Train & Rail Tours & Trips in North America
Could you see yourself boarding VIA Rail to Jasper, exploring Jasper National Park, cruising Maligne Lake, visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and discovering Banff? Keep going and cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, ride the famous Rocky Mountaineer through the Rockies, and walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk? Canadian rails are calling you!
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10 best Train & Rail North America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaNorth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Western Canada by Rail
- Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax
- Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton with Ocean Train to Montreal
- French Flair and Coastal Charm: Halifax to Montreal by Rail
- Great Canadian Rail Journey
- Canadian Train Odyssey
- Eastern Canada by Rail
- Reflections of the Rockies and Alaska Cruise Victoria - Vancouver (2027)
- Highlights of the East Coast by Train
- The colorful splendor of Indian summer (from Boston/to New York)
Western Canada by Rail
“Magnificent views! Will definitely choose Cosmos next time if we choose to travel on a tour.”
Nathalie, traveled in August
The Rocky Mountaineer passes Mount Robson and Hell's Gate along North America's scenic rail routes. Fraser Canyon's vistas, North Thompson River valleys, and Monashee Mountains unfold with SilverLeaf Service and overnight stay in Kamloops.
Duration 9 days Destinations Calgary, Banff National Park, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon, Jasper, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Kamloops, VancouverSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $4,482
6% off- US$4,232+$167 upfront costs
Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax
“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
The VIA Rail's Ocean train offers an overnight journey from Montréal to Halifax in private Sleeper Plus class. The rail route winds through scenic New Brunswick and Nova Scotia landscapes, complemented by deluxe motorcoach travel between major cities.
Duration 11 days Destinations Toronto, Niagara Falls, Kingston, Rockport, Thousand Islands National Park, Ottawa, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec City, Saint-Jean-de-l'Ile-d'Orleans, MontrealSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $2,916
3% off- US$2,816+$195 upfront costs
Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton with Ocean Train to Montreal
“Excellent experience thanks to Anntte Conrad and our driver Randie.”
An overnight journey on VIA Rail's Ocean train from Halifax winds through New Brunswick's scenic valleys. Sleeper Plus comfort accompanies views of the St. Lawrence River before arriving at Montreal's landmark Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel.
Duration 12 days Destinations Halifax, Peggys Cove, Lunenburg, Moncton, Charlottetown, Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Montreal Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $4,831
7% off- US$4,481+$444 upfront costs
The historic Ocean route on VIA Rail spans Eastern Canada's captivating landscapes. The 1350km journey from Halifax passes through Moncton, Rimouski, and Quebec City to Montreal, offering private cabin comfort and included dining.
Duration 8 days Destinations Halifax, Montreal Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Operator Landsby From
7% off- US$1,936
Great Canadian Rail Journey
“This trip was another great Globus experience for me. She gave us lots of great information that enhanced our experience.”
Joanne, traveled in August
VIA Rail's restored art-deco cars transport passengers across North America, featuring Sleeper Plus cabins and dome car viewing. The route spans five provinces with gourmet dining, followed by Rockies' national parks exploration via luxury motorcoach.
Duration 14 days Destinations Toronto, Niagara Falls, Jasper, Maligne Canyon, Spirit Island, Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise, Banff, Banff National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $7,494
8% off- US$6,894+$495 upfront costs
Canadian Train Odyssey
“The cosmos experience was excellent, informative, educational, interesting and entertaining.”
Damian, traveled in August
VIA Rail's Canadian offers premier views plus ferry rides through Gulf Islands. The journey features Niagara Falls cruise, Columbia Icefield expedition, and visits to five national parks including Banff and Jasper.
