York-Toronto Maple Leaf has two coach class cars with extra-legroom long-distance reclining seats which are prioritised for passengers to/from Canada, two coach class cars with regular seats & a cafe-car with a tables area, serving counter and 17 business class seats - see the photos below.  The café car accepts USD & credit cards but not CAD whilst in the USA.  Business class offers leather seats arranged 2+1 across the car width and complimentary tea, coffee or soft drinks from the cafe car, although leg room is no more generous than in the long-distance coach class cars where it is already excellent.

The New York-Montreal Adirondack has coach class seats with extra-legroom long-distance reclining seats & a cafe car.  The café car accepts USD & credit cards but not CAD whilst in the USA.

Luggage arrangements

These trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train.  There are floor-standing racks and spacious racks above all seats.  Luggage limits are far more generous than for planes, you can take one personal bag and two large bags with you, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

Border control arrangements

Northbound :  When leaving from New York Penn Station Moynihan Train Hall, you must first go to the Canada check-in desk, open an hour or two before departure.  Staff at that desk will check your ticket and passport and ask how many bags you’re taking.  They'll give you a luggage tag for each of your bags plus a boarding pass that says you've been checked in for Canada.  Lines then form for the train, one for domestic passengers and one for international passengers, the latter are allowed to board first, waved forward to the two extra-legroom long-distance coach class cars at the front of the train.  Approaching the border, the train calls at Niagara Falls USA, then rumbles slowly across the bridge over the Niagara River to Niagara Falls Canada station.  Here, all passengers get off with their luggage, enter the station building and file through Canadian border control (which is pretty painless) and re-board the train.  There's usually plenty of time for this.

Southbound:   Leaving from Montreal or Toronto, passengers bound for the USA are given numbered luggage tags for their bags whilst waiting to board, there's then a brief ticket & ID check on the platform.  At Niagara Falls USA passengers get off with their luggage, go through US border controls and re-board the train.

What's the journey like?

The most important tip of all is to get a seat on the left hand side of the train going north out of New York, right hand side going south from Canada , so you are on the side with all the Hudson River views.  These trains are all-reserved, meaning the number of passengers cannot exceed the number of seats, but you don't get a specific assigned seat.  If a group of you want to sit together, or you want seats on the left hand side, it pays to queue up early and get on first.

Historically, trains heading along the Hudson River towards Albany would have left from New York's wonderful Grand Central Station, but a connecting line opened in the early 1990s allows all Amtrak trains to use Penn Station.  The train leaves Penn station heading northwest, but shortly afterwards it turns northeast on what was originally a freight line in tunnels under the west side of Manhattan.  It emerges into daylight alongside the Hudson River, joining the line that came out of Grand Central.

Both the Maple Leaf & Adirondack then travel along the scenic Hudson River Valley with the rails often right next to the river, passing West Point Military Academy, Bannerman's Island, Storm King Mountain and other sights.  You'll even see the occasional historic lighthouse in mid-Hudson!

At Albany Rensselaer station the locomotive is changed from an electro-diesel (which can operate on electric power in the Penn Station tunnels) to a regular diesel, both Maple Leaf and Adirondack stop here long enough for you to stretch your legs on the platform. 

After leaving Albany, the Maple Leaf turns west and crosses the Hudson on a vast steel bridge with great views of the city of Albany on the left hand side on the far bank.  It then leaves the Hudson behind and starts following the Mohawk River.  Look out for the vast derelict Buffalo Central Terminal , a railroad station operational from 1929-1979, on the right hand side just before the train  reaches the current Buffalo Exchange Street station.  After calling at Niagara Falls USA, the train rumbles slowly across the bridge over the Niagara River separating the United States from Canada.  You can't see the falls themselves from the train, but can see the spray in the distance.  The train then rounds Lake Ontario into Toronto.

After leaving Albany, the Adirondack heads north through the scenic Adirondack Mountains which give the train its name.  You'll get views of Lake Champlain on the right of the train going north to Montreal, left heading south from Montreal.

Watch the video:  New York to Toronto

The rocky mountaineer.

Rocky Mountaineer trains run regularly from mid-April to mid-October on the following routes:

Other trains in Canada

Jasper - prince george - prince rupert:  the skeena.

Runs 3 times a week, departing Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays from both Jasper & Prince Rupert. 

It's an amazingly scenic 2-day journey, the train stopping overnight at Prince George so you see it all in daylight (you will need to book a hotel separately, it's not included in the fare).  Economy class seating is available all year round, 'Touring' class seating is available mid-June to late September.  There's a 'Park' lounge-observation-dome car attached at the rear, for all passengers off-season, only for Touring class passengers in peak season (June-Sept).  For times, fares & online booking, see www.viarail.ca .

Winnipeg to Churchill:  The Hudson Bay

Runs 3 times a week, to the land where the polar bears live.  See www.viarail.ca .

