best canadian journeys

The 11 Best Canadian Train Trips

By Michael Kaminer and Matt Ortile

Canada is second only to Russia when it comes to land mass, which means seeing the country's vast wilderness can be overwhelming. Luckily, Canadian train trips criss-cross most of it, and these rail journeys allow you to take in some of the world's most spectacular scenery, stress-free. Just imagine: the nation's vistas unfolding before you slowly (or swiftly, depending on your chariot) while you remain in the comfort of your seat. On top of that, some of the Canada's most remote—and beautiful—spots lack road access, so a train ride may also be the only way to visit. All the more reason to climb on board .

Read on to learn more about 11 of the most beautiful Canadian train trips you can take across the Great White North, as well as some recommendations for where to stay at the beginning or at the end of your railroad adventure. (And for more fabulous train rides, check out the results of Condé Nast Traveler 's Readers' Choice Awards 2023 to see which trains our readers voted the best in the world .)

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Via Rail’s Winnipeg to Churchill

This 1,054-mile trip north feels more interplanetary than provincial, whisking you from urban Winnipeg to the tundras of Churchill , known as the polar bear capital of the world. Accessible by plane or train only, it’s also prime turf for beluga whale-watching , and possibly the world’s best perch to view the northern lights. Landscapes en route are breathtaking, with stops including tiny river towns The Pas, Thompson, and Weir River. Splurge on Via’s Sleeper Plus class for access to a bed and shower.

Where to stay: In Winnipeg, check into the impressive and century-old Fort Garry Hotel , a prime example of twentieth-century châteauesque architecture, including prominent cornices and a steep sloping copper roof. In case you needed a bit more of that old-world feel to your trip.

Ontario Northland’s Polar Bear Express, Cochrane to Moosonee

Ontario is larger than France and Spain combined, but most visitors stick to its big southern cities. Embarking from tiny Cochrane—nearly 500 miles north of Toronto —the Polar Bear Express chugs five hours further north to Moosonee, so remote it lacks road access. The route mimics a path fur traders favored centuries ago, through a primeval landscape of thick forests and winding rivers. Note that reaching Cochrane involves a flight to northeastern Timmins and an overnight bus ride.

Where to stay: Break up your adventure with a night at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa in Timmins, Ontario. The place is all about rural and cozy vibes, letting you bask in the natural beauty of nearby Gillies Lake Park and Hollinger Park.

Agawa Canyon Tour Train, Ontario

It’s only accessible by trail or rail, which makes Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park near Sault Sainte-Marie such a thrill to visit. Hop on and off this 90-minute ride as you pass four dramatic waterfalls and a trail system that overflows with pristine natural beauty. Bonus: Beavers, the most Canadian of critters, traipse through here frequently.

Where to stay: Since this tour train takes just an hour and a half, you'll need a place to rest your head in Sault Sainte-Marie before continuing your journey. Luckily, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront is near the station, and offers cool views of Saint Mary's River and the United States beyond.

Royal Canadian Rockies Experience, Banff to Calgary, Alberta

Canada’s glitziest train ride is also one of its most cinematic, passing through splendid Banff and Lake Louise, along with jaw-dropping sights like Alberta’s Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a World Heritage Site where Indigenous people hunted ruminants by enticing them to leap off a cliff. Still eager to see more? At the end of the line, you can book a helicopter trip over the Rockies for a bird's eye view.

Where to stay: In Banff, you shouldn't miss the Fairmont Banff Springs . This Scottish Baronial fortress grants you a million-dollar view of those majestic snow-dusted mountain tops, which makes the moniker “the Castle in the Rockies” all the more fitting.

Olivia Morelli

Gianluca Longo

Charlie Hobbs

Via Rail’s The Canadian, Toronto to Vancouver

A single train journey can’t capture Canada’s magnificence, but this four-night/three-day adventure from Toronto to Vancouver comes close. You’ll take in prairies, lakes, peaks, valleys, hamlets, waterfalls, and, if you’re lucky, cameos by local wildlife like deer, elk, and bears. If you can, book a seat in Prestige Class—think concierge, superb meals, private lounges—for one of the most comfortable train trips you’ll ever take.

Where to stay: Once you're in Vancouver, keep the plush and casually fabulous energy going with a night or two at the dreamy Shangri-La Vancouver , where those who appreciate the subtleties of luxury travel won't be disappointed.

White Pass and Yukon Route, Yukon

Even today, building a railway through the mountains, glaciers, and gorges of Gold Rush country remains an impressive feat, let alone in 1898, when this route was first built. Survey views of the Yukon, BC, and Alaska , as your train rises a gut-churning 3,000 feet in just 20 miles to the summit of White Pass. Touring such treacherous terrain will leave you appreciating how the railway helped knit a nascent Canada together.

Where to stay: There aren't many hotel options in Skagway, Alaska, where this train journey begins. That said, there are a handful of cruises that call at this Alaskan port town, including options aboard Celebrity Cruises , so you can make this a two-for-one adventure.

Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West, Western Canada

If there’s one Canadian train ride that should make your bucket list, it’s the journey on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff . The whole ride is scenic, offering glimpses into the Great White North’s wildlife as well as its important Indigenous history. Thoughtful guides and storytellers onboard talk you through the locales and vistas from the comfort of your plush leather seats underneath the train cars’ glass-domed roofs. Meals here are delicious too, no matter which class of service you’re in, whether it’s SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf (though the latter’s linen-covered tables are a classy touch).

Where to stay: The Rocky Mountaineer is often spoken about in the same breath as other famous luxury train rides across the world: the Orient Express , Seven Stars Kyushu , or the Royal Scotsman . But unlike those, this isn’t a sleeper train. It travels exclusively by daylight, making the most of the scenery. At night, guests check into a hotel along the route—so your comfort throughout the journey is assured.

Train de Charlevoix, Quebec

Inaugurated in 1889, when it connected Quebec City to remote Charlevoix, this train line cruises along a glorious section of St. Lawrence coastline. Much of the scenery en route seems unchanged a century and a half later, with the mighty river on one side and lush landscapes on the other. Stops include enchanting coastal villages like Baie-St-Paul; consider splitting the journey over two days to explore. The route runs June through October.

Where to stay: Before you climb onboard the train in Quebec City, prep for your journey in old Basse-Ville (meaning “lower city”) at the boutique hotel Monsieur Jean , which offers bright and breezy digs melded with friendly Quebecois hospitality.

Via Rail, Jasper, Alberta to Prince Rupert, BC

The windows-only Dome Car on this nature-filled route offers 360-degree views of the regal Canadian Rockies. During the seven-hour train ride, you’ll also get an ocean’s worth of lakes, including beautiful Yellowhead, Lucerne, and Moose. Have more time? The train heads to coastal Prince Rupert the next morning, where whale-watching and grizzly-bear-viewing are highlights. Bonus: At the Alberta-British Columbia border, the train crosses the Continental Divide.

Where to stay: Once you're on Kaien Island and the train pulls into the port city of Prince Rupert, head for the Crest Hotel , where you can wake up to beautiful waterfront views of—what else?—Prince Rupert Harbour.

Rocky Mountaineer's Journey Through the Clouds, British Columbia and Alberta

The Canadian Rockies’ tallest peak, majestic Mount Robson, is the star of this ten-day journey from Vancouver to Calgary. But it’s hard to pick a highlight when your trip spans sights like British Columbia’s astonishing Hell’s Gate—twice the width of Niagara Falls—and Moose Lake, home to plenty of its namesake. You’ll also get a glimpse of the gargantuan Albreda Glacier, a landscape dating back eons.

Where to stay: When in Canada, you can't go wrong with a Fairmont, and the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary is a true beaut. Plus, it's sandwiched between the city's downtown and the Calgary Design District, so you'll have plenty of sightseeing options when you get off the train.

Via Rail’s The Ocean, Montreal to Halifax

Climbing north into remotest Quebec and east into New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this aptly-named, 836-mile trip lets the wide-open spaces and clear-blue waters unfold like aqua-tinted postcards. Bonus: The Ocean is the oldest continuously running named passenger train in North America, rolling along since 1904.

Where to stay: In Montreal you've got the pick of the litter, but the stately yet modern Hotel Birks Montreal and the classically luxurious Four Seasons Montreal take the cake. Meanwhile, in Halifax, you've got the super sleek Muir, Autograph Collection in the downtown waterfront area, and the richly cozy The Pebble Bed & Breakfast in the South End for an inn-in-the-city experience.

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Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection

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North America Travel Guide

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Best places to visit in canada for 2023-2024.

From the cosmopolitan streets of Toronto to the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, our neighbor to the north features a diverse set of vacation destinations that are beautiful year-round. Deciding which one is perfect for your next getaway can be difficult. That's why U.S. News considered several factors, such as affordability, entertainment options and diversity of hotels and resorts, as well as user votes and expert opinions, to compile this list of the best places to visit in Canada. Vote for your favorite spot below to have a say in next year's list.

Jasper National Park

Vancouver, canada, niagara falls, quebec city, prince edward island, gros morne national park, victoria & vancouver island, cape breton highlands national park, mont-tremblant, okanagan valley.

Nestled amid the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this tiny mountain town in Alberta appeals to both nature enthusiasts and luxury seekers. Visitors can spend their days skiing or hiking in Banff National Park (one of Canada's most beautiful national parks and home of the glacier-fed Moraine Lake) and floating down the Bow River on a canoe before retiring to one of the area's several opulent hotels for some spa therapy. Then, for incredible views of the Rockies, take a ride on the Banff Gondola. Meanwhile, daytrips to popular attractions like the Columbia Icefield, Yoho National Park and Lake Louise cannot be left off of your itinerary.

As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is ripe for exploration. When you're not hiking through Maligne Canyon, whitewater rafting down the Athabasca River or snapping photos of Spirit Island, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the picture-perfect scenery from the Jasper SkyTram. Or, take in the beauty of Jasper National Park while driving along the Icefields Parkway. Keep your eyes peeled for the 53 species of mammals that call this Alberta park home, including black bears, elk and bighorn sheep.

A trip to this British Columbia city, which sits approximately 145 miles north of Seattle, is all about embracing the outdoors. Vancouverites spend their days skiing on Grouse Mountain, swimming at Kitsilano Beach and strolling through the sprawling Stanley Park. Plus, Vancouver offers plenty of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries and outdoor markets (a tour of Granville Island is a must-do). If you're not afraid of heights, walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is positioned 230 feet above the Capilano River.

Travel to this iconic destination in southeastern Ontario to see and capture photos of its namesake world-famous tourist attraction . View Niagara Falls from above during a helicopter tour, or see them up close on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Or, for a unique perspective, admire the thunderous falls from behind with the self-guided Journey Behind the Falls experience. After you've taken in the splendor, check out the area's other top attractions, such as the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, which offers a variety of hiking trails. When you've had your fill of nature, head to nearby wineries or test Lady Luck at the casinos.

Referred to as the "small city with a big backyard," Whitehorse – the capital of Canada's Yukon territory – shines with all of its outdoor activities. Explore Miles Canyon, which is accessible from Whitehorse on foot (a nearly 10-mile loop trail connects the city directly to this natural wonder). After, head north to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you'll find all kinds of animals, including arctic foxes, elk, muskox and bison. Even though this region gets notoriously cold, you might want to time your visit around the first couple of weeks of winter for a chance to witness the northern lights.

A trip to Europe may not be in your budget, but a visit to Québec City could be. This Canadian city charms visitors with its picturesque centuries-old buildings that make up Old Québec – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the aromas of freshly baked bread and brewing espresso fill the cobblestone streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain with the essence of Paris. Once you've gotten your fill of the city, take a trip to Montmorency Falls Park to marvel at its 272-foot-tall waterfall. Plan your visit for winter when the city comes alive with twinkling lights, festivals and cold-weather activities – just remember to pack your down jacket .

Take adventure travel up a notch with a visit to Whistler. In winter, this resort town in British Columbia (about 75 miles north of Vancouver) boasts everything from cross-country skiing and snowboarding to bobsled rides and bungee jumping. Travelers can spend their downtime in Whistler Village enjoying the après-ski scene, perusing locally owned shops or strolling through Whistler Olympic Plaza. Meanwhile, visitors in town when the weather is warmer can go hiking, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking and more. Plus, summer travelers will love exploring Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, home to the 230-foot-tall waterfall from which the park gets its name.

Home to rolling green hills, sandy beaches, red sandstone cliffs and a delicious bounty of seafood (this is where PEI mussels come from, after all), Prince Edward Island is the place to travel for a relaxing respite from Canada's more adventure-driven destinations. When you're not hiking the trails at Prince Edward Island National Park, perfect your swing at one of the island's golf courses or visit the Green Gables Heritage Place, where the 1908 novel, "Anne of Green Gables" was inspired. And be sure to keep an eye out for PEI's seal population (four kinds call the island home either full or part time).

This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses nearly 700 square miles of land on Newfoundland's west coast. Its top activity is undoubtedly hiking through the Tablelands. Here, you'll traverse exposed earth mantle, a rust-colored landscape that was created millions of years ago by a collision of tectonic plates. Also save time for a boat ride on Western Brook Pond, which is a glacier-carved, landlocked fjord that features cascading waterfalls measuring 2,000 feet. After getting a taste of nature, learn about the region's history at the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse.

Montréal is a city of juxtaposition: Skyscrapers rub elbows with Old Montréal's 17th-century architecture while the familiar sounds of English intermingle with the foreign buzz of French – the official language of Québec province. Visit Old Montréal to get a taste of Europe (think: beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets), including its own Notre-Dame Basilica, a grand Gothic Revival-style church that offers self-guided tours along with an evening sound and light show. Then head to modern attractions, such as the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts. Meanwhile, if you're visiting during the warmer months, don't miss out on the Montréal Botanical Garden and the scenic Mount Royal Park.

