9 Best Canadian Train Tours to Experience in 2025

All Aboard: Discovering Canada’s Most Spectacular Rail Adventures

Canada’s vast and varied landscapes, from the rugged Pacific coastline to the maritime charm of the Atlantic, are best explored by rail. Canadian train tours offer a unique perspective, a front-row seat to sprawling wilderness, majestic mountains, and vibrant cities, all while you relax in comfort. It’s an immersive travel experience that combines the romance of classic rail travel with the breathtaking scale of the Great White North.

But with so many routes crisscrossing the country, choosing the right journey can be a challenge. This guide simplifies the process, rounding up the nine most iconic and unforgettable train tours Canada has to offer. We’ll explore everything from luxurious cross-country odysseys like The Canadian to historic wilderness day trips such as the Agawa Canyon Tour.

Inside, you will find a curated selection of journeys designed for every type of traveller, whether you seek five-star luxury or a rugged northern adventure. We provide the specific details, insider tips, and practical advice needed to plan your perfect Canadian rail adventure, from booking the best cabin to knowing what to pack. Let’s get on track and discover which one is right for you.

1. VIA Rail’s The Canadian

For many travellers, a cross-country rail journey is the ultimate way to experience a nation’s soul, and VIA Rail’s The Canadian is arguably the most iconic of all Canadian train tours. This legendary four-day, four-night expedition travels an immense 4,466 kilometres, linking the urban energy of Toronto with the coastal beauty of Vancouver. It’s a journey that unspools like a living map, showcasing the breathtaking diversity of Canada’s geography, from the rugged, lake-dotted Canadian Shield to the vast, open skies of the Prairies and the awe-inspiring peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

This isn’t just transportation; it’s a rolling immersion into the landscape. The train is famous for its panoramic dome cars, offering unobstructed views that make you feel part of the scenery. Passengers can choose from various service levels, but for a blend of comfort and value, the Sleeper Plus class is highly recommended. It provides a private cabin, access to freshly prepared meals in the dining car, and entry to all service cars, including the domes. It’s the quintessential Canadian rail adventure, ideal for international visitors or anyone seeking a classic, unhurried travel experience.

This infographic summarises the core details of The Canadian’s epic journey.

The summary highlights the journey’s impressive scale and the accommodation options available to suit different traveller preferences. To make the most of this trip, plan your booking several months in advance, particularly for the popular summer season. Packing layers is essential, as temperatures can vary significantly across the country. While the mountain segments are spectacular, be sure to bring a book or download podcasts for the long, meditative stretches through the Prairies. If you’re considering this remarkable trip, you can learn more about this trans-Canada rail adventure.

2. Rocky Mountain Express

Where some tours focus on crossing the entire country, the Rocky Mountain Express is designed for those who want a pure, undiluted immersion in the majestic Canadian Rockies. This is a daylight-only luxury rail experience, ensuring that passengers never miss a moment of the breathtaking scenery as they travel between Vancouver and iconic mountain towns like Banff and Jasper. The journey is defined by its focus on five-star service and unparalleled views through massive glass-dome windows, creating an intimate and exclusive atmosphere.

This premium service isn’t about the destination alone; it’s about the journey itself. Onboard hosts provide engaging storytelling about the region’s history, geology, and wildlife, while gourmet meals are served at your seat. With two distinct service levels, SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf, passengers can choose their preferred level of luxury. GoldLeaf service features a bi-level dome coach with a separate dining room, offering a truly opulent experience. It’s an ideal choice for affluent retirees, those celebrating special occasions, and anyone seeking a high-end, all-inclusive tour through Canada’s most famous mountain range.

This infographic provides a quick overview of the key features of the Rocky Mountain Express journey.

The summary highlights the daylight travel and luxury focus, which are the core selling points of this particular Canadian train tour. To get the most from this experience, booking well in advance is crucial, especially for the popular autumn foliage season when the landscape is at its most vibrant. Consider combining the rail journey with stays at renowned mountain resorts like the Fairmont Banff Springs or Chateau Lake Louise to create a complete luxury package. Given the significant investment, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is a highly recommended and practical step. If this sounds like your kind of trip, you can explore more about this Canadian Rockies odyssey.

