What popular train-trip itinerary is best for you?
The Coast to Coast by train tops the list of best Canadian rail trips. You’ll see the country’s top highlights, including Peggy’s Cove, Niagara Falls and Lake Louise. This trip includes time on VIA Rail, in a sleeper cabin, and on the Rocky Mountaineer.
The route goes from Halifax to Vancouver, and can also be done in the reverse direction. The first leg of this scenic train ride in Canada is on VIA Rail's The Ocean train from Halifax to Quebec City. True to its name, this train takes you along Canada's Atlantic Coast.
Quebec City is a UNESCO heritage site has many historic landmarks and museums. From here, a short train ride on VIA Rail takes you to Montreal, where you can enjoy the French culture in Canada. This can include private food tours and walking tours of Old Montreal. With its architecture and French influence, the city has a very European feel.
Another short train ride takes you to Toronto. Once in Toronto, Canada’s largest city, you have time to explore. Our travel experts recommend a day trip out to see Niagara Falls. Next, you board The Canadian train in Toronto to travel to Jasper. On this part of the trip, you will see the prairies and the Canadian Shield.
Once in Jasper, you have time to explore the Rockies. Travelling westbound, you experience Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West route. This takes you from Banff, through Kamloops into Vancouver.
Miles covered on train: 3,240
Days on train: 5
Nights on train: 4
Where to stay: In Toronto, consider staying at the Fairmont Royal York. This historic railway hotel is located in the city’s vibrant downtown and makes for an easy transfer to the train station for the journey from Toronto to Vancouver — one of the best train rides in Canada.
For the top train trip in the Canadian Rockies, we recommend the Ultimate Canadian Rockies by Rail. This package includes time in a private cabin on VIA Rail, between Vancouver and Jasper. You also have time to explore Banff and Jasper. Plus there's two full days on the Rocky Mountaineer, between Banff and Vancouver. You can make this trip in either direction.
Like all our trips, speak to your travel advisor about personalizing your trip. Choices include guided nature walks, a boat cruise on Maligne Lake, and a motorcycle sidecar tour in Jasper.
Miles covered on train: 1,025
Days on train: 3
Nights on train: 1
Where to stay: A top spot in Jasper is the iconic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a 700-acre lakeside resort with plush rooms and incredible mountain views.
Our most popular selling Canadian train vacation gives you eight days to discover the Rockies. This includes two full days on a sightseeing dome car on the Rocky Mountaineer. This trip has the option of going eastbound, from Vancouver to Calgary, or westbound. You’ll have time to explore Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise. Your travel advisor can arrange personalized activities for you, such as canoeing, guided hikes, horseback riding, spa treatments and food tours.
Miles covered on train: 594
Days on train: 2
Nights on train: N/A
Where to stay: Elevate your train trip by spending your night in Lake Louise at one of Canada’s castle-like properties, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This stunning resort hotel sits on the shores of the turquoise lake and offers many luxury services.
This trip combines excellent wildlife viewing experiences with a train journey across Canada from Vancouver to Winnipeg. Start your adventure on the West Coast, where you travel to a wilderness lodge to view grizzly bears. Then, hop onboard The Canadian train in Vancouver and enjoy the journey through the Canadian Rockies before arriving in Winnipeg. From here, fly north to Churchill, a remote community in Northern Manitoba and the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Spend three days exploring the arctic tundra and searching for polar bears before flying back to Winnipeg.
Miles covered on train: 1159
Days on train: 2
Nights on train: 2
Where to stay: This unforgettable train trip includes time at Knight Inlet Lodge in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia. A fly-in wildlife-viewing lodge, it is 100 per cent Indigenous-owned.
Discover highlights of Eastern Canada on this train trip, which includes a night on-board VIA Rail’s Ocean train. This is another trip which can be done in either direction, between Montreal and Halifax. You’ll spend time exploring Montreal and Quebec City. Hotel options include the historic Chateau Le Frontenac. While in Halifax, join a tour to Peggy’s Cove to see one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses.
Miles covered on train: 835
Days on train: 1
Nights on train: 1
Where to stay: One of the newest hotels in Halifax, the Muir Halifax, Autograph Collection by Marriott offers sweeping harbour views and easy access to popular restaurants.
Discover some of the best destinations in Canada with the Across Canada by Train tour. This train journey begins in Toronto and ends in Vancouver, allowing you to visit two major cities and some of Canada's most popular outdoor attractions. The 13-day itinerary includes Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise, making it the perfect choice for adventurous travellers. You'll experience both Rocky Mountaineer and sleeping on VIA Rail's Canadian train.
