16 Places to Visit in Canada by Train: Expert Guide 2027

Canada is connected coast-to-coast by an expansive rail system blending luxurious sightseeing trains, several classic sleeper fleets, and local rail connecting cities.

Summary

If you're short on time, here are our favorite places to visit by train across Canada, and which trains service them:

• Canada's Best Place to See by Train: Banff National Park | Rocky Mountaineer
• Canada's Best Urban Destination: Vancouver, British Columbia | Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail
• Canada’s Best Winter Destination: Quebec City, Quebec | VIA Rail

Canada is home to bucket-list adventures from coast to coast. Perhaps you are looking to take a luxury train through the Rocky Mountains. Or, you want to unwind in award-winning lodges and inns in remote pockets of the world.

Canada can make that happen.

Or maybe you're looking for a coast-to-coast adventure, seeing wild landscapes, historic cities, and charming maritime towns.

Canada can do that too.

Credit from left to right: Destination Canada, Mike Benna on Unsplash, Drue Kennedy

The 16 Best Places to Visit by Train in Canada in 2027

In Canada, we’re lucky that various rail lines seamlessly connect much of the country and most of its famous attractions. To help you find the places you’ll travel to on a Canadian train trip, this is our selection of the best places to visit by train in Canada for 2027.

The list is curated by travel experts, and each location has our must-do experiences to help you begin to imagine your trip, tailored just for you, and a package that lets you do them.

At Canada Rail Vacations, this is what we love most — matching awaiting visitors with their dream destinations. If you’re looking for more information about travel in Canada, reach out to a Travel Designer for one-on-one assistance in creating your dream Canada vacation.

The impressive view along Banff Ave | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

1. Banff National Park, Alberta

Banff National Park is iconic for a reason. It is Canada's oldest National Park, and one of the ultimate best places to visit in Canada, especially as a first-time visitor. It makes one of the best places to visit by train in Canada — Rocky Mountaineer connects Banff to Vancouver with a luxurious 2-day ride through the mountains.

Banff National Park embodies the best of the Canadian Rockies. After railway workers discovered the Banff Upper Hot Springs in the late 1800s, the once remote area began welcoming tourists in droves. This resulted in the formation of Banff National Park and the bustling town of Banff.

Banff is still the commercial center of the Canadian Rockies, offering plenty of shops, restaurants, and amenities along Banff Ave to visitors. But we recommend getting up and out of town on the Banff Gondola or to Lake Louise, just half an hour away. Both can be done on organized tours, which will get you to each location at the best time to see it, and pair you with an expert guide who will introduce you to the landscape.

Top Experiences in Banff National Park:

• Wildlife Spotting — the chance to see bears, elk, and bighorn sheep in the wild
• Lake Louise & Moraine Lake — vibrant blue glacier-fed lakes with canoeing and lakeside walks
• Banff Gondola — spectacular views of Banff National Park and mountaintop meals

Our way to see it: Canadian Rockies Scenic Delights by Road & Rail

Stanley Park and Vancouver | Credit: Destination Vancouver / Albert Normandin

2. Vancouver, British Columbia

Out of all cities in Canada, Vancouver has the easiest nature access, making it the best city to visit for anyone looking to blend urban and natural. It’s also the endpoint of both the trans-Canada Canadian train and Rocky Mountaineer, so it’s perfect for rail trippers.

The city’s atmosphere varies wildly across its neighborhoods. Between sleek downtown buildings, art galleries, and high-end restaurants are found in brick storefronts lining Gastown's narrow streets, and relaxed neighborhood cafes are dotted throughout Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant.

The most popular activities in Vancouver make use of the nature neighboring the city, taking you into the forest to walk over Capilano Suspension Bridge or up Grouse Mountain by cable car.

It is the perfect jumping-off-point for longer trips — whether it's a week-long tour of Western Canada, or a 10-day cross-country train trip to Toronto or Halifax.