While Montréal and Québec City honor Canada's French roots, Victoria pays tribute to the country's British heritage. Many pay a visit to Victoria, British Columbia's capital city, for afternoon tea, a tour of the beautiful Parliament Buildings or a history lesson at the Royal BC Museum. Others are interested in visiting Vancouver Island's wineries to sample local vinos. Meanwhile, animal lovers enjoy the abundance of marine wildlife that call the waters surrounding Victoria home. In fact, there are nearly 80 orca whales in Victoria's waters. What's more, since Victoria is one of the most sustainable urban destinations in North America, visitors can feel good about the impact of their trip.   

"Big" doesn't even begin to describe this Ontario city. With cultural pockets like Greektown, Little India and Koreatown all within city limits, Toronto has the ability to transport visitors around the globe. Take it all in with a ride up the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, or enjoy a quintessentially Canadian experience at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Then, head to the St. Lawrence Market to sample gourmet goodies before checking out the nearby Harbourfront Centre. And if the weather is right, plan a visit to the Toronto Islands, where you can relax on the beach, go kayaking or enjoy an afternoon bike ride.

The star of this national park on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island is the world-famous Cabot Trail – one-third of which runs through the park. As you drive the winding highway, which is considered one of the world's most scenic drives, you'll pass forested river canyons, rural fishing villages and plenty of lookout points for admiring Nova Scotia's serene landscape. Prefer to explore the park on your own two feet? There are 26 hiking trails to choose from, as well as opportunities for kayaking, mountain climbing, camping and more.

Located a little more than 80 miles northwest of Montréal in Québec's Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant is best known for its skiing, specifically Mont Tremblant Ski Resort, which occupies the highest peak in the mountain range. But warm-weather visitors are equally enchanted by its Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, which boasts six rivers and 400 lakes and streams, not to mention countless hiking trails and beaches. Water sports, fishing and mountain biking are all popular here thanks to the area's diverse landscape.

Stretching across more than 150 miles, the Okanagan Valley is home to 86% of British Columbia's vineyard acreage and features more than 200 world-class wineries. There are also a variety of subregions in the valley, each promising its own unique experiences and grape varietals. If you are looking to combine wine tasting with outdoor pursuits, visit the Naramata Bench. This area is packed with wineries and offers everything from kayaking to mountain biking. No matter which area you visit, you'll enjoy spectacular views that rival those of the world's best wine regions .

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Kluane National Park and Reserve

Saint John, New Brunswick

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The Best Things to Do in Canada

13 of the Best Canada Road Trips That Will Blow Your Mind

April 30, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

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Canada Road Trip Last updated: April 1st, 2022

If the thought of being behind the wheel while driving amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world excites you, then this Canada road trip article is for you.

As world travellers that specialize in Canada travel, we’ve done some epic road trips in our lifetime, including the Australian East Coast, the Oregon Coast, California, and parts of Mexico, Malaysia, Peru, and New Zealand. Still, nothing compares to the 150-day road trip across Canada we did back in 2017. Comprising over 27,000 kilometres of asphalt (and some dirt roads as well), we got to explore Canada from coast to coast to coast. However, not everyone has 150 days to dedicate to driving across Canada.

While there are many other road trips not listed here, as well as a variety of incredible destinations that may not include an iconic road trip, we believe these 13 itineraries below are some of the best road trips in Canada and we hope they are helpful suggestions when you’re ready to take your next Canada road trip.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

How could I not start an article about Canada’s best road trips without first mentioning the Icefields Parkway, which has often been ranked as one of the best road trips in the entire world? Stretching 232 kilometres through both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, this highway invites you into a journey of mind-blowing scenery, including mighty mountains, waterfalls, turquoise-coloured lakes and rivers, and glaciers too. While the drive from Banff to Jasper really only takes upwards of three-four hours, you’ll probably want to budget an entire day for all the stops you’ll be making to take photos, short hikes, or even full-on tours at the Columbia Glacier. Popular stops include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls, just to name a few. For those coming from Calgary to Banff , you just continue towards Lake Louise and then head North on highway 93.

Best time to go: This Alberta road trip is best from June to September, although May works as well. October is also good if you don’t mind a higher chance of rain in exchange for much fewer tourists. From November until April, you should expect snow and ice. This is also a beautiful time to do the road trip, but you’ll need to be much better skilled at driving and expect delays. In addition, many things such as the Columbia Icefield tour are closed.

Bonus: Due to the popularity of this area, it’s also a great place for delicious food. There are so many restaurants in the area and we’ve made some extensive guides, such as our guide to the best Banff restaurants and the best Canmore restaurants .

Cowboy Trail, Alberta

If you’re looking for some prairie and mountainous “wild west” scenery, Alberta’s Cowboy Trail is the road trip for you. Primarily located just south of Calgary, you could start your experience in the province’s biggest city, taking time to explore the many things to do in Calgary such as the Glenbow Museum, Heritage Park, Studio Bell, or the new central library. If you’re up for a party, time your visit with the Calgary Stampede, which is known as the greatest outdoor show on Earth. You could even stop by the Alberta Boot Company and grab yourself some authentic Cowboy boots or other Western-style clothing.

While the actual “Cowboy Trail” refers to Highway 22, which travels all the way from the Edmonton area down into the USA, our favourite part starts around Bragg Creek and takes you down past Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Okotoks, High River, Longview, and down towards Pincher Creek. You’ll pass a lot of stunning scenery and historical sites such as the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site as well as a number of Western-style towns before winding up in the Rocky Mountains such as the Crowsnest Pass and Waterton Lakes. If you’re not wanting to continue into the USA, you could return to Calgary via Highway 2, stopping to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump .

Best time to go: This is one of the best road trips from Calgary and is best done between May and October.

Banff to Vancouver via the Trans-Canada Highway

While the Trans-Canada Highway can take you across the entire country, the most beautiful part, in our opinion, is from Calgary to Vancouver . After just an hour or so, you’ll arrive in Banff with nothing but gorgeous scenery for the remainder of the drive. This 900-kilometre slice of the Trans-Canada takes you through Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park of Canada, and finally into Vancouver, which is nestled next to the Pacific Ocean. While this drive can be done in one very long 12-hour day, you’ll obviously want to take as long as possible to make use of the incredible national parks you’ll be driving through. There are also a number of side trips you could take, such as highway 93 down into Radium Hot Springs, and Highway 97, which will take you down to Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour Offer .

Best time to go: This largely depends on what you aim to do. The safest time to go is during the warmer months when the highways are clear. However, if you’re into skiing, this is one of the best places in the world to shred powder, which is typically best between January and March.

For more tips on what to bring on a road trip, check out our Road Trip Essentials article.

Road Trip around the Okanagan Valley, BC

While the Okanagan Valley isn’t really known as a specific “road trip”, it is home to one of Canada’s most famous wine regions, a gastronomic hot spot, and beautiful Lake Okanagan. There are all sorts of beautiful towns to visit, such as Kelowna , Penticton, and Vernon. There are all sorts of award-winning wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and sandy beaches as well. This also happens to be one of Canada’s warmest regions, which can hit 40 degrees Celcius in the summer months.

Best time to go:  June to September for the warmest temperatures. April, May, and October are also great and a bit cooler.

Sea to Sky Highway, BC

This is the shortest road trip mentioned in this article but a great one to take if you’re in the Vancouver area. The Sea to Sky Highway links Vancouver to Whistler, which are less than two hours apart, making this one of the most popular road trips from Vancouver. Driving along the coast, this is a great place to see the beautiful west coast. Popular stops include Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver, Shannon Falls, and the Britannia Mine Museum. There’s also the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, which provides unforgettable views and a suspension bridge and of course, Squamish and Whistler, which provide all sorts of adventurous activities. In addition, don’t forget to experience Vancouver whale watching while in the city as well as all the other fun things to do in Vancouver .

Tour Idea: Sea-to-Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip Tour .

Best time to go:  July to September is Vancouver’s dry season, but if the rain doesn’t bother you, almost any time of year is good. If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, January to March is best.

Vancouver Island, BC

Vancouver Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Canada and is home to some of the best things to do in British Columbia . Not only does it have one of the mildest climates in the country, but it’s also home to a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, rugged coastlines, and scenic towns and cities, making it a great place for a BC road trip. It’s also home to beautiful gardens, epic hikes, surfing, scuba diving, and whale-watching tours. Two of the most popular places to visit include Victoria and Tofino, which are on opposite sides of the island. While driving between the two, don’t forget to stop at Cathedral Grove to marvel at the massive trees as well as the many other parks and towns along the way. Finish the trip with one of Tofino’s stunning sunsets.

Best time to go: a West Coast road trip is best between March to May and September to November. Summer is great too but is very busy and expensive.

Before you go, check out our article about things to do in Victoria BC .

Dempster Highway, Yukon

As Canada’s only all-weather road that goes past the Arctic Circle, the Dempster Highway has become one of the most unique road trips in Canada. However, this is not your average highway. The Dempster Highway is a 700-kilometre extremely isolated dirt road with only one service station (they also offer accommodation and a restaurant) option along the way in Eagle Plains. This road trip takes a little more preparation than the others and will be much harder on your vehicle than any other road trip mentioned in this article. However, for those who choose this adventure, you’ll be rewarded with incredible arctic scenery and the chance to drive all the way to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean!

Best time to go: The best time to go would be in the warmer months between May and early October. The road is open year-round but the driving becomes much more dangerous in the winter. Spring will bring a lot of bugs, summer will bring a lot of tourists, and the fall has no bugs and beautiful fall foliage (hint: our favourite time is the fall). However, if you time your arrival in Inuvik for mid-July, you might be able to experience the Great Northern Arts Festival.

Georgian Bay Coastal Route, Ontario

Looking for one of the best road trips from Toronto? With more than 30,000 islands and over 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles) of shoreline, the Georgian Bay Coastal Route loops around the Bay from Toronto and features some of Ontario’s most stunning scenery. Some of the most popular stops include the Bruce Peninsula, Parry Sound, and Killarney Provincial Park. There’s also beautiful Manitoulin Island, which is the world’s largest freshwater island, as well as Wasaga Beach, which is the world’s largest freshwater beach.

In addition, you could also extend the road trip and add in the Chatham-Kent Corridor, which is comprised of 23 small communities overlooking Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the Thames River. Basically, it goes from Toronto to Amherstburg, which makes this one of the most popular road trips from Toronto. This route is popular with motorcyclists but is equally impressive on four wheels. Without a doubt, the most famous stop along the way is Niagara Falls Canada .

Best time to go: Summer is great but also busy. Shoulder season in late August to mid-September or in the spring from May to June is also great. Either way, this is one of the best things to do in Ontario .

Lake Superior Circle Tour, Ontario

While the entire Lake Superior Circle Tour takes you to both Canada and the USA, you could opt to do a half-circle tour and just stay on the Canadian side. Either way, it’s a beautiful drive and a really cool place to get out in nature. Lake Superior is absolutely massive and will make you feel as if you’re driving alongside the ocean. It’s home to some incredible scenery as well as some interesting history from the war between Canada and the USA. In fact, you can even go scuba diving to see shipwrecks. Popular stops include Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ruby Lake Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Thunder Bay. This is one of those places where you should plan to spend at least a few days and perhaps go camping, hiking, or enjoy some time on the lake. It’s a great road trip in Ontario for those who love the outdoors.

Best time to go: The warmer months from May to October. July and August will be the busiest. Before going, don’t forget to enjoy one of the many awesome things to do in Toronto !

Montreal to Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec

For those wanting to experience a world-class city like Montreal, followed by a scenic road trip, the Gaspe Peninsula is the one for you. This 9-hour trip takes you along the St. Lawrence River, from Montreal to Quebec City, and up to the Gaspé Peninsula. Known for its pine forests and looming cliffs, the Gaspé Peninsula is a stunning place to visit. Some of the highlights include visiting the pierced rock in Percé, spending some time at the Parc de la Gaspésie, and taking a boat tour to Bonaventure Island. Obviously, the cities of Quebec and Montreal aren’t so shabby either. This is a great road trip for those wanting to mix urban and rural fun.

Best time to go:  June to mid-September. Want more? Here are other things to do in Quebec as well as the top things to do in Montreal .

Prince Edward Island Coastal Drives

With so many beautiful coastal drives, the hardest thing might be picking the right one. Then again, you could always do all three. The tourism board has three road trips they recommend, which include the North Coast Coastal Drive, Central Coastal Drive, and Points East Coastal Drive. The North Coast will introduce you to its Mi’kmaq culture as well as some unique stops, including a potato museum and a college for the Highland arts. The Central Coastal Drive includes the Red Sands Shore and the Green Gables Shore region. This area is great to experience the beautiful red sand that PEI is famous for as well as the historical landmark of Anne of Green Gables. Lastly, there’s the Points East Coastal Drive, which is characterized by its parks, trails, and lighthouses. Either way, you’ll be treated to an array of stunning coastal views and delicious seafood along the way.

Best time to go:  The Eastern Canada road trip is best in the warmer months, as many attractions close in the winter. Want more ideas? Here are other things to do in Prince Edward Island .

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

For those visiting the East Coast, don’t miss a scenic drive on Cabot Trail, which is easily one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia . Cradling the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail has become one of the most famous road trips in Canada and the most famous East Coast Canada road trip. At 300 kilometres in length, most of which hug the coastline, this road trip is perfect for those who love the ocean and incredible views. Traversing through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there are all sorts of places to stop off and go for a hike as well. One of the most popular hikes is the Skyline Trail, which takes you up to the peak of the highlands for jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also some small communities of Celtic and Acadian descent, which are also home to many artisans. This is another road trip that only takes 3-4 hours to complete but is better done over one day or more.

Tour Idea: Click here to learn about a low-cost Smartphone Audio Driving Tour .

Best time to go: June to September is best for good weather but October is great to see the fall foliage.

Spending more time in Nova Scotia? Don’t forget to enjoy some of the best things to do in Halifax !

