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Train & Rail Tours in Canada

Relax and admire breathtaking views in Canada only accessible by train journey. With 28 Canada train tours lasting from 5 days up to 23 days, you're sure to find a railway carriage with your name on it on a route that will leave you speechless.

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28 train tour packages in canada with 1,081 reviews.

Via Railway Experience|5-Day Vancouver to Rockies Railway Full Experience Tour Departure Tour

  • Train & Rail

Via Railway Experience|5-Day Vancouver to Rockies Railway Full Experience Tour Departure

Overall it was a very good experience. The tour is organized and the entire team were nice and helpful. The tour was great in the sense that you get to see a lot in a few days which is great. You also get explanation and details of every spot. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in discovering the Rocky Mountains. The only thing I would change is to exclude the Vancouver part, if you are going from TO I advise to go strait to Calgary and start the tour from there. We did the 5 days excursion from TO to Vancouver then to Jasper, Banff …Calgary. And we had a flight delay going to Vancouver of 2 days so arrived on the same day we had to head to Jasper and that was very exhausting. In conclusion, it’s a great tour to consider and totally worth it :)
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Western Canada by Rail Tour

Western Canada by Rail

Truly stunning mountain scenery through the Rockies to Vancouver with guest appearances from bears, elk, eagles and gophers! A well paced and organised trip led by an excellent guide Sibylle. Travelling in style on the Rocky Mountaineer was a memorable experience, even though we were in Silver Leaf. A class operation. A minor gripe that there was so little time at the end of the tour in Vancouver and Vancouver Island, luckily we added a couple of extra nights in Vancouver to explore the city.

Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax

Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton with Ocean Train to Montreal Tour

Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton with Ocean Train to Montreal

Our overall experience was good, but were very disappointed by our stay in the last hotel, the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal.

Eastern City Lights: Toronto to Quebec City by Rail Tour

Eastern City Lights: Toronto to Quebec City by Rail

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Classic, 9 Days) Tour

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Classic, 9 Days)

Canadian Rockies by Train Tour

Canadian Rockies by Train

This was s bucket list trip. I was really looking forward to taking the train through the Rockies and it did not disappoint. The scenery was beautiful.
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Western Canada’s Grand Rail Circle Tour Tour

Western Canada’s Grand Rail Circle Tour

7-day Winter VIA Experience (Vancouver To Jasper) Vacation Package (ends In Calgary) Tour

7-day Winter VIA Experience (Vancouver To Jasper) Vacation Package (ends In Calgary)

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Small Groups, 8 Days) Tour

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Small Groups, 8 Days)

Great Canadian Rail Journey Tour

Great Canadian Rail Journey

I really had a great time all the people were so friendly and nice .The accommodation was fantastic the meals really good and James was full of info and a very helpful friendly guy.It was the trip of a lifetime .

French Flair and Coastal Charm: Halifax to Montreal by Rail Tour

French Flair and Coastal Charm: Halifax to Montreal by Rail

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Small Groups, 9 Days) (from Banff to Vancouver) Tour

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Small Groups, 9 Days) (from Banff to Vancouver)

Canadian Train Odyssey Tour

Canadian Train Odyssey

I would like to see more meals offered. Not use to locating evening meals in unknown city. Understand if stopping at place and everyone buys their own, but evening meals???? Breakfast in past has been standard.

Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise Tour

  • Ocean Cruise

Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise

What people love about train & rail tours in canada.

We enjoyed our tour very much, the sights were beautiful, staff we well informed. A highlight for us was the optional evening photographic tour. The only thing stopping me from giving five stars was the last day felt very rushed, especially at the Banff gondola as the queue to get on took half an hour and not enough time allocated to our lunch at the Lake Louise Chateau, we had to ask the waitress to bring out the dessert while we were eating the main as we only had 15 minutes until the bus left. Allocate a bit more time for those things and you will get five stars.

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The 11 Best Canadian Train Trips

By Michael Kaminer and Matt Ortile

Rocky Mountaineer

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 passenger train travelling through Rocky Mountains British Columbia Canada.

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.

View of cattle grazing in front of Rocky Mountains from Foothills near Cochrane Alberta Canada

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

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.

Canadian Rockies

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.

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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.

Image may contain Outdoors Nature Scenery Landscape Road Aerial View Mountain Fir Tree Abies Plant and Slope

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.

If theres one Canadian train ride that should make your bucket list its the journey on the Rocky Mountaineer from...

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.

Image may contain Transportation Train Track Railway Rail Vehicle Train Outdoors Scenery and Nature

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.

This image may contain Vehicle Transportation Train Train Track Railway and Rail

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.

