What is the Best Train Trip in Canada?

The best train trip in Canada is undoubtedly Canada Coast to Coast by Train. This ultimate trip itinerary takes you across Canada to see the country’s top highlights, including Peggy’s Cove, Niagara Falls and Lake Louise. It also includes time on both VIA's sleeper trains — both The Ocean and the Canadain train — and Rocky Mountaineer.

That said, the list of best train rides in Canada is long. Each takes you through some of the world’s most spectacular regions and lets you experience the allure of this inviting country. 

The best Canadian rail journeys truly immerse you in our country’s awe-inspiring scenery. You can sit in a glass-domed car and take in the Canadian coasts, prairies or Canadian Rockies. Plus, the service on these trains pampers you. You can enjoy delicious food and relax in a luxe sleeper cabin or lounge chair.

Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada is Canada‘s largest tour operator specializing in train trips. We know the top Canadian train routes on both Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail's popular Canadian Train. Some off our trips are a quick tour of the country's highlights. Others offer a leisurely journey across the prairies, mountains and coastlines. You'll find your perfect train trip in Canada in our list below. 

These routes are just the starting point for our travel advisors. At Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada, we specialize in creating personalized train vacations in Canada. Unlike typical travel companies, we reject the one-size-fits-all approach to travel. We create unique Canadian experiences tailored to you and your loved ones. You pick your hotel class, rail service, dining options, excursions and activities.

Canadian Rail Journey Tips

Train travel in Canada is like taking a scenic tour across the country. If you want to see the best of Canada, there's no better way than taking the train. Here are some important things to know when planning Canadian train trips: 

• Most trains run every few days. This allows you to enjoy a scenic train journey, then get off the train for some time to explore each destination. 
• You'll stay in hotels when you're not on the overnight train. We offer different classes of hotels, depending on your preferences and budget. 
• You’ll get access to unparalleled views. See wildlife and the best sights in the Canadian Rockies where there are no roads. 
• It’s a great way to achieve ultimate relaxation. Disconnect from the world as you sit back in your luxurious seat. Enjoy exquisite food, wine, and views. 
• There’s lots of opportunities to explore. At almost every destination, we offer activity add ons.
• Planning train trips in Canada requires many different reservations and bookings, from the train itself to hotels and tours. Our local experts take care of all the details, so you can sit back and enjoy your vacation. We provide comprehensive documents, so you know how to connect with your drivers and tours. And our advisors are always available if you need help during your trip. 

Exploring Canada by Train

Rocky Mountaineer 

The famous Rocky Mountaineer train connects British Columbia and Alberta, running through the Canadian Rockies. It only runs during the day. There are scenic unique routes, with stops in Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, Vancouver or Whistler. 

The train offers two levels of service, GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf. GoldLeaf has a full-domed upper level, with spacious reclining seats. Guests eat in the lower-level dining room. Other amenities include an outdoor viewing platform, complimentary beverages and snacks, and dedicated hosts. 

In SilverLeaf, guests dine at their seat, next to large picture windows. There is a small, enclosed outdoor area.

Via Rail 

As Canada’s major passenger rail service, VIA Rail connects Canada from Vancouver to Halifax. It offers four different train routes. Major city stops include Vancouver, Jasper, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. Depending on the train route, VIA Rail offers daylight or overnight sleeper train experiences. Its train cars feature large picture windows, so you can take in the vast Canadian landscape. Some trains offer a Panorama car, where giant windows extend to the ceiling. 

VIA Rail's Canadian offers a sleeper train experience between Toronto and Vancouver. It is included on many of our best Canadian train trips options. Travellers can choose between Sleeper Plus or the luxurious Prestige class. Each provides a unique blend of comfort, luxury, and opportunities to immerse yourself in Canada’s stunning landscapes. 

Sleeper Plus

For those seeking a balance of comfort and value, Sleeper Plus is an excellent choice. This class offers private accommodation in berths or cozy cabins with beds that fold out at night and seating during the day. Meals are included, featuring regional Canadian cuisine served in the dining car, where you can enjoy scenic views as you dine. Sleeper Plus also grants access to the Skyline Car, whose upper domed area is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing or soaking in the vastness of the Canadian wilderness. From Fall through Spring, travellers can also access the upper level of the Park Car.  

Prestige: Luxury at Its Finest

Prestige Class on the Canadian Train takes rail travel to the next level with unmatched luxury and service. Spacious cabins feature full-sized beds, a private en-suite bathroom with a shower, and large picture windows for uninterrupted views. The Prestige service includes exclusive perks like 24/7 concierge attention, priority boarding, and premium amenities such as plush bathrobes and top-tier toiletries. Guests in Prestige enjoy gourmet meals in the dining car, paired with fine Canadian wines. It’s the ultimate choice for travellers who want to indulge in a first-class experience while exploring Canada’s iconic landscapes. 
Which is right for you? Choose Sleeper Plus if you’re looking for a cozy, relaxed journey with all the essentials covered. Opt for Prestige Class if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to travel in unparalleled comfort and style. No matter your choice, the Canadian train promises a memorable adventure through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. 

Types of Train Trips available across Canada

1. Daylight Train 

The Rocky Mountaineer runs from April to the end of September during daylight hours. It follows this schedule to make the most of the amazing views in the Canadian Rockies. Guests are transferred to hotels for overnight stops, and do not sleep on the train. 

