Scenic Train Rides in Canada Worth Taking at Least Once
Canada’s vastness is best enjoyed at a slower pace — riding a train gives you the time to watch landscapes roll by, feel the journey, and soak up vistas others miss zooming by in a car. Here are three legendary rail trips that truly deliver.
Rocky Mountaineer — Luxury Through the Rockies
If you want spectacular scenery wrapped in comfort, Rocky Mountaineer is hard to beat.
What makes it special:
The routes traverse the Canadian Rockies: think Mount Robson, spiral tunnels, rainforest meets rugged peaks.
You travel in style: oversized glass-dome windows, gourmet meals, friendly hosts, and different service classes (GoldLeaf, SilverLeaf, etc.).
Multiple route options let you choose what you want to see and how much time you have. Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise come up often.
Best for first-timers:
If you’ve never done a long scenic train ride, pick one of the two-day routes so you’re not too restless. Go during “shoulder season” (spring or fall) to avoid peak crowds and enjoy lovely changing light. Bring layers — mountain weather + train windows = surprises.
VIA Rail’s The Ocean — East Coast Charm & Atlantic Breezes
This one is classic Canada, if you love ocean views, small towns, romance, and history. The Ocean travels between Montreal and Halifax.
Why ride it:
It’s one of North America’s oldest named passenger routes.
You get a mix of landscapes: rolling forests, coastal Nova Scotia, quaint Maritime towns. If you’re into maritime culture, salt air, maybe lobster rolls — this gives you the setting.
Overnight travel means you really feel like you’re “moving” through the country; lots of downtime to read, reflect, watch the sunrise from your cabin.
Tips for a smooth trip:
Book early, especially for sleeper accommodations if you want a private cabin.
Check schedules carefully (some frequencies are limited). t
Pack a few small comforts: a good book, perhaps snacks, layers — it can get chilly at night, especially near the ocean.
VIA Rail’s The Canadian — Coast-to-Coast Grandeur
Want the “big picture” view of Canada in one ride? The Canadian runs between Toronto and Vancouver, crossing prairies, shield, Rockies, and Pacific Coast.
What you’ll experience:
Vast changes: flat golden prairies, dense forests, jagged mountains, dramatic river canyons. The viewpoint cars are built to show off the view.
Several classes of travel: economy up to luxury sleeper cabins, so you can tailor for budget or splurge.
A long trip: it takes several days, so this is a chance to slow down, switch off, let the journey be part of the destination.
What to think through before you ride:
Time: you’ll need to commit. It’s not a day-trip. Make sure you enjoy slow travel.
Gear: bring good layers, a camera, maybe binoculars.
Budget: higher end cabins cost more, and food/amenities are premium for these long hauls.
Ready to pick your rails adventure and make memories that last? Discover with Roamlii to plan your trip, get insider itineraries, and experience Canada’s epic train journeys your way. Visit: https://roamlii.com/discover-with-roamlii