The Viking Trail and Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Known to locals as “The Rock”, Newfoundland is one of the most unique and beautiful provinces in Canada. It has its lively music, food, culture, and a really friendly laid-back charm. It’s also a great place for a Canada road trip thanks to Gros Morne National Park and the Viking Trail. In fact, there are many great road trips in Newfoundland but this one stands out as the best. If you’re looking for incredible scenery, wildlife, adventure, and ancient history, there’s no better place to go. It all starts with Gros Morne National Park, which is home to landlocked fjords, mountains, forests, barren cliffs, and the sea. It’s also home to the only place in the world where you can walk on the Earth’s mantle. There’s also loads of wildlife, including moose and caribou. Then there’s the Viking Trail , which takes you from Gros Morne National Park up to St. Anthony’s. This is the tip of Newfoundland and home to the thousand-year-old Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. Both Gros Morne and L’Anse aux Meadows are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Best time to go: June to early October is the best time for good weather. It’s also the only time L’Anse aux Meadows is open. For more, check out our article on the best things to do in Newfoundland

Road Trip Canada – Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada Highway is the most epic and incredibly long road trip you can take in Canada. It stretches across the country through all 10 provinces. Starting in Victoria, it ends in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Some of the (many) highlights awaiting road-trippers include Vancouver, Banff National Park , the Alberta Badlands, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal, Fundy National Park, and Gros Morne National Park, just to name a few. In fact, there are far too many highlights to include here. Just make sure you have a lot of time. Stopping only to sleep, this trip will take approximately 7 days. Personally, I’d want at least one month to do the whole journey from coast to coast. Add in an additional 2-4 weeks if you plan on going North to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Best time to go:  April to October for optimal weather coast to coast. However, some parts of Canada still get snowstorms up until May.

We hope this list has inspired you to take a Canada road trip somewhere in this country, if not all the way across.

If you’re exploring Canada, we have many other articles you might enjoy as well, including:

• Things to Do in Drumheller
• Things to Do in Jasper
• Whale Watching Canada
• Things to Do in Calgary
• Camping in Alberta

Happy Travels!

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

March 18, 2020 at 5:18 am

Traveling by car can get you places which can be very difficult to reach by public transport or tour. It gives you the convenience of going your own way, in your own time, and it can often be cheaper than public transport alternatives, especially if traveling as a couple or a group. Many car rental services are giving comfortable rides at affordable rates Here, some top road trip ideas to inspire you : 1) The Trans-Canada Highway 2) Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia 3) Icefields Parkway, Alberta 4) Country Routes, Quebec 5) The Dempster Highway, Yukon and Northwest Territories 6) Coastal Drives, Prince Edward Island

I mentioned above places are when I visited last time in Canada by ReRyde ride share service. It is easy for me to travel all the places at affordable rates within the scheduled hours. I enjoyed my trip happily by seamless ride To get more information: https://www.reryde.com/

June 9, 2020 at 7:33 pm

I am especially interested in the Dempster Highway drive. Could you send me a guide please?

Mike Richins 325-660-8904

5058 Oaklawn Drive Abilene, Texas 79606

June 10, 2020 at 3:23 pm

We don’t have any guides to sell. We might create a digital one, but it wouldn’t be ready anytime soon.

June 24, 2020 at 8:56 pm

I’m looking for some good road trips as I’m RVing from Kingston, Ontario to Vancouver Island in September and taking a month to do it.

June 25, 2020 at 1:23 am

Oh awesome, that sounds like a great trip. So much to see along the way. Riding Mountain NP, Grasslands NP in Sask, Calgary, the Rocky Mountains, etc 🙂

September 9, 2020 at 6:37 pm

My wife and I are planning to drive from Surrey BC to London Ontario. Leaving October 9th, or 10th 2020. wish me luck. we are hoping for good weather.

September 9, 2020 at 7:16 pm

Very cool! That’s a big drive! Just going for fun?

January 30, 2021 at 8:32 pm

There is the Northern Woods and Water Highway road trip that is the furthest North people can travel east west in Canada. See the website http://www.NWWR.ca As an Association we promote a different view of the prairies. It can be connected with the TransCanada or Yellowhead for a circle tour of Western Canada from Winnipeg to Vancouver and return. Get on anywhere and experience woods, water and wildlife.

February 1, 2021 at 3:56 pm

Very cool! Thanks for sharing! Are you like a Tourism Board for the area? We’d love to feature this one day on the channel

April 28, 2021 at 5:12 pm

just got some new wheels so anxious to hit the road….when we can once again do that! thanks for the great ideas!

April 3, 2023 at 9:01 pm

Do you have suggestions for renting a car that would allow you to rent the car on the west coast and leave it on the east coast?

April 4, 2023 at 1:51 pm

Not really. Some do allow that though for a fee. Sometimes you can book it this way through a site like Rentalcars.com, Expedia, etc.

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13 of the Best Road Trips in Canada

Written By: The Planet D

Canada , Road Trips

Updated On: February 19, 2024

We love epic drives and have had the pleasure of traveling overland on five different continents . But nothing compares to the best road trips in Canada. Exploring our own backyard always takes our breath away. Canada is beautiful!

While many websites will write about the road trips in Canada that they’ve only heard of or read about, we are rounding up the best Canada road trips that we’ve actually taken. From coast to coast we’ve got you covered with links to our in-depth experiences, maps, and further information.

So, grab a Tim Hortons coffee and put on your road trippin’ playlist while we help you decide where to go next in Canada!

Table of Contents

Best Road Trips in Canada

The main road across Canada is the Trans-Canada Highway 1. The Trans-Canada highway spans 7821 km (4859 miles) across our home and native land from coast to coast. With an epic road like this, it’s no wonder Canada is one of the best countries in the world for taking a road trip.

These are the best road trips in Canada that we’ve taken.

1. Yukon and Northwest Territories – Dempster Highway

Duration: 2 – 4 days one way.

A lot of people don’t know of the Dempster highway but it is the most exciting road trip in Canada that we’ve done! Starting in Inuvik Northwest Territories, the Dempster Highway is a 736 km (457mile) drive through two provinces. It even crosses the Arctic Circle.

You can rent a car one way from the town of Inuvik in the Northwest and then drive direct to Dawson City or continue on to Whitehorse to fly home. This goes through the heart of the Canadian wilderness and is one of the most remote pieces of highway in the world.

Highlights of this drive include:

• Inuvialuit and Gwich’in peoples Culture of Inuvik
• Grizzly bears and caribou,
• Old RCMP headquarters
• Arctic Circle
• Stunning Tombstone Mountain Range
• Gold Rush Town of Dawson City
• Read more about the Dempster Highway

2. Nova Scotia – Cabot Trail

Duration: 3 – 5 Days. It can be driven in one day, but you’ll miss all the gorgeous hikes, adventures and scenic stops.

The Cabot Trail is usually at the top of Everyone’s Canadian road trips list and it only barely missed out on the number one spot on our list. The reason, Cabot Trail is much busier than the Yukon. It is a beautiful coastal drive located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Starting in the town of Baddeck, we drove in a counter-clockwise direction to Margaree Harbour.

Highlights include:

• Skyline Trail – Stunning coastal views
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park
• Whale Watching & Zodiac tours
• Ingonish Beach
• Uisge Ban Waterfalls
• Coastal Hikes
• Glamping Tents
• 22 Incredible Stops on the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

3. Alberta – Icefields Parkway

Duration: one to seven days.

It might be the most famous of all the road trips in all of Canada. This stretch of highway between Banff and Jasper national parks is definitely the most beautiful road trip in Canada.

You can start this trip in Calgary and drive all the way to Edmonton to really make it a multiday trip. This entire drive can easily be done in a day but we really must give yourself several to do it justice. Spend a day or two in both Banff and Jasper and take some time to explore the Icefields Parkway. Read more: The Best Things to do in Banff

• Banff National Park
• Lake Louise
• Columbia Icefields
• Athabasca Glacier
• Breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains
• Read more: Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta

4. British Columbia – Sea to Sky Highway

Duration: 1 day to 7 days

It’s rated as one of the most scenic drives and with good reason. Starting in Vancouver and ending in Pemberton British Columbia the Sea to Sky highway is 154 km (95 miles) long stretch along the coast.

Most people pass through in an hour and a half on their way to Whistler, but there are so many scenic views and the town of Squamish is an outdoor lover’s dream. Read more Famous Canada Landmarks to add to your bucket List

• Squamish Chief
• Shannon Falls
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Britania Mine
• Brandywine Falls
• Train Wreck Trail
• Read our full S ea to Sky Highway Itinerary
• 21 Best Day Trips From Vancouver, BC

5. New Brunswick – Fundy Coast

Duration: 5 days

The drive from Moncton to Saint Andrew’s in New Brunswick is one of the most scenic routes in Canada. This beautiful road trip weaves along the north shore of the Bay of Fundy: home to the world’s highest tides. After checking out Magnetic Hill and Centennial Park in Moncton, the drive veers south towards the Hopewell Rocks.

The Hopewell Rocks are beautiful flowerpot rocks and massive formations that can be walked among during low tide. It then continues to the historic old town of Saint John and ends in the lovely fishing village of Saint Andrews close to the border of Main.

• Hopewell Rocks flowerpot rocks
• Cape Enrage lighthouse
• Saint Martins Covered Bridges and sea caves
• Fundy Trail
• The fishing village of Saint Andrews
• Saint John, New Brunswick
• Read more: 25 Best Things to do in New Brunswick, Canada

6. Prince Edward Island

Duration: 1 – 3 days

Prince Edward Island is the smallest of Canadian provinces, but it is a beautiful place to go on a road trip. We combined our trip to PEI with New Brunswick.

Crossing Confederation Bridge into PEI feels like you have really driven off the beaten path in Canada. Charlottetown is the capital and a great place to start once you cross the bridge. We then drove a counter-clockwise loop around the Central Coastal Drive. Here we enjoyed the coastal views, lighthouses, sand dunes, and East Coast hospitality.

• Charlottetown – festival, dining, and waterfront
• famous red cliffs and sand dunes of PEI National Park
• Anne of Green Gables Shore
• The fishing village of Malpeque
• Read more: Things to do in Prince Edward Island (PEI)

7. Ontario – Sudbury to Thunder Bay

Duration : 5 Days. If you extend to go completely around Lake Superior make it 7 days.

The drive from Toronto to Sudbury is not the most eventful of trips, but once you arrive in Sudbury the adventure begins. Driving north along the Trans Canada Highway Route 1 from Sudbury to Thunder Bay has some of Canada’s top roadside attractions and houses some of the Iconic places to visit in Ontario.

The route takes you from Sudbury along the northern shore of Lake Huron and then turns north from Sault Ste. Marie above Lake Superior. With names like Wawa, Marathon, and White River, you’ll be driving through some of Canada’s quirkiest towns.

Highlights Include:

• The Big Nickle in Sudbury
• The Big Canada Goose – Wawa
• Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in the Soo (Sault Ste Marie)
• Pukaskwa National Park
• White River – Home to Winnie the Poo
• Terry Fox Memorial in Sudbury
• The waterfront of Thunder Bay
• Read all about our Lake Superior Circle Tour through the United States and Canada.

8. Quebec – Le Gaspésie Peninsula

Duration: 7 Days

This road trip starts from one of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec City. Quebec has kept its old-world charm that feels like a little piece of Europe hopped across the pond.

Driving along there are wildlife encounters, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, awe-inspiring scenery, and culinary delights. You can start in Montreal if you want to enjoy another Canadian City as well. Driving along the St. Lawrence River out to the Gulf of St. Lawrence offers some of Canada’s most striking views and wildlife experiences.

• Old Quebec City
• St. Lawrence River
• Vertical Cliffs of Gaspésie Peninsula
• Pointe-au-Pere National Historic Site
• Camp in a Yurt at Bic National park
• Whale watching
• Spy on Seals
• Forillon National Park
• Read all about the Gaspe tour

9. Southern Alberta – Cowboy Trail

Duration: 7 – 10 days

While most people think of Banff and Jasper when driving through Alberta, the Cowboy Trail through Southern Alberta was one of the greatest Canadian road trips we’ve ever taken.

From trail rides and dude ranches to historic sites and badlands, this drive takes you through some very unique landscapes.

Highlights Include

• Waterton Lakes National Park – part of
• Dinosaur Provincial Park
• Canadian Badlands
• Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
• Hoodoos of Drumheller
• Read our full itinerary at the Cowboy Trail – Exploring Alberta’s South

10. Nova Scotia – South Shore

Duration: 7 days

Heading South from Halifax, most people make a day trip out to see Peggy’s Cove. This fishing village is home to the world-famous Peggy’s Cove lighthouse. But there is a lot more to do on Nova Scotia’s South Shore and we spent 10 days exploring its beauty.

From the rocks of Peggy’s Cove, we followed the lighthouse route all the way to Yarmouth. The historic route goes through old settlements, beautiful landscapes, secluded coves and beaches, and lovely towns.

• Peggy’s Cove
• Three Churches of Mahone Bay
• Yarmouth Lighthouse
• La Have Ferry and Bakery
• The Privateer History of Liverpool
• Read more at First Stop on Your East Coast Road Trip.

11. British Columbia – Sunshine Coast

Duration : 4 – 6 days

The Sunshine Coast of British Columbia is another epic drive in Canada. Starting in Vancouver , we took a ferry from Howe Sound to Gibsons Landing. Gibsons is still on the BC mainland, but it can only be reached by ferry.

Gibson’s Landing was home to the famous Canadian TV Show the Beachcombers that ran for nearly 20 years!

Once you leave Gibsons, you go through wild west coast terrain with beautiful coastal hikes, scenic lookouts, historic sites and eco-adventures. The 400km plus loop takes you north to Lund where you catch a ferry from Powell River to Vancouver Island and work your way south through Nanaimo to Crofton.

• Smugglers Cove – beautiful hike on the coast that was once a rumrunner’s hideout.
• Glamping at Rockwater Secret Cove
• National Historic District of Powell River
• Reversing Falls of Skookumchuc Provincial Park
• Desolation Sound
• Read more: Sunshine Coast BC – The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

12. Quebec – Eastern Townships

Duration: 2 – 3 days weekend getaway from Montreal

Starting in Montreal, this Quebec Road trip takes you along Southern Quebec and the Eastern Townships.

Known for its wines and apple orchards, this route will take you on a French Canadian gastronomical journey. The cider route links apple orchards and cider houses together where you can taste local cuisine paired with premium cider.