2. Passenger Train 

VIA Rail is Canada’s main passenger train. It connects the country from Vancouver to Halifax with four major train routes. It offers different classes of train cars. Business class gets lounge access, food and beverage service included, priority boarding, extra luggage and wider, comfortable seating. 

3. Sleeper Train 

There are two train routes in Canada which allow you to sleep on the train. The first is between Vancouver and Toronto on The Canadian. You can break up this route with stop-overs in Jasper or Winnipeg. The second route with a sleeper train is the Ocean train from Montreal to Halifax. Both sleeper train routes are available all year long. Some sleeper trains in Canada are equipped with special panoramic viewing cars to provide you with the best view of the scenery day or night. 

Best Canadian Train Routes

Toronto to Vancouver

VIA Rail’s The Canadian connects Toronto and Vancouver. It stops in Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Jasper. This route can also be travelled in reverse. This train covers a total of 2762 miles, which takes about 86 hours. Enjoy sweeping views in the Panorama car, where giant windows extend up to the ceiling. Travelling from Toronto to Vancouver, the Canadian carries you from the forests of Ontario, through the expanse of the Prairies, and past the dramatic snow-capped Rocky Mountains. 

Montreal to Halifax 

VIA Rail’s The Ocean train connects Montreal to Halifax. The 839-mile journey takes approximately 21 hours. It has been running since 1904 and is the oldest continuously operated named passenger train in North America. You'll first travel through the French-speaking province of Quebec. Then past a backdrop of lighthouses and seascapes in the Maritime Province of Nova Scotia. As you relax onboard, you'll see tiny communities along your route, representing French Canadian, Acadian, Celtic and English heritage. 

Vancouver to the Rockies 

Along with a segment of VIA Rail’s The Canadian route, The Rocky Mountaineer runs from Vancouver through the Rockies. There are three different routes to enjoy. The Rainforest to Gold Rush connects North Vancouver and Jasper, with stops in Whistler and Quesnel. The Journey through the Clouds also connects Vancouver to Jasper, but takes the Yellowhead pass, and stops in Kamloops. The First Passage to the West connects Vancouver to Banff, with a stop in Kamloops.

Canadian Regions to Explore by Train

Canadian Rockies and West Coast

Western Canada is known for its dramatic wild landscapes. This includes the mountains and glacier lakes of the Canadian Rockies. It also extends to the lush rainforests and Pacific Coastlines of British Columbia. It’s one of Canada’s most popular locations for a train vacation. Many remote areas are only accessible by rail. Spend an extra day or two exploring the city of Vancouver as well. 

Across Canada 

Make the journey across the country by rail. This coast-to-coast train trip connects Vancouver to Halifax, with stops in major cities, such as Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal. If you only have one trip to Canada, this lets you see it all. Highlights include the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, the Canadian Rockies, and the Prairies. 

Eastern Canada and Maritimes 

Along with amazing scenery, there’s lots of history and culture to explore in Eastern Canada. Visit the cities of Toronto and Montreal. Add a tour to famous places, like Niagara Falls, and the not-so-famous hidden gems, like the charming fishing towns of the Maritimes. There’s a lot to discover in eastern Canada. 

North and Arctic 

Taking the train to Churchill is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This community sits on the edge of Hudson Bay. It takes two days and two nights of travelling north on the rails to get there. There are no roads into this subarctic region.

Train Travel by Season in Canada 

Every season offers a unique train travel experience. 

Vibrant Spring Landscapes 

In spring, Canada bursts to life as the landscapes shift from winter’s quiet beauty to a world in bloom. Train journeys in the Rockies or along the coastline offer front-row seats to nature’s awakening. The Rocky Mountaineer starts back up in Spring, operating from April through October, showcasing unforgettable landscapes like the Fraser Canyon. Rivers swell, alpine flowers begin to show, and wildlife reappears, with bears, moose, and elk often spotted along the tracks. This season combines the thrill of new life and the joy of quieter trains before the summer rush — ideal for those seeking a peaceful adventure with stunning contrasts. 

Long Sunny Days of Summer 

Summer offers iconic Canadian scenes: lush green forests, sparkling lakes, and sunlit mountains. Travellers enjoy warm weather, long daylight hours, and ample opportunities to explore destinations off-train — whether it’s hiking in Jasper, a leisurely stroll through quaint towns, or canoeing on the pristine waters of Lake Louise. This season is perfect for those wanting an active experience and the full range of Canada’s scenic beauty. 

Fall’s Vibrant Colours 

Autumn transforms Canada into a patchwork of rich golds, reds, and oranges as the trees change colour. Onboard, travellers can enjoy the splendour of Canada’s fall foliage with a warm drink in hand. This season is quieter, with fewer crowds and cooler weather, however most peak-season activities are still available, making it an ideal time to travel.  

Winter Wonderland 

Winter train travel reveals a magical Canada where forests and mountains are blanketed in snow, and icy rivers wind through serene valleys. VIA Rail’s Canadian service offers a journey through vast winter landscapes, where the Rockies, blanketed in white, feel otherworldly. Onboard, cosy carriages create a warm contrast to the scenery outside. Winter travel suits those seeking a peaceful, dreamlike adventure — imagine watching snowflakes swirl outside as you relax in comfort.