Toronto-North Cochrane-Moosonee (Ontario  Northland)

Long-distance train service due north out of Toronto, run by Ontario Northland, see ontarionorthland.ca .  Their Toronto to Cochrane route closed from 28 September 2012 with replacement by bus, some Cochrane to Moosonee train service seems to hvae continued.  Please check the current situation at ontarionorthland.ca .

Railpasses for Canada

CanRail passes for unlimited travel on VIA Rail in Economy Class seats were discontinued during the pandemic and have not reappeared, check with VIA at www.viarail.ca .

Even when a pass existed, you still needed to make reservations, you could not hop on and off without reserving.  And it was for seats, not sleepers.  You could make reservations online at www.viarail.ca , but you could only use your pass where an Economy or Escape fare was available, if these were sold out and the only fare available was an Economy Plus fare, you couldn't use the pass.  Although if you bought an 'Extra' type pass, you could also book Economy Plus tickets starting from the day before departure.

Europe to Canada by ship

Southampton - new york - toronto  or montreal via cunard's queen mary 2.

There are no regular direct passenger ships from the UK to Canada.  However, Cunard's superb Queen Mary 2 sails from Southampton to New York roughly once a month between April & November taking 7 nights, see the Queen Mary 2 page for details .  Once in New York, there are excellent daily trains to Toronto and Montreal, see the USA to Canada section above .

Tours across Canada by train

Custom-made tours with railbookers.

Train travel specialists Railbookers can arrange custom-made holidays to Canada including flights, hotels and a trip on the Canadian right across Canada.  They know their stuff, look after their clients well and get a lot of repeat business.

Escorted tours with Great Rail Journeys, www.greatrail.com

UK rail-based tour operator Great Rail Journeys offers a classic Canada coast-to-coast tour from around £3,600 per person, with a range of departure dates every year.  The tour includes:

Flights UK to Toronto;

A day trip to Niagara Falls;

A journey across Canada Canada from Toronto to Jasper aboard VIA Rail's trans-continental Canadian in Sleeper Plus class;

A coach tour from Jasper to Banff with a Columbia ice fields glacier visit;

A journey on the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver;

Flight Vancouver to UK.

It's an escorted tour with fellow travellers and a professional tour guide.  Great Rail Journeys also offer rail-based holidays to other countries.  Check the tour details online , then call 01904 527120 to book or use the Great Rail Journeys online booking form .  Seat61 receives some commission to help support the site if you book your holiday through this link or phone number, so please mention seat 61 when you book.

Rail Discoveries, www.raildiscoveries.com , 01904 730 727

Buy Lonely Planet from Amazon.co.uk (UK) or Amazon.com (USA)

Buy Rough Guide from Amazon.co.uk (UK) or Amazon.com (USA)

Alternatively, download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

The Trans-Canada Rail Guide

Trailblazer's Trans-Canada Rail Guide is well worth buying if you're planning a trans-Canada train trip. 

It will help you plan your journey, has city information for all the major cities served by VIA & Rocky Mountaineer, and best of all it includes mile-by-mile lineside route guides showing what to see from the train on all the main VIA Rail & Rocky Mountaineer services. 

Buy online from Amazon.co.uk .

If you live in the USA, buy from Amazon.com .

Recommended hotels

In toronto:  fairmont royal york.

The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is Toronto's most famous place to stay and one of the world's classic grand hotels with over 1,000 rooms.  It started life as a railway hotel, opened by the Canadian Pacific Railway in June 1929 - at that time the tallest building in the British Empire.  Today it's easily the most convenient, comfortable and historic place to stay before or after catching a train, being directly across the road from Toronto Union Station.  I've stayed there several times now!  There's more historical information about the hotel at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairmont_Royal_York .

In Vancouver:  Fairmont Vancouver Hotel

In the centre of downtown Vancouver, next to Christ Church Cathedral and only a few blocks from the Waterfront, the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel is a former railway hotel.  It was started by Canadian National Railways but completed in partnership with rival Canadian Pacific, opened in 1939 by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.  It's another iconic Canadian chateau-style hotel, a true Vancouver landmark.  And if your budget will stretch, Fairmont won't disappoint.  If you want something a bit cheaper, try the St Regis Hotel , also excellently located downtown and also a historic Vancouver landmark, opened in 1913.

Backpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to Canada

1) check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com, 2) use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines.

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think, see www.loungepass.com

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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The Great Canadian Train Itinerary

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Have you ever thought of exploring Canada from end-to-end, curious as to how you can pull it off? Then there’s no better journey than the Great Canadian Train exploration! 

By taking a trans-Canada trip via its railway, experience once-in-a-lifetime sights and sounds of the nation. From its diversity in both culture and landscape, there’s a reason it’s one of the most sought-after journeys globally. Of course, it’s nothing to sneeze at…Journeying across a country’s entirety is a feat in and of itself. However, by carefully planning your itinerary, you’ll be sure to enjoy every second of it. 

