If you're planning to explore Canada's breathtaking landscapes, train travel is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the country's epic and unspoiled beauty. Imagine embarking on a train journey through the magnificent Rocky Mountains, where every turn offers stupendously scenic vistas that will leave you in awe.
Now, the real challenge arises: choosing between two equally tempting options - the Rocky Mountaineer and The Canadian. Each offers its own unique experience, making it a dilemma worth considering.
To help you make an informed decision, let's take a closer look at both options:
The Rocky Mountaineer: This world-renowned train journey takes you on a captivating ride through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Western Canada. With its glass-domed viewing carriages, gourmet cuisine, and impeccable service, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a luxurious and unforgettable experience. You'll witness towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and stunning wildlife as you journey through destinations like Vancouver, Banff, and Jasper.
The Canadian: As the name suggests, this iconic train journey takes you across Canada, spanning from Toronto to Vancouver. The Canadian provides a more immersive experience, as you'll spend multiple nights on board, sleeping in cozy cabins and waking up to breathtaking views each morning. Along the way, you'll pass through the prairies, lakes, and forests, all while enjoying delicious meals and the charm of the onboard staff.
To further assist you in making the right choice, you can take our short quiz, which will help determine which journey aligns better with your preferences.
If you have a passion for sleeper cars, epic cross-continental journeys, and a love for social history and topography, then The Canadian is the perfect rail journey for you. Experience the luxury of sleeper cars, while enjoying breathtaking views of passing scenery during the day. Don't forget to explore the double-decker carriages for a unique travel experience.
However, if you consider yourself a serious foodie, appreciate the unobstructed views of the open veranda, and want to capture every bit of passing scenery, then the Rocky Mountaineer is your ideal choice. Indulge in delectable cuisine as you travel through the picturesque Canadian landscape.
Still undecided? Why not try both rail journeys and have the best of both worlds? Whether you choose The Canadian or the Rocky Mountaineer, you're in for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you wanting more.
The Canadian
The route
VIA Rail Canada’s flagship train takes 86 hours over four nights to cover the 2,775 miles between Toronto in Ontaria and Vancouver in British Columbia. The train takes the more northerly of the two trans-continental routes, passing through Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Jasper. It leaves from Union Station, built by the Canadian Pacific and unquestionably Canada’s finest railway station.
Vancouver
When embarking on Canada's best rail journeys, passengers are treated to longer stops at Hornepayne, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Jasper, affording them the opportunity to explore these unique destinations. For instance, in Winnipeg, travelers can marvel at the Beaux-Arts station, a stunning architectural masterpiece crafted by the same architects who designed the iconic Grand Central station in New York. Meanwhile, in Jasper, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along Connaught Drive, immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere of the local shops and bustling activity.
Immersing yourself in the experience of this long-distance train journey is truly the best way to grasp the vastness and diverse landscapes that Canada has to offer. With the rhythm of meals in the dining car and conversations with fellow travelers from all corners of the globe, this journey has earned its distinguished reputation as a must-do adventure – a cherished experience on many people's "bucket lists." Of course, with all the breathtaking scenery and engaging discussions, you might find yourself in need of a good book to alternate your gaze from the magnificent spruce trees lining the route.
Experience the vastness and breathtaking landscapes of Canada like never before. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Shield, a majestic region that stretches across half of the country. The train departs from Union Station in Toronto, offering panoramic views of this bustling city before venturing into the heart of nature.
The Canadian Shield is a magnificent sight to behold, with its dense boreal forest and rugged terrain. As you travel through this untamed wilderness, you'll be captivated by the endless expanse of rivers and glittering lakes. In fact, even a single game reserve here can span almost 2,000 square miles, providing ample opportunities to spot stunning wildlife such as deer, moose, mountain goats, and bears.
However, just when you think you've seen it all, the landscape transitions to the sprawling prairies, presenting a refreshing change of scenery. These vast grasslands offer their own unique beauty, with sweeping views that seem to stretch endlessly.
Embarking on one of Canada's best rail journeys is a truly immersive experience, allowing you to witness the country's diverse landscapes up close. So, pack your bags, hop on board, and prepare to be mesmerized by the wonders that await you.
Though the colourful wooden grain elevators have become as rare as prairie cinemas, the wide landscape usually has something to arrest the curious eye, and the mind is set wondering about life in the shrunken prairie towns. Some were important division points in the age of steam, employing hundreds in now overgrown yards, and all were home to larger numbers of farm workers.
After Edmonton’s oil refineries, the climb into the Rockies begins, and the route provides some spectacular moments as the railway clings to vertiginous slopes through river canyons that become cauldrons with snow melt. Eventually the peaks subside and give way to the market gardens of the Fraser Valley, their produce served on the tables at Vancouver’s famed restaurants. Along the northern rim of English Bay and Burrard Inlet the North Shore Mountains rise to endow Vancouver with its glorious setting, a perfect conclusion to one of the world’s totemic railway journeys.