Heading towards Saint Jean sur Richelieu may take you to the annual hot air balloon festival. And then move over Provence, Bleu Lavande in Quebec is one of the largest and important lavender producers in the country.

• Old Montreal
• HIstoric French Villages
• Covered Bridges Route
• Antique Shopping at North Hatley
• Hovey Manor on Lake Massawippi
• Mont Megantic National Park
• Check ou t Where to Stay in Montreal

13. Ontario – Grey Bruce Superloop

Duration : 3 – 4 Days

Ontario has an endless supply of Road Trips and we’ve done them all from the Niagara Parkway to the Apple Pie Trail and Manitoulin Island . But a very cool loop is the Grey Bruce Superloop around Lake Huron.

Driving along the South Shore of Lake Huron, this road trip takes you through Bruce County. Make sure to take a detour a little farther north to Tobermory. The perfect place for adventure scuba diving the shipwrecks or climbing at Lions Head.

• Wiarton Willy – Canada’s groundhog for groundhog day.
• Kincardine Lighthouse
• Sauble Beach
• Niagara Escarpment – World Heritage Site
• Waterfalls of Grey County
• Read more at Explore the Grey Bruce Superloop

I know we have missed a couple of provinces. While we have been to Manitoba and Saskatchewan, we haven’t taken a proper road trip through those provinces, but there are some great drives.

Newfoundland is on our list and perhaps when we can all travel again, Dave and I will hop in our car and head to the east coast of Canada to finish off our great Canadian road trip planner.

If you enjoyed our round up of Canadian Road Trips, save this to Pinterest for future travel planning.

Follow Along for More Road Trips Around the World

• California Road Trip Itinerary
• Arizona Road Trip
• Hana Highway
• 13 of the Best Canadian Road Trips – That We’ve Done
• 60 of the Best Road Trip Songs to Rock the Long Drive
• 60 of the Best Road Trip Songs to Rock the Long Drive The Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary

Explore more of Canada

• 41 Beautiful Places in Canada To Visit Right Now
• 52 Things to do in Canada – For the Ultimate Adventures
• The Best Canada Adventures: 36 Amazing Trips from Coast to Coast
• Canada Winter Activities You Just Cannot Miss!
• The Great Canadian Word, Unique Phrases and Canadian Sayings
• Canadian Food – Delicious Dishes and Drinks from Canada
• Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta Canada

And these are our favourite road trips in Canada. Where have you gone on an epic drive in Canada? Where should we go next?

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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1 thought on “13 of the Best Road Trips in Canada”

You for got the alaska hwy

Canada's 4 best train trips

Nov 9, 2023 • 7 min read

See Canada from a unique vantage point – by rail © Boxcar Media / Shutterstock

Canada’s railways, operated by government-run VIA Rail , are a pillar of the country’s late 19th- and early 20th-century history. Impressive feats of engineering, the railways united the nation, delivered news and supplies to isolated communities and brought prosperity and mobility to the masses. 

While passenger services may have dwindled since their high point in the 1940s, a well-oiled transcontinental rail network still spans the country's entire breadth from Vancouver in the west to Halifax in the east. 

Outside the Toronto–Montreal commuter corridor, the trains remain a perennial favorite with tourists, slow travelers and those looking to sit back in a comfy carriage and absorb an endless conveyor belt of dramatic scenery.

Here are four of the best overnight train journeys in Canada you won’t want to miss.

1. Vancouver to Toronto on The Canadian

4466km (2775 miles), 94 hours

When The Canadian debuted in 1955, the flagship train was a prime example of post-war railway style. Stainless steel carriages outfitted with art-deco furnishings, 360-degree observatory domes and spacious sleeping cars were The Canadian's calling card. Except for a few sporadic refurbishments, little has changed in the years since.

The train offers three different classes: Economy (seat only), Sleeper Plus (sleeping berth) and Prestige (private compartment). In contrast to planes, reclining seats are large with plenty of legroom; bathrooms are invariably well-scrubbed, and musicians, presenters and wine tastings break up the journey. 

The luxury sleeper train’s restaurant offers gourmet meals from prime rib of beef to pan-roasted halibut, plus alcoholic beverages to sip while the train rocks and sways through the countryside.

Heading east, The Canadian departs late on the Vancouver -to- Toronto leg, so travelers have to wait until the following day to enjoy the scenery: flashes of evergreen British Columbian forests, mountain peaks (including – if you’re lucky – Mt Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak), dozens of river valleys and waterfalls, and animals like grazing elks, moose and, maybe, a bear or two (train staff will announce sightings).

The train passes through Mt Robson Provincial Park and Jasper National Park , where it stops for 90 minutes in the mountain town of Jasper. The scenery from here on flattens out with the line bisecting vast prairie land that continues for hours – across Alberta , Saskatchewan and Manitoba , also known as the breadbasket of Canada. 

Yellow canola flowers, hemp and flax form massive carpets of color. Wooden grain elevators stand like track sentinels against the flat landscape where – locals joke – they can see a stray dog running away for three days. Finally, the train rattles into Toronto, where this mammoth overland odyssey ends.

More info: VIA Rail  Canada – The Canadian

2. Montréal to Halifax on The Ocean

1346km (836 miles), 20 hours

This two-day, one-night journey runs along the Gulf of St Lawrence and through New Brunswick before terminating on Nova Scotia ’s eastern coast. In operation since 1904, it’s North America’s oldest named route in continuous service.

When traveling west to east, evening falls just after the train leaves Québec , meaning riders miss some of the scenery. Morning, however, reveals the beautiful Gulf of St Lawrence (a few are lucky enough to spot whales in the St Lawrence River).

From here, it’s vista overload: from water (the train crosses the wide Miramichi River, famous for its Atlantic salmon); to the Sugarloaf Mountain, an ancient volcano; then on to quaint Acadian communities that fly blue-and-red flags reflecting their French roots. And speaking of colors, fall is a stunning time to make this trip when the leaves turn rich shades of red, gold and yellow.

More info: VIA Rail Canada – The Ocean

3. Winnipeg to Churchill

1697km (1054 miles), 36 hours

Billed as one of VIA Rail's five "adventure routes," this two-day, two-night journey from Winnipeg to the waters of the Hudson Bay is considered a "remote service journey." 

Once you're north of the tiny town of Gillam, there's no road or plane access. The train is an essential lifeline for the First Nations people, from whose communities the route is accessible.  Along this route, anyone can come up to the track and hold up their hand. The driver must stop and let them on (along with their canoes under 5.5m/18ft long).

Beyond Gillam, the landscape gradually morphs into tundra: an expansive, treeless, flat muskeg (an Algonquin word for bog). It’s slow-going here – the train track dips and shifts because of an extraordinary 12m (39ft) of permafrost that thaws and freezes repetitively. 

As for those strange white poles in the landscape: they’re tripods supporting communication posts. If you’re lucky, you might spot herds of caribou and, closer to Churchill , polar bears, the ursine beasts for which the town is famous. 

When night falls, keep your blinds up. Low light pollution ensures excellent stargazing and a good chance to be dazzled by the aurora borealis (northern lights).

More info: VIA Rail Canada – Winnipeg to Churchill

4. Jasper to Prince Rupert on The Rupert Rocket 

1160km (721 miles), two days

This lesser-known sojourn across the unheralded wilds of central British Columbia is little frequented by the international set. The exception is those on organized day trips from Jasper ,  who'll join the train for the first three hours as far as McBride in British Columbia.

To maximize daylight vistas, the trip is split over two days with an overnight in the nondescript town of Prince George. You'll have to organize your own accommodation .

Conceived in the early 20th century, the Jasper-to- Prince-Rupert service combines unadulterated backcountry scenery with plenty of chances to meet the northern British Columbia locals. Folks will flag the three-times-a-week service to call on "neighbors," visit the dentist or get to the nearest hardware store.

Glassy lakes, gritty backcountry and diminutive lumber and agricultural towns where the only civic buildings are a gnarly station and a generic Tim Hortons (Canada’s ubiquitous doughnut cafe) speckle the route.

Adding to the excitement are plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities, plus vintage steel-sided carriages that echo the golden age of streamlined travel. The train is fondly nicknamed the Rupert Rocket.

Touring class, including all meals, staff commentaries and access to a panoramic car, only runs from June through September. In the off-peak months (ie, the ones without touring class availability), Economy passengers have access to the sightseeing lounge with swivel chairs.

More info:  VIA Rail Canada  – Jasper to Prince Rupert

Planning Tips

• The earlier you book, the cheaper the fare you’re likely to get; book tickets through VIA Rail .
• One complimentary stopover is allowed on a long-haul train ticket, giving you a chance to wander around (and catch the next train coming through) or head off on a multiday hike.
• On-board luggage is limited to one small carry-on and two larger checked bags (max 23kg / 50lbs each). Overweight bags won't be allowed to board.
• Don’t book any other activity or onward travel on the day of arrival due to possible delays (with the exception of the more straightforward city-to-city routes, such as Toronto to Quebec City).
• Any time of the year is good for train travel. Winter snows provide a stunning dimension, especially over the Rockies (regular freight train traffic ensures the tracks are always clear).
• Canadian trains qualify as slow travel. Don’t expect Japanese bullet trains or French TGVs. Passenger trains in Canada defer to freight, so you'll often spend 30 minutes or more waiting in a siding for another train to pass. 
• Seniors over the age of 60 with a CAA can save up to 20% on fares.

On-board tips for a more comfortable trip

• If heading west, take the last dinner sitting to maximize the daylight hours to watch the scenery.
• Don’t miss some of the special activities offered on some services, from the heritage interpretations talks (on prairies, potash etc) to beer tastings.
• Wi-fi is not available on The Canadian, Rupert Rocket and Winnipeg–Churchill services

This article was first published July 2019 and updated November 2023

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Categories > Guides and Tips

Top 10 Train Trips in Canada

• The Canadian - Toronto to Vancouver
• Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper
• The Ocean - Montreal to Halifax
• Agawa Canyon Tour Train - Sault Saint Marie to Agawa Canyon
• Winnipeg to Churchill - Via Rail
• White Pass & Yukon Route - Skagway to Carcross

Canada Coast to Coast by Train

Ultimate rockies rail journey.

• Train de Charlevoix - Quebec City to la Malbaie
• Kettle Valley Steam Railway - Summerland, BC

You see, here in Canada, we’re incredibly blessed not just with maple syrup and hockey, but also with some of the most scenic and enchanting train trips on the planet. 

Trust me, folks, these trips will quench your thirst for adventure and sightseeing without having to deal with road maps or rental cars.

So, grab your backpacks, conjure your spirit of adventure, and let’s embark on a journey exploring the top train trips in Canada. Read on to start your next great Canadian railway adventure!

The Canadian – Toronto to Vancouver

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Website: www.viarail.ca  

Contact details: +1 888-842-7245

• Economy Class reclining seat – $444
• Prestige class sleeper – $4,655

The Canadian by Via Rail, covering the stretch from Toronto to Vancouver, has your name written all over it. This 4-night journey will make you fall head over heels for the classic transcontinental train experience.

As you trundle west from cosmopolitan Toronto, the urban views morph into the scenic lakelands of northern Ontario. 

Next, the train takes you through the ethereal wilderness of Manitoba and Saskatchewan before unveiling the larger-than-life panoramas of the majestic Rockies.

Pure bliss. And finally, the coastal beauty of Vancouver welcomes you.

Local tip: Grab a good book and a seat in the panoramic dome car for the best views. This is a journey you’ll want to savour!

Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper

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Website: www.rockymountaineer.com  

Contact details: +1 604-606-7245

• April & October 2023: $1,864 (SilverLeaf), $2524 (GoldLeaf)
• May, June & July 2023: $2,194 (SilverLeaf), $3,004 (GoldLeaf)
• August & September 2023: $2,261 (SilverLeaf), $3,091 (GoldLeaf)

This Vancouver to Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper journey isn’t just a train trip—it’s a first-class ticket to jaw-dropping wilderness wonderment. As the train chugs along, the ravishing beauty of the Canadian Rockies unfolds right before your eyes.

You can spend the night in rustic Kamloops before heading out for day two of your Rocky rendezvous. Then it’s onward to pure alpine magic in Banff, Lake Louise , or Jasper, depending on your final destination choice.

Local tip: Take advantage of the outdoor viewing platform on the train to get some epic, Instagram-worthy shots!

The Ocean – Montreal to Halifax

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Prices: 

• Economy Class reclining seat – $210
• Prestige class sleeper – $366

The Ocean route from Montreal to Halifax serves up aquatic views aplenty, along with a generous dash of historical charm. From the cultural heart of Quebec, the journey sets off through the undulating hills and charming towns of Canada’s Atlantic region.

And the cherry on top? Arriving in coastal Halifax , its picturesque waterfront is filled with history, character, and a lively culinary scene.

Local tip: Check out the seasonal Maritime menu onboard—lobster anyone?

Agawa Canyon Tour Train – Sault Saint Marie to Agawa Canyon

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Website: www.agawatrain.com  

Contact details: +1 800-242-9287

August 3 – Sept 15

• Adult – $140
• Senior – $104
• Youth – $70
• Infant (Ages 2 and under, must sit on lap) – Free

Peak Pricing: Sept 16 – Oct 15

• Person – $155

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train takes you on a daylong round trip from Sault Saint Marie into the heart of the Ontario wilderness. Talk about an unforgettable, nature-infused Canadian expedition!

The train whisks you 114 miles north, thundering over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes and rivers, and through the granite rock formations of Canada. And the star of the show?

Agawa Canyon’s stunning waterfalls and amazing vistas are right there, as if waiting for you to arrive.

Local tip: Don’t forget a comfy pair of walking shoes if you plan to hike in Agawa Canyon!

Winnipeg to Churchill – Via Rail

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• $256.83 – $283.85 (Depends on date and peak time)

The Via Rail journey from Winnipeg to Churchill is an experience like no other. Something of an “outer-worldly” experience!

From Winnipeg’s urban beat, we bet you’ll be eagerly peeking out the window, waiting to spot the curious polar bears, the majestic belugas, or the radiant northern lights . And after that richly rewarding two-day ride, the Arctic town of Churchill will greet you.