While there are many ways to personalize your itinerary, what follows will be a detailed guide to the most popular and comprehensive route from Toronto to Vancouver and everything in between. 

Onward with the Great Canadian Train Itinerary!

Table of Contents

Why Embark on The Great Canadian Train Journey? 

Before we dive into the specifics of the itinerary, it’s important to discuss why the Great Canadian Train journey is such an incredible journey to make. For those that have already done so, you know what we’re talking about. 

Withstanding the most obvious reason being the experience, below are five of the most popular reasons for embarking on such a trip: 

• Explore Paths Less Travelled 

Enjoy the Convenience of Being Transported to City Centres 

Meet likeminded people along the way, travel in comfort , slow time down and enjoy at your leisure .

Explore Paths Less Travelled  

While planes will take you to popular travel hubs, the majority of travel is spent in-air with little to see but the clouds. Similarly, while cars will provide you with the opportunity to explore, most of the journey is spent eyes peeled on the road ahead. 

Trains, however, are special. Not only will they take you to popular travel hubs, but you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy. Explore paths less traveled and see the nation with new eyes. 

Unlike airports which tend to be away from city centers, most Canadian train stations are centrally located. So, enough with the time-wasting involved transporting from the airport to the city’s core. With trains, you’ll be conveniently dropped off right where you want to be. 

To use to air travel comparison again, most simply seek to go from point A to point B. As such, it’s not uncommon for most to sit in silence or sleep until arrival. For those who opt for rail travel, however, it tends to be a different crowd. 

Whether it’s socializing in dining cars or conversing with the seat next to you, enjoy connecting with like-minded people who have the same vision of traveling as you! 

Unless you’re traveling first class, planes are infamously uncomfortable. However, plane seats aren’t the most comfortable of rides…With trains, however, you’ll have more legroom while being provided the luxury of being able to up and walk around. 

So sit back and recline your chair as you look out the window that boasts beautiful Canadian terrain. It’ll be the most comfortable traveling experience you’ve had to date!

While travels range in purpose and duration, train journeys are intended to be longer, more leisurely explorations. With little to plan but the train itinerary itself, what’s not to be excited about rail travel? So, slow down time and enjoy traveling at your own pace, no matter how fast or slow that is. 

The Ultimate Canadian Train Itinerary 

The journey that you take is ultimately up to you. Whether you choose to plan a shorter or longer journey is irrelevant; you’re bound to enjoy it nonetheless. However, this article is called The Great Canadian Train Itinerary for you a reason! As such, we’ll be detailing a comprehensive journey comprising a tour from Toronto to Vancouver.

Note: While the following itinerary is a 10-day itinerary, it’s important to remember that you can choose to explore each destination for as short or as long as you want. In other words, Just because it’s a 10-day itinerary doesn’t mean that the trip is only ten days in length.

If this is something you’d be interested in exploring, continue reading! As mentioned, the journey begins in Toronto, Ontario…

Day 1: The Journey Begins in Toronto! 

Wherever you currently reside, you need to first make your way to Toronto, Ontario, where your journey’s first leg will begin. Toronto is the ideal departure destination for its easterly location to the rest of Canada, excluding Atlantic Canada, of course.

From Toronto, you will also journey through Lake Ontario, a scenic journey in and of itself!

Day 2: En Route to Niagara Falls, North Side

Before departing Ontario, you’d be remiss not to take a detour to Beautiful Niagara Falls. It’s here where you can hop off the train and paint the town red at the Falls and Clifton Hill. 

Whether you want to overnight it in a hotel or hop back on the train that evening, it’s then time to return to Toronto before questing out west. 

Day 3: Return to Toronto to Begin the Quest out West! 

Via the Rail the Canadian, it’s time to depart from Ontario and make your way to Western Canada. Before you get there, however, there are a few stops along the way. Prepare yourself, for this is where the long-haul begins!  

Luckily, the train boasts comfortable bedding for those overnight treks…

Day 4: En Route to Winnipeg, Manitoba

As you travel through Ontario, you’ll want to make, at the very least, a brief stop into Winnipeg, Manitoba, while you have the chance. While it may not be your favorite destination, it’s a checkbox of provinces that you’ve hit! 

As Canada’s central province, its regional attractions are certainly worth exploring. 

Day 5: Onward to Saskatchewan 

Departing from Manitoba, Saskatchewan is the next stop on the Great Canadian Train Journey. Known widely for its prairie landscapes and boreal forests, it’s a top destination for exploring Canada’s nature. 

It’ll also be a great introduction to the outdoors before exploring Canada’s National Parks in Alberta and British Columbia! 

Day 6: Pitstop in Alberta En Route to Jasper National Park! 

Next, take the scenic Albertan Route known as Yellowhead Route before arriving at the first National Park of the itinerary, Jasper National Park. Here, you’ll have the opportunity for several excursions. 

