Traveling the Trans Canada Railway

The importance of the Trans Canadian Railway to the country of Canada can't be overstated. In the 1800s, it served as the primary means of transportation for goods and for people to reach different regions of the country. Canadian railways played a crucial role in connecting Canada's major cities — they even inspired the development of new settlements, which grew into towns and cities.

Canadian train history includes many historical milestones, like the construction of infrastructure including bridges and tunnels, along with the evolution of luxury train travel in Canada. The latter has become a bucket-list experience for many travellers.  

As Condé Nast Traveler writes, "A single train journey can't capture Canada's magnificence, but the four-night/three-day adventure from Toronto to Vancouver comes close. You'll take in prairies, lakes, peaks, valleys, hamlets, waterfalls, and, if you're lucky, cameos by local wildlife like deer, elk, and bears."  

Take a luxury train across Canada to experience some of the most popular and culturally significant rail routes. Book your trip and see for yourself why traveling in style on Canada's railway system is an enduring method of transportation. 

The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada can help you plan your trip. Popular options include our Canada Coast to Coast by Train and the Across Canada by Train itineraries.  

Trans Canadian Railway routes provided scenic train travel to many main destinations. You can still travel a historic Trans Canada Railway route to take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy each area's key attractions.

The main routes on the Trans Canada railway through VIA Rail include: 

• VIA Rail's Corridor from Quebec City to Windsor Corridor is one of the most popular routes and trains run frequently from city center to city center. 
• VIA Rail's The Canadian travels from Toronto to Canada, stopping in favourite locations like scenic Jasper. 
• The Ocean is another VIA Rail option that links Montreal to Halifax. Passengers get to see amazing ocean views and enjoy stops in several cities. 

Modern rail lines understand the importance of keeping the iconic routes alive by offering updated versions of historic tours. These feature the same stunning views with the addition of comfortable accommodations and dining. 

The Ultimate in Comfort: Inside the Train Cars

Trans-Canadian railway tours can include luxury options that provide sumptuous Canadian train amenities so you can travel in style. VIA Rail's service classes include: 

1. Economy: An economy ticket gets you a spacious seat on the Corridor routes, with à la carte beverages and snacks. Certain routes also provide access to either the Skyline car or the Service car. 
2. Business: Seats in business class on the Corridor routes have more legroom and bar and meal services. You also get priority boarding and access to the business lounge at departing stations. 
3. Sleeper Plus: Choose a private (cabins for one or two) or semi-private cabin (upper or lower berths) on the Canadian and Ocean routes.  Your ticket includes meal service, washroom and shower access, and access to the Skyline car, Service car, Dining car, and Park car (depending on route). Taking a sleeper car in Canada is a great choice for added comfort on long journeys. 
4. Prestige: For travelers taking a trip between Toronto and Vancouver on the Canadian, the Prestige class ticket is the ultimate in luxury and elegance. Private cabins have a convertible double bed and leather sofa, a washroom with shower, and a flat-screen TV. You get priority boarding, snacks and beverages, gourmet meals and bar service, plus a reserved seat in the Panorama car, Dining car, and Park car. All Prestige guests also have a personal concierge. 

Rocky Mountaineer's ticket classes offer incredible onboard amenities and overnight stays at partnered hotels along the route: 

• SilverLeaf: The SilverLeaf is the first of two levels of exceptional service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. It includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages, an outdoor viewing area, a single-level glass-dome coach, and full glass-dome windows. 
• GoldLeaf: The GoldLeaf package also includes snacks and beverages, plus a gourmet breakfast and lunch served in the dining room. This ticket also gives you access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform, and a bi-level glass-dome coach and oversized glass-dome windows for uninterrupted views of the scenery. 

Part of the fun of train tours in Canada is taking part in the scheduled events. You can learn about Trans Canada Railway's history and participate in Canadian train activities while en route to your destination. Onboard entertainment varies by rail line, season, and package, but may include events such as a wine tasting or stories about the local area and history.

Trans Canada train trips are the perfect journey to take some spectacular photographs. The Canadian train scenery varies depending on the route you choose, but you're sure to get some excellent shots. Some favourites for photography lovers are images of the highest Rocky Mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, rolling prairies, and dense forests. Wintertime photos aboard the Trans Canada train show the magic of a snow-covered landscape. 

Plan ahead to get the best photographs on your trip. Bring the right lenses for your camera and invest in a tripod to keep your camera steady. You can also ask your tour guide for photography tips on the train to help you prepare for upcoming landscapes you won't want to miss.

History buffs can enjoy cultural train tours to learn about the history of the Canadian railways and explore Canadian heritage sites. Ask your guide to share information about Trans Canadian railway history during your journey so you can make the most of each stop, making sure you see the top sights and attractions. Some of the key sites and experiences to watch out for along the Canadian Railway are The Citadel in Halifax, St. Lawrence Market and the CN Tower in Toronto, the Forks and the Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg, and Jasper National Park. 

Wildlife viewing in Canada is one of the biggest appeals of traveling by train. The abundance of fascinating creatures you can see from the train — like black bears, moose, grizzly bears, bald eagles, and elk —  make rail tours a popular pick for nature lovers.  

The best time to travel depends on which animals you are hoping to see. Spring is an excellent choice for bird watchers. It's also the time of year when you get to enjoy the first blooms of flowers and emerging plants. 

Summer is a popular time for wildlife sightings as many species are active. Doing tours off the train, you have a good chance of viewing grizzly bears and black bears. Whale watching is also a great excursion choice.  

Bears are still active in the early fall months, but bear-watching usually ends sometime in October. 

Winter travel is great for a chance to see the Northern Lights and some awesome landscapes covered in snow. However, most animal tours are on pause as various species are in hibernation or have migrated to other places, and ice makes travel difficult.

When you book a Canadian train, make sure you are familiar with the various Trans Canadian Railway routes so you can select the journey that matches your travel goals. A quick look at these Trans Canadian railway maps will show the top routes you can include on a Trans Canadian railway trip.

One of the best travel tips for Canada rail tours is to pack according to the season of your trip and the activities you plan to participate in. If you go during the winter months, warm clothing layers are essential. Travel during the rainy spring months demands appropriate rain gear. No matter when you travel, don't forget essentials like your camera, phone charger, and personal toiletries and medications. 

Trans-Canadian railway travel cost has a wide range that depends on the railway, the package and route you choose, and the duration of the trip. You can expect to spend about $5,000 or more for a week-long trip. Additional amenities and activities will increase the price.

Follow these Canadian train travel tips for the best experience: 

• Make sure your US passport is up to date.  
• Always carry your I.D. and proof of citizenship. 
• Alert your bank to your travel plans to avoid problems with money withdrawals. 
• Know the currency exchange rate in advance to plan your budget. 
• Follow the health and safety train guidelines provided. 

If you don't understand any travel policy, make a list of questions to ask before you book your trip. You can always ask your concierge and other railway staff for help and advice if you are unsure about anything during your trip. 

Trans Canada by train is a magnificent way to travel. Enjoy up-close views of some of the most gorgeous natural scenery and spectacular wildlife. Train travel also offers a glimpse into the past and a chance to learn more about the historical significance of train travel. The Trans Canadian Railway has enduring appeal because of its cultural impact and continued offering of unique, luxury experiences. Book your journey today to experience Canada's beauty by train.