Travelling Across Canada by Rail

What is the best train trip in Canada?

This all depends on what it is you really want to get from your trip, and most importantly want you want to see! There are many ways to enjoy riding the rails in Canada, with every route guaranteed to let you take in some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery, stress-free.

If you are looking to explore unrivalled views over the course of a couple of nights, the Gold Leaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer is known as one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. The domed viewing carriage means you get uninterrupted views of the Canadian Rockies, as well as gourmet meals and an exclusive outdoor viewing platform.

Can you travel cross country by train?

You can! Canada’s passenger trains are run by Via Rail, covering a wide range of areas. The Adventure Routes, include Prince Rupert on the BC coast to Jasper, Winnipeg up to Churchill, and Senneterre to Montreal. The Maritime Way is another lovely journey, which takes you from Montreal to Halifax by way of some striking coastline. You can also discover the majesty of Niagara Falls on a route through Ontario and Quebec.

Whatever you want to do during your stay in Canada, there is a train ride to complement your journey.

How long does it take to get across Canada by train?

You can travel coast to coast by train in six days. But if you want to travel the entire breadth of Canada, you should plan a longer and more varied journey. Our Trans Canada Rail Adventure takes in a huge number of Canada’s most sought after vistas and attractions, starting in Halifax and ending in Vancouver.

Across 16 days, you’ll be able to see the rolling landscapes of Nova Scotia, the bustle of Quebec city, the awe-inspiring view from the top of Niagara Falls, the prairies provinces and the lakes and mountains of the Canadian Rockies.

What is the train that goes across Canada?

Via Rail operates ‘The Canadian’ taking passengers from Toronto in Ontario to Vancouver in British Columbia. This is one of the best ways to appreciate the diversity of Canada’s natural landscape, as well as offering the chance to stop in Hornepayne, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Jasper.

One of the most attractive parts of the journey is the train itself, a beautifully restored piece from the 1950s which is reminiscent of the great era of train travel before we all took to the skies to get where we wanted to go.

How long does it take from Toronto to Vancouver by train?

The journey on The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver takes four nights. It is Via Rail Canada’s flagship train and guides you through the most northerly transcontinental routes. This particular journey is a popular one among those looking to tick something magical off the bucket list.

Where does the Rocky Mountaineer train go?

The Rocky Mountaineer covers four routes with a number of different packages for each one. Probably the most scenic route is from Kamloops to Banff, which is known as the First Passage to the West. It travels through the Rockies via the Canadian Pacific Railway which was the very first transcontinental railway in the country.

Another route is the Journey to the Clouds, which goes from Vancouver to Kamloops then on to Jasper where the journey ends. It is the same route taken by Via Rail’s Canadian train and takes two days.

Then there is the Rainforest to Goldrush journey, which takes you off the beaten track and through some of the wildest landscapes of the country. You might even be able to spot black and grizzly bears from the train as you traverse alongside the Fraser River.

Do you sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer?

No, the Rocky Mountaineer is a daytime only train so it does not have any sleeper cabins on board. Trips include overnight hotel accommodation.

How much does the Rocky Mountaineer cost?

This depends on your journey, but we can help you find the right Rocky Mountaineer route for your perfect tailor-made trip. There are two levels of service on the train – the Goldleaf, which has two-level domed viewing coaches with full-length windows, an exclusive dining room, gourmet meals, complimentary beverages and snacks, and superior hotel accommodation.

The Silverleaf service offers single-level domed coaches with oversized windows, breakfast/lunch served at your seat (choice of entrees), complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, and overnight accommodation in popular hotels. Contact us to learn more about pricing.