First, take a trip to Maligne Lake and maybe even sign up for a rafting tour. Next, take a guided tour of the glacier ice fields. Finally, if time permits, take a drive towards Lake Louise before continuing your travels to Banff National Park. 

Day 7: Onward to Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a destination where you could spend an eternity. Luckily, with the Great Canadian Train Itinerary, how long you spend is up to you! A couple of notable attractions to check off your list include Bow River and the Falls. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you may even get to hit the hills. 

In any case, be sure to plan for at least 2-3 days here, minimum. It’s otherworldly…

Day 8: En Route to Kamloops, British Columbia 

From Banff, it’s finally time to head to British Columbia. Here, you’ll have the opportunity for several pitstops, from Kamloops, Victoria, and of course, Vancouver. The first stop? Kamloops.

Here, you’ll have the pleasure of dipping your toes into Western Canadian history before taking the scenic drive to Vancouver. First, however, it’s a ferry crossing to Victoria. 

Day 9: Stopover in Victoria, British Columbia

Before reaching your final destination on the Great Canadian Train journey, it’s a pitstop to beautiful Victoria. Here, you can enjoy a morning, afternoon, weekend, or otherwise spend more time visiting all of its beautiful nature parks. 

An often overlooked BC destination, and Victoria might just turn out to be your favorite pitstop of them all…

Day 10: Complete the Tour in Vancouver, British Columbia

Last but certainly not least, you’ve made it to the final destination of the Great Canadian train journey. Plentiful in mountains, greenery, and ocean views, there’s no better city to end your travels than in Vancouver. I hope you enjoy it! 

More Travel Guides and Destinations from DiscoverCanada.Blog

Best Canadian Cities to Visit in the Spring

Top 5 Cities in Canada for Art and Culture

More Resources for booking your Great Train Journey

https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/trains/rockies-and-pacific/toronto-vancouver-canadian

https://www.rockymountaineer.com

• Best Canadian Train Journey
• Toronto to Vancouver by rail
• Toronto Union Station
• Vancouver Pacific Ventral Station

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The Canadian: One of the world’s great rail journeys

It is two nights and three days of your life that will stay in your mind forever. It is known, appropriately, as one of the world’s greatest train adventures. ‘The Canadian’ is VIA Rail’s Vancouver-Winnipeg year-round sleeper service that is part of the country’s transcontinental service (it continues on to Toronto). For any train buff, or adventurous traveller, it’s hard to find a better way to immerse yourself in some of Canada’s iconic landscapes while travelling.  

Why The Canadian is an icon

On this trans-wonderland journey, you will see the rugged ramparts of the Rocky Mountains out of your window, the valleys and rivers of Canada’s interior rolling by, and then the vastness of Canada’s big-sky prairie country before you reach Winnipeg, Manitoba’s vibrant and dynamic capital, nestled at the junction of two mighty rivers. Then, if you wish, you can jump on the Manitoba-Churchill train, to rendezvous with polar bears, beluga whales and the magical Northern Lights. Combining what is still regarded as one of the finest ways to travel – by rail – with the opportunity to explore beautiful Winnipeg, and then travel north to the Arctic wilderness and its wonders, has no equal. This is how you do it…

A class act

Of course, it’s about the journey, but the train itself is brilliant, too. Each car (except the dining and sleeping cars) features an expansive dome-glassed upper level viewing area that provides an expansive view of your surrounds. (All cars now have upgraded aircon filtration, too.)

There are three ticket classes – Economy, Sleeper Plus and Prestige (these last two very popular with Aussie travellers; read on to see why) – with the Sleeper Plus class including a private cabin (for one or two; this class also has the ability to join two cabins together to form a four-person/family cabin with two washrooms) and all meals, while Prestige includes a private cabin for two and your own concierge (plus meals and alcohol). Both of these classes allow you access to the Skyline Activity car (with its upper dome or lower activity area) and the Prestige Park Car’s bar and lounge (plus beautiful upper dome seating area), as well as the Dining car, where you will go for your meals. Each car – regardless of class – offers great views; we can’t think of much better than waking up to a snow-draped landscape rolling past your cabin window, which makes the autumn/winter season a definite favourite with travellers. The benefit of being free to either relax in your own cabin, or explore the train, on top of all these aforementioned highlights, make these two classes an absolute must.

For those who opt for the top-tier Prestige class, you will be seriously indulged. From the spacious and luxurious cabin (it is 50 per cent larger than Sleeper Plus and caters for two passengers, with an amazing full bathroom), access to the business lounge pre-boarding and aforementioned personal concierge, to priority boarding, Skyline, Park (with reserved seats in the upper dome of this car), and Dining cars access (with an option for reserved seats in the Dining, plus five-course gourmet meals, with all alcohol included), and even a flatscreen TV in your cabin (although we challenge you to watch that too much when there’s that natural spectacle outside your window), it’s a brilliant interpretation of ‘luxury with adventure’. Both Prestige and Sleeper Plus have unlimited tea/coffee/juice/snacks available in the Skyline and Prestige Park lounge.

