Train & Rail Tours & Trips in Canada
Ready to board the Rocky Mountaineer as it winds through snow-capped peaks and emerald forests? Canada’s rail trips link Vancouver's coastal beauty with Jasper's wilderness, Toronto's CN Tower with Quebec City's French charm. Cruise Maligne Lake and walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. The rails are ready - are you?
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Robert • traveled in October, 2024
We travelled from Calgary to Banff on this 8 day trip and had an excellent guide. Everything was well organized from the lodging to the food to the activities. There were great travelers in our small group and we made new friends that will last a life time. Just do it! We recommend Tours of Distinction to everyone and have been telling all our friends since getting home.
Canadian Rockies by Train - A
Andrew • traveled in June
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.
Western Canada by Rail - B
Bob • traveled in December
Took the Cosmos Canadian Train Odyssey tour in Sept 2016. What an incredible experience. A very quick tour of Toronto (too quick, too rushed) and Niagara Falls, then whisked away to the train station that evening. Cabins are cozy (read: small), comfortable beds, service staff were excellent. Food...remarkable!!! Wow it was fine dining plus! Exquisite. Lots of scenery, different each day. Sleeping was a challenge but didn't matter, was such a great time, and met so many of our fellow passengers, everyone connected. Our tour director, Scott, was just fabulous, helpful, social, kind, could not do enough for us, and made sure we were all having a terrific time. So knowledgeable, when you think of how BIG Canada is,and he knows so much information from end to end, it's simply incredible. Arriving in the mountains at the end of our train journey was nothing less than breathtaking. Apparently Scott worked his magic and we had the most amazing weather, he said we were extremely fortunately. The mountains were snow capped due to recent snowfall, clear blue skies, water like glass on our boat ride, and the coach ride through the icefields parkway was indescribably beautiful. What a day. Banff was so quaint I wish we could have stayed a couple of days longer. Very long travel through the mountains to the coast, but worth every minute when we arrived in Victoria BC. Remarkable city, very victorian, beautiful harbour, so much to see and do on foot, I also wished for another day or two here. Next we were whisked off to Vancouver for our final days. Over half the people took the cruise afterward, which was fantastic because we now knew so many people on board. I only wish that the final dinner was included so everyone could celebrate the end of the wonderful trip together as we sailed around Vancouver harbour at night. The last night, we even grabbed Scott and took him for a thank you drink at the hotel lounge to say thanks for a most amazing travel experience. Such great memories!
Canadian Train Odyssey
10 best Train & Rail Canada tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCanada travel expert at TourRadar
- Canadian Rockies by Train
- Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax
- Western Canada by Rail
- Eastern Canada by Rail
- Coastal Charm and French Flair: Halifax to Montreal by Rail
- Magnificent Canadian Rockies & Rail
- Great Canadian Rail Journey
- Western Canada by Rail with Calgary Stampede
- Ontario & Quebec
- Canadian Train Odyssey
Canadian Rockies by Train
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was well organized from the lodging to the food to the activities. We recommend Tours of Distinction to everyone.”
Robert, traveled in July
Canada's most spectacular terrain unfolds on this rail route. VIA Rail carries passengers from Jasper to Kamloops, showcasing glacial lakes and mountain peaks. Vancouver's Chinatown and 2010 Olympic Village await, with superior accommodations throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Kamloops, Vancouver Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Tours of Distinction From
- US$3,999
Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax
171 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Interesting tour, hitting all the high points on the east coast if Canada. The train to Halifax was great, excellent service and well worth doing.”
Pamela, traveled in July
Roll across eastern Canada in VIA Rail's Ocean train Sleeper Plus class from Montréal to Halifax, with views of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Deluxe motorcoach travel with free Wi-Fi links Toronto, Ottawa, and Québec City.
Duration 11 days Destinations Toronto, Niagara Falls, Kingston, Thousand Islands National Park, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From
- US$2,862+$167 upfront costs
Western Canada by Rail
108 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Truly stunning mountain scenery through the Rockies to Vancouver with guest appearances from bears, elk, eagles and gophers!”
Andrew, traveled in June
The Rocky Mountaineer offers stunning views of Mount Robson and Hell's Gate. North Thompson River valley views, Fraser Canyon passages, and Gulf Islands ferry crossings highlight this route, with overnight stays in Kamloops.
Duration 9 days Destinations Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, Victoria Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $4,106
4% Off- US$3,956+$153 upfront costsYou save $150
Duration 10 days Destinations Toronto, Niagara Falls, Thousand Islands National Park, Ottawa, Quebec City, Jacques Cartier National Park, Montreal Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
4% Off- US$4,590
The historic Ocean route runs in Sleeper Plus comfort from Halifax to Montreal. The train stops at Moncton, Bathurst, and Quebec City with included meals. Private cabins provide cozy overnight accommodations along the St. Lawrence River.