Local tip: Book the sleeper plus class for the best comfort and complimentary meals—worth the splurge!

White Pass & Yukon Route – Skagway to Carcross

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Website: www.wpyr.com  

Contact details: +1 800-343-7373

• Adult – $200
• Child – $100

The White Pass and Yukon Route brings you face-to-face with the beauty of Canada’s glorious north, in Yukon. Right off the bat, from the town of Skagway, this train trip is a feast for the eyes—and we’re not exaggerating!

The spectacular route, originally built during the Klondike Gold Rush, chugs along rugged mountains, tunnels, bridges, and waterfalls. I bet you didn’t think the wild could look this good.

As the train climbs nearly 3000 feet in just 20 miles, hold your breath for the pièce de résistance, the ‘Tormented Valley.’ It’s not tormented, trust us!

It’s loaded with charm, showcasing a moonscape-like topography and pristine glacial lakes.

Local tip: Be sure to grab a right-hand side seat when going north for the best views en route!

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Website: www.greatrail.com  

Contact details: +1 800-422-0141

• Price starts at $10,080

Covering an impressive span from Vancouver to Halifax, this epic train ride is bound to be the trip of a lifetime.

Embarking from the west coast jewel Vancouver, the train soars through the heart of the Rockies, then delves into the Prairies before striding into bustling Toronto.

And along the way, there’s plenty of time to soak up the grandeur of Banff, Jasper, Montreal, and Quebec City. Essentially, it’s a visual lookbook of Canada’s most stirring landscapes, fascinating cultures, and everything in between.

Local tip: Make sure to book your accommodation at the key stopovers well in advance to truly savour the experience.

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Website: https://canadiantrainvacations.com/trips/ultimate-rockies-rail   

Contact details: +1 604-332-3715

• Comfort Level – $5,290
• Superior Level – $5,690
• Deluxe Level – $7,690

The Ultimate Rockies Rail Journey integrates two iconic routes—the Rocky Mountaineer and Via Rail’s Canadian—to offer a sumptuous Rockies retreat. 

Starting from the cultural hub of Toronto, the train escapes into the vast prairies, leading you into nature’s wonderland.

The Rocky Mountaineer portion steps up the excitement, winding through canyons, lofty mountain peaks, and waterfalls. You can explore the alpine towns of Banff and Jasper and enjoy an Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier.

Local tip: Don’t forget to pack layers—it can get a bit chilly, even in the summer!

Train de Charlevoix – Quebec City to la Malbaie

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Website: https://traindecharlevoix.com   

Contact details: +1 877-536-2774

Mountain side

• Adult – $99
• Group – $396
• Child – $69
• Adult – $109
• Group area – $436
• Child – $79

The Train de Charlevoix train route is the perfect pick. The train starts gliding from Quebec City, showcasing the delights laden on the St. Lawrence River banks right up to the charismatic seaside town of La Malbaie.

Upon reaching La Malbaie, bask in the effortless charm of this quaint resort town. Go and stroll along the river, relish the local culinary scene, and soak in the area’s soothing serenity.

Local tip: Don’t miss the onboard gourmet dining experience with local Charlevoix produce—it’s absolutely fabulous!

Kettle Valley Steam Railway – Summerland, BC

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Website: www.kettlevalleyrail.org  

Contact details: +1 877-494-8424

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland is a charming vintage journey that takes you back in time, all the while offering stunning BC landscapes.

Climb aboard the lovingly restored 1912 Steam Locomotive and get ready for a leisurely 90-minute ride through the beautiful Okanagan territory. 

You’ve got orchard vistas, vineyards, lush farmlands, and a spectacular view of the Trout Creek Bridge, an engineering marvel.

Local tip: Keep your camera ready when the train crosses the Trout Creek Bridge—the views are absolutely stunning!

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Be guided by local experts, we live and breathe Canada.

Best Canadian Train Tours and Rail Vacations

With over 24 years of local insight, our team is here to craft your dream Canadian Train Tours! Enjoy cozy accommodation, glass-domed viewing cars and gourmet meals created by an actual chef in the onboard kitchen while carving through mountainous terrain, rushing rivers and the very best of Canada’s landscapes. Whether aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper or VIA Rail to Toronto with overnight accommodations rolling along at a leisurely pace, allow yourself to sink into the rhythm of relaxation and experience rail travel at its best, as our experts will ensure every detail is taken care of for your unforgettable journey.

Discover the Majestic Glacial Waters of Maligne Lake

Cruise the crystal-clear waters of Maligne Lake and immerse yourself in awe-inspiring natural beauty, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness.

Your Opportunity to Step on Millennium Old Glaciers

Prepare for an exhilarating journey on the Athabasca Glacier aboard the Ice Explorer. Walk on the glacier, feel the ice, and even drink some of its pure, melted water.

Take To The Skies for an Epic Rocky Mountain Adventure

To get off your feet and see it all from above, we highly recommend booking a Heli tour. See gorgeous scenery like ancient glaciers, deep crevasses, and cascading waterfalls.

Soar to Scenic Splendor with the Banff Gondola

Maximize views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. There is plenty to do at the top!

Feel The Mist on Your Face and Witness Nature's Power

Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls. Feel the mist on your face and embrace the mesmerizing cascades of the famous Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Get Lost in The Charming Landscape of Nova Scotia

Explore the charm of Peggy's Cove and Mahone Bay, where picturesque lighthouses, quaint fishing villages, and fascinating seafaring heritage await!

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What Our Fellow Travelers Have to Say

We had the most fabulous trip to our winter wonderland in the canadian rockies..

We had the most fabulous trip to our Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies. Thank you so much for organizing all our travels and hotels.Highlights: the vintage train from Vancouver to Jasper! Via Rail Canadian needs better pictures to tout the awesome rail with it's adorable public rooms, dinning car, glass roof cars and cozy cabins. Read more

California, United States

From start to finish Jennifer was very polite and easy-going as well as professional. She offered suggestions when needed and and was on top of all itinerary adjustments and refunds.

I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer Balicha on an itinerary for Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria, Canada. From start to finish Jennifer was very polite and easy-going as well as professional. Read more

Pennsylvania, United States

We will be recommending you to others and will use you again when we return for more adventure.

We are leaving Calgary today to return to Vancouver after our week trip that you organized for us. Just want to thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Read more

Being a repeat customer attests to the quality

My planner this year was Mandy. I was very happy with her from start to finish. Read more

Delaware, United States

I don't know how I will ever thank you all at Canada by Design for everything you did for us and making a trip of a life time surpass our wildest expectations!

We LOVED Canada and look forward to coming back and doing the same route in the spring or autumn. In fact we would even consider doing it again in winter as it was so stunningly beautiful. Read more

Most Wonderful Trans-Canada Rail Trip

We found our experience with Canada by Design & Jennifer B in particular to be most wonderful for our Trans-Canada Rail Trip. All arrangements made by her were perfect, not a hitch anywhere. Read more

Marjorie Stock

Thanks for a great holiday.

Thanks for a great holiday. The Rockies and Eastern Canada - awesome, Victoria- beautiful. Read more

Sydney, Australia

I would give it ten stars if it was possible.

I toured on the Vancouver, Whistler and Vancouver Island tour. It was brilliant. Read more

New Eltham, United Kingdom

The whole experience was breathtaking...

Thanks very much to Jasmine for helping to organise our wonderful holiday from Vancouver across the Rockies to Calgary. The whole experience was breathtaking andwe appreciate the effort you put into organising the trip. Read more

Perth, Australia

This was an A++ experience! I'll definitely use Canada Rail Vacations for our next trip to Canada.

Paulina booked an amazing Canada for my family. This was so easy to arrange. Read more

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Have you ever thought of exploring Canada from end-to-end, curious as to how you can pull it off? Then there’s no better journey than the Great Canadian Train exploration! 

By taking a trans-Canada trip via its railway, experience once-in-a-lifetime sights and sounds of the nation. From its diversity in both culture and landscape, there’s a reason it’s one of the most sought-after journeys globally. Of course, it’s nothing to sneeze at…Journeying across a country’s entirety is a feat in and of itself. However, by carefully planning your itinerary, you’ll be sure to enjoy every second of it. 

While there are many ways to personalize your itinerary, what follows will be a detailed guide to the most popular and comprehensive route from Toronto to Vancouver and everything in between. 

Onward with the Great Canadian Train Itinerary!

Table of Contents

Why Embark on The Great Canadian Train Journey? 

Before we dive into the specifics of the itinerary, it’s important to discuss why the Great Canadian Train journey is such an incredible journey to make. For those that have already done so, you know what we’re talking about. 

Withstanding the most obvious reason being the experience, below are five of the most popular reasons for embarking on such a trip: 

• Explore Paths Less Travelled 

Enjoy the Convenience of Being Transported to City Centres 

Meet likeminded people along the way, travel in comfort , slow time down and enjoy at your leisure .

Explore Paths Less Travelled  

While planes will take you to popular travel hubs, the majority of travel is spent in-air with little to see but the clouds. Similarly, while cars will provide you with the opportunity to explore, most of the journey is spent eyes peeled on the road ahead. 

Trains, however, are special. Not only will they take you to popular travel hubs, but you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy. Explore paths less traveled and see the nation with new eyes. 

Unlike airports which tend to be away from city centers, most Canadian train stations are centrally located. So, enough with the time-wasting involved transporting from the airport to the city’s core. With trains, you’ll be conveniently dropped off right where you want to be. 

To use to air travel comparison again, most simply seek to go from point A to point B. As such, it’s not uncommon for most to sit in silence or sleep until arrival. For those who opt for rail travel, however, it tends to be a different crowd. 

Whether it’s socializing in dining cars or conversing with the seat next to you, enjoy connecting with like-minded people who have the same vision of traveling as you! 

Unless you’re traveling first class, planes are infamously uncomfortable. However, plane seats aren’t the most comfortable of rides…With trains, however, you’ll have more legroom while being provided the luxury of being able to up and walk around. 

So sit back and recline your chair as you look out the window that boasts beautiful Canadian terrain. It’ll be the most comfortable traveling experience you’ve had to date!

While travels range in purpose and duration, train journeys are intended to be longer, more leisurely explorations. With little to plan but the train itinerary itself, what’s not to be excited about rail travel? So, slow down time and enjoy traveling at your own pace, no matter how fast or slow that is. 

The Ultimate Canadian Train Itinerary 

The journey that you take is ultimately up to you. Whether you choose to plan a shorter or longer journey is irrelevant; you’re bound to enjoy it nonetheless. However, this article is called The Great Canadian Train Itinerary for you a reason! As such, we’ll be detailing a comprehensive journey comprising a tour from Toronto to Vancouver.

Note: While the following itinerary is a 10-day itinerary, it’s important to remember that you can choose to explore each destination for as short or as long as you want. In other words, Just because it’s a 10-day itinerary doesn’t mean that the trip is only ten days in length.

If this is something you’d be interested in exploring, continue reading! As mentioned, the journey begins in Toronto, Ontario…

Day 1: The Journey Begins in Toronto! 

Wherever you currently reside, you need to first make your way to Toronto, Ontario, where your journey’s first leg will begin. Toronto is the ideal departure destination for its easterly location to the rest of Canada, excluding Atlantic Canada, of course.

From Toronto, you will also journey through Lake Ontario, a scenic journey in and of itself!

Day 2: En Route to Niagara Falls, North Side

Before departing Ontario, you’d be remiss not to take a detour to Beautiful Niagara Falls. It’s here where you can hop off the train and paint the town red at the Falls and Clifton Hill. 

Whether you want to overnight it in a hotel or hop back on the train that evening, it’s then time to return to Toronto before questing out west. 

Day 3: Return to Toronto to Begin the Quest out West! 

Via the Rail the Canadian, it’s time to depart from Ontario and make your way to Western Canada. Before you get there, however, there are a few stops along the way. Prepare yourself, for this is where the long-haul begins!  

Luckily, the train boasts comfortable bedding for those overnight treks…

Day 4: En Route to Winnipeg, Manitoba

As you travel through Ontario, you’ll want to make, at the very least, a brief stop into Winnipeg, Manitoba, while you have the chance. While it may not be your favorite destination, it’s a checkbox of provinces that you’ve hit! 

As Canada’s central province, its regional attractions are certainly worth exploring. 

Day 5: Onward to Saskatchewan 

Departing from Manitoba, Saskatchewan is the next stop on the Great Canadian Train Journey. Known widely for its prairie landscapes and boreal forests, it’s a top destination for exploring Canada’s nature. 

It’ll also be a great introduction to the outdoors before exploring Canada’s National Parks in Alberta and British Columbia! 

Day 6: Pitstop in Alberta En Route to Jasper National Park! 

Next, take the scenic Albertan Route known as Yellowhead Route before arriving at the first National Park of the itinerary, Jasper National Park. Here, you’ll have the opportunity for several excursions. 

First, take a trip to Maligne Lake and maybe even sign up for a rafting tour. Next, take a guided tour of the glacier ice fields. Finally, if time permits, take a drive towards Lake Louise before continuing your travels to Banff National Park. 

Day 7: Onward to Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a destination where you could spend an eternity. Luckily, with the Great Canadian Train Itinerary, how long you spend is up to you! A couple of notable attractions to check off your list include Bow River and the Falls. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you may even get to hit the hills. 

In any case, be sure to plan for at least 2-3 days here, minimum. It’s otherworldly…

Day 8: En Route to Kamloops, British Columbia 

From Banff, it’s finally time to head to British Columbia. Here, you’ll have the opportunity for several pitstops, from Kamloops, Victoria, and of course, Vancouver. The first stop? Kamloops.

Here, you’ll have the pleasure of dipping your toes into Western Canadian history before taking the scenic drive to Vancouver. First, however, it’s a ferry crossing to Victoria. 

Day 9: Stopover in Victoria, British Columbia

Before reaching your final destination on the Great Canadian Train journey, it’s a pitstop to beautiful Victoria. Here, you can enjoy a morning, afternoon, weekend, or otherwise spend more time visiting all of its beautiful nature parks. 