The train
The glittering stainless-steel cars of The Canadian are sensitively refurbished period pieces dating from the Fifties, redolent of a time when the aspiration of a girl like Marilyn Monroe was to find a man with his own railroad car, as she tells Tony Curtis in Some Like It Hot. Besides dining cars and various categories of sleeping accommodation, the train includes a Skyline car with observation dome and a Park car with vista dome and observation lounge at the rear of the train. The most luxurious accommodation is found in the recently-introduced Prestige class of sleeper with double bed, en suite shower and lavatory, flat-screen TV, complimentary minibar and larger window. Bedrooms for two have an en-suite washbasin and lavatory, with shared shower at the end of the corridor. Finally there are longitudinal upper and lower berths with a curtain to provide privacy from the central aisle, with shared washing facilities and shower at the end of the car.
Besides dining cars and various categories of sleeping accommodation, the train includes a Skyline car with observation dome
Dining on board
All sleeping tickets (known as Sleeper Plus) include meals in proper restaurant cars with white napery and good china, glass and cutlery. Lunch and dinner consist of three courses with coffee or tea, and there is a good selection of Canadian beers and wines (at extra cost). Typical main dishes might be grilled Canadian lake trout, pan-seared duck with a rosemary, maple and soy glaze, or Portobello caps stuffed with feta, sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. Children’s menus are also offered.
Highlight
Seats in the observation domes are at a premium once west of Edmonton as the train climbs into the foothills of the Rockies, which fill the views for the next 24 hours. Soon after leaving Jasper the train passes close to Mount Robson, at 12,972ft the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and so massive that it has its own micro-climate.
Standing as the tallest pinnacle in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson is truly awe-inspiring.
Operational Specifics
The Canadian train offers a memorable journey throughout the year despite the short daylight in winter months and occasional snowstorms; these times offer their own unique beauty.
Assessing the Worth
While The Canadian may seem pricier than an average flight, it's essential to consider the incredible landscapes, onboard accommodation, delectable meals, and overall enriching experience it offers in addition to transit. The "Sleeper Plus" ticket begins at £1,293, while the luxurious "Prestige" ticket starts at £2,808. For more details, visit viarail.ca
Top Railway Journeys
Unarguably, The Canadian ranks high amongst the most enthralling train expeditions globally. Besides, it provides an exciting alternative to explore the stunning Canadian landscapes, an experience that remains unmatched by its airborne counterparts.
Added to the traditional comforts of a train journey, The Canadian train service also offers a unique venture into Canada's diverse landscapes, from the towering Mount Robson to the picturesque towns dotting the country's heartland.
Experience the Thrills of the Rocky Mountaineer
Uncover the Beauty of the Routes
Embark on a memorable adventure as you journey through the stunning landscapes of the Rocky Mountaineer. With its four captivating shorter routes, there are endless opportunities to explore the breathtaking Canadian wilderness. To enhance your experience, we offer a selection of 169 packages designed to accommodate the diverse interests of our esteemed visitors, including those seeking to combine a Rocky Mountaineer voyage with a scenic cruise from Seattle or Vancouver up the mesmerizing Inside Passage, leading you to the picturesque shores of Alaska.
The Rocky Mountaineer offers several breathtaking rail journeys in Canada. One of the routes is the Coastal Passage, which takes approximately five to six hours, connecting Seattle and Vancouver. This route is perfect for travelers looking to combine their train journey with a cruise through the US port.
Along the Coastal Passage, passengers are treated to stunning views of Puget Sound and the majestic Cascade Mountains in the distance. The journey provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
For those seeking a longer adventure, two of the Rocky Mountaineer journeys include an overnight stay in Kamloops, a charming small town in British Columbia. The Journey through the Clouds, which runs between Vancouver and Jasper, and the First Passage to the West, which links Vancouver with Lake Louise and Banff, both share a common route between Vancouver and Kamloops.
These routes are not only scenic but also rich in history, with many landmarks along the way that hold stories of exploration and early settlements. Exploring the Rocky Mountaineer's rail journeys is truly an unforgettable experience that combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and the charm of small-town life.
Journey through the Clouds continues past the magnificent Pyramid Falls and the Albreda Glacier to Mount Robson and over the Yellowhead Pass to descend through the Jasper National Park to Jasper. The more southerly First Passage to the West launched Rocky Mountaineer and remains the most popular route, with such spectacular sights as Shuswap Lake, the stretches beside the white waters of the Illecillewaet and Kicking Horse rivers and the crossing of Stoney Creek bridge.