Sleeper Plus (with business lounge access, priority boarding and access to Skyline, Park and Dining cars) means you only miss out on the in-cabin shower (Sleeper Plus passengers have exclusive access to the showers in their car, however), and Prestige’s five-course meal option (Sleeper Plus get a three-course option, with identical entrée, mains and dessert as Prestige), plus you have to pay for on-board alcohol. And, unlike Prestige, you don’t have access to reserved seating in other cars. 

The usual mental picture of ‘Economy’ for travellers is turned on its head for those aboard The Canadian, thanks to comfortable seats that offer plenty of recline and – yes! – loads of leg room. It is, of course the most cost-effective way to travel as well, and you still get those cracking views out the window (and there is an upper seating area with dome windows), plus access to meals and drinks (at your own cost) in the café service car. Economy passengers don’t miss out on even more expansive views, either; there is a separate Skyline car for economy passengers as well. 

Enrichment in motion

There’s plenty of time on The Canadian’s route from Vancouver to Winnipeg to not only be captivated by the spectacle of the ever-changing landscape the train rolls through, but also to enjoy good company, or simply chill out and relax by reading, meeting your fellow travel mates, making sure you get off at each stop and check out the local highlight where possible, or even keep a journal of the trip highlights. This is the beauty of train travel – and something so well encapsulated by The Canadian. The train’s excellent Park and Skyline cars, with their upper-level glass dome windows/roof, are a brilliant option for photo- and videographers who wish to document their trip through the various landscapes, and that immense glass roof provides a near open-air experience, with plenty of natural light that makes you feel like you really are a part of the country you’re travelling through.  

The different stops along The Canadian’s route also allow for some leg-stretching/viewing time, and with iconic highlights, such as the towering mountains surrounding Jasper, in Alberta (make the most of the one-hour stop here to explore this famous and welcoming town), not to mention the end-point of Winnipeg, in the middle of a prairie sea, to view along the way, it’s a no-brainer to make the most of your out-of-train time at these stops. 

If you’re travelling as a family, with young kids, you’ll be surprised just how easily said young folk are kept occupied, exploring the different cars, checking out the gobsmacking scenery rolling by, enjoying boardgames or even keeping their own diaries. If there’s one thing this train journey does, it is that it makes you revert back to the ‘simpler’ more engaging things in life, where people, places and high levels of fun are the priority. This doesn’t mean there’s no ‘connection’ to modern life; Wi-Fi is available at the stations along this route, and if you really need to check emails, etc., you can do so when time permits at these stops. And, if your little’uns need a bit of downtime from all that, they can watch a pre-trip downloaded film or TV show on a tablet (or in their cabin on the TV), before getting them to bed with the promise of another morning looking out their cabin window at even more new and beautiful scenery. 

There’s no such thing as the last station

At the end of three days – at journey’s end – The Canadian has taken you through a microcosm of some of Canada’s most spectacular regions. From leaving the west coast hub of Vancouver, through the rainforests of British Columbia, between the iconic spires of Alberta’s wild Rocky Mountains, and past numerous lakes rivers on your way to the vastness of prairie country and then the culturally rich city that is Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital, you’ve seen some of the best this spectacle-filled country has to offer – and in a relaxing, comfortable, well-fed and unique way, aboard this famous train.

You’ll leave The Canadian well relaxed, and most memorably, you’ll leave with far more knowledge of the regions you’ve just traversed than if you flew or drove, thanks to that often hard to describe feeling of immersion that rail travel provides. Your own thoughts, your photos, your words written in your journal, and the extra knowledge provided by the VIA Rail staff, all combine to ensure that The Canadian is far, far more than ‘just a train trip’.

Once more, with feeling!

There’s no doubt Winnipeg is a fitting end-point for our The Canadian journey. But this does not mean the adventure has finished; a few days of exploring Winnipeg’s many highlights is an absolute must, but then, for those keen for more, you can add on another unique VIA Rail experience: the rail journey to northern Manitoba’s wild heart of Churchill. 

Churchill is the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ and provides a unique chance to see them up close, in a tundra vehicle or when staying in a wilderness lodge. The Canadian autumn and summer are popular times to tackle this adventure. The beautiful northern summer also means that not only are polar bears still active, but the character-filled beluga whales (affectionately known as the canaries of the sea) are around. Paddling a kayak or SUP on the Churchill River Estuary provides the opportunity to view these majestic marine mammals. Winter offers the chance to view the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), as well.

All you need to know for The Canadian escape

For more info, and to be inspired by this brilliant VIA Rail journey, see  www.viarail.ca  or this cool video:  https://youtu.be/Nc5nQAdVH78

Winnipeg is excellent and definitely worth a few days’ stopover. See  www.travelmanitoba.com/places/winnipeg  for all info.

Churchill Is where it’s at for wildlife and the northern lights. See  www.travelmanitoba.com/places/churchill   

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What is the Best Train Trip in Canada?

