While a classic road trip has appeal, a Canadian Train Adventures experience allows you to traverse the Rockies, visit the far North, and meander along the East Coast’s coasts.
After all, Canada is a large country with wide swaths of meadows, dense woods, peaks, and valleys that provide close access to its wild and rough side. Relax and take in the scenery.
The First Expedition to the West – best Canadian Train Adventures
Rocky Mountaineer’s train itineraries encompass Western Canada’s stunning scenery, from the Coastal Pass (Seattle to Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies) to the Journey Through the Clouds (Vancouver to Jasper).
The First Journey West, one of Canada’s most magnificent Rockies, departs from Vancouver and passes both natural wonders such as hoodoos rocks and remarkable man-made constructions like the Twisted Tunnel. Yoho National Park has snails.
Visit Lake Louise, which is home to crystal-clear alpine lakes and the Victoria Glacier, or head to the terminal, Banff’s outdoor adventure mecca.
The luxury trains have glass-roofed coaches with panoramic views, cooked dinners and complimentary alcoholic beverages.
Railway of the White Pass and Yukon Route
Bring your passport for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which departs Skagway, Alaska, and travels into the Yukon Territory. The Bennett Sightseeing route follows Lake Bennett and includes a stop at 1903 Bennett Station, which features a small museum and a self-guided tour of the former gold-digging settlement.
Even though it is just in Alaska, the three-hour White Pass Summit climb is well worth seeing. The old railroad is nearly 3,000 feet high for 20 miles, with sharp turns, tunnels, and plenty of mountain views.
The Canadian – Canadian Train Adventures
The cross-country trek from Toronto to Vancouver on VIA Rail is one for the bucket list. You’ll travel through the Ontario lakes, Saskatchewan grasslands, and the snow-capped Rockies, stopping in the alpine hamlet of Jasper.
The travel is most comfortable on a sleeper car over four nights and three days, but a cheaper economy class seat is still possible.
The Ocean
VIA Rail’s Montreal to Halifax route traverses the craggy Atlantic Canadian coastline. Begin the nearly 24-hour journey in Montreal, where the train departs in the early evening, and spend the next day passing through little towns and appreciating the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia coastlines.
You can go in economy class or rent a sleeper bus for more space. Meals are served on board, and the dome car is the greatest way to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
The Polar Bear Express – Canadian Train Adventures
While the name conjures up visions of a flight over the frigid Arctic, the Polar Bear Express takes passengers on a journey through the wilds of northern Ontario. The five-hour journey connects Cochrane and Moosonee, a small village on the Moose River renowned as the gateway to the province’s northernmost regions.
A dome car for viewing wildlife and dense vegetation and a dining car are included on the passenger train. Spend time in Cochrane to see a real polar bear at the town’s Polar Bear Habitat.
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