7 of the Best Train Trips in Canada and What You'll See Along the Way
Offering some of the most scenic views in all of North America, Canada’s excellent long-distance train network is a great way to experience all the best of this incredible country, from the pristine beauty of the Canadian Rockies to the dynamic big cities of the East and West Coasts.
VIA Rail operates 494 trains per week in eight Canadian provinces over a network of 7,800 miles of track. So whether you travel on VIA Rail's classic trans-continental train, the Canadian, from Toronto to Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper and Vancouver, the inter-city trains between Toronto, Montréal and Québec, or the Ocean from Montréal to Halifax, you’ll experience fresh, chef-prepared meals, comfortable, relaxing amenities, and spectacular views throughout! Learn more below about 7 of Railbookers' best train journeys through Canada and the spectacular stops they make along the way!
1. Classic Canada Coast-to-Coast
VIA Rail's Canadian Train
The Classic Canada Coast to Coast is a once-in-a-lifetime journey across Canada! Experience the quaint seaside community of Halifax in the Canadian Maritimes, then journey by train to Montreal and explore the historic, multi-cultural streets. Visit Toronto, the country’s largest city and enjoy a full-day tour out to the Ontario side of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. Next, journey west for an incredible train experience through the Canadian plains and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Your trip ends in Vancouver where you'll see all the best sights of this diverse and vibrant city.
2. Canadian Rockies Discovery Eastbound
Lake Louise, Alberta
Experience the gorgeous scenery and breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies on this incredibly scenic rail journey from Vancouver to Calgary. See amazing views of Vancouver from hundreds of feet above the ground at the Vancouver Lookout. Stroll down the charming cobblestone streets of Victoria. Get up close and personal with massive glaciers during an interactive ride on the Ice Explorer. See the spectacular natural treasures of Jasper. Relax in the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Finally, discover all Calgary has to offer!
3. Ultimate Canada and Rockies Westbound
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Learn what truly makes the Canadian Rockies so majestic on this amazing journey through four different cities and a fun day trip to Niagara Falls! Tour all the splendid sites of Toronto, including the lovely Harbourfront. Get up close and personal with Niagara Falls with a cruise on the lake. Sip local delicious wine during a winery tour. Explore the spectacular natural treasures of Jasper National Park. Experience breathtaking views of the Rockies during the ride of a lifetime aboard the Jasper Skytram. Visit one of the largest expanses of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle, the Columbia Icefield in Banff. Enjoy two days of sightseeing in Vancouver. You'll be talking about this trip for years to come!
4. Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies by Rail
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
Experience spectacular landscapes and scenery on this 11-day adventure to Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. Discover the beauty of Glacier National Park as you travel along the world-famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Enjoy one of the most scenic train journeys as you travel through the Canadian Rockies. Tour the Icefields Parkway and ride an Ice Explorer vehicle onto Athabasca Glacier. Explore the picturesque mountain town of Banff and take in the splendor of Lake Louise while relaxing at the historical Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
5. Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria Rail Journey
Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
Enjoy 7-days of sightseeing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest on this multi-city journey. Experience the sparkling metropolis of Seattle. Travel all around the city on a sightseeing tour that will take you to the city's harbor front, the busy Pioneer Square, and to the iconic Space Needle where you can explore its observation deck, towering over 500 feet above the city. After that enjoy the mesmerizing artwork at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit. After your time in Seattle, board Amtrak's scenic Cascades train route for your trip up to Vancouver. While there, you will travel around the city on a sightseeing tour that will show you the best of what Vancouver has to offer. Then experience the beautiful and lush forests of British Columbia on the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Next up is the charming seaside town of Victoria where you will get to experience the beauty of Butchart Gardens. A magical experience awaits on this 7-day journey!
6. Canadian Rail Experience
Vancouver, British Columbia
Enjoy an experience unlike any other on the Canadian Rail Experience! Capture all of the culture and excitement of both Toronto and Vancouver with fun and user-friendly hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours! Then board VIA Rail's Canadian for the cross-country trip to the west. Capture the pure beauty and majestic sights of the many plains, mountains, lakes, and glaciers as you travel through the Canadian countryside. With so much to take in on your cross-Canada trip, the travel becomes the destination on this Canadian Rail Experience!
7. Ultimate Canada Coast-to-Coast
Toronto, Ontario
Experience an epic rail journey traveling east across picturesque Canada! Your vacation begins in the vibrant, diverse city of Vancouver, also known as the “Hollywood of the North.” Spend two days discovering the city before journeying east on a scenic overnight train ride to the Canadian Rockies and the incredible mountain towns of Jasper and Banff for a true Canadian alpine experience! Next, continue east on the train on an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies and the beautiful plains to Canada’s largest city, Toronto. While there, enjoy a full-day tour of the magnificent Niagara Falls. Three more classic eastern Canadian cities – European-influenced Montreal and Quebec City, and the quaint seaside community of Halifax – round out this coast-to-coast Canadian experience!
