Traveling by train is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Canada. With stunning views of sea and mountains, lush green valleys and winding rivers, there are many scenic train rides in Canada that will take your breath away.
Most Spectacular Train Rides Across Canada
From coast to coast, Canada boasts some of the most spectacular train rides that you can make with the help of Via Rail – an extensive, Inter-city passenger rail service. Here are some of the most scenic options to explore:
- The Ocean – Halifax to Montreal
The Ocean train ride is perfect for travelers looking to explore scenic Maritime Provinces. With a five-day journey, you get to take in the beauty of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, enjoy lobster sandwiches and sea air on board, and finish the trip in stylish Montreal. Seeing the beautiful vistas of the Bay of Fundy and St. Lawrence River makes this train ride really special.
- The Canadian – Vancouver to Toronto
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the most breathtaking landscapes of the northern Rockies, prairies and Ontario to the Atlantic. The Canadian is a fashionable way to discover four days of Canadian wildlife, snow-capped mountains and windswept prairies on the way from Vancouver to Toronto. In addition, if you take the second leg of the journey from Jasper to Toronto between April and October, you can enjoy a stop at the resort town of Banff.
- The Skeena – Jasper to Prince Rupert
This two-day journey is full of breathtaking views and spectacular adventures, including passing by the Mount Robson Provincial Park, the Yellowhead Pass, and the pristine rainforest of the Pacific Northwest. The Skeena offers you a chance to experience the beauty of western Canada’s wild rivers and deep glacial valleys, passing through stunning landscapes of snow-capped peaks, and warm, secluded coves.
- The Corridor – Montreal to Quebec City
This scenic route takes you from metropolitan Montreal to the picturesque landscape of Quebec City. If you choose to take this route, make sure you have time for some stops en route. If you can, try visiting places such as Trois-Rivieres and Drummondville, where you can experience traditional French-Canadian culture and coastal views of Baie-Comeau.
- The Agawa Canyon – Sault Ste. Marie to Agawa Canyon Park
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Shield and deep, ancient canyons with the Agawa Canyon train ride. This popular day trip departs from Sault Ste. Marie and heads to Agawa Canyon, a lush nature park on the edge of Lake Superior, offering breathtaking views of the Aurora Borealis during the cold winter months.
What to Bring with You on a Canadian Train Ride
When you plan on taking a scenic train ride across beautiful Canada, make sure you have the following items with you to make your journey more pleasant:
• A good camera and/or video recorder to capture all the beautiful sights;
• Comfortable clothing and footwear for the entire journey;
• A book or some magazines to read during longer stops;
• Some snacks for shorter stops;
• A hat and sunglasses for sunny days;
• An extra battery pack for your electronic devices;
• An umbrella or light jacket for the occasional rain; and
• A map of the area and timetables to help you navigate while on the train.
Planning Your Trip
When you book your ticket on Via Rail, make sure you also book accommodation, find out about discounts and packages, and purchase tickets in advance.
Via Rail offers several types of tickets daily, including Economy Class, Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class. Each ticket type varies in the amenities they offer, so be sure you check the details to make sure you find the right one that meets your needs.
You can also book your ticket online and purchase some additional extras, such as meals and beverages, free Wi-Fi and baggage allowance.
To make your journey even more enjoyable, be sure to book a private compartment for the experience. Private compartments offer a selection of luxury amenities, from breakfast-in-bed service, to afternoon tea, complimentary toiletries and a handmade evening snack.
There are many amazing rail journeys to explore in Canada. Each journey has its own unique beauty to discover the cities and mountains, cheerful river crossings and the quiet lakes. With so much to offer for the adventurers and nature enthusiasts, there’s no better way to travel and explore Canada than by train.