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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.

Image may contain Transportation Vehicle Train Train Track Rail Railway Locomotive and Building

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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Western Canada Rail Vacations

Western Canada Rail Vacations | Bow River

A Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation is one of those iconic experiences of a lifetime. 

Soak up jaw-dropping scenery punctuated by more than 100 ancient glaciers, towering peaks and turquoise blue lakes, all while catered to by attentive rail staff. , whether it's aboard rocky mountaineer or via rail’s famous canadian train, your trip can begin in the pacific port of vancouver or in the cowboy city of calgary . , western canada rail vacations introduction.

From its rugged Pacific coastline to its soaring mountain peaks, lush rainforests and endless vineyards, British Columbia marks the perfect starting point for a Western Canada train vacation.

Neighbouring British Columbia is Alberta - home to five national parks, charming resort towns and the incredible scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Continuously listed as one of Canada’s most beloved destinations, getting here by rail is an experience not easily forgotten. Travel into the heart of the mountains on a Canadian Rockies train trip and experience stunning vistas of verdant river valleys, dramatic rock sheds, lush rainforests and deep canyons. As you enter the majestic 69,000-square-mile mountain range that is the Canadian Rockies, you will become immersed in some of the most dramatic scenes in North America.

Explore Western Canada Rail Vacations Places

Banff | Calgary | Jasper | Lake Louise | Vancouver | Whistler

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The Canadian Train

From the bustle of Toronto to the majesty of the Rockies and the serene West Coast, The VIA Rail Canadian train gives you a rare opportunity to see Canada's diverse scenery in one amazing trip.

VIA Rail’s The Canadian train travels through the Rocky Mountains

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Popular trips featuring the canadian train, the canadian train: route map, take a look inside the canadian train, service levels on the canadian, quick facts about the canadian train, what to expect on the canadian, places to visit on the canadian, frequently asked questions.

Follow the historic rail route that made Canada what it is today. Built in the 19th century to connect the nation, the Canadian National Railway stretches across the endless fields of the prairies and then carves through the Rockies before arriving on the West Coast. Savor stunning views from the train and then explore the country's best destinations at extended stops. 

Whether you want to see Canada’s wildlife in its natural habitat or dip your toes in a glacier-fed lake, the travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations can help. We have local knowledge of The Canadian Train and its routes. Our speciality is creating custom itineraries tailored to your interests. We love to travel, and we want to share that love with you as you explore all that Canada has to offer.

canada rail vacations tours

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.

Vancouver to Toronto Train Tour 

Spend 11 days exploring some of Canada's most popular destinations. This itinerary with the Canadian Train has the option of starting in Vancouver or Toronto. It includes stops at Banff and Jasper National Parks, giving you plenty of opportunities to see local wildlife and snap photos of all the attractions.  

Miles covered on train : 2,775 

Days on train : 5 

Nights on train : 3 

Canada Coast to Coast by Train

The Canada Coast to Coast itinerary includes four nights on The Canadian Train and two days on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer. Hop on board to experience a trans-Canada journey like no other. You'll see Peggy's Cove, Lake Louise, Niagara Falls and more with this itinerary featuring The Canadian Train trip. 

Miles covered on train : 3,240 

Nights on train : 4 

Trans Canada by Rail in Winter

Forget about walking in a winter wonderland; the Trans Canada by Rail in Winter route offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and prairies sparkling with frost. This itinerary includes accommodations in one of The Canadian Train cabins, stops at Jasper and Banff National Parks and a guided transfer along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Miles covered on train : 2,762

Days on train : 4 

Download a brochure

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

Polar bear cartoon looking through a pair of binoculars

VIA Rail's The Canadian Train follows this route:

Toronto > Winnipeg > Saskatoon > Edmonton > Jasper > Kamloops > Vancouver

It can also be done in reverse. 

This is the classic Canadian journey. Rumble through boreal forest, prairies and mountains on what National Geographic called one of the best train trips in the world . And along the way, you'll get to experience some uniquely Canadian destinations. 

Explore Toronto, Canada's largest metropolis and a cultural and artistic hub. Or visit Winnipeg, the most under-the-radar city in the prairies, with world-class museums, art galleries and a diverse dining scene. 

Cross through Saskatchewan's huge blue skies and bright-yellow fields of canola, and watch the terrain outside your window grow from foothills to the towering peaks of the Rockies. The serene coastline of Vancouver  — where you will either start or end your journey — provides the perfect mix of urban luxuries and outdoor escapes. 