Duration 15 days Destinations Toronto, Niagara Falls, Jasper, Jasper National Park, Lake Louise, Banff, Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park of Canada, KamloopsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $5,600
4% off- US$5,350+$408 upfront costs
VIA Rail connects Toronto, Gananoque, Ottawa, Quebec City, and Montreal on this 10-day trip through Eastern Canada's scenic routes. Small groups of up to 12 stay in boutique hotels while e-biking through Gatineau Park, cruising the Saint Lawrence through Thousand Islands, and hiking the glacial valley at Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier.
Duration 10 days Destinations Toronto, Niagara Falls, GANANOQUE, Thousand Islands National Park, Ottawa, Gatineau, Quebec City, Saint-Jean-de-l'Ile-d'Orleans, Montreal Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
4% off- US$4,795
What our customers ask about Train & Rail Tours & Trips in North America
What are the most scenic train routes in North America?
North America's railway network offers exceptional routes that showcase the continent's diverse landscapes. The Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper winds through the Coast Mountains and Canadian Rockies giving passengers front-row views of glaciers waterfalls and wildlife. The VIA Rail's "The Canadian" connects Toronto to Vancouver passing through changing terrains from the lakes of Muskoka to the sprawling Prairies and mountain ranges. A TourRadar traveler described their Rocky Mountaineer experience: "The scenery was absolutely breathtaking as we traveled through the Canadian Rockies. The glass-dome cars provided incredible panoramic views of snow-capped peaks glacial lakes and rushing rivers."
What are the top stops or destinations along the most popular train routes in North America?
Each route features carefully selected stops that highlight Canada's natural and urban attractions. The Rocky Mountaineer's journey includes key destinations like Vancouver Kamloops and the national parks of Banff and Jasper. Passengers on VIA Rail's The Canadian experience major urban centers including Toronto Winnipeg Edmonton and Vancouver while traveling through remarkable landscapes. The Ocean Train route between Montreal and Halifax provides views of the Maritime provinces and St. Lawrence River. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The stops in Jasper and Banff were highlights with stunning mountain scenery. We had time to explore the historic Banff Springs Hotel and take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for incredible views of six mountain ranges."
What accommodation options are available on overnight train journeys?
Train accommodations across North America range from basic to luxurious. VIA Rail's The Canadian features Upper and Lower Berths for budget-conscious travelers private cabins with washbasins for couples or solo travelers and upscale Prestige Class cabins with en-suite bathrooms. The Rocky Mountaineer provides two service levels: GoldLeaf with its distinctive bi-level dome cars and SilverLeaf featuring large viewing windows. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The Prestige Class cabin on VIA Rail was incredibly comfortable - we had our own private washroom and the large windows were perfect for viewing the passing landscapes."
What type of meals and dining experiences are offered on train tours?
Long-distance trains across North America take pride in their dining service. VIA Rail's The Canadian provides three daily meals in an elegant dining car complete with white tablecloths for sleeping car passengers. The Rocky Mountaineer differentiates its service levels with GoldLeaf passengers eating in a dedicated dining room while SilverLeaf guests enjoy meals at their seats. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The food on the Rocky Mountaineer exceeded our expectations - from fresh Canadian salmon to local wines every meal was a culinary journey through the region."
How long are typical North American rail journeys?
Rail journeys vary from single-day excursions to extended cross-country adventures. The Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West takes 2-3 days between Vancouver and Banff while VIA Rail's cross-continental route from Toronto to Vancouver spans 4-5 days. Most rail tour packages run 8-14 days including scheduled stops for local exploration. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The journey on the Royal Mountaineer was elegant with each day being about 14 hours of stunning views through the Canadian Rockies."
When is the best time to take a train tour in North America?
Train tours reach their peak from May through September when weather conditions are most reliable. The Canadian Rockies show their best colors in July and August as wildflowers bloom and hiking paths open up. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities in Eastern Canada and New England during September and October. Winter journeys offer unique perspectives of snow-covered landscapes though service may be limited on some routes. A TourRadar traveler observed: "The scenery was stunning - through the Rockies to Vancouver with guest appearances from bears elk eagles and gophers!"