Top Experiences in Vancouver:

• Stanley Park — an urban park with temperate rainforest and ocean views
• Capilano Suspension Bridge — a suspension bridge above Capilano River to a forest canopy walk on the other side
• Granville Island — best experienced through a Public Market foodie tour

Our way to see it: Vancouver & the Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation

The streets of Old Quebec with Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in the background | Credit: Region de Quebec GouvQc / Jeann-François Frenette

3. Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City seems somewhat out of place in Canada, feeling more at home in Europe than North America. A strong French influence has given Quebec City a unique culture and an impressive history. And, as VIA Rail’s Corridor route neatly connects it with Montreal, it’s the perfect place to visit on a French-Canadian trip by rail.

Winding down its narrow streets and hidden squares is much of the joy of Old Quebec, the city’s historic district. But, for the best views of the towering Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, ride the Funiculaire up out of the narrow roads to the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk.

Shop along the Quartier Petit Champlain, the oldest shopping district in North America. Discover gift shops laden with souvenirs, confectionery shops with traditional maple taffy, and restaurants serving some of Canada's most iconic dishes. It’s beautiful in summer, but Quebec City also shines in winter when, come mid-November, it’s adorned in twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and traditional market stalls.

Traveling by rail, you’ll glide past beautiful snowy fields and forests before arriving in the festive city. It’s one of our favorite winter train trips to recommend to guests.

Top Experiences in Quebec City:

• Old Quebec — a UNESCO World Heritage site and charming shopping district
• Fairmont Chateau Frontenac — the world’s most photographed hotel.
• Quebec City Christmas Market — a traditional German market in the heart of Old Quebec

Our way to see it: Eastern Canada Train Tour of the Capital Cities

Toronto’s iconic skyline | Credit: Destination Canada

4. Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is Canada's largest city and urban Canadian life at its most vibrant. Toronto also marks the eastern terminus of VIA Rail’s Canadian train, connecting it to Vancouver. It’s a dramatic end (or exciting start) to most of our cross-country train itineraries.

But Toronto’s much more than its sleek skyline. There are, of course, its iconic landmarks which are always worth a trip — the view from the top of the CN Tower is, naturally, a must-see. But beyond them, Toronto is best explored by bike, weaving between the startlingly different neighborhoods, or on city tours to help you explore a little deeper.

The deceptively named Kensington Market — a neighborhood rather than a market — has eclectic storefronts painted a bright array of colors, and food from almost every culture. To taste your way around the world, take an international food tour and walk through the neighborhood's streets, discovering the melting pot of cultures in Toronto.

Or, in just 90 minutes, head to the world-renowned Niagara Falls to see Canada's most-visited attraction. More on Niagara Falls below.

Top Experiences in Toronto:

• CN Tower — iconic skyline views
• Kensington Market — a historic area filled with world dining
• Day Trip to Niagara Falls — towering waterfalls just 90 minutes away

Our way to see it: Canadian Trails Train Tour Across Canada | Vancouver to Toronto

Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

5. Jasper National Park, Alberta

JJasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It’s easily reached from Vancouver by a night on the Canadian train, making it perfect for any travelers looking to sample a sleeper train, but not necessarily commit to a long leg on it.

The rail route to Jasper National Park is gorgeous in both summer and winter. While in summer you’ll enjoy a late sunset over the mountains on the train, in winter, you’ll be waking up in a winter wonderland as you pass between snow-capped mountains and frozen glacial lakes.

When you disembark the train, you’ll find a small mountain town, Jasper, sitting among miles of untouched wilderness. The town feels authentic — remote enough to feel a step apart from the world, but connected enough to be the perfect place to stop on a road or train trip.

Many of the best things to do in Jasper revolve around the great outdoors that surrounds it, regardless of the season. From arriving by train, gliding through the remote backcountry far from cars or people, to wildlife tours and lake cruises, you’ll want to spend most of your time here out in nature.

