Canadian Tours for Seniors by Train
Marvel at Canada's beauty from your comfortable, welcoming train cabin
Relax in your spacious seat, sip a fresh coffee and chat with your travel companions as pine forests, mountain valleys and rushing waterfalls roll past your window. Taking the train across Canada is the trip of a lifetime.
The full-service meals, gourmet food and friendly waitstaff will ensure your every need is taken care of. And all of the details of the journey will be organized for you, giving you absolute peace of mind.
When you return home, you'll have plenty of wonderful stories to share with your family.
WANT TO MAKE IT BETTER?
Quick facts about train vacations for seniors
- Baby Boomers on average take 4-5 leisure trips per person, even more than Generation X! So if you're a Boomer, you'll be in good company.
- VIA Rail trains have been upgraded to make them as accessible as possible for travellers with mobility issues. Every train has a cabin that is wheelchair-accessible and is equipped with grab-bars in the washroom and tie-downs.
- If you are retired and can travel whenever you want, it's a smart idea to aim for the shoulder season of April to mid-June or September and October. You'll avoid the crowds and the heat of the summer.
Travel by train
Discover 5 reasons why Canadian Rail vacations are the best trips for senior citizens
- 0105
Trains are gentle and relaxing
Sit back in your spacious seat, sip a warm cup of tea, play a game of cards with your partner and watch the scenery go by. The train is just as cozy as your living room at home, yet it has much better views!
- 0105
Train trips are accessible
Even if your mobility is limited, you will be able to enjoy this style of travel. The friendly staff are happy to help you with boarding and meals will be served to you in your cabin. (Wheelchair-bound passengers are unable to move around on the train, as the corridors are quite narrow, so you'll spend the journey in your cabin.)
- 0105
You'll see incredible natural beauty
Thundering waterfalls. Deep yawning canyons. Powerful rushing rivers. Rugged mountains cloaked in pine forests. Shimmering lakes. The slow pace of the train allows you plenty of chances to gaze at Canada's natural wonders.
- 0105
It's an elegant, old-fashioned experience
The full-service meals, uniformed wait staff and gourmet food will make you feel like you have returned to the charm and sophistication of an earlier era. There's just something about train travel that is so timeless and romantic.
- 0105
It's convenient
There's no need to haul your luggage around. You'll bring a carry-on bag onboard and stow the rest of your luggage and not worry about it until you reach the end of your journey. Let someone else take care of the driving and navigation, you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
Discover why a Canadian Train vacation is perfect for mature travellers
More seniors are looking for adventures that allow them to see new sights, meet interesting people and go somewhere they've never been before.
Which is why train vacations are becoming more popular among older travellers.
A way to explore which is comfortable and stress-free, yet still allows you to see and enjoy as much as possible. As the travel guru Rick Steves proclaims, "Age matters only if you're a cheese." The iconic trains that take you across Canada are comfortable and spacious, featuring bucket-style seats with lumbar support. The ride is smooth and you'll have plenty of scenery (and wildlife sightings) to enjoy outside your window.
It's an ideal way for mature travellers to see the inspiring landscapes of the world's second largest country. Scroll through the images below for a taste of what you can experience.
EXPERIENCES
These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure
- 0104
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.
- 0104
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.
- 0104
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 train operates year-round and you can travel all the way from Vancouver to Toronto or vice-versa. Both luxury train services provide spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities.
- 0104
Alaska Cruise
The rail portion of your trip can come before or after your Alaska cruise. There are two types of cruise ships to choose from: a larger, more luxurious vessel or a smaller ship that allows you to visit more coves and inlets. Each type of ship has its advantages and it depends on your style of travel and what you want to get out of your Alaska cruise adventure.
Recommended Senior Train Tours
Questions about train tours for seniors
Frequently asked questions
This is not a group tour, but rather a fully supported independent trip. All of the details of your trip will be organized and booked for you.
You'll be free to explore at your own pace and choose your route, but you'll have the peace of mind knowing that every aspect of your vacation has been organized in advance.
Yes, special dietary needs can be accommodated on most routes. Whether you require a meal that is vegetarian, lactose-free, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, low-sodium or low-cholesterol, it may be possible to order this in advance.
We will do our best to meet your request whenever we can. So, please contact us with your travel details and your dietary requirements as soon as possible so that we can let you know if your needs can be met during the trip you would like to take.
Even if your mobility is limited, you will be able to enjoy this style of travel. The friendly staff are happy to help you with boarding and meals will be served to you in your cabin. If you're wheelchair-bound, you won't be able move around the train, as the corridors are quite narrow, so you'll spend the most of your journey in the cabin.
True NorthNEWSLETTER
Sign up for vacation inspiration, insider tips, exclusive offers and more.