By Stephanie Hood

Post-pandemic, everyone will have one simple mission on their mind: to cross borders and travel. As we wind down what has been an unprecedented year, we begin to strategize: what are the best Canadian train trips to book for 2024?

The answer, as always, lays in the uniqueness of the individual and the type of travel and experiences that you most want to have. After all, no vacation is ever 'one size fits all.' Read on for our top recommended train trips for 2024, or contact us to customize your own Canadian adventure.

The Wild Western Experience

Calgary Stampede and the Canadian Rockies Train Tour

• DAY 1 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 2 Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 3 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• Option 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour
• Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour
• DAY 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Sightseeing with picnic lunch
• Ice Explorer Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier + Glacier Skywalk
• DAY 5 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach
• DAY 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
• Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola
• Option 2. Discover Grizzly Bears, Lakes & Waterfalls
• Option 3. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner
• DAY 7 Banff to Calgary | Coach
• DAY 8 Calgary Stampede | Reserved Seating for Rodeo event including:
• Steer Wrestling | Ladies Barrel Racing | Saddle Bronc Riding | Bareback Bull Riding
• DAY 9 Calgary Stampede | Chuckwagon Races + Evening Grandstand Show
• DAY 10 Calgary | Departure

The Luxury Glamping Getaway

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge & Canadian Rockies Rail Trip Combo

• DAY 1 Vancouver to Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | Floatplane
• DAY 2 – 3 Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | Included Activities
• DAY 4 Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge to Vancouver
• DAY 5 Vancouver | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• Option 1. Victoria & Butchart Gardens | Coach | ferry | floatplane
• Option 2. Whistler with Sea to Sky Gondola | Coach | floatplane
• DAY 6 Vancouver to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer
• DAY 7 Kamloops to Jasper | Rocky Mountaineer
• DAY 8 Jasper to Banff | Sightseeing with picnic lunch
• DAY 9 Banff to Calgary | Morning Sightseeing + Gondola

The True Winter Wonderland

Canadian Rockies Winter Rail Wonderland

• DAY 3 Jasper Trail Tour | Dog Sledding
• DAY 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Evening sleigh ride
• DAY 5 Lake Louise | Day at leisure
• DAY 6 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach
• DAY 7 - 8 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 2 of 4 Excursions
• Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour
• Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint Pots
• Option 3. Johnston Canyon Icewalk
• Option 4. Banff Gondola
• DAY 9 Banff to Calgary | Coach

Bear Viewing in British Columbia

Grizzly Bears & The Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation

• DAY 1 Vancouver | Arrival
• DAY 2 Vancouver | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2
• DAY 3 Vancouver to Campbell River | Flight
• DAY 4 Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge | Floatplane Flight | Grizzly Bear Viewing
• DAY 5 Knight Inlet Lodge to Vancouver | Grizzly Bear Viewing | Flight
• DAY 6 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 7 Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 8 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• DAY 9 Jasper to Lake Louise | Sightseeing with picnic lunch
• DAY 10 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach
• DAY 11 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• Option 2 Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner
• DAY 12 Banff to Calgary | Coach

The Classic Canadian Rockies Experience

Majestic Canada Rail Vacation through the Rockies

• DAY 4 Jasper to Lake Louse | Sightseeing with picnic lunch
• Option 2. Discover the Grizzly Bears Lake & Waterfalls

Cities and Rockies Combined

Vancouver & The Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation

• DAY 2 Vancouver | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• DAY 3 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 4 Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 5 Jasper to Lake Louise | Sightseeing with picnic lunch
• DAY 7 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
• DAY 8 Banff to Calgary | Coach

Perhaps you love the idea of a small alpine town getaway, but prefer it to be paired with the bright lights and pulsing energy of the city. On this 8-day trip you'll start in Vancouver, where neighborhoods like Gastown, Yaletown, Coal Harbour and the West End await with much to do. After a day trip to Whistler or Victoria, board VIA Rail's renowned Canadian train to travel overnight to Jasper in the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy an array of activities through Lake Louise and Banff before ending the trip in Calgary.

Feeling inspired? Chat with one of our travel designers to create a custom trip that's just for you. Prefer to simply stay in touch? Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date deals, trip ideas and more!

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Great Canadian Rail Journey ( CZ)

14 Day Tour from Toronto to Vancouver

Great Canadian Rail Journey

Starting at: $ 5675

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Redirect your train of thought on this epic rail journey across captivating Canada. Nestled in your first-class, art deco train car aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian, you can cruise and snooze your way through five picturesque provinces – although you won’t want to miss a moment of the panoramic scenery outside your window. After feeling the energy of Toronto and the mist of Niagara Falls, you’ll board your premier transcontinental train to chug past the sparkling lakes of Ontario, the golden prairies of Manitoba, the winding rivers of Saskatchewan, and the sun-dappled forests of Alberta. But the journey doesn’t conclude at the end of the line. You’ll continue by luxury motorcoach to the most beautiful national parks of the Canadian Rockies, including Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Glacier National Park. Roast s’mores at a riverside barbecue in historic Kamloops before s’more fun in the British-infused city of Victoria and the multicultural metropolis of Vancouver.