The horizon is smattered with vast, ancient glaciers. The best, perhaps, is the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefield, where you can take short tours on an 'Ice Explorer' to walk atop. Maligne Lake offers boat tours where you get the chance to see backcountry marvels like the famous Spirit Island, only accessible by water.

These attractions aren’t accessible by train — our itineraries often have you disembark in Jasper town to explore the Canadian Rockies more fully — but guided tours can help you explore without a private car. We arrange these for our own guests as a part of their trip so that they can smoothly transition from rail to mountain pass.

Top Experiences in Jasper National Park:

• Athabasca Glacier — an ancient ice field you can walk atop
• Maligne Lake & Spirit Island — a boat tour to one of Canada’s most beautiful hidden views
• Jasper — a welcoming and authentic mountain town

Our way to see it: Majestic Canada Rail Vacation through the Rockies | VIA Rail

Left: A polar bear seen from a Churchill tundra tour | Credit: Destination Canada

Right: The winter view of the Northern Lights | Credit: Travel Manitoba

6. Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill is a remote town on the shore of Hudson Bay in Northern Canada. It is one of the best places on Earth to see polar bears, drawing travelers from across the globe. So much so that it has been dubbed ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World.’

In spring and summer, thousands of Beluga Whales fill the Hudson Bay, polar bears wander the Arctic coasts, and fireweed flowers color the tundra a vibrant purple. The best time for spotting polar bears, though, is fall. As the Hudson Bay freezes, hundreds of bears flock to the bay's coast, congregating in masses near Churchill. Tours over the tundra on a specialized vehicle take you to see them as they wait to migrate north over the frozen sea.

In fall, the nights draw in, the Canadian Arctic darkens, and the Northern Lights take to the sky. A cozy wooden lodge, like Lazy Bear Lodge, makes a great place for a hearty meal and a restful night.

Churchill is remote Canada at its best. Because of its remote nature, we don’t typically include Churchill in our rail vacation packages. However, Churchill is accessible by rail, taking a direct VIA Rail Adventure Route train north from Winnipeg. It takes longer than flying, but lets you indulge in the slower way as rail travel so often does.

Top Experiences in Churchill:

• Polar Bear Safaris — get up close with these Arctic giants
• Beluga Whale Watching — Thousands of whales gather in summer
• Northern Lights Viewing — Some of Canada’s best views of the aurora

Our way to see it: Custom Churchill rail-trip extensions bookable through Canada Rail Vacations

Emerald Lake Lodge perched on Emerald Lake

7. Montreal, Quebec

Like Quebec City, Montreal is home to old cobblestone streets and French-Canadian culture. But where it differs is the vibrant modernity that lives alongside it. Funky murals adorn stone walls, a vibrant multicultural food scene lives in the streets, and music, arts, and culture are found at the summer festivals.

Even the Old Montreal neighborhood blends history and modernity, with stunning old buildings now housing fashionable cafes — Crew Collective & Café serves your drink and pastry under cathedral-style arches in a heritage building once the Royal Bank of Canada.

And where Quebec City is the place to try traditional Canadian foods, Montreal is best tasted through its bagels (at St-Viateur Bagel) and smoked-meat sandwiches (in Schwartz's Deli, both dishes hyper-local to the city, and found around the trendy Mile End neighborhood. Or, head through Montreal's Little Italy to Jean Talon Market, one of North America's largest open-air farmers' markets for fresh local goods. We'd recommend a food tour to sample the must-taste items and local hidden gems in the area.

As it’s connected to Toronto, Quebec City, and Halifax by train, Montreal is a staple in our Eastern Canada train trips.

