The ultimate way to experience Canada’s vast geography and cultural diversity is on a train trip across the country. You can get to grips with the sheer scale of this vast land from a luxury sleeper cabin on a VIA Rail train, or enjoy affordable seats on an seated coach that will take you across some of North America’s most exciting cities.
Start your journey in Toronto and cross the country on one of Canada’s most famous trains: a 4,500km route that connects Ontario to British Columbia, crosses five provinces, 670 bridges, and travels through dozens of tunnels and mountain passes along the way. You’ll pass through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and witness some of the most unique sights Canada has to offer.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this vast country in the comfort of a luxury sleeper compartment or in sociable and affordable seated coaches. From the pristine shores of Lake Ontario to the lush forests of Quebec and the bustling cities of Vancouver and Toronto, this trip will leave you feeling refreshed and enriched by the wonders that nature has to offer.
If you’re looking for an adventure in the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer is the best way to see this iconic region of Canada’s National Parks. This train travels between Quesnel or Kamloops in the northwest of British Columbia and Vancouver in the west, with stops in Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and Whistler on three unique routes.
While this route has a reputation for being a bit of a rough ride (the train shares tracks with freight trains, meaning delays can be inevitable), it is still a great way to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. The canadarail.ca train offers a range of amenities, including dome cars with panoramic views for all passengers in economy class, activity cars for guests in sleeper plus and prestige class, and a lounge car for those in SilverLeaf Service, which features dining on board the train and a glass panorama ceiling that gives you unobstructed, uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
The train makes two stops in Banff – one at the town’s main station and the other at Jasper National Park, where you can spend the day exploring the park and taking in some of the most stunning scenery Canada has to offer. You can also hike the nearby Jasper Parkway, or take a scenic helicopter tour of the park.
You’ll want to make sure you allow plenty of time to explore the city before you board the train again. The station is a short walk from the historic downtown core, and there are plenty of restaurants and hotels within walking distance.
From here, the scenery changes dramatically as you cross over the Rocky Mountains – a massive range of rugged peaks that isn’t as easily accessible from the road. Mount Robson, the tallest in the Rockies, looms over Jasper National Park and is a highlight of most trips on this route.
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