3. VIA Rail’s The Ocean

While trans-continental journeys capture the imagination, some of the most memorable Canadian train tours explore the nation’s distinct regional characters. VIA Rail’s The Ocean offers a captivating overnight voyage into the heart of Atlantic Canada, connecting the cosmopolitan flair of Montreal with the maritime charm of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This 1,346-kilometre journey is a brilliant showcase of Eastern Canada’s diverse landscapes, moving from the pastoral beauty of rural Quebec, across the dense forests of New Brunswick, and along Nova Scotia’s enchanting coastline.

More than just a transit link, The Ocean is an immersion into the laid-back culture and scenic beauty of the Maritimes. The train runs overnight, allowing you to wake up to entirely new scenery just outside your window. For optimal comfort and the full experience, the Sleeper Plus class is the best choice, providing a private cabin, delicious meals showcasing local flavours in the dining car, and access to the service cars. This journey is particularly popular with travellers looking to deeply explore the Maritime provinces, offering a relaxed and picturesque alternative to flying.

The summary highlights the journey’s focus on regional discovery and the amenities that enhance the overnight experience. To maximise your trip, consider travelling during autumn when the spectacular fall foliage creates a breathtaking backdrop, especially through the forests of New Brunswick. Booking your sleeper cabin well in advance is highly recommended, as they are limited and sell out quickly. Be sure to have your camera ready for the stunning views as the train crosses the expansive Miramichi River. If you’re planning your trip, you can get insights into seasonal travel.

4. Royal Canadian Pacific

For travellers seeking the pinnacle of old-world glamour and exclusivity, the Royal Canadian Pacific offers an experience that transcends mere travel. This is not a scheduled passenger service but a private, ultra-luxury charter train comprised of impeccably restored rail cars from the 1920s. Journeys are multi-day, all-inclusive affairs that wind through the majestic Canadian Rockies, limited to just 28 guests. It’s an immersion into a bygone era of elegance, providing unparalleled personalised service and access to some of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery from a truly unique vantage point.

This is more than just one of many Canadian train tours; it’s a rolling five-star hotel. The train’s storied past includes hosting royalty and dignitaries, and that regal atmosphere persists. The entire journey is curated, from gourmet meals prepared by an executive chef and served on fine china to open-air vestibule viewing and off-train excursions. The Royal Canadian Suite is a highlight, offering a level of opulence rarely seen in modern travel. This journey is ideal for those celebrating a milestone, seeking a once-in-a-lifetime indulgence, or looking for an exclusive corporate retreat that is genuinely unforgettable.

This infographic summarises the key elements of the Royal Canadian Pacific experience.

The summary highlights the exclusive nature and historical pedigree that make this journey so special. Due to its limited capacity, you should plan to book 6 to 12 months in advance. Remember to pack formal attire, as elegant evening dinners are a cornerstone of the experience. It’s also worth inquiring about special themed journeys, which can add another layer to this remarkable trip. If you are ready to step back in time, you can learn more about this luxurious rail adventure.

5. Algoma Central Railway Agawa Canyon Tour

For those seeking a dramatic, single-day wilderness immersion, the Algoma Central Railway Agawa Canyon Tour offers one of the most accessible and visually stunning Canadian train tours available. Departing from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, this 183-kilometre journey North travels through the pristine, rugged landscapes of the Canadian Shield, an ancient region of granite hills, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes. The train descends 152 metres into the Agawa Canyon, a spectacular gorge carved out by the Agawa River over millennia, inaccessible by any other means.

This is not a cross-country epic, but a focused adventure designed for maximum scenic impact. Large picture windows ensure you don’t miss a moment of the passing scenery, which famously inspired the iconic Group of Seven artists. The tour includes a 90-minute stopover at the canyon floor, allowing passengers to explore. We highly recommend tackling the Lookout Trail, a rewarding climb up 300 stairs that leads to a breathtaking panoramic vista of the entire canyon. It’s an ideal trip for nature lovers, photographers, and families looking for a memorable day trip into Ontario’s untouched wilderness.

This video captures the vibrant colours and scenic highlights of the Agawa Canyon tour, especially during its famous autumn season.

The tour is particularly renowned for its spectacular fall foliage displays. To experience the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows at their peak, plan your visit for late September to early October, but be sure to book well in advance as these dates sell out quickly. Pack sturdy footwear for the canyon trails and consider bringing your own lunch to maximise your time exploring, although food is available for purchase onboard. This journey provides a perfect, concentrated dose of Canadian natural beauty. If you’re planning a trip to Northern Ontario, you can find more details about the Agawa Canyon rail adventure.