An often overlooked BC destination, and Victoria might just turn out to be your favorite pitstop of them all…

Day 10: Complete the Tour in Vancouver, British Columbia

Last but certainly not least, you’ve made it to the final destination of the Great Canadian train journey. Plentiful in mountains, greenery, and ocean views, there’s no better city to end your travels than in Vancouver. I hope you enjoy it! 

More Travel Guides and Destinations from DiscoverCanada.Blog

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More Resources for booking your Great Train Journey

https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/trains/rockies-and-pacific/toronto-vancouver-canadian

https://www.rockymountaineer.com

• Best Canadian Train Journey
• Toronto to Vancouver by rail
• Toronto Union Station
• Vancouver Pacific Ventral Station

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Note: This article was originally published on Canada Rail Vacations

The Wild Western Experience

Calgary Stampede and the Canadian Rockies Train Tour

• DAY 1 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 2 Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 3 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• Option 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour
• Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour
• DAY 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Sightseeing with picnic lunch
• Ice Explorer Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier + Glacier Skywalk
• DAY 5 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach
• DAY 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
• Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola
• Option 2. Discover Grizzly Bears, Lakes & Waterfalls
• Option 3. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner
• DAY 7 Banff to Calgary | Coach
• DAY 8 Calgary Stampede | Reserved Seating for Rodeo event including:
• Steer Wrestling | Ladies Barrel Racing | Saddle Bronc Riding | Bareback Bull Riding
• DAY 9 Calgary Stampede | Chuckwagon Races + Evening Grandstand Show
• DAY 10 Calgary | Departure

The Luxury Glamping Getaway

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge & Canadian Rockies Rail Trip Combo

• DAY 1 Vancouver to Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | Floatplane
• DAY 2 – 3 Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | Included Activities
• DAY 4 Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge to Vancouver
• DAY 5 Vancouver | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• Option 1. Victoria & Butchart Gardens | Coach | ferry | floatplane
• Option 2. Whistler with Sea to Sky Gondola | Coach | floatplane
• DAY 6 Vancouver to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer
• DAY 7 Kamloops to Jasper | Rocky Mountaineer
• DAY 8 Jasper to Banff | Sightseeing with picnic lunch
• DAY 9 Banff to Calgary | Morning Sightseeing + Gondola

The True Winter Wonderland

Canadian Rockies Winter Rail Wonderland

• DAY 3 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
• Option 1. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk
• Option 2. Discover Jasper and its Wildlife Tour
• Option 3. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour
• DAY 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Evening sleigh ride
• DAY 5 Lake Louise | Day at leisure
• DAY 6 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach
• DAY 7 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
• Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour
• Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint Pots
• Option 3. Johnston Canyon Icewalk
• DAY 8 Banff to Calgary | Coach

Bear Viewing in British Columbia

Grizzly Bears & The Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation

• DAY 1 Vancouver | Arrival
• DAY 2 Vancouver | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2
• DAY 3 Vancouver to Campbell River | Flight
• DAY 4 Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge | Floatplane Flight | Grizzly Bear Viewing
• DAY 5 Knight Inlet Lodge to Vancouver | Grizzly Bear Viewing | Flight
• DAY 6 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 7 Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 8 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• DAY 9 Jasper to Lake Louise | Sightseeing with picnic lunch
• DAY 10 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach
• DAY 11 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• Option 2 Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner
• DAY 12 Banff to Calgary | Coach

The Classic Canadian Rockies Experience

Majestic Canada Rail Vacation through the Rockies

• DAY 4 Jasper to Lake Louse | Sightseeing with picnic lunch
• Option 2. Discover the Grizzly Bears Lake & Waterfalls

Cities and Rockies Combined

Vancouver & The Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation

• DAY 2 Vancouver | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
• DAY 3 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 4 Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail
• DAY 5 Jasper to Lake Louise | Sightseeing with picnic lunch

Perhaps you love the idea of a small alpine town getaway, but prefer it to be paired with the bright lights and pulsing energy of the city. On this 8-day trip you'll start in Vancouver, where neighborhoods like Gastown, Yaletown, Coal Harbour and the West End await with much to do. After a day trip to Whistler or Victoria, board VIA Rail's renowned Canadian train to travel overnight to Jasper in the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy an array of activities through Lake Louise and Banff before ending the trip in Calgary.

Feeling inspired? Chat with one of our travel designers to create a custom trip that's just for you. Prefer to simply stay in touch? Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date deals, trip ideas and more!

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Train & Rail Tours in Canada

Relax and admire breathtaking views in Canada only accessible by train journey. With 28 Canada train tours lasting from 5 days up to 23 days, you're sure to find a railway carriage with your name on it on a route that will leave you speechless.

28 Train tour packages in Canada with 1,081 reviews

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Via Railway Experience｜5-Day Vancouver to Rockies Railway Full Experience Tour Departure

Overall it was a very good experience. The tour is organized and the entire team were nice and helpful. The tour was great in the sense that you get to see a lot in a few days which is great. You also get explanation and details of every spot. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in discovering the Rocky Mountains. The only thing I would change is to exclude the Vancouver part, if you are going from TO I advise to go strait to Calgary and start the tour from there. We did the 5 days excursion from TO to Vancouver then to Jasper, Banff …Calgary. And we had a flight delay going to Vancouver of 2 days so arrived on the same day we had to head to Jasper and that was very exhausting. In conclusion, it’s a great tour to consider and totally worth it :)

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Western Canada by Rail

Truly stunning mountain scenery through the Rockies to Vancouver with guest appearances from bears, elk, eagles and gophers! A well paced and organised trip led by an excellent guide Sibylle. Travelling in style on the Rocky Mountaineer was a memorable experience, even though we were in Silver Leaf. A class operation. A minor gripe that there was so little time at the end of the tour in Vancouver and Vancouver Island, luckily we added a couple of extra nights in Vancouver to explore the city.

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Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax

Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton with Ocean Train to Montreal

It was an amazing experience. Scott was a great tour guide. I found it was a great mix of showing us things and free time to wander on your own. Would definitely do it again. The only down side was when the train did not leave and we had to figure out how to get to Montreal our selves

Canadian Rockies by Train

This was s bucket list trip. I was really looking forward to taking the train through the Rockies and it did not disappoint. The scenery was beautiful.

• $100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Eastern City Lights: Toronto to Quebec City by Rail

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Classic, 9 Days)

Western Canada’s Grand Rail Circle Tour

7-day Winter VIA Experience (Vancouver To Jasper) Vacation Package (ends In Calgary)

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Great Canadian Rail Journey

I really had a great time all the people were so friendly and nice .The accommodation was fantastic the meals really good and James was full of info and a very helpful friendly guy.It was the trip of a lifetime .

French Flair and Coastal Charm: Halifax to Montreal by Rail

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Small Groups, 9 Days) (from Banff to Vancouver)

Canadian Train Odyssey

I would like to see more meals offered. Not use to locating evening meals in unknown city. Understand if stopping at place and everyone buys their own, but evening meals???? Breakfast in past has been standard.

• Ocean Cruise

Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise

What people love about train & rail tours in canada.

We enjoyed our tour very much, the sights were beautiful, staff we well informed. A highlight for us was the optional evening photographic tour. The only thing stopping me from giving five stars was the last day felt very rushed, especially at the Banff gondola as the queue to get on took half an hour and not enough time allocated to our lunch at the Lake Louise Chateau, we had to ask the waitress to bring out the dessert while we were eating the main as we only had 15 minutes until the bus left. Allocate a bit more time for those things and you will get five stars.

Our overall experience was good, but were very disappointed by our stay in the last hotel, the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal.

Regions in Canada

• West Coast Canada (17)
• Canadian Rockies (11)
• Alberta (6)
• Icefields Parkway (6)
• The Prairies (6)

Travel Styles

• Best Train Travel Companies
• Canada Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Stargazing Tours & Trips 2024

International Versions

• Deutsch: Kanada Zugreisen
• Français: Canada : Circuits train et rail 2024/2025
• Español: Tren y ferrocarril Circuitos en Canadá
• Nederlands: Trein & spoor Rondreizen in Canada

7 Unique Train Journeys Worth Taking in Canada

Canada has many exquisite gems in its expansive landscape, and one of the best ways to experience all the country has to offer is to travel by train. From the Canadian Rockies to the tundra, we look at the train journeys through the Great White North that offer not only scenic expeditions but also local cultures to sample along the way.

The rocky mountaineer.

The Rocky Mountaineer is a top choice when planning a train trip through Canada. The scenery stretching from British Columbia to Alberta is jaw-dropping, and you can view it all through the train’s glass-domed roof. Three different routes traverse through the Canadian Rockies ; the most popular is the First Passage to the West, a two-day journey from Banff to Vancouver via Kamloops and Fraser Canyon.

When you arrive in Vancouver, stay at one of these hand-picked accommodation options to experience the city like a local.

To explore Canada from east to west, this four-day, cross-country journey with VIARail cuts through picturesque scenery. It gives you the opportunity to enjoy a long and winding 2,791mi (4,466km) ride that encompasses the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, complete with stops along the way. You can also take in the Rockies on the west coast. It runs several days a week and offers tempting discounts during winter.

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Treat yourself to a stay at OPUS Vancouver boutique hotel in the unbeatable location of the city’s enduringly cool Yaletown.

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway , built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, is a narrow-gauge train connecting Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, to the Alaskan port of Skagway. It passes through Lake Bennett and Carcross, so you can dive into the history of the region and learn how it got its nickname of the Railway Built of Gold. It also traverses the White Pass Summit, the international border between the United States and Canada. Due to challenging geographical conditions, it only runs in summer.

Edgewater Hotel in central Whitehorse is an ideal place to stay before embarking on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. It’s near the airport and attractions such as the MacBride Museum, Yukon Wildlife Preserve and Takhini Hot Pools if you want to explore the area further.

The Winnipeg-Churchill Train

Snaking from Winnipeg to Churchill , this two-day journey is one of awe and splendor in the tundra. Enjoy spotting polar bears while soaking in the picturesque subarctic views. Take in the scenic shoreline of Hudson Bay, and meet the beluga whales in the Churchill River. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the dance of the Northern Lights in Churchill.

If you’re flying into Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport before setting off on the train journey, book a stay at the Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview – a stylish boutique hotel.

The Prairie Dog Central Railway

Travel back to simpler times on this steam rail train. The volunteer-run Prairie Dog Central Railway operates from Inkster Junction Station in Winnipeg . During this four-hour journey, you’ll experience the Great Train Robbery first-hand, explore some vintage Canadian artefacts and sample local produce from rural vendors. It runs every weekend from May to September. It also hosts special events; if you go in October, you can board the Halloween Express.

Stay in the heart of Winnipeg by booking at the Fairmont , right next to Red River. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the Bell MTS Place indoor arena and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

The Ontario Polar Bear Express

If you’re looking to travel off the beaten path, the Ontario Polar Bear Express will allow you to discover remote communities of the north and sample local food and art. From Cochrane to Moosonee in northern Ontario, this trip is unique in that its service is a true ode to traditional train journeys.

Spend the night on Moose Factory Island at Super 8 by Wyndham Moosonee to truly experience the pure Canadian wilderness.

Agawa Canyon Tour Train

Plunge into the heart of the Canadian wilderness, and experience the unparalleled beauty of the Agawa Canyon Park , with stunning views of the Talus Trail and Bellevue Valley Trestle. On this journey , you’ll see unique granite rock formations and mixed forests of the Canadian Shield, and the stunning views of Hubert Lake and Bridal Veil Falls will quench your wanderlust. This train operates seasonally from June to October.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Sault Ste Marie Waterfront is about a 15-minute walk from the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. Book a stay now to make use of the indoor pool, sauna and fitness center. There’s also an on-site restaurant that focuses on steak and seafood.

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Eight incredible rail journeys through Canada

H ow about this for a dilemma… you’re crossing the Atlantic to spend time in a country of epic, pristine beauty and want to take a train journey through the stupendously scenic Rocky Mountains. Problem is there are two options – the Rocky Mountaineer and The Canadian – both very tempting.

To help you choose which would work best for you, I have given an overview of both (below) – and compiled a short quiz:

1. Do you like sleeper cars on trains? 

2. Are epic cross-continental journeys your thing? 

3. Are you a seriously serious foodie? 

4. Do social history and topography float your boat? 

5. Fancy the idea of the breeze in your face and a camera lens unobscured by glass on an open veranda?

6. Would you like to be able to see every bit of passing scenery (by not travelling at night)? 

7. Are you a fan of double-decker carriages? 

If you answered yes to 1, 2 and 4, go for The Canadian. If yes to 3, 5 and 6, the Rocky Mountaineer would be a better fit. Question 7 was a trick one: they both have double-decker carriages.

Still can’t make your mind up? 

Do what I did – try them both! You won’t regret it… 

The Canadian

VIA Rail Canada’s flagship train takes 86 hours over four nights to cover the 2,775 miles between Toronto in Ontaria and Vancouver in British Columbia. The train takes the more northerly of the two trans-continental routes, passing through Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Jasper. It leaves from Union Station, built by the Canadian Pacific and unquestionably Canada’s finest railway station.

During daylight there are longer stops at Hornepayne, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Jasper – with time in Winnipeg to admire the Beaux-Arts station designed by the same architects as Grand Central station in New York, and in Jasper to stroll to the shops and buzz of Connaught Drive.

There is no better way to appreciate the size and diverse landscapes of Canada than aboard this long-distance train, with its rhythm of meals in the dining car and conversations with people from all over the world – it has become a favoured “bucket list” train journey, with good reason, but that isn’t to say you won’t feel the need for a book when you’ve had your fill of spruce trees.

This is certain to happen at some point in the Canadian Shield, which follows the grandstand views of Toronto as the train leaves Union Station. The Canadian Shield covers half of the country, and the dense boreal forest growing in its thin soil can seem unending after half a day, even though it is broken up by rivers and thousands of lakes. Even a game reserve here can cover almost 2,000 square miles. You can be rewarded with a glimpse of deer, moose, mountain goats or bears, but the prairies come as a welcome change.

