Embrace Slow Travel: Why Crossing Canada is Better by Train

By Fresh Tracks Canada

Published Dec 9, 2021

1 min read

Thinking of visiting Canada? Crossing the country by train allows you to experience more of Canada, from its stunning scenery and iconic landscapes to its diversity of adventures and local hidden gems. Here are five reasons why crossing Canada by train is better than making the trip by plane.

The Park Car viewing dome on the VIA Rail Train

There's time to take in the scenery.

Unlike traveling by plane, a train journey invites us to immerse ourselves in a destination and be fully present to our surroundings. Slow travel is all about taking in the views around us – some of which are best seen from the train – not just getting from point A to point B.

Prestige luxury train cabin with double bed facing a window

You can sleep in true comfort on the train.

There's something special about sleeping on the train. Stretch out in a soft, plush bed in a private cabin on VIA Rail's Prestige service and let the gentle rocking of the car lull you into a deep sleep. With nothing but the rhythm of the rails and the quiet of the endless wilderness, you'll fall into a slumber that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the next day's adventures.

A busy street in Montreal, crowded with shoppers and retail signange.

You can easily add on stopovers.

The beauty of train travel is the ease of personalizing your itinerary with stopovers in compelling locations. On a cross-Canada rail trip, you can step off the train for a few extra days to discover the diverse culture of Montreal, spend a week in Jasper and Banff trekking through the Rockies, and then end with time exploring the rainforests around the urban centre of Vancouver.