6. White Pass & Yukon Route

For those fascinated by history and dramatic scenery, the White Pass & Yukon Route offers a journey back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush. This iconic narrow-gauge railway, an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, showcasing breathtaking panoramas of mountains, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls. Originally built in 1898, the route connects Skagway, Alaska, with the Yukon, following the treacherous path that thousands of stampeders once trod in search of gold. It’s one of the most unique Canadian train tours, blending thrilling engineering with raw, untamed wilderness.

This isn’t a long-distance trek but a spectacular, history-rich excursion. The train navigates steep grades and cliff-hanging turns, passing landmarks like Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and the eerie Tormented Valley. Vintage parlour cars create an authentic atmosphere, allowing you to experience the journey as gold-seekers once did. For cruise passengers or visitors to the region, the Summit Excursion is a popular choice, offering a condensed but powerful taste of the route’s historical and scenic highlights. It’s the perfect tour for history buffs, railway enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an unforgettable day trip steeped in Gold Rush lore.

The summary highlights the railway’s historical significance and the dramatic landscapes it traverses. To get the most from this experience, booking well in advance is crucial, especially during the peak Alaska cruise season from May to September. Even on a warm summer day, it’s wise to dress in layers as the temperature can drop significantly at higher altitudes. For the best photographic opportunities, aim for a clear day to fully capture the expansive mountain vistas. If you’re captivated by tales of the north, you can learn more about this historic railway adventure.

7. Hudson Bay Railway to Churchill

For adventurers seeking one of the world’s truly unique rail journeys, the two-day, two-night trip on the Hudson Bay Railway from Winnipeg to Churchill is an unparalleled experience. This isn’t a luxury tour but an authentic expedition covering 1,700 kilometres of remote Manitoba landscape. The train travels north through prairie, dense boreal forest, and finally across the vast, frozen tundra to reach the shores of Hudson Bay. Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill is a destination accessible only by this train or by air, making the journey itself an integral part of the adventure.

This is less a tourist train and more a vital lifeline for northern communities, offering a genuine glimpse into life in Canada’s subarctic. The real prize lies at the destination, which is a global hub for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and researchers. Passengers can choose between basic seats or a more comfortable berth in a sleeper car, which is highly recommended for the overnight journey. This trip is ideal for the hardy traveller who prioritises incredible wildlife encounters, from polar bears to beluga whales and the Northern Lights, over opulent amenities. It’s one of the most rugged and rewarding Canadian train tours available.

To make the most of this trip, planning is critical. The train runs only a few times a week, so booking well in advance is essential, especially during the peak polar bear season (October and November). You must book your wildlife tours and accommodation in Churchill before you depart, as availability is extremely limited. Pack serious cold-weather gear, including insulated parkas, boots, and face protection, as temperatures can be extreme. Given the remote location and potential for delays, comprehensive travel insurance is a non-negotiable. If you’re ready for an Arctic adventure, you can explore options with VIA Rail.

8. Jasper to Prince Rupert (The Skeena)

For travellers drawn to Canada’s untamed wilderness, the journey from Jasper to Prince Rupert offers one of the most immersive Canadian train tours available. Often called “The Skeena,” this VIA Rail route is a two-day, daylight-only adventure that travels 1,160 kilometres through the very heart of northern British Columbia. It connects the majestic Rocky Mountains of Jasper National Park to the misty Pacific coastline, following the path of the legendary Skeena River through landscapes so remote and pristine they feel untouched by time.

This is not a luxury land cruise but a genuine passage into the wild. The train showcases a side of Canada few get to see, from dense forests and dramatic canyons to the rugged Coast Mountains. The daylight schedule, with an overnight stop in Prince George, ensures you don’t miss a moment of the spectacular scenery. For those seeking an authentic and unvarnished experience, the Touring class provides access to panoramic dome cars and includes meals. It’s an ideal trip for adventurers, wildlife photographers, and anyone connecting to the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system from Prince Rupert.

The summary highlights the journey’s focus on remote, daylight viewing and its role as a key connector for further northern exploration. To make the most of this trip, be sure to book your tickets and accommodation in Prince George well in advance, as options are limited. Packing your own snacks, drinks, and entertainment is wise, as onboard services are more basic than on transcontinental routes. Keep a keen eye out for wildlife; bears, moose, and eagles are common sights along the riverbanks. If you are ready for a truly wild Canadian rail adventure, you can find more information about The Skeena.