Though the colourful wooden grain elevators have become as rare as prairie cinemas, the wide landscape usually has something to arrest the curious eye, and the mind is set wondering about life in the shrunken prairie towns. Some were important division points in the age of steam, employing hundreds in now overgrown yards, and all were home to larger numbers of farm workers. 

After Edmonton’s oil refineries, the climb into the Rockies begins, and the route provides some spectacular moments as the railway clings to vertiginous slopes through river canyons that become cauldrons with snow melt. Eventually the peaks subside and give way to the market gardens of the Fraser Valley, their produce served on the tables at Vancouver’s famed restaurants. Along the northern rim of English Bay and Burrard Inlet the North Shore Mountains rise to endow Vancouver with its glorious setting, a perfect conclusion to one of the world’s totemic railway journeys.

• View our best escorted rail tours

The glittering stainless-steel cars of The Canadian are sensitively refurbished period pieces dating from the Fifties, redolent of a time when the aspiration of a girl like Marilyn Monroe was to find a man with his own railroad car, as she tells Tony Curtis in Some Like It Hot. Besides dining cars and various categories of sleeping accommodation, the train includes a Skyline car with observation dome and a Park car with vista dome and observation lounge at the rear of the train. The most luxurious accommodation is found in the recently-introduced Prestige class of sleeper with double bed, en suite shower and lavatory, flat-screen TV, complimentary minibar and larger window. Bedrooms for two have an en-suite washbasin and lavatory, with shared shower at the end of the corridor. Finally there are longitudinal upper and lower berths with a curtain to provide privacy from the central aisle, with shared washing facilities and shower at the end of the car.

• View our escorted tour of the Canadian Rockies

Dining on board

All sleeping tickets (known as Sleeper Plus) include meals in proper restaurant cars with white napery and good china, glass and cutlery. Lunch and dinner consist of three courses with coffee or tea, and there is a good selection of Canadian beers and wines (at extra cost). Typical main dishes might be grilled Canadian lake trout, pan-seared duck with a rosemary, maple and soy glaze, or Portobello caps stuffed with feta, sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. Children’s menus are also offered.

Seats in the observation domes are at a premium once west of Edmonton as the train climbs into the foothills of the Rockies, which fill the views for the next 24 hours. Soon after leaving Jasper the train passes close to Mount Robson, at 12,972ft the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and so massive that it has its own micro-climate.

The Canadian runs year-round. Short days and blizzards apart, even winter can be spectacular.

Value for money

As a means of getting from A to B, The Canadian is more expensive than most flights, but factor in the experience and landscapes as well as the accommodation and meals and it’s good value. Sleeper Plus costs from £1,293; Prestige, from £2,808. See viarail.ca

The Rocky Mountaineer

The trains cover four shorter routes, but 169 packages are offered to cater for the many visitors who combine a Rocky Mountaineer journey with a cruise from Seattle or Vancouver up the Inside Passage to Alaska.

The shortest is the five to six hour Coastal Passage route between Seattle and Vancouver, designed to link with cruises through the US port and one of the other trains. Much of the route is beside Puget Sound, with distant views of the Cascade Mountains.

Two of the journeys entail an overnight stay in a hotel in Kamloops, which provides a glimpse of small-town life in BC. Journey through the Clouds, between Vancouver and Jasper, and First Passage to the West, linking Vancouver with Lake Louise and Banff, share the same route between Vancouver and Kamloops past many places redolent with stories of exploration and early settlements. 

Journey through the Clouds continues past the magnificent Pyramid Falls and the Albreda Glacier to Mount Robson and over the Yellowhead Pass to descend through the Jasper National Park to Jasper. The more southerly First Passage to the West launched Rocky Mountaineer and remains the most popular route, with such spectacular sights as Shuswap Lake, the stretches beside the white waters of the Illecillewaet and Kicking Horse rivers and the crossing of Stoney Creek bridge.

The three-day Rainforest to Gold Rush offers a greater variety of landscapes than either of the journeys through the heart of the Rockies. It heads north from Vancouver to the famous sports resort of Whistler for a night in a hotel and continues to another overnight in the logging town of Quesnel. On the last day the train continues north to Prince George before turning south-east along the Rocky Mountain Trench, the longest valley in North America, passing Mount Robson en route to Jasper.

The blue, white and gold coaches have been purpose-built for Rocky Mountaineer and offer GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service. GoldLeaf cars have two levels: the upper level is devoted to seating in pairs with full panoramic windows, while downstairs is the dining area and kitchen. A great benefit for photographers and a natural place for striking up conversations is the large open-air balcony on the lower level. SilverLeaf cars are on one level with glass dome and a small outdoor viewing area.

Both service levels offer generously-sized reclining seats, complimentary drinks and storytelling by the hosts, whose knowledge and friendliness really add to the interest and pleasure of the journey.

The GoldLeaf kitchen steels a march on the fare on The Canadian with gourmet à la carte dishes devised by prominent west coast chefs. Expect choices such as pan-fried shrimp gyoza with wild greens, sautéed jumbo prawns, and a pickled ginger cilantro dressing or roasted Alberta pork loin served over a creamy sweet pea purée. Even the breakfasts are special, with such dishes as scrambled Fraser Valley eggs, mozzarella cheese, smoked corn and sweet bell peppers wrapped in a crispy spring roll, served with roasted nugget potatoes and Montreal pastrami beef.

SilverLeaf meals are served at your seat and might be salmon fillet in dill sauce or Alberta beef short ribs braised in Okanagan Valley Merlot.

The line past Hell’s Gate on both Journey through the Clouds and First Passage to the West clings audaciously to the side of the Fraser River valley. The scenery surrounding the spiral tunnels within Mount Ogden and Cathedral Mountain on First Passage to the West is majestic. Winding along the water’s edge of Anderson and Seton lakes during Rainforest to Gold Rush, with monumental masses of rock on each side, is a sublime stretch.

April to October

Quality and attention to detail in providing the most comfortable and relaxing way to see some of Canada’s finest sights comes at a price, but the consistent popularity of the train over 27 years speaks for itself. First Passage to the West and Journey Through the Clouds (two-day routes): GoldLeaf from £1,287; SilverLeaf from £951; Rainforest to Gold Rush (three-day route): GoldLeaf from £1,915; SilverLeaf from £1,400. Contact 0800 088 5541; rockymountaineer.com

Six more spectacular rail trips around Canada

1. Halifax-Montreal  

An 836-mile, 21-hour VIA journey from the birthplace of British Canada.

2. Jasper-Prince Rupert 

This 32-hour trip entails an overnight stay in Prince George and encompasses views of Mount Robson.

3. Winnipeg-Churchill 

This spectacular, 45-hour journey begins in the prairies, traverses maple syrup country and forest to reach tundra and the barren lands of the “Polar Bear Capital” of Churchill. Temporarily suspended due to flood damage. 

4. Polar Bear Express 

A four-and-a-half-hour journey from Cochrane through forest to Moosonee.

5. White Pass and Yukon

Built to serve prospectors in the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897, this 67-mile-long international railway begins at the cruise port of Skagway in Alaska and climbs over the White Pass to Carcross in Yukon. 

6. Algoma Central Railway 

Departing and returning to Sault Ste Marie, this 10-hour tour includes a stop for lunch in the spectacular Agawa Canyon.

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• 10 Interesting Canada Train Journeys That You Can’t Miss Out On!

23 Mar 2023

The best of Canada can only be seen from a train where you will get to discover coastal cities like the Gateway of Alaska in Vancouver. A train journey will allow you to witness the beauty of the national parks, Canadian Rockies and its snowy towns. Many will also round off from cosmopolitan cities like that of Ottawa and Toronto. Your travels can also take you on a mesmerizing overnight journey as well or you may be on an all-day rail tour in some deep spots of the country which are inaccessible by other modes of transportation no matter the type of journey you are in, you will experience luxury and awe-inspiring beauty of the windows like no other. So here are the best Canada train journeys you must take!

Top 10 Canada Train Journeys

Are you ready to enjoy the best train journeys? Here is the list of the train journeys you should definitely take. Take a look!

1. The Canadian Rockies

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In this train trip from Vancouver Canada, you will get to witness the towering rocky mountains and many others of this country’s beautiful national parks. On this one week journey through the country, you will begin with two days of sightseeing in the city or Vancouver and then board upon the Rocky Mountaineer. Here you will see the views of the rivers, forests and canyons are sure to mesmerize you in another two days of just daylight travel. Then, from Lake Louise, the journey will go on through mountains and to the town of Banff which is a resort town. Here, enjoy the outdoor activities and attractions like the hot springs before the tour ends with a transfer to Calgary.

Location: Vancouver Timings: Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:00pm CST and Saturday: 9:00am – 4:00pm CST Price: Train and hotel accommodations together begin from $3000

Must Read: 10 Top Indian Restaurants In Canada To Savor Authentic Indian Curries

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2. Best Of The Rockies

Get to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies in this round-trip journey through Canada. The tour will begin in the coastal town of Vancouver before you board up on the first train in this tour- the Rocky Mountaineer. Cross via the mighty Rockies and its amazing scenery all through the night before disembarking in Banff where you can either go for a guided tour or just go exploring solo. From Banff, the tour passes through the amazing landscape of the Columbia icefields while on its way to Jasper. Spend the whole day sightseeing while on the way before you board up VIA Rail’s Canadian to go back to Vancouver where the journey comes to an end.

Location: Vancouver Timings: June 2022 Price: starting from $3195

3. Across Canada By Train

This Canadian train ride of 14 days your starts off in the coastal town of Vancouver, which is home to stunning landmarks like the Queen Elizabeth Park, the Sunken Gardens and Gastown. Then board on VIA Rail’s Canadian to reach the next stop, Toronto. Before reaching that town, there will be a four-night train journey where you will get the opportunity of taking in the seldom witnessed scenery. In Toronto, enjoy a day trip to the Niagara Falls with a boat ride. Then hop on the train again to go from Toronto to Montreal. Explore the city before going to Quebec, then to Halifax where you will get to witness many modern and historical highlights.

Location: Vancouver Timings: From July 2022 to September 2022 Price: $4795

Suggested Read: 18 Best Airports In Canada that Offer A Respite To Weary Travelers

4. Great Pacific Northwest

Begin your journey by experiencing the beautiful urban culture in the city of downtown Seattle. Then continue your kidney to Portland, where you will get to see the lively natural wonders like Mt. Hood National Forest. Next stop will be a return to the Washington state for excursions to the amazing Mount St. Helens and more. After Washington, the next two cities to take in two more British Columbian cities. In Victoria, learn all about making cider before visiting the Butchart Gardens. The tour ends in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver.

Location: Seattle Timings: From September 2022 Price: $2959

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5. From Montreal To More

This 11-day tour in an acclaimed rail excursion will allow you to do lots. Begin by taking in the fall colours and aroma of New England and of Eastern Canada before getting ready to stay in grand hotels before taking luxury trains across Canada in this acclaimed rail excursion. Immerse yourself in the history or Boston which is the starting point before going off to New Hampshire for scenic excursions on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Included in this are Quebec and Montreal city tours, Montmorency Falls, Acadia National Park excursion and more.

Location: New England Timings: September to October 2022 Price: $3259

6. Calgary Stampede

The tour starts in Seattle where you board on Amtrak’s Empire Builder for an unforgettable tour that includes sights of Montana’s Glacier National Park as well as some of the nation’s most important and iconic towns like Calgary, Banff, and Jasper. This special journey allows its travellers to combine the natural elements which are renowned for its attractions that make the trip so special. The rail excursion takes you through Lake Louise and the Banff National Park, where you will get to witness breathtaking waterfalls, glaciers, and icefields before arriving at Calgary for the stampede.

Location: Seattle Timings: September 2022 Price: from $2700

Suggested Read: 10 Must Visit Churches In Canada You Shouldn’t Miss Out

7. Beautiful Banff Rail & Drive

The tour begins in Vancouver where travelers can explore the beautiful city before starting their second day by embarking on the Rocky Mountaineer to head towards Kamloops which is at the heart of British Columbia. Get ready to be awestruck with the amazing scenery which includes the dramatic waters of Hell’s gate to the mountain peaks. The journey then continues across lakeshores, ranch lands, tunnels, mountain passes and more before reaching a stop in Banff. The next day will be spent enjoying Banff before driving on to Yoho national park and Lake Louise. Then the railheads towards Kananaskis Country where you will get to enjoy an evening before the tour comes to an end.

Location: Vancouver Timings: September 2022 Price: from $2700

8. The Canadian Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer

The tour of 9 days starts from Seattle, where the border is crossed into Canada through a scenic cruise. Over the course of this tour, you will get to witness Canada using boats, motorcoach, and trains. In Victoria, you will get to know about the history of the town while in Vancouver you will be able to immerse yourself in the diversity of the place. In Vancouver, you will climb on the Rocky Mountaineer for a passage to Jasper. In this Canadian train trips with sleeper accommodations, you will get to enjoy two luxurious days aboard the train you will disembark over on Kamloops halfway. Upon reaching Jasper you will get to take part in amazing adventures to various places. The next stop is the Canadian Rockies, which will fill both your hearts and cameras with memories.

Location: Seattle Timings: April to September 2022 Price: $3897

Suggested Read: 11 Cafes In Canada: The Best Spots To Hangout With Your Folks!

9. Train Journey Through 5 Canadian Provinces

Experience the beauty of the Canadian wilderness in stunning winters. Winter is an ideal time to embark on this tour as the trains are less crowded and the rates are lower as well. You will also get more personalized attention from the staff too. This tour will take you inside five of the country’s provinces which begins from the east of Vancouver. But the real fun is in the four knights trek through the beautiful scenery of the nation in winters. Take in views of the Rockies before reaching Toronto.

Location: Vancouver. Timings: September 2022 Price: $3000

10. Winter Magical Train

Discover Banff in the three nights you will spend there. Take in the national park there, go for ice walk in Johnston Canyon or maybe take a sleigh ride to relax in the shimmering snow. You will know about the natural formations of this place along the way. Then go about exploring the Canadian Rockies and learn more about these natural wonders. Then head to Jasper National Park, where you will get to enjoy a guided tour of the place to discover the natural worldwide. The tour then ends at an overnight train ride to the city of Vancouver.

