Canada, a country celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and vast distances, offers a unique and comfortable way to explore its beauty: train travel. While often overlooked in favor of cars and planes, Canada’s extensive rail network presents some truly spectacular journeys, allowing you to immerse yourself in the diverse scenery from coast to coast.
Although train travel isn’t the primary mode of transport for Canadians outside of the major eastern cities like Toronto and Montreal, it holds a special charm for those seeking a relaxed and scenic adventure. Historically, train travel was incredibly popular in Canada, with annual ridership peaking at 60 million in the 1940s. Today, while national carrier VIA Rail sees around 5 million passengers annually, the allure of train travel endures, especially for tourists and those seeking a more luxurious experience. Private companies like the renowned Rocky Mountaineer offer premium rail journeys, akin to five-star hotels on wheels, catering to travelers desiring enhanced comfort and service.
If a Canadian rail adventure is calling your name, here’s everything you need to know to plan your journey.
An aerial view captures a train gracefully traversing a long trestle bridge, with a picturesque waterfront town nestled amidst lush trees in vibrant fall foliage.
The Comfort and Pace of Canadian Train Travel
Canadian trains are known for their comfort, particularly in business and sleeper classes, providing a relaxing alternative to flying or driving. However, it’s important to adjust your expectations regarding speed. Unlike high-speed rail systems, Canadian passenger trains often share tracks with freight services, which take priority. This can lead to delays as passenger trains may need to wait for freight trains to pass, resulting in a more leisurely pace of travel.
The exception to this is the intercity service within the eastern corridor, connecting major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. These routes offer faster connections, with the journey between Toronto and Montreal taking just over five hours. For longer journeys across the country, embrace the slower pace and enjoy the unfolding landscapes.
VIA Rail and Other Canadian Train Operators
VIA Rail Canada operates the majority of the country’s passenger rail network. In addition to VIA Rail, a few private companies offer specialized routes, often focused on tourism and luxury experiences. Amtrak, the US rail service, also provides cross-border services to Canadian cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, expanding travel options for international visitors.
VIA Rail’s flagship services include two iconic transcontinental routes:
- The Canadian: This legendary route, often cited as one of the world’s greatest train journeys, connects Vancouver and Toronto, offering a four-day immersive experience across diverse Canadian landscapes.
- The Ocean: Traveling between Montreal and Halifax in Nova Scotia, The Ocean provides a scenic journey through Eastern Canada’s maritime provinces.
Beyond these flagship trains, VIA Rail also operates five Scenic Adventure routes. These routes cater to tourists seeking picturesque journeys and also serve rural communities with flag stops, allowing passengers to board or disembark in more remote locations. These routes include:
- Jasper–Prince Rupert (The Skeena): British Columbia
- Winnipeg–Churchill: Manitoba
- Sudbury–White River: Ontario
- Montreal–Senneterre: Quebec
- Montreal–Jonquière: Quebec
Commuter rail services, separate from VIA Rail, operate in and around major urban centers like Vancouver (West Coast Express), Toronto (GO Transit), and Montreal (Exo). These commuter lines carry significantly higher passenger volumes than VIA Rail, highlighting the importance of rail for daily transportation in these regions.
It’s important to note that the VIA Rail network does not extend to Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador, nor does it serve Canada’s territories, with the exception of the Yukon. In the Yukon, travelers can experience the privately operated White Pass and Yukon Route, a heritage railway offering summer tourist excursions.
VIA Rail Classes and Onboard Experience
VIA Rail trains are generally comfortable across all classes. Even economy class offers spacious reclining seats and power outlets, ensuring a pleasant journey. Long-distance overnight trains are particularly spacious, and passengers have access to Skyline cars with dome sections for panoramic views, perfect for soaking in the Canadian scenery. Onboard cafes provide food and beverage options. Notably, VIA Rail still utilizes the classic stainless-steel coaches introduced in 1955, adding a touch of vintage charm to the experience.
For enhanced comfort on overnight journeys, VIA Rail offers Sleeper Plus class on The Canadian, The Ocean, and the Winnipeg–Churchill routes. Sleeper Plus provides options for open berths or private compartments for one or two people. On overnight trains (excluding Winnipeg-Churchill), Sleeper Plus passengers also enjoy access to a dedicated restaurant car with included meal service (three meals per day).
For the ultimate in luxury train travel in Canada, Prestige Sleeper class, available exclusively on The Canadian, offers deluxe, hotel-style accommodations. Prestige class features private bathrooms, mini-bars, TVs, and access to a private lounge in the Park Car at the rear of the train.
Daytime travel in Canada’s eastern corridor offers Economy and Business classes. Business class passengers benefit from included meals and increased baggage allowances.
A group of commuters are patiently waiting in the snow for the arrival of an Exo commuter train at Lucien L’Allier station in Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Rail Travel for Commuters and Scenic Explorers
While commuter rail is essential in major Canadian cities like Montreal and Toronto, intercity train travel in Canada is often more about the journey than simply reaching a destination. Outside of the busy Quebec City-Windsor corridor, Canadians primarily utilize trains for scenic excursions and vacations.
The five VIA Rail Scenic Adventure routes are specifically designed to showcase Canada’s diverse natural beauty. These routes, while less frequented than the eastern corridor, offer incredible experiences:
- The Skeena (Jasper–Prince Rupert): Journey through British Columbia’s stunning landscapes.
- Winnipeg–Churchill: Experience the unique subarctic environment of Manitoba.
- Sudbury–White River: Explore the rugged wilderness of northern Ontario.
