Canadian Summer Train Vacations
Experience the raw beauty of Canada at summertime
The fresh pine scent of a quiet forest trail. The warm sand between your toes in a hidden cove. The sweet, cold taste of locally made ice cream as you watch the sunset. Some of the best summer family vacations can be found in Canada. And when you explore this country by train, you'll gain a unique perspective on the local culture and natural wonders of the True North.
Whether you're dining on lobster on a sunny restaurant terrace in Halifax, whale watching on Vancouver Island or listening to an open air concert in Calgary, those bright sunny days and long, balmy evenings will be packed with fun.
The summers in Canada are fleeting, which is all the more reason to get out there and make the most of every moment.
WANT TO MAKE IT BETTER?
Quick facts about summer in Canada
- The warm season in Canada is generally from June to August. However, the hot weather will often arrive earlier and stay later in central and eastern Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal.
- When packing your bags, remember that layering will be your best friend. Temperatures are unpredictable and even in the summer it can be chilly at night.
- Canada's prairie provinces have the most extreme temperatures. Although it can dip down into -40 degrees or colder in the winter in Alberta and Saskatchewan, it can get up to 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) and hotter in the summer months!
TRIP IDEAS
Summer is a great time to visit any destination in Canada, but there are some places that truly come alive during this season. This list will help you generate some ideas for your next summer vacation in Canada.
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Lake Agnes Tea House, Banff National Park Rocky Mountains
Turquoise glacier lakes glimmer in the midday sun. The dense pine forests are alive with the chirps and whistles of the birds. A dusting of snow still remains on the highest mountain peaks, contrasted against the cloudless cobalt blue sky. When you explore the Rockies on a warm summer's day you can smell the alpine wildflowers, feel the sunshine on your face and really savour every moment in this untamed wilderness.
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Biking the Vancouver Seawall Vancouver
British Columbia
Vancouver is a delightfully liveable city throughout the year, but it really shines in the summertime. You'll have the best of both worlds - the culture, dining and shopping of a world class metropolis and mountains and hiking trails right on the doorstep. The climate of Vancouver is also ideal in the summer — not too cold, but also not scorching hot. It's just the right temperature to treat yourself to some ice cream as you wander around the city.
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Overlooking the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac Quebec City
Quebec
The tiny cobblestone streets, steep hills and welcoming squares of this European-esque city are a delight to explore under blue summer skies. Once you have had your fill of the quaint, French-Canadian charm after wandering through the streets, you can head to the The Baie de Beauport, the city's beach. Watch the locals play beach volleyball as the sunlight sparkles on the water.
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Strolling through Lunenburg Nova Scotia
Bring your beach towel and your lobster fork to enjoy the summer months in this coastal province. Treat yourself to fresh local seafood on a warm evening, including mussels, oysters and lobster. Most pubs and restaurants will feature live Celtic music acts throughout the season, with lively fiddle music drifting out over the Atlantic harbour.
See why the best Canadian Summer vacations include travelling by rail
Don't let the country's frosty reputation fool you. Canada's summer weather brings long, warm days that create ideal conditions for soaking up the natural beauty
Due to Canada's northerly position, it doesn't get dark on summer evenings until around 9pm - leaving you more time to explore. You can hike through hidden pine trails, taste the sun-ripened summer berries and watch eagles swooping over the rushing rivers. Make the most of your visit as a luxurious train carries you from one spectacular Canadian hotspot to the next.
- ** The Great Outdoors** – The warm weather is ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, golfing and other outdoor pursuits.
- ** Festivals Galore** – Canadians celebrate the season with plenty of lively events, including the Canada Day fireworks on July 1st.
- ** Long Summer Days** – A late sunset gives you more hours in the day for sightseeing, wildlife watching or simply admiring the view with a glass of wine.
EXPERIENCES
These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure
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Rocky Mountaineer
Daylight Train
The Rocky Mountaineer connects British Columbia and Alberta, with stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Kamloops. The train runs from mid-April until mid-October. The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight only train designed so that passengers can experience the most spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities.
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VIA Rail Train
The VIA Rail trains connect Canada from Vancouver to Halifax, with four different train routes. Major city stops include Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Jasper, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. The trains run year round. Depending on the route, they offer daylight or overnight sleeper train experiences.
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Sleeper Train
VIA Rail
There are two train routes in Canada which allow you to sleep on the train. Travel between Vancouver and Toronto on [The Canadian](https://canadiantrainvacations.com/explore/the-canadian-train), with stops in Jasper or Winnipeg. Or travel the East Coast of Canada on the Ocean train [from Montreal to Halifax](https://canadiantrainvacations.com/explore/train-trips-east-coast). Both sleeper train routes are available all year long. Sleeper trains in Canada are equipped with special panoramic viewing cars to provide you with the best view of the scenery day or night.
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Luxury Train Service
GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer train connects Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. The train runs by daylight and operates from mid-April to mid-October. Prestige class sleeper service on [VIA Rail Canadian](https://canadiantrainvacations.com/explore/the-canadian-train) train operates year-round and you can travel all the way from [Vancouver to Toronto](https://canadiantrainvacations.com/trips/vancouver-to-toronto-train-tour) or vice-versa. Both luxury train services provide spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities.
Recommended Summer Train Tours
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