Duration 8 days Destinations Halifax, Truro, Moncton, Bathurst, Rimouski, Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec City, Montreal Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Operator Landsby From
4% Off- US$1,592
Duration 15 days Destinations Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Sun Peaks, Whistler, Victoria Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
4% Off- US$15,610
Great Canadian Rail Journey
177 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent itinerary and well thought out. A wonderful experience.”
Steven, traveled in August
VIA Rail's The Canadian showcases restored 1950s art-deco cars. Dome cars offer panoramic views while regional cuisine awaits in dining cars. Sleeper Plus cabins ensure comfort while crossing Ontario's lakes and Prairie provinces.
Duration 14 days Destinations Toronto, Winnipeg, Rocky Mountain National Park, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, Kamloops, Victoria, Vancouver Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $7,853
6% Off- US$7,353+$185 upfront costsYou save $500
Duration 11 days Destinations Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon, Spirit Island, Kamloops, Gulf Islands, Victoria, Vancouver Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From
6% Off- US$5,649+$213 upfront costs
Rail through Canada's eastern provinces on VIA Rail's 'The Corridor', passing Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence River. The route connects Toronto's CN Tower, Quebec's walled city, and Montreal's Mount Royal.
Duration 8 days Destinations Toronto, Quebec City, Montreal Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
6% Off- US$1,829
Canadian Train Odyssey
47 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful, helpful, knowledgable. I felt I could ask her anything about the country, area and she knew about it.”
Rosemary, traveled in September
VIA Rail's Canadian features restored 1950s carriages on this cross-country adventure. Three nights of rail travel from Toronto through prairies complement scenic ferry crossings through Gulf Islands and excursions to Niagara Falls and Columbia Icefield.
Duration 15 days Destinations Toronto, Niagara Falls (USA), Winnipeg, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Kamloops, Victoria, Vancouver Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $5,500
3% Off- US$5,350+$116 upfront costsYou save $150
What our customers ask about Train & Rail Tours & Trips in Canada
What are the most scenic train routes in Canada?
Canada's premier train routes run through some of North America's most remarkable landscapes. The Vancouver to Jasper route on the Rocky Mountaineer passes Mount Robson and travels alongside glacier-fed lakes. The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver crosses five provinces showcasing prairies forests and mountain ranges. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The scenery was spectacular and the train journey through the Rockies was breathtaking." These routes take travelers past Maligne Lake Columbia Icefield and Lake Louise with overnight stays at notable hotels like the Fairmont Banff Springs and Whistlers Inn in Jasper.
When is the best time to take a train tour through the Canadian Rockies?
Train tours in the Canadian Rockies are at their best from May to September. The weather during these months allows full access to attractions with July and August bringing warm temperatures and extended daylight. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We went in September and the fall colors were absolutely stunning plus there were fewer crowds." Winter trips from November to April show off snow-covered landscapes but some spots like Moraine Lake are closed for the season.
What meals are included on Canadian train journeys?
Each train service offers different dining options based on ticket class. Rocky Mountaineer's GoldLeaf Service provides full breakfasts and lunches in the dining car while VIA Rail's Sleeper Plus class includes all meals. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The food in the dining car was exceptional - they served fresh locally-inspired dishes like Pacific salmon and Alberta beef." Those traveling in Economy class can buy food from the café car or bring their own meals.
How much free time is typically available during train tour stops?
Canadian rail tours provide a mix of guided activities and independent exploration. Stops in Banff and Jasper usually allow 1-2 days for personal adventures. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We had plenty of free time in Banff to explore the town take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain and enjoy dinner at different local restaurants like the Maple Leaf Grill." Major cities like Vancouver and Toronto typically include one full day for independent exploration.
How does the dome car seating work on Canadian trains?
Access to dome cars depends on your ticket type. Rocky Mountaineer's GoldLeaf Service includes reserved seats in bi-level dome cars. On VIA Rail's The Canadian dome seating is open to all passengers on a first-come basis. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The dome car on The Canadian offered incredible 360-degree views of the changing landscape especially through the Rockies. Try to get there early morning for the best spots."
What types of accommodation are available on overnight train journeys in Canada?
Overnight train accommodations range from basic Economy seats to high-end Prestige Class cabins. VIA Rail's The Canadian features berths with shared facilities private cabins for 1-2 people with washbasins and Prestige Class rooms with private bathrooms. A TourRadar traveler confirmed: "The sleeper cabin was comfortable and well-maintained with excellent service from the staff." Land stays include well-known properties like the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Banff Aspen Lodge.