Looking for an unparalleled way to experience Canada’s vastly scenic views? From coast to coast, train travel in Canada is very much bucket-list worthy.
Travelling Across Canada by Train
When you think about Canada, what comes to your mind? We bet it’s all the raw natural wonders across the country. And being the second biggest country in the world, exploring Canada’s awe-inspiring sights is not one easy feat. Flying is the most convenient option, but not necessarily the best way to really experience Canada. Driving is a great option but takes more planning. Why not sit back, relax and let the rest be taken care of on a train across Canada! There are plenty of options for your budget or time constraints. Taking the train through Canada’s soaring beauty will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime, slow travel experience.
Via Rail Canada train travel
From Canada’s fun, bustling cities to pristine, jaw-dropping views, Via Rail will take you there in comfort and style. As Canada’s top long-distance train network, Via Rail covers eight provinces and 7,800 miles of track. Free WiFi and power outlets are also on board for your ultimate comfort. Economy or Premium Business class is available on most trains.
There are so many different routes and ways to experience an ultimate Canada train trip. We’ve put together the top routes – sure to blow you away with panoramic scenery.
24 Travel Quotes That Will Get You Packing
Popular Canada Train Travel Routes
The Canadian Route
Toronto – Vancouver: 4 nights/4 days
Popular Stopovers: Sudbury, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, Kamloops
This is truly the ultimate rail journey – an extraordinary front seat view of Canada’s natural landscapes. This trail trip starts in Toronto and quickly takes you through jaw-dropping views of enchanting forests, grand prairies and unbelievable mountain passes. Taking this route will expose you to the natural diversity and quaint communities Canada has to offer and the trip is complete with comfy seats, sleeper cabins, and fresh food on board. After this four-day journey through 4,466 km and five provinces, you will eventually arrive in Vancouver.
Hotel Recommendations
| Hotel | Location | Perfect for | Est. Price per night (CAD) |
West Queen West Hotel | Toronto | Budget Travellers | $60 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Toronto East Lakeview | Toronto | Families | $95 |
| Budget Inn Patricia Hotel | Vancouver | Budget Travellers | $53 |
| Cassandra Hotel | Vancouver | Families | $81 |
The Ocean
Montreal – Halifax: 1 night/1 day
Popular Stopovers: Ste-Foy, Rivière-du-Loup, Rimouski, Mont-Joli, Matapédia, Campbellton, Bathurst, Miramichi, Moncton, Amherst, Truro
This route connects two popular Eastern Canada cities. Both Montreal and Halifax are worth a visit for both culture and charm. You begin this trip in the early evening from Montreal and then onwards through the gorgeous underrated beauty of Quebec. Passing through the Montérégie Hills and the coast of Baie-des-Chaleurs, the romantic side of slow train travel will be evident. Eventually arriving in Halifax, you’ll be in the perfect hub to explore the area and get your dose of that wonderful Maritime hospitality.
Hotel Recommendations
| Hotel | Location | Perfect for | Est. Price per night (CAD) |
| Hotel Quartier des Spectacles | Montreal | Budget Travellers | $48 |
| Lelux Hotel | Montreal | Families | $83 |
| Commons Inn | Halifax | Budget Travellers | $80 |
| Lake City Motel | Halifax | Families | $85 |
The Corridor
Quebec City – Windsor
Potential Stopovers: Ste-Foy, Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto, Niagara Falls, London, Sarnia
If you want to experience world-class cities, natural wonders and understated views, then this route is for you. Looking at the city to city linking service, this is the best way to get the most out of a small region with big offerings, allowing you to breeze through traffic simultaneously. Along this train route, you’ll have greater flexibility in the time you may want to spend in each place. With historical cities like Montreal, Ottawa and Kingston, Toronto and the natural wonder of Niagara Falls – you’ll be spoiled with options!
Hotel Recommendations
| Hotel | Location | Perfect for | Est. Price per night (CAD) |
| Hotel Motel Bonaparte | Quebec City | Budget Travellers | $65 |
| Comfort Inn & Suites Ambassador Bridge | Windsor | Families | $102 |
| HI – Ottawa Jail Hostel | Ottawa | Budget Travellers | $42 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Toronto East Lakeview | Toronto | Families | $93 |
The Best of Manitoba
Winnipeg – Churchill: 2 days/2 nights
Potential Stopovers: Le Pas, Pukatawagan, Thompson
This 1,700 km Canada train route showcases an overlooked part of the country. You’ll have the incredible opportunity to begin in trendy Winnipeg and then onwards to see the subarctic part of Northern Manitoba. On this particular train journey, nearly every season offers something special. In the winter, you may be rewarded with the Northern Lights. In autumn, you may be able to see polar bears, while in summer it’s possible to view beautiful belugas. This is a fantastic way to see a different side of Canada.
Hotel Recommendations
| Hotel | Location | Perfect for | Est. Price per night (CAD) |
| Howard Johnson by Wyndham Winnipeg West | Winnipeg | Budget Travellers | $92 |
| Holiday Inn Winnipeg-South | Winnipeg | Families | $137 |
| IceBerg Inn | Churchill | Budget Travellers | $85 |
| A Frame Chalet | Churchill | Families | $240 |
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The Pacific North Coast
Jasper – Prince Rupert: 2 days/1 night
Potential Stopovers: Prince George
This route covering about 1,160 km of British Columbia’s stunning landscapes will leave you feeling enchanted at nature’s mastery. Starting off in Jasper National Park, you’ll be swept away by breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers and emerald trees. Passengers taking this Via Rail train trip will marvel with first-hand views of the Rockies, lakes, rivers, farms, sawmills, and wildlife. Once you arrive in Prince Rupert, you can even participate in some whale-watching. Experience some of the Great North’s panoramic landscapes that look almost too good to be true!
Hotel Recommendations
| Hotel | Location | Perfect for | Est. Price per night (CAD) |
| Marmot Lodge Jasper | Jasper | Families | $121 |
| Canada’s Best Value Inn | Prince George | Budget Travellers | $80 |
| Prestige Prince Rupert | Prince Rupert | Families | $110 |
| Black Rooster Guesthouse | Prince Rupert | Budget Travellers | $75 |
More Canadian Travel Inspiration
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- Jasper vs Banff
Ready for an ultimate Canada train trip? Find the best flight to your destination of choice below. 👇🏼