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Save $1000 per couple on select Globus 2024 Europe and North America Tours*

*Book and deposit a select 2024 Globus Tour to save an additional $500 off per person on the land price. Booking must be made and under deposit between January 4, 2024 - March 2, 2024, for select travel dates in 2024. Offer applies to select tours only. Does not apply to Custom Tours, Escapes by Globus or Independence by Globus single city stays. Offer combinable with valid Welcome Back Credits and select partner promotions. Applies to new bookings only. The applicable promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. May be withdrawn any time. Available from participating GFOB offices only. Promotional offer is in USD. PRMX0812 PRMX0812

 DESTINATIONS & SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing:.

Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to mid-October. When weather is unfavorable, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted. Due to the frequent use of this railroad for other services, delays may occur during the journey. One guest will be required to climb a ladder to reach the upper berth in a double cabin. Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.

Free Wi-Fi available on your motorcoach and in most hotels.

 Meals

 meals & itinerary.

Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 7 dinners

 Itinerary

Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description.

ARRIVE IN TORONTO, ONTARIO Welcome to Toronto! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink. TORONTO.jpg

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

TAREK SABET

Escorting tours for more than 15 years

" I have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry and have been leading tours in Canada since 1999. I speak English, Spanish, Arabic, and French. My passion for my work is fueled by the opportunity to meet amazing people , my fellow travelers! In my free time, I enjoy stamp collecting, chess, reading, opera, classical music, and teaching at a private college in Vancouver in the winter. "

" Growing up in a family hotel business, I have interacted with the traveling public since I was a child. I have over 35 years of experience in the travel industry and have guided tours in Canada and Europe since 1996. After living in Denmark and traveling the world, I currently call Halifax, Nova Scotia home and it is my privilege to share this beautiful country of Canada, both the east and west coast, with visitors from around the world. "

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" After working as an educator, I transitioned to a career in travel. Today, I have over two decades of tour management experience in Eastern, Atlantic, and Western Canada; the Pacific Northwest; Alaska; America's western national parks; New England; the Mid-Atlantic States, and the Deep South. What a wonderful way to paint a picture of our beautiful nation than to tell its stories, share its history, meet its people, and enjoy its amazing sights with our enthusiastic guests. "

Escorting tours for more than 5 years

" Travel has always been my passion. After completing my degree in Tourism, I lived oversees and had the opportunity to visit numerous countries and experience different cultures. My background in the travel industry has enabled me to realize how invaluable a respected and experienced tour operator is. I have 5 years of experience as a Tour Director with Globus family of brands and am proud every time I represent the company and travel with my guests. The Canadian Rockies are my home and I can not imagine a better office space in the world. Regardless if I am viewing wildlife with my group, telling a story of historical significance, or just standing close by as guests enjoy the beautiful scenery of Western Canada, I love my role as a Tour Director. Being a part of a guests travel experience is the best reward that I can ask for! "

SHERATON CENTRE TORONTO HOTEL

Jasper national park, chateau jasper, banff park lodge, south thompson inn & conference centre, inn at laurel point, the listel hotel vancouver.

The following optional excursions may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased).

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9 Family-Friendly Train Journeys That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Posted: February 22, 2024 | Last updated: February 22, 2024

On track for family fun

If you’ve ever dragged your tired and grumpy kids through airport security at some dreadful hour in the morning, you’ll understand the appeal of a long-distance train trip. Enjoy stunning sunsets, clean sheets and a sense of adventure on one of these great jaunts for families – some close to home, while others are further afield.

Click through the gallery for nine of the world's finest family-friendly overland escapes...

Vancouver–Lake Louise, Canada

Chicago–Memphis–New Orleans, USA

The following day on board will see you pass through Mississippi and into Louisiana, arriving in New Orleans around 3.45pm. The Big Easy has an infectious party vibe almost every day and kids will love the street musicians performing in the French Quarter, and the fairy-tale castle-like Saint Louis Cathedral (pictured).

Dusseldorf–Innsbruck, Germany and Austria

One of the few car trains left in Europe, this journey on the Urlaubs-Express from Dusseldorf in western Germany means you can jump off in the Alpine enclave of Innsbruck with your onward transport already to hand! Rent a car in Dusseldorf, or – if you’re coming from the UK – drive to the German city and park on board the autoslaaptrein (motorail).

London–Scotland, UK

As well as the obvious attraction – arriving in Scotland in time for breakfast directly from central London – children will love the bunk beds with individual reading lights and crisp white sheets, and you can book breakfast in the morning. Under-fives go free, but they’ll have to share your bed.

