Embrace Slow Travel: Why Crossing Canada is Better by Train
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.
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.
You'll enjoy gourmet, regional fare.
When is the last time you heard someone raving about their meal on a plane? In Canada, both the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail boast fine-dining options on their railcars, with on-train kitchens and chef-inspired meals. Imagine feasting on lobster ravioli in Atlantic Canada or a perfectly prepared sirloin as you cross through the Rockies.
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.
It's a get-away from the demands of the world.
People refer to "airplane mode" as a time to disconnect, but train mode takes it to the next level. In a 24-hour-online world, an extended break from our screens is recommended for our mental well-being. The leisurely pace of a train journey allows one to reconnect with friends, family, and our partners, as the beautiful vistas roll by the windows.
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.
Useful Links
Train Trip FinderWhere to go in CanadaJourneys Across CanadaCanadian Rockies and West CoastEastern Canada and The MaritimesCanadian North and ArcticSummer Train TripsWinter Train TripsFall Color Train TripsTours for SeniorsRoad Trips and Self DrivesFamily AdventuresVacations for Active SeniorsHistory and Culture TripsWildlife Viewing TripsExplore Canada
The Canadian TrainTrain Across CanadaCanadian Sleeper TrainLuxury Trains Across CanadaVIA Rail VacationsRocky Mountaineer Train ToursCanadian Rockies Train ToursTrain Tours for SeniorsCanadian Pacific RailwayBest Train Trips in CanadaNational Park Train ToursTrain Tours from VancouverCanadian Snow TrainAlaska Cruise and Train ToursCanadian East Coast Train ToursCanadian West Coast Train ToursPopular Train Trips
Vancouver to Toronto Train JourneyAcross Canada by TrainComplete Canadian Rockies by TrainCanadian Cross-Country JourneyClassic Eastern Canada by TrainTrans Canada Rainforest RouteCanadian Rockies Voyage by TrainCanada Coast to Coast by TrainRockies Winter Wonderland by TrainDiscover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by TrainMontreal and Quebec City Getaway by TrainCanadian Cross-Country Journey in WinterLords of the Wilderness Bear ViewingTrans Canada by Train in WinterEssential Rockies with Alaska Cruise