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:
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.
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:
Rocky Mountaineer's ticket classes offer incredible onboard amenities and overnight stays at partnered hotels along the route:
Insider Travel Tip: Consider the travel season
If riding the Rocky Mountaineer train is on your bucket list, plan to travel between April and October. VIA Rail, on the other hand, does run year round.
Athena McKenzieContent Manager
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.
Insider Travel Tip: Be prepared for no cell service
Many stretches of the Trans Canada Railway run through remote areas with no cell service. Neither VIA Rail’s Canadian Train nor Rocky Mountaineer’s trains have wifi. Download show, podcasts or music you want to enjoy on your time on the train.
Samantha EdwardsTravel Writer and Content Coordinator
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:
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.
The ideal time of year for your train trip depends on what you want to experience. For example, fall is excellent for fall foliage, winter provides stunning views and the best chance to see the Northern Lights, and spring and summer are great for outdoor adventures, beautiful landscapes, and wildlife viewing.
The length of your journey depends on your desired route and rail package. Some routes offer day trips. Others have week-long adventures that include onboard sleeper cars or hotels along the route. Many have built-in stops to let you explore towns, cities, and attractions along the way. Typically, it takes about five to six days to cross Canada on a train journey with no stops.
Most railways offer discounted packages and promotions throughout the year. You'll need to check what is available for your desired travel time. Many trains also offer a senior discount, including VIA Rail, which is 10% off for travelers 65 years and over.
What you pack will vary by season. However, never forget the basics:
It's a good idea to follow and packing suggestions provided when you book your train ticket or event.
VIA Rail allows small dogs and cats in carriers on some train trips. Service dogs are permitted on all trains. Rocky Mountaineer only allows service dogs onboard. Check the details of your ticket before booking if you plan to travel with a pet.
The Trans Canadian Railway spans the entire country, beginning in Halifax in the east and ending in Vancouver in the West.
Yes, railway travel is more environmentally friendly and sustainable than many other modes of travel. Trains use less energy and produce fewer carbon emissions.
About the author: Samantha Edwards is the Content and Social Media Coordinator at Fresh Tracks Canada. A creative storyteller, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, her favourite Canadian destination is Sooke on Vancouver... Read more
On the Train
Best of Canada
Travel Guide
Canadian Insider
Best of Canada
Best of Canada
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 CruiseCanadian Train Vacations
© 2025 Fresh Tracks Canada
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:
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.
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:
Rocky Mountaineer's ticket classes offer incredible onboard amenities and overnight stays at partnered hotels along the route:
Insider Travel Tip: Consider the travel season
If riding the Rocky Mountaineer train is on your bucket list, plan to travel between April and October. VIA Rail, on the other hand, does run year round.
Athena McKenzieContent Manager
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.
Insider Travel Tip: Be prepared for no cell service
Many stretches of the Trans Canada Railway run through remote areas with no cell service. Neither VIA Rail’s Canadian Train nor Rocky Mountaineer’s trains have wifi. Download show, podcasts or music you want to enjoy on your time on the train.
Samantha EdwardsTravel Writer and Content Coordinator
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:
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.
The ideal time of year for your train trip depends on what you want to experience. For example, fall is excellent for fall foliage, winter provides stunning views and the best chance to see the Northern Lights, and spring and summer are great for outdoor adventures, beautiful landscapes, and wildlife viewing.
The length of your journey depends on your desired route and rail package. Some routes offer day trips. Others have week-long adventures that include onboard sleeper cars or hotels along the route. Many have built-in stops to let you explore towns, cities, and attractions along the way. Typically, it takes about five to six days to cross Canada on a train journey with no stops.
Most railways offer discounted packages and promotions throughout the year. You'll need to check what is available for your desired travel time. Many trains also offer a senior discount, including VIA Rail, which is 10% off for travelers 65 years and over.
What you pack will vary by season. However, never forget the basics:
It's a good idea to follow and packing suggestions provided when you book your train ticket or event.
VIA Rail allows small dogs and cats in carriers on some train trips. Service dogs are permitted on all trains. Rocky Mountaineer only allows service dogs onboard. Check the details of your ticket before booking if you plan to travel with a pet.
The Trans Canadian Railway spans the entire country, beginning in Halifax in the east and ending in Vancouver in the West.
Yes, railway travel is more environmentally friendly and sustainable than many other modes of travel. Trains use less energy and produce fewer carbon emissions.
About the author: Samantha Edwards is the Content and Social Media Coordinator at Fresh Tracks Canada. A creative storyteller, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, her favourite Canadian destination is Sooke on Vancouver... Read more
On the Train
Best of Canada
Travel Guide
Canadian Insider
Best of Canada
Best of Canada
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 CruiseCanadian Train Vacations
© 2025 Fresh Tracks Canada