The three-day Rainforest to Gold Rush offers a greater variety of landscapes than either of the journeys through the heart of the Rockies. It heads north from Vancouver to the famous sports resort of Whistler for a night in a hotel and continues to another overnight in the logging town of Quesnel. On the last day, the train continues north to Prince George before turning south-east along the Rocky Mountain Trench, the longest valley in North America, passing Mount Robson en route to Jasper. For those looking to explore more accommodation options in Canada and to ensure the utmost comfort during their travels, tophotels.com offers a comprehensive list of top-rated hotels across various cities. Whether you prefer a luxurious stay or a cozy room with a view, the perfect retreat after a long day of adventure is just a click away.
Experience the ultimate combination of a scenic Rocky Mountaineer rail journey and a breathtaking cruise along the Inside Passage to Alaska. Departing from either Seattle or Vancouver, this unique expedition allows you to soak in the best of both worlds.
Step aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train and marvel at the stunning vistas from the purpose-built coaches. With the choice of GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service, you can enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary beverages, and fascinating storytelling by the knowledgeable hosts. In the GoldLeaf cars, you'll be treated to panoramic windows on the upper level and a spacious dining area on the lower level. Meanwhile, the SilverLeaf cars offer a glass dome and a cozy outdoor viewing area, providing an immersive experience of Canada's scenic beauty.
For photography enthusiasts, the lower-level open-air balcony on the GoldLeaf cars presents the perfect opportunity to capture the awe-inspiring landscapes. It's also a great spot to strike up conversations with fellow travelers, adding an extra touch of camaraderie to the journey.
Embark on a memorable adventure, traversing through picturesque landscapes and immersing yourself in the rich stories that make these rail journeys truly unforgettable.
The upper level is devoted to seating in pairs with full panoramic windows
Dining on board
The GoldLeaf kitchen steels a march on the fare on The Canadian with gourmet à la carte dishes devised by prominent west coast chefs. Expect choices such as pan-fried shrimp gyoza with wild greens, sautéed jumbo prawns, and a pickled ginger cilantro dressing or roasted Alberta pork loin served over a creamy sweet pea purée. Even the breakfasts are special, with such dishes as scrambled Fraser Valley eggs, mozzarella cheese, smoked corn and sweet bell peppers wrapped in a crispy spring roll, served with roasted nugget potatoes and Montreal pastrami beef.
SilverLeaf meals are served at your seat and might be salmon fillet in dill sauce or Alberta beef short ribs braised in Okanagan Valley Merlot.
Dining on board the train is special
Highlights
The line past Hell’s Gate on both Journey through the Clouds and First Passage to the West clings audaciously to the side of the Fraser River valley. The scenery surrounding the spiral tunnels within Mount Ogden and Cathedral Mountain on First Passage to the West is majestic. Winding along the water’s edge of Anderson and Seton lakes during Rainforest to Gold Rush, with monumental masses of rock on each side, is a sublime stretch.
When
April to October
Value for money
Quality and attention to detail in providing the most comfortable and relaxing way to see some of Canada’s finest sights comes at a price, but the consistent popularity of the train over 27 years speaks for itself. First Passage to the West and Journey Through the Clouds (two-day routes): GoldLeaf from £1,287; SilverLeaf from £951; Rainforest to Gold Rush (three-day route): GoldLeaf from £1,915; SilverLeaf from £1,400. Contact 0800 088 5541; rockymountaineer.com
Cheakamus Canyon
Discover Six More Breathtaking Rail Journeys Across Canada
1. Halifax-Montreal
Embark on an unforgettable 836-mile adventure, spanning 21 hours, that will transport you from the historic birthplace of British Canada to the vibrant city of Montreal.
2. Jasper-Prince Rupert
Treat yourself to a mesmerizing 32-hour expedition, including an overnight stay in Prince George. Along the way, revel in stunning views of the majestic Mount Robson.
3. Winnipeg-Churchill
Indulge in the splendor of a truly awe-inspiring 45-hour journey, commencing from the picturesque prairies. Traverse maple syrup country, dense forests, and ultimately, witness the stunning tundra and barren lands of Churchill, aptly dubbed the "Polar Bear Capital". Please note that this route is currently suspended due to flood damage.
4. Polar Bear Express
Embark on a four-and-a-half-hour expedition from Cochrane, venturing through enchanting forests, until you reach the charming town of Moosonee.
5. White Pass and Yukon
Uncover the remarkable history of the Klondike Gold Rush as you embark on this 67-mile international railway, starting from the cruise port of Skagway in Alaska. Experience the thrill of ascending over the White Pass, culminating in the scenic town of Carcross in Yukon.
6. Algoma Central Railway
Immerse yourself in the splendor of Sault Ste Marie as you embark on this unforgettable 10-hour tour. Journey through breathtaking landscapes and enjoy a delightful lunch break amidst the awe-inspiring Agawa Canyon.
Discover the countless wonders of Canada's rail network, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this vast and diverse country.