Top Experiences in Montreal:

• Old Montreal — historic European architecture
• Summer Festivals — Montreal lives through festivals in summer
• The Food — from Jean Talon Market to Little Italy to St-Viateur Bagel

Our way to see it: Atlantic Maritimes Explorer by Rail | Montreal to Halifax

The flowerpot shapes of Hopewell Rocks | Credit: New Brunswick Tourism

8. The Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

The Bay of Fundy lines New Brunswick and Nova Scotia's inner edges. The bay is home to the world’s highest tides, where, in a matter of hours, the ocean can fall enough to let you walk on its rocky floor, or rise enough to swallow it back under water.

The bay is so powerful that it carves rock into jagged bays or towering stacks. In one of these bays are the Hopewell Rocks, carved by water into flowerpot-shaped monuments, each topped with lush vegetation. As the ocean falls at low tide, visitors can walk below. But as it rises for high tide, the stacks are best explored by kayak.

The Bay of Fundy is best explored from land on a road trip along Fundy Trail, or by the Ocean train, VIA Rail’s oldest still-operating route.

Top Experiences in the Bay of Fundy:

• Hopewell Rocks — walk on the ocean floor at low tide
• Whale Watching — some of the best whale-watching in Canada

Our way to see it: Explore Eastern Canada by Train | Bay of Fundy rail-trip extensions bookable through Canada Rail Vacations

Ariel shot of Niagara Falls | Credit: Jason van Bruggen

9. Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls is the most popular attraction in Canada. It’s easily accessible from Toronto by car, train, or day tour. Alongside the famous Niagara Falls Cruise, Journey Behind the Falls lower observation deck is the best way to get up close with the cascading water.

Alongside Niagara Falls itself, it’s worth visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake, an utterly charming town just half an hour from the falls. There, you’ll see a charming Old Town lined with historic 19th-century buildings. While there, you can also visit Fort George, Fort Mississauga, and Mississauga Lighthouse, which are all National Historic Sites. Niagara Falls is 90 minutes from Toronto, reachable as a day-tour add-on. It’s the easiest rail-adjacent day trip from Toronto.

Top Experiences at Niagara Falls:

• Journey Behind the Falls — walk behind Niagara Falls to stand at its base
• Niagara on the Lake — charming 19th-century Old Town and historic forts

Our way to see it: Eastern Canada Train Tour of the Capital Cities | Niagara Falls rail-trip extensions bookable through Canada Rail Vacations

Additions to Canadian Train Trips

Some of the best places to visit in Canada aren’t directly accessible by train. When that’s the case, we build them into itineraries by way of transfers, tours, and other means so that our guests can still explore them on their train trip.

An Inukshuk statue on Whistler Mountain | Credit: Destination BC / Blake Jorgenson

10. Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler was a key venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics and remains home to world-class skiing throughout the winter. In the summer, Whistler has adventurers venturing onto the peaks to find hiking trails, gondola rides, and jaw-dropping views of the West Coast Mountains.

Trails range from easy, well-maintained paths to day-long adventures into the backcountry. But to get grand views with minimal exertion, take the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for a startlingly long and startlingly high ride between the Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains. From here, look across the valley and back down into the village.

The resort-style mountain town has a vibrant life and is home to numerous delicious spots for après, available regardless of whether you have skied, hiked, or simply enjoyed the views.

The train between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies doesn’t pass through Whistler anymore; the last Rocky Mountaineer service to Whistler ended in 2026.

If you’re looking to take a circle route, returning to Vancouver at the end of your trip, the northern route through Whistler gives you a decidedly different series of views. Going through an entirely new series of mountains — this time, British Columbia’s Coast Mountains — and a bear viewing hotspot, you’ll see more of Canada in just as much time. It also gives you the chance to road trip through the Canadian wilderness, which is its own delight.

Top Experiences in Whistler:

• PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola — jaw-dropping mountain views
• Hiking & Mountain Biking — epic summer trails along the peaks

Our way to see it: Canadian Rockies Scenic Delights by Road & Rail

Emerald Lake Lodge on Emerald Lake

11. Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Tucked on the edge of both the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia is Yoho National Park. This is where you will find the quietest mountain paths in the Rockies. They lead to grand waterfalls and ever-more hidden lakes.