- Montreal–Senneterre & Montreal–Jonquière: Discover the remote regions of Quebec.
While routes like the Jasper-Prince Rupert line may have lower annual passenger numbers, they provide access to remote communities and offer unparalleled scenic views.
Private Luxury Train Experiences in Canada
Several private companies complement VIA Rail’s services, offering premium and luxury train experiences. The most famous is the Rocky Mountaineer. Their luxurious trains operate on routes between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper, taking passengers through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The “First Passage to the West” route is particularly significant as it is the only passenger train currently operating on the original Canadian Pacific Railway tracks, passing through the iconic Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park.
Royal Canadian Pacific offers another luxury option, providing cruise-ship-like experiences on multi-day excursions. Unlike VIA Rail’s overnight trains, Rocky Mountaineer and Royal Canadian Pacific trips feature overnight stays in hotels, allowing for daytime scenic viewing.
In Ontario, Algoma Central Railway provides access to the northern Ontario wilderness, while Ontario Northland operates the Polar Bear Express to Moosonee, near the Arctic coast.
The White Pass and Yukon Route, a historical railway dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush, operates between Carcross (Yukon) and Skagway (Alaska). This route offers a journey through history in vintage parlor-style carriages.
A traveler leans out of a train window in an open carriage to admire the panoramic mountain scenery.
Booking Your Canadian Train Adventure
Train travel in Canada can be surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to air travel or car rentals, considering the comfort and scenic value offered. Among public transportation options in Canada (air, bus, and train), rail stands out as the most comfortable.
Best Time to Travel & Booking Tips:
- Peak Season: June to mid-October is peak season, with prices approximately 40% higher.
- Advance Booking Savings: Booking tickets in advance can yield significant savings (up to 30%). Early booking is highly recommended, especially for popular routes and sleeper accommodations.
- VIA Rail Website: The official VIA Rail website is the best place to book tickets online. Tickets can also be purchased at stations or by phone.
- Seat Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season, weekends, and holidays.
- Sleeper Class Popularity: Sleeper accommodations, particularly on long-distance routes like The Canadian and the Winnipeg-Churchill train during polar bear season (late September to early November), often sell out months in advance.
Discounts:
Various discounts are available, including for:
- Children under 12 (50%)
- Hosteling International members (12.5%)
- Canadian military (25%)
- Indigenous people (33%)
- Canadian Automobile Association members (up to 20%)
- Groups of 10 or more
Children under 2 travel free. Ensure you have appropriate ID to verify eligibility for discounts. Currently, rail passes are not available in Canada, but frequent travelers can join the VIA Préférence program to earn points towards future trips.
Practicalities of Canadian Train Travel
While Canada is a car-centric country, choosing train travel offers environmental and practical advantages. Trains produce less carbon emissions per passenger compared to cars and can be faster on key eastern corridor routes. Considering fuel costs, train tickets are often comparable in price to car rentals.
Urban train stations are typically located in or near downtown areas, with good public transport connections. Most major stations also have car rental services available.
Onboard Comfort and Amenities:
- Food Service: All VIA Rail trains offer some form of onboard food service, ranging from cafes to full restaurant cars on overnight routes.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available on most trains, although coverage may be intermittent in some areas.
- Overnight Comfort: Blankets and pillows are provided for overnight travel. Business class in the eastern corridor and Sleeper Plus class on The Canadian and The Ocean offer enhanced comfort amenities.
- Baggage: VIA Rail baggage policies are similar to airlines. One carry-on bag up to 23kg (50lbs) is free. Checked baggage is available for a fee. Small folding bikes can be carried on, while other bikes are subject to a checked baggage fee.
A train attendant wheels a drink cart down the aisle of an observation car. Passengers are seated enjoying views of a river and green mountains.
Must-Experience Canadian Train Routes
The Canadian: Vancouver to Toronto
Canada’s most iconic train journey, The Canadian, spans 4,466 km (2,775 miles) between Vancouver and Toronto over four days. The route showcases Canada’s diverse ecosystems, from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies and the Canadian Shield. Key stops include Jasper, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg. Traveling east to west allows for longer stops in Jasper and Edmonton.
White Pass and Yukon Route: Carcross to Skagway
This historic and visually stunning route follows the path of the Klondike Gold Rush. The heritage railway utilizes original parlor carriages from the 1880s, offering breathtaking views of the White Pass as you descend into Skagway, Alaska.
Winnipeg to Churchill: Manitoba’s Arctic Frontier
Canada’s most northerly passenger train provides the only overland access to Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world, on the shores of Hudson Bay. The journey traverses flat prairies and boreal forests, offering a unique subarctic experience.
The Skeena: Jasper to Prince Rupert
VIA Rail’s Skeena route (train number 5) offers a two-day journey through the heart of British Columbia, showcasing coniferous forests, farmland, and snow-capped mountains. Highlights include views of Mt. Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak.
First Passage to the West: Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer’s “First Passage to the West” is a luxury rail experience between Banff and Vancouver (with an overnight in Kamloops). This route offers gourmet meals, leather seats, and expert guides, enhancing the already spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery.
Accessibility and Special Needs
VIA Rail is committed to accessibility. All trains are wheelchair accessible and have accessible restrooms. Most stations offer wheelchair lifts. Passengers with mobility limitations can have meals served at their seats. Service dogs are welcome on board at no extra charge.
It is crucial to book accessible facilities and any special requirements well in advance, as availability may be limited. For detailed information, consult VIA Rail’s accessibility page.
Embark on a Canadian train journey and discover the beauty and vastness of this incredible country in a comfortable and unforgettable way.
