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Canada by Rail: 5 Epic Canadian Train Adventures to Add to Your Bucket List
Sean William Updated on Nov 26, 2022
Canada has some of the world's most scenic railway rides. Our Canadian holiday specialists have also compiled this hand-picked collection of the best rail trips on the market.

While a road vacation has perks, a rail journey through Canada allows you to see the Rockies, the Arctic, and the East Coast. Canada is a massive nation, and the best way to get to know its wild and rugged side is to roll across its vast open prairies, dense woods, and mountain ranges and valleys. Relax and take in the sights. All while being treated with excellent service and delectable cuisine as you travel through breathtaking landscapes. You may discover the proper adventure in the list below, whether you want a quick weeklong tour of must-see spots or a more extensive journey spanning plains, mountains, the coast, or beyond. Check out our sample itineraries for ideas, and then get in touch with us to organize your ideal scenic train trip.

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The First Trip To The West

From Seattle to Vancouver and, indeed, the Canadian Rockies, Rocky Mountaineer's train itineraries cover the breathtaking diversity of Western Canada (Vancouver to Jasper). The First Passage to the West begins in Vancouver and travels over the Canadian Rockies, passing awe-inspiring natural features like the Hoodoos and incredible artificial structures like the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park. Visit Lake Louise, a beautiful alpine lake, and the Victoria Glacier, or continue to Banff, an outdoor enthusiast's heaven. The luxury trains provide panoramic views from their glass-domed dining carriages, hot meals, and complimentary beverages.

The Canadian

Taking the VIA Rail across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver is an experience that should be noticed. The trip will take you over the Canadian Shield, from the lakes of Ontario to the plains of Saskatchewan and the snowy peaks of the Rockies, with a stop in the mountain hamlet of Jasper. A sleeper car would be the most comfortable option for the four-night, three-day trip, but even an economy seat will do the trick.

Railroad Of The White Pass And Yukon Route

Passports are required to travel on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway, Alaska, towards Yukon Territory. While traveling around Lake Bennett on the Bennett Scenic Journey, passengers can stop at the Bennett Station, built in 1903, to explore the town's history at their own pace in the form of a small museum and self-guided walking tour. A three-hour hike to White Pass Summit in Alaska is well worth the effort if you find yourself there. The old scenic railway travels for about 20 miles and gains around 3,000 feet in elevation over winding curves and dark tunnels, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.

The Ocean

The Atlantic Canadian coastline is traversed by VIA Rail's Montreal to Halifax route. The approximately 24-hour journey begins in the early evening in downtown Montreal, and the following day is spent passing through little villages and appreciating the coastal scenery of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The sleeping car is an upgrade from the budget car and may be reserved for a more comfortable journey. On-board dining is an option, and those looking to stretch their legs while taking in the scenery should head to the dome car.

The Polar Bear Express

Polar Bear Express may sound like a trip to the Arctic, but it takes passengers through the remote wilderness of Ontario's north. Cochrane and Moosonee, a tiny village on the Moose River that serves as a gateway to the province's extreme north, are connected by a road trip that takes around five hours. The train's amenities include a dining car and a dome car from which passengers may observe the dense forest and natural areas passing below. Visit the Polar Bear Habitat in Cochrane to see a real polar bear.

Conclusion

Do things that have been on your "bucket list" for a while but are too scared to do. When you want to see the globe and experience the wonder of it, the railroad is your best bet. A stroll is a beautiful way to see the sights and get to know the locals. And if you're planning a cross-country train trip, Canada should be near the top of your list of potential starting points. To answer your question: Canada's train network is extensive and home to many unforgettable trips.