One of these is Emerald Lake, just a 40-minute journey from Lake Louise. And it is much quieter. There, spend the night in Emerald Lake Lodge, set on a small outcrop right on the water.

Yoho National Park is perhaps the best place to visit in Canada for hikers. There are many lakes hidden throughout the park, each requiring a different level of hiking to access. Some, like Lake O’Hara or Lake McArthur, require beautiful — but long — hikes to experience.

For rail enthusiasts, visiting the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint at Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site is a must when in Yoho National Park. From the viewpoint, you can see the entrance to the looping tunnels that allow trains to safely traverse through Mount Ogden. Around 30 trains pass through this route daily, including Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail Canadian trains, alongside the numerous freight trains that keep Canada supplied from coast to coast.

Top Experiences in Yoho National Park:

• Emerald Lake — Canada's federal government offers free guided tours
• Takakkaw Falls — the tallest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies and the second tallest in Canada
• Spiral Tunnels at Kicking Horse Pass — where trains enter the mountainside to take a spiral track up a steep incline

Our way to see it: Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks

The Yukon’s dramatic landscapes | Credit: Epic North

12. The Yukon

The Yukon remains a little-known gem in Canada. That means endless snow-capped peaks, winter activities, and vibrant Northern Lights displays, all experienced without crowds. This, combined with its still-wild feel, cements the Yukon as one of the best places to visit in Canada.

But, in winter, the Yukon comes alive. The landscapes become blanketed with snow, the Northern Lights paint the sky in huge washes of green and blue, and winter activities can be found across the territory.

By day, dash across the snow while dog sledding and discover hidden hot springs, and by night, relax in a remote lodge, watching as the Aurora Borealis lights up the night sky.

We include the Yukon as an extension of our Canadian Rockies winter train tours. While not connected by rail, a quick flight from Vancouver to the Yukon gives you the chance to witness the Northern Lights and, in doing so, complete the set of iconic Canadian winter experiences.

Top Experiences in the Yukon:

• Northern Lights Viewing — some of the best Aurora-viewing in the world
• Dog Sledding — Canada’s oldest means of transport

Our way to see it: Yukon Northern Lights + Canadian Rockies Winter Train Tour

Left: Fairmont Empress overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour | Credit: Fairmont Empress

Right: Ucluelet town, the inlet, and the mountains behind | Credit: Tourism Ucluelet / Tyler Cave

13. Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Vancouver Island in British Columbia has quaint cities, friendly towns, and vast, wildlife-filled wilderness. It’s a quick hop on an incredibly scenic ferry from Vancouver and makes the perfect day trip or extension after a rail tour.

In the south, you’ll find Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, boasting brick buildings and a charming atmosphere. It is best enjoyed through a leisurely stroll along Government Street and high tea in the Fairmont Empress Hotel, overlooking the quaint Inner Harbour.

Heading north, wild surf towns Tofino and the lesser-known Ucluelet blend a love of the great outdoors with the small communities living in it.

But this is best seen even further removed, where luxuriously remote lodges hide at the end of inlets, between trees, and at the foot of mountains. These lodges, nestled in the heart of bear country and surrounded by whale-filled water, make Vancouver Island one of the best places in Canada for wildlife watching.

Top Experiences on Vancouver Island:

• Whale Watching — spot the resident orcas of the Salish Sea
• High Tea in the Fairmont Empress — a refined experience overlooking Victoria’s harbor
• Remote Luxury Lodges — meet wildlife in its element, far from civilization

Our way to see it: Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | Canadian Rockies Rail Trip Combo

The Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island | Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Adam Hill

14. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton is an island in northern Nova Scotia. It is home to stunning drives along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s just a few hours north of Halifax, one end of the coast-to-coast train route, by car.

What makes Cape Breton different is the Cabot Trail. The trail is a scenic drive that circles the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and offers sweeping ocean views.

