Taking a train through Canada’s diverse landscape is one of the best ways to experience the vast beauty of the country. A scenic train route in Canada can be as long or short, luxurious or thrifty as you desire. Here are ten of the most beautiful train trips in Canada.
Here are the 10 Most Picturesque Train Routes across Canada:
Vancouver to Jasper on the Rocky Mountaineer
Canada’s most famous train route, the Rocky Mountaineer’s Route from Vancouver to Jasper, is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Weave through Hell’s Gate, Pyramid Falls, Moose Lake, Albreda Glacier, and the highest peak in the Rockies, Mount Robson. This is a ten-day trip, with two days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and the other days spent in Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary. Rocky Mountaineer also offers other routes through the Canadian Rockies. Choose your package for an all-inclusive trip in comfort and beauty.
Website | Instagram: @rockymountaineer
Agawa Canyon Tour Train, Ontario Sault Ste. Marie, On to Agawa Canyon Park, ON
Pristine landscapes on the short 90-minute train ride from Sault Ste Marie to Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park are exclusive to train-takers and hikers since there are no roads. Wind through trestles, northern lakes, rivers, granite formations, and forests for stunning vantage points of the Algoma Region. Spot various wildlife on the way, keeping your eyes on the water for glimpses of beavers. You can hop off the train at the Canyon for hiking and waterfall chasing. Their fall tours are world-renowned and often sold-out!
Via Rail’s The Ocean, Montreal to Halifax
Visit most of the Maritimes in a day on this cozy 1,346-kilometer ride starting in Montreal and ending in Halifax. Wind through New Brunswick into Nova Scotia and enjoy views of sleepy fishing villages and blue waters of the ocean. Inside, enjoy local food and trivia in comfortable sleeping quarters in this short 1-day, 1-night ride. And, if you need more convincing to book this trip, VIA Rail’s The Ocean is the oldest continuously running named passenger train in North America.
Website | Instagram: @viarailcanada
Quebec City, QC to La Malbaie, QC on the Train de Charlevoix
An enjoyable 125-kilometer route hugging the St Lawrence River, the Train de Charlevoix connects Quebec City to La Malbaie. Take your trips at your own pace with stops along the way at adorable seaside villages and picturesque hiking and cycling trips. Spend a day at Baie-Saint-Paul, contemplate at the beach at Saint-Irénée, and have a history lesson at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive. You can also immerse yourself in beauty as you chug through the towns and cliffs from the comfort of the train. Pick a package that suits your desires for the trip and relish the landscape of St. Lawrence.
Website | Instagram: @traindecharlevoix
Toronto, On to Niagara Falls, On on the Greenbelt Express
Twisting through southern Ontario wineries towards the world-renowned waterfalls, The Greenbelt Express is ideal for cyclists wanting to bike the Niagara River Recreation Trail. Take your bike on the train and cycle south to Niagara Falls or even farther, to Fort Erie. The train stops throughout the route, giving you an almost never-ending list of cycling trails to enjoy. The Greenbelt Express offers packages, which include overnight hotel stays and other tourist attractions.
Via Rail’s Winnipeg, MB to Churchill, MB
The only on-land route to Churchill, MB, this Via Rail route will travel 1697 kilometers of various landscapes over two days and two nights. Choose the sleeper plus class for complimentary meals and a comfortable place to sleep. Once you arrive in Churchill, spend some time enjoying the arctic tundra, famous for its polar bears. You cannot lock your car doors in Churchill so that there is always a place to shelter from the large population of polar bears. Book a kayaking trip to witness beluga whales, and if you’re lucky, you can watch the northern lights at night.
Website | Instagram: @viarailcanada
White Pass and Yukon Route
Built over 120 years ago, the White Pass and Yukon Route is a spectacular meander through mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, and trestles. Climb 1000 meters in 30 kilometers for views of Yukon, BC, and Alaska. The route itself is a historical feat, spanning hundreds of kilometers of challenging landscape and harsh climate; it was an engineering marvel in its day. There are three excursions to choose from on this route; choose the one, which aligns with your travel plans the most – they’re all beautiful.
Website | Instagram: @whitepassrailroad
Royal Canadian Rockies Experience, Banff to Calgary, AB
With luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Royal Canadian Rockies Experience is a trip that will delight all of your senses. This five-day-long event begins in Calgary and traverses through Alberta Prairies with off-train experience to visit historical sights like Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump. Loop into BC and head back to Calgary for cinematic views of Banff and Lake Louise. This is a trip of luxury and beauty like no other.
Kaoham Shuttle, BC
This route is sure to excite the history-buffs and wilderness-seekers alike, the Kaoham Shuttle provides non-stop views of mountains and lakes on one of the sharpest CN Rail lines. While the shuttle is somewhat challenging to book – call the train from the Lillooet Railway station or wait till the shuttle arrives and speak to the driver – spectacular views of crystal blue lakes, jagged mountain cliffs, and wildlife are sure to delight. The two-car train also passes multiple historical sites, including a First Nations cemetery site.
Classic Canada Coast to Coast
Cross-Canada in 16 days! Start this train trip in Halifax and make your way through thousands of kilometers of Canadian beauty. Stop in Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Jasper National Park, and Vancouver. The costs include 11 nights accommodation, 5 of which are spent on the train. Most meals are not included, but you can choose your restaurant or café of choice onboard, as well as restaurant recommendations during your stops. In addition, guided tours, cruises, and sightseeing excursions make this a trip of a lifetime.
Website | Instagram: @AmtrakVacations
