What is the Canadian train and how do you travel on it?

The first 24 hours of a westbound journey crosses the Canadian Shield — one of Earth's largest geological formations — through a landscape of rock, boreal forest, and more than ten thousand lakes. The train stops in Sudbury, home to Canada's most famous mining heritage, and passes flag stops like Capreol, Hornepayne, and Armstrong that serve remote communities reachable only by rail.

As the train crosses into Manitoba, the forest opens into rolling farmland. Winnipeg is the midway stop on the route and a gateway to the Prairie provinces. Travellers who watch the land from the Skyline Car's glass dome might spot black bears and many species of prairie birds. 

Saskatchewan is the flattest stretch — wheat, barley, and bright yellow canola fields roll to the horizon under huge blue skies. The train passes Little Manitou Lake, a salt lake often referred to as Canada’s Dead Sea and stops in Saskatoon — "Paris of the Prairies" — where eight vehicle bridges cross the South Saskatchewan River. Between Saskatoon and Edmonton, the train crosses the Battle River on a 61-metre-high, 884-metre-long steel trestle.

After Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, the landscape rises — foothills give way to the Rockies by the time the train reaches Jasper National Park, the largest park within the Canadian Rockies. Near Jasper, the train passes within sight of Mount Robson at 3,954 metres, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. 

Between Jasper and Kamloops the train crosses Yellowhead Pass — at 1,133 metres, one of the lowest crossings of the Continental Divide in the Canadian Rockies and the spot where all water systems flow either east or west. On the Kamloops-to-Vancouver stretch, travellers see Pyramid Creek Falls (visible only from the train) and follow the North Thompson River through canyons before emerging at the Pacific. 

Canada’s largest city. Toronto is the other terminal city on the route. It is the ideal destination to spend a couple of days during the vacation, known for its iconic skyline, diverse culture, and bustling urban life.

A quaint community in Northern Ontario, Capreol is surrounded by scenic natural beauty.

The small town offers a glimpse into Northern Ontario’s serene wilderness and pristine lakes.

One of the longer stops on the Canadian train schedule, Winnipeg allows passengers up to four hours to explore the nearby attractions. Winnipeg features historic sites, diverse neighbourhoods, and the stunning Forks National Historic Site. There is a complete Canadian train crew change in Winnipeg.

Known for its picturesque riverfront and vibrant arts community. Saskatoon is a charming prairie city.

Edmonton (Alberta’s capital) boasts a rich cultural heritage and lively festivals throughout the year.

Nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park. The stop offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and abundant wildlife. Get a couple of hours to walk around the town. Many Canadiantrainvacations.com itineraries include stop-overs in Jasper, allowing travellers to explore the Rockies.

A gateway to outdoor adventures. Kamloops is famed for its rugged landscapes and vibrant cultural scene.

Start or end the Canadian train journey in the vibrant city, known for its stunning coastal scenery and bustling urban life. It is an ideal stop to add a couple of days.