Miles covered on train: 2,428
Days on train: 5
Nights on train: 3
Where to stay: The Rimrock Resort’s unique location jutting from the side of a mountain above the town of Banff provides spectacular views.
Possibly the best West Coast train trip if you want ocean views, this route travels along scenic Howe Sound. This itinerary takes travellers between Vancouver and Calgary and includes a scenic tour of Icefields Parkway. Customize your trip with extra activities in Banff National Park or Jasper National Park.
Miles covered on train: 717
Days on train: 2.5
Nights on train: 0
Where to stay: The luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a perfect base for exploring this alpine town. Check out the steam room, saunas, hot tubs, and indoor/outdoor pools.
This train tour from Vancouver to Toronto is the perfect Canadian winter adventure. Board the train in Vancouver, then stop in the Canadian Rockies for some winter sightseeing and activities. See snow-capped mountains, then re-board the train and travel across the prairies before arriving in Toronto.
Miles covered on train: 2,762
Days on train: 4
Nights on train: 4
Where to stay: Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the five-star Shangri-La Hotel is a luxurious base for your sightseeing, shopping and outdoor adventures.
This Eastern Canada train trip lets you explore the best of Ontario and Quebec in 10 days. After your arrival in Toronto, you are whisked away to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which sits on the shores of Lake Ontario. Here, you have the chance to visit thundering Niagara Falls or discover the area’s beautiful vineyards on a winery tour.
Then you’ll head back to Toronto, before taking VIA Rail’s Corridor train to Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. This trip itinerary includes a day in each of these cities, so you can discover the highlights on your choice of sightseeing activities. As you travel by train between Toronto and Quebec City, you’re treated to stunning views of the countryside.
Miles covered on train: 452
Days on train: 3
Nights on train: 0
Where to stay: The Prince of Wales Hotel in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake is a treasured landmark of Victorian elegance. Rooms are unique and intimate, featuring luxury furnishings and antique decorations.
Fancy ticking off two bucket list experiences in one trip? Our Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise itinerary combines a luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train journey with a small ship Alaska cruise. You’ll get to see the highlights of Banff National Park, including Lake Louise, before taking the train to Vancouver. The Rocky Mountaineer takes you through the Spiral Tunnels, Rogers Pass, and the desert-like landscape of British Columbia’s interior.
You’ll fly from Vancouver to Sitka, Alaska, to begin your 7-night cruise. On this small ship cruise, you’ll see ancient glaciers, remote bays, and vast fjords in Southeast Alaska, with opportunities to enjoy whale watching, kayaking, hiking, and more.
Miles covered on train: 559
Days on train: 2
Nights on train: 0
Where to stay: A true highlight of the Rockies in itself, the Fairmont Banff Springs is often called Canada’s castle in the Rockies. Located a short stroll from the town, the hotel features superbly appointed rooms and attentive, personalized service.
This Canadian train vacation combines a sleeper-train journey from Vancouver to Winnipeg with a multi-day polar bear tour in Churchill. The train takes you through the Canadian Rockies and across the prairie provinces. Once you arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital city, there's time to explore the city’s top attractions, including the Forks Market. Then you’ll travel to the remote town of Churchill, known as the polar bear capital of the world, for polar bear viewing, dogsledding, and more.
Miles covered on train: 1159
Days on train: 2
Nights on train: 2
Where to stay: Take in the storied history and architectural details of the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, and enjoy the luxe amenities, including an on-site spa with Turkish bath.
If you’re looking for a winter train trip through the Canadian Rockies, our Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland itinerary is for you. Board VIA Rail’s Canadian train in Vancouver and enjoy an overnight journey to Jasper. This is a sleeper train experience, where you can relax in a cozy private cabin as the snow falls outside your window. Once you arrive in Jasper, you’ll have four days to explore frozen lakes, icy canyons, and snow-capped mountains. Activity highlights could include a sleigh ride in Lake Louise, dogsledding in Banff, and an ice walk tour in Jasper.
Miles covered on train: 532
Days on train: 1
Nights on train: 1
Where to stay: Mingle with the stars in “Hollywood North” at Vancouver’s popular Fairmont Pacific Rim. This modern luxury hotel features amazing views of the harbour and mountains, plus has easy access to neighbourhood restaurants and shopping.