Your drive will pass by hiking trails like the Middle Head Hiking Trail on the east and the famous Skyline Trail on the west. Each of the many trails offers stunning views of cliffs, bays, and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean. Along the road, you will find communities like Cheticamp, a French Acadian outpost, and Baddeck, a small village rich with Gaelic heritage.

Top Experiences on Cape Breton Island:

• Driving the Cabot Trail — a scenic drive circling the island
• Gaelic communities — Gaelic cultural heritage lives on

Our way to see it: Atlantic Maritimes Explorer by Rail | Montreal to Halifax | Cape Breton rail-trip extensions bookable through Canada Rail Vacations

Left: Anne of Green Gables culture alive and well | Credit: Tourism PEI / John Sylvester

Right: A coastal lighthouse in Prince Edward Island National Park | Credit: Tourism PEI / Brian McInnis

15. Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island remains a little off the beaten track for international visitors, but is a place we include in many of our Atlantic Canada train trips to extend your time in the Maritimes.

For those who visit, the Island offers a charmingly different side to Canada as a reward. Rolling green hills of fertile farmland connect red sand beaches that line the coast, their farmhouses clad in candy-colored wood.

In particular, we love introducing Cavendish, where storybooks come alive. It is predominantly made up of quaint villages scattered along the hillsides. Inspiring the world-famous novel Anne of Green Gables, the region of Cavendish has remained nostalgic even as the rest of the world moved on.

Once here, visit Green Gables Heritage Place to wander a living replica of Anne's famed 19th-century farmhouse and grounds, and Avonlea Village, where you can explore reconstructed heritage buildings housing gift shops and local eateries. Cavendish has the same classic charm as traveling by rail, leaning into the slow travel atmosphere and favoring small moments over grand scenes. It makes for an especially relaxing break midway through any vacation.

Top Experiences in Cavendish:

• Green Gables Heritage Place — a literary landmark and National Historic Site
• Cavendish Beach — red sands, gentle waters, and stunning coastal views

Our way to see it: Atlantic Maritimes Explorer by Rail | Halifax to Montreal

Gros Morne National Park’s steep cliffs over West Brook Pond | Credit: Barrett & MacKay Photo

16. Newfoundland, Newfoundland & Labrador

Positioned at the easternmost point of Canada, Newfoundland has rugged, untouched coastlines dotted with small, colorful fishing villages.

In St. John's, the province's capital, these colorful houses make up 'Jellybean Row,' a neighborhood reminiscent of the historic fishing villages beyond the city. St. John's lively spirit hails from the island's strong cultural heritage, preserved through everything from the National Historic Sites lining the jagged coast to the pubs lining the streets.

Venturing north, you will find Gros Morne National Park. The National Park remains a little-known wonder where dramatic cliffs fall into a landlocked fjord, the Earth’s mantle pushes its way to the surface, and panoramic views look all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

While visiting Newfoundland alongside a train trip requires more commitment — you’ll likely be flying from Halifax to St. John’s and will want to spend several extra days on the island — it is worth spending the time here to explore some of the most unique Maritime communities in Canada.

Top Experiences in Newfoundland:

• Gros Morne National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with otherworldly landscapes
• Jellybean Row — colorful houses in St. John’s, the capital
• Iceberg Alley — where massive icebergs drift by in spring

Our way to see it: Custom Newfoundland rail-trip extensions bookable through Canada Rail Vacations

Sample Canada Rail Itineraries

Most people won’t be able to see all of Canada in one trip. We usually recommend vacations centered around one of a few regions:

• The Canadian Rockies — mountains and world-famous icons
• British Columbia — raw nature and wildlife
• Eastern Canada — old European charm and big cities
• Atlantic Canada — fishing villages and friendly cities

Some other places, like Churchill, Manitoba, or Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador, are better experiences as a sole destination.