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Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Thailand

There’s food available on board, though it may not be to everyone’s taste. Booking tickets in advance through an agency like 12go.asia shouldn't cost more than about $53 per person. If you time it right, you'll be able to enjoy northern Thailand’s stunning scenery as the sun rises over Chiang Mai when you arrive.

Delhi–Varanasi–Agra, India

Once you’ve seen the city's sacred temples and the ghats of the revered Ganges, hop on a second night train to Agra and arrive early enough to see the Taj Mahal without the crowds. Reserving rail tickets can be done online (though you might find the process a little convoluted) via the IRCTC website; the booking window opens 60 days prior to departure. The AC1 (first class) and Sleeper classes will both offer a comfortable ride with bunks and clean sheets. There’s more privacy in AC1, but less chance of interacting with the local people.

Food is sold on the train, but it's safer (and more fun) to order your dinner from companies such as TravelKhana or RailRestro. Representatives from rated local restaurants will hop on at your chosen stop and hand you a fresh thali. An IndRail pass, allowing unlimited train travel, starts at around $80 for an adult's 15-day Sleeper ticket. Children aged five-11 are half price and under-fives go free.

Cusco–Puno–Arequipa, Peru

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Belmond Andean Explorer's two-night Peruvian Highlands itinerary will set an impossibly high bar for all family vacations that follow. This one might appeal more to families with older children, so that everyone involved can truly appreciate the level of luxury on offer. 

You'll begin your journey in Cusco, capital of the ancient Inca civilization, before an after-lunch excursion to the archaeological site of Raqch'i. Day one ends with a climb into the La Raya mountain range, while you'll wake on day two in Puno – gateway to Lake Titicaca and its mystical islands. En route to Arequipa on the third and final day of the tour, you'll see the eight-millennia-old petroglyphs of the Sumbay caves, returning to the train for lunch before your arrival in the volcano-fringed 'White City' of Arequipa.

The Belmond Andean Explorer's Peruvian Highlands journey departs from Cusco every Thursday morning. Included in the price tag are all your excursions listed in the itinerary, as well as all onboard accommodation, meals, beverages and entertainment.

Da Nang–Hue, Vietnam

In family-friendly Vietnam, a train trip can save time as well as being a great way to see the country. The views from the so-called Reunification Express (officially known as the North-South Railway Line) between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are spectacular, particularly on the stretch between Da Nang and Hue, when the tracks hug the coast. 

Four trains leave in both directions of the journey every day, each with five different ticket options. For the most comfortable experience for parents and children alike, book a place in a soft berth, which comes with cushions and sleeps four people; hard berths are for six, but offer no additional padding.

Darwin–Adelaide, Australia

It's one of the world's most scenic train journeys, showcasing some of Australia's dramatic landscapes that are not only steeped in natural wonders, but in rich history and ancient cultural significance too. The Ghan welcomes children of all ages; those aged up to 15 years old will benefit from a 20% reduction on their tickets when riding Gold Service.

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Now check out the earliest photographs taken in Australia

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Breathtaking multi-day train ride from Toronto takes you across 5 provinces

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The Trans Canada Rainforest Route isn't just a vacation; it's a luxurious odyssey through some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities. 

Totalling 11 days and 10 nights, this immersive experience allows travellers to plunge into Canada's rich tapestry of natural beauty and urban charm .

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The adventure begins at Toronto's historic Union Station , where passengers bid farewell to the bustling city and board the VIA Rail train, setting off westward for their transcontinental voyage. 

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Passing through Ontario's picturesque lake country and the rugged landscapes of the Canadian Shield , the ride offers ever-changing sights of endless skies and rolling fields.

Spending the first four days of the trip onboard, riders will find themselves immersed in the vast expanse of the prairie provinces , with the panoramic plains of Saskatchewan and Alberta stretching as far as the eye can see.

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The journey's highlight is three nights spent in Jasper, Alberta, cradled by the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Here, travellers can explore Jasper National Park 's wide-open valleys, magnificent mountains, and incredible wildlife . 

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Whether embarking on a wildlife tour, cruising the azure blue waters of Maligne Lake, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, there's no shortage of ways to spend the days immersed in the splendour of the Rockies.

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For the second ride of this once-in-a-lifetime journey, the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train carries its passengers through the sprawling wilderness of British Columbia, treating them to glimpses of elusive wildlife and pristine landscapes .

On the eighth night, experience the charm of Quesnel, a quaint town in the picturesque Cariboo Regional District of British Columbia. After a restful overnight stay, travellers wake up ready to embrace another day of breathtaking beauty onboard the Mountaineer.

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As evening falls, the train journey brings them to the mountain resorts of Whistler, where adventure and relaxation await in stunning alpine scenery.

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The trip ends with a half-day ride through the towering mountains and lush rainforests of British Columbia before arriving in the vibrant city of Vancouver , where passengers can expect to depart with a newfound appreciation for the vast and diverse landscapes that define Canada.

Fresh Traks Canada.

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