Route map of VIA Rail’s Canadian train from Vancouver to Toronto

#1 Travel tip: Choose your season

From seeing fall colours, spring's wildlife or winter landscapes to special summer entertainment, each season offers a different experience on the train.

canada rail vacations tours

You may never want to leave your cozy cabin (where you can admire the scenery while lounging in bed). But when it is time to explore the train, you'll discover spacious lounge and dining cars. Gather with your fellow travellers for card games, conversation, and delicious food.

The VIA Rail Canadian Toronto to Vancouver train offers multiple service levels. Need help deciding which one is right for you? Get in touch with our local travel experts for advice.

Sleeper Plus Class

Sleeper Class offers both upper and lower berths, and private cabins. We recommend a comfortable private cabin, where you can stretch out and watch the sunset (or sunrise, if you're an early bird). Depending on the size of your group, you can book a cabin for one, two or four travelers. You'll have your own toilet and sink, plus a shower that is only shared with a handful of other people.

The perks of Sleeper Plus include :

  • Three gourmet fine dining meals per day. 
  • Complimentary fruit and cookies between meals. 
  • Priority boarding and access to the station lounges in Vancouver and Toronto. 
  • Access to the Panorama and Skyline viewing cars. 
  • Non alcoholic beverages included; alcoholic beverages available for sale. 
  • Cabins includes a toilet and sink, with access to a shared shower. 

A man and woman enjoy a cup of coffee in a Cabin for 2 in Sleeper Plus Class

Prestige Class

The Canadian offers the country’s only luxury train service across Canada . Prestige Class is like a cozy home on rails. You'll have 50% more space in your cabin compared to Sleeper Plus class and a 60% larger window for admiring those views. 

When night falls, you can retreat to your elegant cabin with a glass of wine, curl up in your Murphy bed for two and catch a movie on your personal flat-screen monitor — or simply watch the stars. Your room includes a private bathroom, with toilet, sink, and shower. 

The perks of Prestige Class include : 

  • The attention of a personal concierge.   Access to the exclusive Park Car, a lounge on the rails. 
  • Complimentary coffee, tea, fruit and cookies. 
  • All meals and drinks included. 
  • Priority reservations in the dining car. 
  • Pre-dinner appetizer service. 

Double bed made up for the evening in a Prestige Cabin on The Canadian train

#2 Travel tip: Trains don't run every day

If you'd like to spend more time in any of the Canadian's stops, you'll need to add some days to your itinerary. The train only runs twice a week in each direction.

canada rail vacations tours

  • The Canadian connects Toronto and Vancouver, with stops in Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Jasper. This route can also be travelled in reverse. 
  • This train covers a total of 2,762, which takes about 86 hours. 
  • Enjoy sweeping views from the top-floor observation area in the Skyline car. 
  • Travellers can dine on the train and sleep in their own private cabins. 
  • The menu features dishes that pay tribute to regional specialties: Saskatoon berry salad, Alberta beef and B.C. salmon are just a few examples.  
  • The Canadian Train Ride takes you through bustling cities, flat prairies and everything in between.
  • The Canadian train run every four days. You can arrange to get off in certain destination to explore for the time in between. You'll stay in hotels overnight when you're not on the train.  
  • You’ll have a good chance to see wildlife and the best sights in the Canadian Rockies where there are no roads.

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

When you ride on The Canadian, you get a unique look at what makes this vast county so amazing. Road trips and bus tours simply can't compare.

Skyline car view from The Canadian

The Skyline car gives you stunning views through giant windows

#3 Travel tip: Plan for relaxing

Download some regional podcasts or audiobooks for your train trip — you can keep your eyes on the scenery as you listen.

Blog Author - Athena McKenzie

From the bright city lights of Toronto to the looming Rocky Mountain peaks, this trans-Canada train journey is an adventure on a grand scale. Your Canadian Train Vacation Advisor can help personalize a trip that includes the activities and excursions that you want to add. Here are destinations worth exploring. It should be noted that other than the terminal destinations of Toronto and Vancouver, layovers in other stops along the way will last four days, as The Canadian Train only runs twice a week in each direction. 

Jasper truly has something for everyone, making it one of the most popular destinations on The Canadian Train route map. If you're looking for adventure, this national park has no shortage of options, from helicopter tours to ice climbing. Its mountain town is also ideal for low-key travellers who want to sit back and relax. There’s even a luxe Fairmont resort in the middle of all this stunning nature. Downtime and forest therapy await.

Helicopter flying over mountains against a blue sky in Jasper National Park

Vancouver has just the right blend of city amenities and natural wonders, making it the perfect place to begin your Canadian adventure. Start the day with some kayaking, have lunch at one of the city's many restaurants or spend the afternoon looking for wildlife. You'll never run out of things to do.