Location: Banff Timings: December Price: $3115

Further Read: 10 Places To Experience The Wildlife In Canada

All train journeys are guaranteed to be exhilarating and will fill you with a new appreciation for new places. It is sure to be the highlight of your vacation. So, plan your trip to Canada and get ready to enjoy the famous train journeys.

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Dallas Cowboys 'Secret' 30 Visit with 6-8, 350-Pound Canadian Lineman: 'Freak' in The Draft

University of British Columbia offensive lineman Giovanni Manu could be an under-the-radar option for the Dallas Cowboys.

• Author: Jon Alfano

In this story:

The NFL Draft may be less than three weeks away, but there are still some under-the-radar prospects looking to make a name for themselves.

Enter Giovanni Manu, a 6-8, 352-pound little-known offensive lineman from the University of British Columbia who has managed to turn some heads during the pre-draft process. According to 3 Down Nation , 16 of 32 NFL teams reportedly attended Manu's pro day on March 29, and seven of them have scheduled visits with him.

The Dallas Cowboys got in front of the pack with a 30 Visit to The Star, though, as they were the first of those teams to have a visit with Manu, as our colleague Jordan Schultz is first to note ... and one can see why maybe the Cowboys will want to keep on Manu as the draft approaches.

"Here’s a fun one: The best kept secret in the NFL Draft is Tongan OT Giovanni Manu, who checks in at a freakish 6.073, 352lbs. Manu ran 4.96 at his Pro Day, which featured half the league in attendance. He also verted [vertical jump] 33.5 inches," Schultz wrote on X .

Even though other teams have visits with Manu lined up, the Cowboys being first should give them an advantage over the competition. Additionally, the Cowboys place heavy emphasis on their top-30 visits, which shows how much Manu has caught their eye.

It's also worth noting that the Cowboys have the only active NFL player from UBC, that being offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley.

Here’s a fun one: The best kept secret in the NFL Draft is Tongan OT Giovanni Manu, who checks in at a freakish 6.073, 352lbs. Manu ran 4.96 at his Pro Day, which featured half the league in attendance. He also verted 33.5 inches. Manu just concluded his first 30 visit, with… pic.twitter.com/cnVzwD35F5 — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 5, 2024

Over his five years with the Thunderbirds, Manu put together quite the prolific career. He earned All-Canadian honors in each of his last two seasons while playing both left tackle and left guard.

The Tongan-born tackle is aiming to become the first player in U Sports football, the highest amateur level of amateur Canadian football, to be drafted since 2016. Two players, Deane Leonard and Tavius Robinson, played U Sports football, but both players transferred to Ole Miss before entering the draft.

The interst in Manu suggests that he could break that drought, and if the Cowboys are lucky and proactive enough, perhaps he could suit up for them down the line.

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Best Canadian Rockies Train Trips

Glide through some of the world's most amazing mountain scenery on a Canadian Rockies train trip.

Table of contents

Popular canadian rockies train trips, regional highlights .

• Experience of Train Ride Through the Rockies
• Places to Visit in Canadian Rockies by Train

Frequently Asked Questions

Carving out a route through the Rocky Mountains wasn't easy. Early pioneers had to lay rails on steep switchbacks and blast through rock with dynamite. But they persevered. And their efforts resulted in a track that hugs pine-clad slopes and clings to the mountainside. It twists and turns through view after stunning view. This Vancouver-to-Banff train route is a vital part of Canada's history. And it gets you so much closer to the wilderness than any road trip ever could.

From your seat, see ice-blue glacier lakes, alpine forests and dramatic rock formations. There's no better way to immerse yourself in the wild backcountry of the Canadian Rockies .

The travel expert at Canadian Train Vacations have local knowledge of these scenic Rockies train trips. We can customised our trip itineraries to your interests and preferences. You can choose your activities, train service level, and hotel type for the best vacation possible. Discover more about these trips.

Our travel experts have picked some of our favourite Canadian Rockies train tours below. Get in touch for more information.

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

Essential Rockies by Train  

Discover the best of the Canadian Rockies in six days! Start your trip with a Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey between Vancouver and Lake Louise. Admire the lake’s sparkling turquoise waters, then head to the mountain town of Banff for more adventures. 

Miles on train : 594 Miles 

Days on train : 2 

Stops : Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff and Lake Louise 

Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail  

This 8-day Canadian Rockies itinerary is full of exciting activities so you can experience all the highlights in just over a week. Enjoy a train journey to Jasper and a sightseeing tour down the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. Explore both Banff and Jasper national parks on your choice of sightseeing tour. Read our Canadian Rockies train trip reviews and see why this is one of our bestselling trips! 

Miles on train : 559 Miles 

Train Stops : Vancouver, Kamloops, and Jasper 

Canadian Rockies Voyage by Train  

Experience an overnight train journey on this Rockies vacation package . See the towns of Banff and Jasper, as well as the West Coast city of Vancouver. This 6-day itinerary also includes a tour along the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway and is packed with impressive mountain views. 

Miles on train : 332 Miles 

Days on train :1 

Night on train : 1 

Train Stops : Vancouver and Jasper

Download a brochure

Get inspired with sample itineraries, train information, route maps, and travel advice from our local experts.

See the best of the Canadian West Coast on board a train. Our great itineraries showcase west coast Canada. 

Choose a summer Rocky Mountain journey or a winter wonderland adventure. Customise your train trip how you like. You could include golf, spas, and your favourite activities. When the train stops, sample the area's highlights on small-group tours. You can also combine your Canadian Rockies vacation with a trip to Alaska's Inside Passage. 

Rockies and West Coast Highlights: 

• Stand in awe of the turquoise waters and glacier mountain views at Lake Louise. 
• Travel along the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Lake Louise. This 232-kilometre stretch of highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. 
• Watch for Rocky Mountain wildlife like elk, mountain goats, and bears. 
• Glide past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, as you travel by train. 
• Discover emerald lakes and rushing waterfalls, which provide amazing photographic opportunities. 

#1 Travel tip: Banff Gondola

There are many exciting activity options and attractions in Banff, including the Banff Gondola. Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of six mountain ranges!

Canadian Rockies Train Experiences

These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure. 

Rocky Mountaineer, Daylight train 

The Rocky Mountaineer winds through British Columbia and Alberta and stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Kamloops. There are three main train routes, including the Canadian Rockies train Vancouver to Banff . The train only runs during the daytime and from April to October (start and end dates vary annually). Large windows, an outdoor platform, and glass-dome coaches are perfect for sightseeing.

SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf are the two service levels on Rocky Mountaineer.  

In SilverLeaf, guests have assigned seats in a single-level dome car. Breakfast and lunch are served to guests at their seat, with complimentary snacks and beverages available throughout the day.  

In GoldLeaf , guests have assigned seats in a bi-level dome car. Seating is on the top level and a dining room is on the lower level. Breakfast and lunch are served in the dining room, with complimentary snacks and beverages available throughout the day.  

VIA Rail Train 

VIA Rail runs trains across Canada all year round. There are a few major train routes. The Canadian train passes through the Canadian Rockies, stopping at Jasper on its way to Vancouver from Toronto (or vice versa). On VIA Rail, you can also go to Prince Rupert, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. VIA Rail offers daylight and overnight sleeper train experiences.

#2 Travel tip: Winter train trip

VIA Rail trains operate year-round. So, if you’re looking to visit the Canadian Rockies in winter, you can travel to Jasper by sleeper train from Vancouver or Toronto.

Sleeper Train, VIA Rail 

One option for your Canadian Rockies train travel is the Sleeper train. Sleeper Class is available on The Canadian between Vancouver and Toronto. You can go all the way from coast to coast or choose to stop in Jasper or Winnipeg. Jasper is where you would disembark for your Canadian Rockies adventure.

There are three service levels on The Canadian train: Economy, Sleeper Plus, and Prestige. Both Sleeper Plus and Prestige classes are recommended if you are spending a long time on the train. Sleeper Plus includes a private berth or a cabin with bunk beds. Hot meals are served in the dining car of the train, and these are included throughout your journey. Prestige Class is a luxury service that includes priority meal reservations, afternoon tapas, snacks, drinks, meals, and more. Prestige Class cabins are larger than Sleeper Plus cabins and feature a lower bed for two. Prestige guests also have a dedicated concierge. Both Sleeper Plus and Prestige guests have access to the train’s viewing cars.

If you want to extend your stay in Canada, you can also sleep on board The Ocean train. This VIA Rail train travels between the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Both sleeper train routes are available all year long.

Alaska Cruise - suggested add-on 

Canadian Rockies train tours from Vancouver can combine with an Alaska Cruise. The rail part of your trip can come before or after your Alaska cruise. There are two types of cruise ships. Choose a larger, more luxurious vessel or a smaller ship that allows you to visit more coves and inlets. Each type of ship has its advantages, so it depends on your style of travel and what you want to get out of your Alaska cruise adventure.

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

Top 5 places to see in the canadian rockies.

These are examples of the places you can visit on a Canadian Rockies trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability for your Canadian Rockies train ride.

1. Banff, Alberta 

The townsite of Banff, established in 1885, is the hub of Banff National Park. A lively mountain town with great restaurants, Banff is a welcome change of pace. Enjoy strolling Banff Avenue or try one of the outdoor adventures. Banff was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its incredible mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls.

2. Jasper, Alberta 

Nicknamed the 'gentle giant of the Rockies,' Jasper is a small alpine town in the heart of Jasper National Park. It’s the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jasper is also a Dark Sky Preserve, making it the perfect place for stargazing.

3. Lake Louise, Alberta 

Lake Louise, named after the nearby lake, is a quaint hamlet in the heart of the Rockies. The lake is known for its sparkling turquoise waters and impressive glacier-clad peaks. It offers a surreal paddling experience in the warm summer months. In winter, the lake turns into one of the most scenic skating rinks in the world.

4. Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Yoho National Park, situated in eastern British Columbia, is part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to dramatic waterfalls, emerald lakes, fossil sites, and towering mountains. Field is a small town in the centre of the national park and the perfect place for lunch stops or cozy overnight stays. 

5. Canmore, Alberta 

Surrounded by the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Canmore’s lively arts scene, charming shops, and diverse dining options make it a welcoming mountain community. This quaint small town is in Kananaskis County, just 22 kilometres (12 miles) east of Banff. 

What Our Customers Say

The canadian rockies were amazing.

The landscape and scenery were some of the most beautiful we've ever seen. And the only way to see it is by train. The Canadian Rockies were amazing!

Susan and Brian

The scenery in the Rockies was breathtaking

Our vacation was awesome. Kudos to Fresh Tracks Canada as all our scheduled connections and tours went exactly as planned. All the services provided were excellent and the people w...   read more

John and Kathy

It could not have been better! I will recommend you to everyone!

First if all, the absolute best part about our trip was all the arrangements you made. Everything was perfect - all limos were great and on time, hotels were wonderful (especially...   read more

Carol Ann and Jim

The natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies amazed us

The natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies amazed us. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner in Vancouver while watching float planes take off and land. The Rocky Mountaineer provided us...   read more

Larry and Myra

The Athabasca Glacier walk was everyone's favorite!

We absolutely LOVED the Rockies! We took our kids to Europe last year and my oldest said, "I'd take this trip (meaning the Rockies) over Europe, any day!" It was even more beautifu...   read more

Heidi and Christopher

The Rockies were the highlight of the trip

The Rockies were the highlight of the trip. We loved it. We could have stayed in Jasper another day. The staff at Fresh Tracks were both very helpful. I felt they both cared about...   read more

Brenda and Damon

Where are the Canadian Rockies located?

The Canadian Rockies cover parts of northern British Columbia and Alberta. The Canadian Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of seven parks. Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho national parks. Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine and Hamber provincial parks.

When is the best time to visit the Canadian Rockies?

The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies is the fall, but they are a great destination year-round. Each season offers a different experience, so the ideal time depends on what you'd like to see and do. To see snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes and go skiing or snowshoeing, head to the Rockies between December and February. Spring and summer months bring ideal hiking and wildlife viewing conditions. With warm temperatures and sunshine, June, July, and August are the most popular months to visit. For those who want a quieter experience, travelling to the Rockies in September and October is ideal. Larch trees change from green to yellow during mid to late September. If you would love to witness the mesmerising fall colours, this is the perfect time to go.

How much does a Canadian Rockies train trip cost?

Canadian Rockies train trip prices vary. Our Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail itinerary starts from $4,180 USD per person. Pricing includes transfers, hotels, and some meals and activities. Reach out to one of our Canadian Train Vacation Advisors to discuss a Rockies trip that suits your preferences and budget.

How tall are the Canadian Rockies?

Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) tall, is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

How can you see the Canadian Rockies?

You can get to the Canadian Rockies by train or vehicle. You can fly to Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary, then make the journey to Banff, Jasper or Lake Louise. There are so many ways to explore the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy sightseeing tours, lake cruises, mountain gondolas, alpine hiking and more.

Schedule a call with one of our Vacation Advisors to learn more about Canadian Rockies train excursions.

Can you drive through the Canadian Rockies?

Yes, you can drive the Trans Canada Highway through the Canadian Rockies. Between Banff and Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway is a more scenic driving route. The Icefields Parkway between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park is beautiful.

Is Whistler in the Canadian Rockies?

Whistler is in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and is not part of the Canadian Rockies. Whistler is about a two-hour drive from the city of Vancouver.

Which train ride is best through the Canadian Rockies?

If you are looking to enjoy a daylight train ride through the Canadian Rockies, then a Rocky Mountaineer journey is best. If you want to experience sleeping on the train as you travel to the Rockies, then choose VIA Rail’s Canadian train. Our Ultimate Rockies Rail Journey includes both trains.

How long do you need in the Canadian Rockies?

The amount of time you need to fully experience the Canadian Rockies depends on your interests and the specific places you want to visit. A minimum of 4-7 days is recommended to see the highlights of the Canadian Rockies, though you can easily spend two weeks exploring this area.

About the author: Katherine is Product Manager with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for almost 20 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in Calgary and one of her favourite Canadian destination is the...   Read more

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