Niagara Falls on a Train Vacation

Published Jun 11, 2024
3 min read

See one of the world's most impressive waterfalls during your trip to Canada. An excursion to Niagara Falls is a must-do during your train vacation.

Aerial view of Niagara Falls with buildings on the right side

Did you know that more than 567,000 liters of water flow over Niagara Falls every second? That's the same amount used by an average household over 7.5 years. But statistics can’t tell the full story. They don't prepare you for the feeling of sheer awe when you hear the thundering roar and feel the cool spray of this famous natural wonder. It will be one of the most unforgettable moments on your Canadian train vacation

Our travel experts can help you plan your best trip. Adding a Niagara Falls tour to your itinerary is the best way to experience this area. You’ll also get to explore Niagara on the Lake, a charming small town full of culture, and the Niagara Region, one of the country’s top wine producing spots.  

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

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Train Experiences

These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure

VIA Rail  

VIA Rail is Canada’s main passenger train and connects Vancouver to Halifax with four main train routes. Major stops with VIA Rail you include Vancouver, Jasper, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. These trains run year-round and, depending on the route, may include an overnight sleeper train experience. Delicious meals are provided on the train, which often pay tribute to regional specialties. Meals can also be adapted to meet dietary requirements. For Niagara Falls train trips, guests will disembark in Toronto and enjoy time exploring the Niagara Region on small-group or private tours.  

VIA Rail train passes green fields and hills at sunset

#1 Travel tip: See Niagara Falls in the snow

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While this iconic sight is stunning in the spring through fall, it takes on a special beauty when it is shrouded in ice.

Blog Author - Athena McKenzie
Athena McKenzie
Content Manager

Sleeper Train  

There are two train routes in Canada which allow you to sleep on the train, both through VIA Rail: The Canadian runs between Vancouver and Toronto and the Ocean between Montreal and Halifax. Both sleeper train routes are available all year long. For visitors who wish to experience both a sleeper train and Niagara Falls, their best opportunity is an itinerary that includes The Canadian Train and extended time in Toronto.  

Explore: Overnight Train Trips in Canada

Luxury Options


For those seeking a more luxurious travel experience, you can upgrade to Prestige Class on VIA Rail’s The Canadian Train. Here you can enjoy attentive, personalized concierge service throughout your trip, complimentary drinks and delicious meals prepared by onboard chefs, and access to other viewing areas, such as the Skyline Car. Priority reservations for onboard dining and priority boarding at the train station also gives Prestige Class travellers complete peace of mind. Other features of Prestige Class include the Prestige Sleeper cabin, which is 50% larger than the cabin for two in Sleeper Plus class, for the duration of your train journey.

Accessibility Features


Traveling on VIA Rail is made even more convenient with accessibility features for those with special needs. Each train is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and offers accessible washrooms, making train travel easy and enjoyable for everyone. VIA Rail staff are also available to assist travelers with boarding and disembarking, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.

Inside a VIA Rail Sleeper Cabin on the Ocean train with two bunk beds

#2 Travel tip: Book a wine tour

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The area around Niagara Falls is home to world-class wineries. Spend a day being driven around to wander the estates, enjoy gourmet meals, and sip delicious wines.

Louise Weiss
Director of Legendary Hospitality

Seasonal Experiences


Niagara Falls offers unique experiences in every season. While summer provides warmer weather for boat tours and up-close photo opportunities, the colder months transform it into a winter wonderland. Ice buildup creates the illusion of a frozen waterfall and the Falls are illuminated with over 3 million lights during the Winter Festival of Lights. Autumn is ideal for festivals and wine tours amid the vibrant orange, red and yellow leaves. The springtime brings blooming gardens, including Queen Victoria Park, Centennial Lilac Garden and Niagara Parks Commission's Botanical Gardens.

Frozen and misty Niagara Falls on a sunny day

Add-on Trip Excursions


Enhance your Niagara Falls adventure with exciting add-on excursions. Guests can opt for private winery tours in the Niagara Region, schedule sightseeing tours, or enjoy breathtaking helicopter rides over the falls. While Niagara Falls is a stunning attraction on its own, these curated experiences make your trip unforgettable.

What Our Customers Say

What a wonderful, memorable family vacation!

What a wonderful, memorable family vacation! We really enjoyed visiting Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City. Very pleasant experience on the Via Rail train ride betwe... 

Brad, Denise and family review of their [object Object] trip

Brad, Denise and family

FL, USA

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About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and... Read more

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