A person kayaking in False Creek in Vancouver on a sunny day

An integral destination on the Canadian route, you’ll love exploring Toronto's diverse neighborhoods. As the capital of Ontario, Toronto has almost every amenity you can imagine, from Broadway-style theatre performances to Michelin-rated dining establishments. It's also filled with historic landmarks and has activities for travellers of all ages and activity levels.

Gooderham and Worts Distillery National Historic Site in Toronto

Immerse yourself in Canadian culture with a visit to Winnipeg. A gem on the prairies, the city has trendy neighborhoods, interesting museums and parks galore. It even has an 80-acre conservation centre for travellers who love animals.

Sunset reflecting off a lake and the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg, Manitoba

What Our Customers Say

The accomodations, food and staff were really great.

Our expectations were fully met. The accommodations, food and staff were really great. We had several delays on our flights, but the train experiences were fantastic. Since we are...   read more

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Dave and Julia

I would be happy to recommend Fresh Tracks to anyone planning a Canadian Vacation

Many thanks to you and the other Fresh Tracks team members for your help in putting together our Rockies vacation. My wife and I had a fantastic time. All the connections and picku...   read more

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Kevin and Robin

QLD, Australia

This was a trip of a lifetime

This was a trip of a lifetime. We did all the important and amazing excursions that were offered.

Aline and Assadour review of their [object Object] trip

Aline and Assadour

Why book your train journey in Canada with Canadian Train Vacations?

canada rail vacations tours

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.

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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.

canada rail vacations tours

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.

How much does The Canadian train cost?

The Canadian train fares vary based on your point of origin, your destination, The Canadian Train schedule and whether you choose an Economy Class, Sleeper Plus Class or Prestige Class ticket. Our packages with The Canadian train start at $5,280 and include the train, your meals on the train, your hotels before and after the train tour, transfers to and from the airport or hotel, sightseeing tours and activities, and some additional meals.

Where does The Canadian Train go?

The Canadian Train stops in major centres like Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper, Edmonton and Winnipeg, and Toronto, as well as many smaller destinations.

Can I sleep on The Canadian Train?

Yes. The Canadian Train has sleeper berths and cabins available. There are upper and lower berths, as well as more private cabins for one to four travellers. There's also an option to book a Prestige Cabin, with a private bathroom and shower.

Is there a dining car on the Canadian Train?

Yes. Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class passengers have access to the dining car, which serves three chef-prepared meals daily. In Economy Class, passengers have access to meals, snacks and a variety of beverages served by train attendants. For Economy Class passengers, the Canadian Train cost doesn't include meals or snacks.

Most dietary requirements, food allergies, and other requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Is there a bar car on the Canadian Train?

The Canadian Train doesn't have a dedicated bar car, but you can purchase local beers and wines to enjoy at your seat or in the dining or lounge car.

Are there private bathrooms on The Canadian Train?

On the Canadian Train, Prestige Class and Sleeper Plus Class cabins have private bathrooms. Economy Class and Sleeper Plus semi-private berths have public restrooms.

Is The Canadian Train worth it?

Yes! The Canadian Train is one of the best ways to see Canada in style. You'll travel across much of the country and see everything from soaring mountains to flat prairies. It’s an immersive experience that showcases the best of Canada’s stunning landscapes.

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About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and...   Read more

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EXPLORE CANADA BY TRAIN

The 4,000-mile train journey across Canada is one of the world’s greatest travel experiences. The Spectacular coast to coast trip offers some of the most breathtaking scenery found anywhere in the world.

canada rail vacations tours

Canada Rail Vacations & Train Tours

Rocky mountaineer | via rail tours with canada rail vacations, discover destinations that appeal to urban explorers, nature enthusiasts, and everyone in-between on a canada rail vacation. on the west coast, vancouver delights with proximity to both mountains and the ocean, while in the rockies alpine towns seamlessly blend with acclaimed national parks. continuing east you'll encounter the cosmopolitan appeal of toronto, ottawa and montreal, followed by the maritimes and atlantic canada's eclectic towns. .

VIA Rail

VIA Rail Canada has perfected the art of ferrying passengers across the country's vast and diverse landscapes, all year round. Unwind on a classic overnight train across Canada, where you can stretch out in a cozy sleeper cabin and dine on exquisite meals. It's the most comfortable way to explore the natural beauty of Canada.

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

Travelers with a passion for historical adventure should consider the Canadian Rockies Train Tour with Rocky Mountaineer. Onboard this world-famous train, you can choose between the First Passage to the West, Journey through the Clouds or the Rainforest to Gold Rush in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service.

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Rainforest Route Train

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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COMMENTS

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