We included our recommended way of seeing each destination listed above in its own entry. If you have any further questions, reach out to a Travel Designer, and they can create an entirely custom trip for you.

Book Your Canada Vacation Today

If you found somewhere that calls to you, a package that sounds just right, or want an entirely custom adventure, reach out to a Travel Designer today. They will work one-on-one with you to craft the trip that's right for you, built from a combination of their expert knowledge and your must-see experiences.

If you're not ready yet, subscribe to our newsletter to keep getting inspiration and exclusive deals in your inbox.

Best Time to Visit Canada by Train

The best time to visit Canada by train depends on what you’re looking to see.

Places to Take the Train in Canada in Summer

The best places to take a train in Canada in summer focus on outdoor natural beauty, like Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise. Summer means extended daylight while onboard, perfect for maximising viewing time on VIA Rail’s sleeper trains, and the best weather while doing so.

It’s also worth mentioning that, if you’re looking to take Rocky Mountaineer, the iconic train only runs through the summer season, meaning you’ll have to travel between April and October.

Places to Take the Train in Canada in Winter

The best places to take a train in Canada in winter are those which offer snowy landscapes and festive magic. Across most of the country, you’ll be greeted by endless snowy views as you travel by train. But the juxtaposition between Vancouver, which rarely sees snow, and the Canadian Rockies is marvelous in winter. You’ll often fall asleep on the Canadian train to green fields and the start of the Canadian Rockies’ foothills, and wake in the morning surrounded by snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes in Jasper National Park.

Places to Take the Train in Canada in the Off-Season

Shoulder season travel is a wonderful way to see Canada with fewer crowds and lower prices, and most of the country benefits from this effect. We particularly suggest train trips through Eastern Canada to make the most of Quebec’s stunning fall foliage.

FAQ

Why should I take a train in Canada in 2027?

If you’re looking for a definitive reason to take a train in Canada, it is that Canada can cater to almost any vacation need in one train trip. Canada is the second-largest country on Earth, covering nearly 4 million square miles.

Luxury Rail Travel

Canada is home to one of the world’s most famous luxury trains: Rocky Mountaineer. Traveling between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies on one of two different routes, you’ll be treated to onboard hospitality like no other, and some frankly stunning views to go along with it. For more information, see our detailed post below.

Classic Sleeper Trains

Connecting Canada coast-to-coast is a series of sleeper trains, starting with the Canadian between Vancouver and Toronto and ending with the Ocean between Montreal and Halifax. Onboard these trains, you get a sense of the golden age of rail travel as you are served fresh-made meals in the dining car, watch the world go by from the glass-domed viewing car, and retire each night to a private cabin.

Easy City Connection

VIA Rail’s Corridor route quickly connects major cities in Eastern Canada such as Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, meaning you can easily visit multiple Canadian cities without needing a car.

When should I visit Canada?

When you should visit Canada depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. Summer is the ideal time to visit for an outdoor adventure through the Rockies. But to see the Northern Lights, planning your trip in winter is essential. When booking, speak to your Travel Designer about what is right for you based on your plans.

Can you see Niagara Falls by train from Toronto?

Yes, you can visit Niagara Falls on a 2-hour train from Toronto.

Is the Rocky Mountaineer scenic in winter?

Rocky Mountaineer does not run a service in winter. Instead, you should take VIA Rail’s Canadian train, a sleeper train running the same route between Vancouver and Jasper. The Canadian is incredibly scenic in winter as it offers backcountry views of snow-capped mountains and winter pine forests.

Do you need a car once you're off the train?

Most of the time you do not need a car when you’re off the train in Canada. While a car can help you explore independently, organized tours and transfers can help you see everything you want to without needing to drive yourself. We often organize these for our own guests who appreciate the same seamless service as they get on the train across their whole journey.

The few places you might need a car are when exploring more remote places in Atlantic Canada, like Newfoundland or Cape Breton.

Feature Image Credit: Rocky mountaineer