Canada, known for its scenic beauty and vast landscapes, offers several popular train trips that showcase the country’s natural wonders and cultural highlights.
Here are some of the most popular train trips in Canada.
1. The Canadian (VIA Rail)
- Route: Toronto to Vancouver.
- Journey Time: Approximately 4 days.
- Train Details: Features sleeper cars, dining cars, and panoramic viewing cars.
- Ticket Information: Prices vary depending on cabin class. Reservations can be made on VIA Rail’s website.
- Stops Along the Way: Major stops include Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Jasper.
Running from Toronto to Vancouver, this iconic journey takes you through the heart of Canada. It offers spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies, prairies, and lakes, making it a must-do for train enthusiasts.
2. Rocky Mountaineer
- Route: Several routes, including Vancouver to Banff/Jasper.
- Journey Time: 2 days (overnight stay in a hotel, not on the train).
- Train Details: Daylight-only travel to ensure passengers enjoy the scenery, with luxurious seating and gourmet meals.
- Ticket Information: Premium service, with various package options available. Bookings through Rocky Mountaineer’s website.
- Stops Along the Way: Kamloops for an overnight hotel stay.
Known for its luxury service, and one of the world’s great railway journeys, the Rocky Mountaineer offers several routes through the Canadian Rockies.
The most popular route is from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper, offering breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife.
3. The Ocean (VIA Rail)
- Route: Montreal to Halifax.
- Journey Time: About 22 hours.
- Train Details: Sleeper and economy classes available, with a dining car and a dome car for scenic views.
- Ticket Information: Tickets available on VIA Rail’s website, varying by class.
- Stops Along the Way: Major stops include Moncton and Truro.
This trip takes you from Montreal to Halifax, showcasing the scenic beauty of the maritime provinces. The journey offers a unique view of the eastern Canadian landscape, including forests, coastlines, and small towns.
4. The Skeena (VIA Rail)
- Route: Jasper to Prince Rupert.
- Journey Time: 2 days, with an overnight stay in Prince George (not on the train).
- Train Details: Economy class with a panoramic viewing car.
- Ticket Information: Can be purchased via VIA Rail’s website.
- Stops Along the Way: Prince George for the overnight stay.
This route runs from Jasper to Prince Rupert. It’s known for its stunning views of the British Columbian wilderness, including remote mountains and rivers.
5. The Corridor (VIA Rail)
- Route: Network connecting Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City.
- Journey Time: Varies depending on the specific route (a few hours).
- Train Details: Comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and business class options.
- Ticket Information: Available on VIA Rail’s website, with frequent service and flexible ticket options.
- Stops Along the Way: Various, depending on the chosen route.
This is a network of routes connecting Ontario and Quebec’s major cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. It’s a great way to explore the urban and cultural landscapes of Canada’s most populous provinces.
6. The Churchill Train (VIA Rail)
- Route: Winnipeg to Churchill.
- Journey Time: Approximately 2 days.
- Train Details: Sleeper and economy class options, with a dining car.
- Ticket Information: Tickets can be bought from VIA Rail’s website.
- Stops Along the Way: Thompson and other smaller communities.
This unique journey takes you from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba, known for its polar bears and beluga whales. The trip is a great way to experience the remote and wild landscapes of Northern Canada.
7. White Pass & Yukon Route
- Route: Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon.
- Journey Time: Varies (several hours for standard trips).
- Train Details: Vintage parlor cars, reminiscent of the Gold Rush era.
- Ticket Information: Various excursion options available, tickets can be purchased on the White Pass & Yukon Route website.
- Stops Along the Way: Bennett, British Columbia for some excursions.
This historic narrow-gauge railway in the Yukon offers a spectacular trip through rugged mountain terrain, reminiscent of the Gold Rush era. It’s a shorter but very scenic journey.
8. Agawa Canyon Tour Train
- Route: Sault Ste. Marie round trip.
- Journey Time: 1 day.
- Train Details: Large windows for scenic views, especially popular in the fall.
- Ticket Information: Day-trip experience, with tickets available on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train website.
- Stops Along the Way: Primarily a round-trip without stops, but there’s time to explore Agawa Canyon Park.
Operating from Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario, this train journey is especially popular in the autumn. It takes passengers through the Agawa Canyon, showcasing spectacular fall foliage, ancient rock formations, and breathtaking landscapes.
9. Jasper-Prince Rupert Train (VIA Rail)
- Route: Jasper to Prince Rupert.
- Journey Time: 2 days, with an overnight stay in Prince George.
- Train Details: Offers both economy and touring class, with a panoramic dome car.
- Ticket Information: Bookable through VIA Rail.
- Stops Along the Way: Overnight in Prince George, and various other smaller stops.
This two-day journey offers a scenic ride through the heart of British Columbia. The route takes you past the majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and the beautiful Skeena River.
10. The Polar Bear Express (Ontario Northland)
- Route: Cochrane to Moosonee.
- Journey Time: Approximately 9 hours.
- Train Details: Provides a unique view of the remote northern Ontario landscape.
- Ticket Information: Primarily a transportation service, tickets can be purchased through Ontario Northland’s website.
- Stops Along the Way: Several small communities along the route.
This unique train runs from Cochrane to Moosonee in Ontario. It’s not just a tourist train but also a vital link for remote northern communities. The journey offers a glimpse into the vast, unspoiled wilderness of Northern Ontario, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some local wildlife.