9. Polar Bear Express

For a truly unique Canadian adventure that journeys to the edge of the sub-Arctic, the Polar Bear Express offers an unforgettable experience. This seasonal passenger train, operated by Ontario Northland, travels from Cochrane to Moosonee, a remote town on the shores of James Bay. Unlike other scenic Canadian train tours focused on luxury, this is a functional lifeline for Northern communities, offering travellers a rare and authentic glimpse into the rugged beauty and resilient culture of Canada’s Far North. It’s a journey into a different kind of wilderness, defined by boreal forest, vast muskeg, and the tidewaters of the Arctic watershed.

This is more than just a train ride; it’s a cultural expedition. The five-hour trip provides access to the Cree community of Moose Factory, one of Ontario’s oldest settlements, located on an island in the Moose River. The train itself is basic, reflecting its role as essential transport, but the views from the window are spectacular. For adventurous families and cultural tourists, the flag-stop service, which allows passengers to be picked up or dropped off in remote locations, is a standout feature. It’s an ideal trip for those wanting to step off the beaten path and experience a side of Canada few visitors ever see.

Booking accommodation in Moosonee or Moose Factory well in advance is crucial, as options are limited. If travelling in summer, be sure to pack strong insect repellent to combat the notorious blackflies and mosquitoes. Travellers should also be prepared for unpredictable weather and plan activities accordingly. Most importantly, when visiting Moose Factory, it’s vital to respect Indigenous cultural protocols and engage with the community thoughtfully and respectfully. If you are seeking an off-grid adventure, you can find more information about this unique northern railway.

Canadian Train Tours: 9-Route Comparison Guide

Choosing Your Unforgettable Canadian Rail Journey

From the salt-scented air of the Maritimes to the rugged peaks of the Rockies and the vast, wild tundra of the north, we’ve journeyed across a nation defined by its railways. The list of premier canadian train tours reveals a simple truth: there is no single “best” trip, only the one that is best for you. Each route offers a distinct flavour of Canada, a unique narrative told through steel wheels on endless tracks. Your perfect adventure is waiting among these iconic lines.

The key takeaway is that planning your rail journey is about aligning your personal travel desires with the specific character of each route. Think of it as matching a personality to a destination. Are you seeking the absolute zenith of service and heritage? The Royal Canadian Pacific offers an experience akin to a moving, five-star historical hotel. Do you dream of the classic, cross-country odyssey, a grand tapestry of changing landscapes from Toronto to Vancouver? VIA Rail’s The Canadian is your definitive answer.

Turning Your Dream into a Ticket

Making the right choice involves a few practical considerations. To move from inspiration to action, follow these steps:

• Define Your “Why”: Start by asking what you want most from your trip. Is it spotting a grizzly bear from your window on the Rocky Mountaineer? Is it experiencing the coastal culture of the east on The Ocean? Or is it the once-in-a-lifetime quest to see polar bears via the Hudson Bay Railway? Clearly defining your primary goal will immediately narrow your options.
• Align with the Season: Remember that Canada’s landscapes transform dramatically with the seasons. The Agawa Canyon is a spectacle of fiery colour in autumn, while the Rockies offer a glittering, snow-dusted wonderland in winter. The White Pass & Yukon Route, on the other hand, operates primarily in the warmer months. Your ideal travel time is a critical factor in your decision.
• Balance Budget and Experience: The spectrum of canadian train tours accommodates various budgets. A journey on The Skeena offers breathtaking scenery with a more modest price tag, while the all-inclusive luxury of the Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service represents a premium investment. Decide what level of comfort and inclusions will make your journey memorable and select a tour that fits.

Choosing your path is the most exciting part of the planning process. Whether you are drawn to the gold rush history of the Yukon, the serene boreal forests of Northern Ontario, or the epic coast-to-coast saga, you are not just booking a holiday. You are choosing to participate in a piece of Canadian heritage, creating memories that will last a lifetime, all viewed from the unparalleled perspective of the train window. The journey itself truly is the destination.

As an Australian-based specialist in global rail adventures, we understand the nuances of planning these magnificent journeys from afar. Let our expertise simplify the process, helping you select and book the perfect Canadian train tour to match your travel style. Explore our curated packages and start planning your rail adventure today at Train Tours.