train trips in the us and canada

Top Train Trips in the US and Canada

See North America by Rail

MJ_Prototype/Getty Images 

Thinking about taking a train trip this year? Riding the rails is not only a comfortable way for families to travel, but it lets you appreciate landscapes very differently than from the inside of a car.

According to bookings by Vacations By Rail , the largest provider of global rail vacations, these are the most popular train destinations in the United States and Canada .

Grand Canyon

Whether you begin in Chicago, Los Angeles or another place, the most popular North American train destination is the Grand Canyon , from the vast, panoramic views of the South Rim to the less-traveled, ruggedly tranquil North Rim.

• Explore Grand Canyon Itineraries

Canadian Rockies

Across our northern border, the most popular train destination is the majestic Canadian Rockies. Itineraries exploring this region range from six to 16 days. Don't miss the famed  Rocky Mountaineer  scenic touring train to Banff .

• Explore Canadian Rockies Itineraries

New Orleans

Arguably one of the most unique and iconic destinations in the United States, New Orleans is at the top of many rail travelers' wish lists. The list of possible departure cities includes Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC .

USA Coast to Coast

In as few as six days, you can cross the US with Amtrak. Longer itineraries offer more stops, taking legendary rail routes to visit some of the country’s most popular destinations, including major cities and national parks.

• Explore Coast-to-Coast US Itineraries

Trans Canada

Equally epic is the trans Canada train journey between Toronto and Vancouver. VIA Rail itineraries range from seven to 15 days, through landscapes that include tranquil lakes, dense forests, expanses of grasslands, and the majestic Canadian Rockies.

• Explore Trans Canada Itineraries

A jewel in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is also another destination on many rail travelers' wish lists. The list of possible departure cities includes Chicago, Los Angeles, and many other points in the US and Canada.​

Eastern Canada

VIA Rail offers itineraries that let you explore popular destinations within Ontario, Quebec, and the coastal provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.

• Explore Eastern Canada Itineraries

Some of the most popular itineraries combine a train trip with a river cruise or ocean cruise to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico or the Caribbean.

Perhaps not the most kid-friendly of destinations, Reno is among the top choices for rail travelers.

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Bucket List Top 10 Best Selling Canada Rail Trips

View our Bucket List Top 10 Best Selling Canada Rail Trips, these scenic train rides are world famous with Canada being home to some of the best train trips on the planet.

For the past 20 years our team has been designing dream train trips in canada., our team regularly travels throughout the canadian rockies and atlantic canada on our rail tours, discovering new adventures that later become our best sellers..

Showing results for Bucket List Top 10 Best Selling Canada Rail Trips

Canada Rail Vacations REVIEWS

"Thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance."

Nick Florida, United States

"From day one we felt comfortable that everything was going to be special."

Mark Australia

"Thanks Canada Rail Vacations for putting together and planning such a trouble free, smooth running package."

Lutfu Istanbul

"We cannot thank everyone enough for their professionalism and organisational skills."

Hazel Scotland

"We did the "Rail & Drive Across Canada" with you & it was wonderful. A Bucket List dream come true!"

Rita Illinois, United States

"Thanks for a great holiday. The Rockies - awesome, Victoria- beautiful. Whistler- magic."

Mark Sydney, Australia

"Thank you so much for a wonderful vacation that created memories for our lifetime! You did a great job!"

Pam Illinois, United States

"Thanks again, we would certainly recommend you to our friends in Florida!"

Thomas Florida, United States

"It was like a Christmas tree fairyland. It was snowing pretty good. So coming from Texas in the summer it was really special, almost magical. "

Anita Texas, United States

"We had a wonderful trip and everything was arranged very well!"

Jacqueline Netherlands

"They not only tailored my itinerary to include activities I liked, but also made my car and hotel reservations, making it no-fuss for me. "

Annette California, United States

"The way we were able to customize our trip drive/train and explore on our own was awesome! "

Melinda Nevada, United States

"Thanks very much to Jasmine for helping to organise our wonderful holiday from Vancouver across the Rockies to Calgary."

Graham Perth, Australia

"It was a very memorable trip and I highly recommend to all."

Cherie Arizona, United States

"I would definitely recommend this to anyone - but especially to young parents with families. "

Annabelle Delaware, United States

" The whales very kindly decided to perform when I was whale watching. "

Janet New Eltham, United Kingdom

"Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated. "

Paul Williams Canada

"One of our best vacations. Perfectly planned and all went off without a hitch. "

Joel Yellin Rochester , United States

"We could not have been more pleased with the trip that was planned by Canada by Design."

Carol Cevolani Petaluma, United States

"We found our experience with Canada by Design to be most wonderful for our Trans-Canada Rail Trip."

Marjorie Stock California, United States

"We would recommend trips organized by Canada Rail Vacationsto anyone who is interested in actively exploring parts of the country."

Astrid Ottawa, Canada

"We had the most fabulous trip to our Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies."

Mary California, United States

"I don't know how I will ever thank you all at Canada by Design for making our trip of a lifetime!"

Ann Australia

"From start to finish it was an ideal trip for us to enjoy Canada scenery, atmosphere and hospitality. "

Manuel United States

"This was an A++ experience! I'll definitely use Canada Rail Vacations for our next trip to Canada."

Kathleen Texas, United States

"We had a marvelous trip. Everything fell into place."

Anne New Jersey, United States

"Destinations, itinerary and accommodation was all well thought out and we had a very memorable time. I'd happily use Canada by Design again."

Christopher Zurich, Switzerland

"There isn't anyone I would rather use for travel to Canada."

Emily Tennessee, United States

"I highly recommend this company, They will tailor a trip to meet individual needs."

Mel New Zealand

"I would highly recommend Canada by Design and would certainly use them again when going to another area they service."

Joyce New Jersey, United States

"Every part of our trip was well thought out and there were no hitches."

Di New Zealand

"From start to finish Jennifer was very polite and easy-going as well as professional. She offered suggestions when needed and and was on top of all itinerary adjustments and refunds. "

Kim Pennsylvania, United States

"Thanks again for a well planned and hassle free vacation. We will look forward to future vacations with Discover Holidays. "

Ross Ontario, Canada

"Paulina organized an awesome trip for us which included Vancouver Island and the Rockies."

Peter Australia

"Overall it was a great way to see the country for the most part. "

Lorraine Squamish, Canada

"We came back with many happy memories and beautiful photos of your breathtaking country."

Johanna Oswald Little Rock, AR, United States

"My clients and myself most definitely benefited from working with Canada By Design! "

Amanda Central Travel

" We would highly recommend Jennifer and Canada by Design for all of your travel needs. We count ourselves very lucky that we found this 5-star team of travel experts!"

Julie Cass Brisbane, Australia

"It was such a relief to know that we could trust Canada by Design before and during our trip."

Vered Mei-Tal Lutherville, United States

" I couldn't be more pleased with the trip! "

Marlene Schillinger Petersburg, Virginia, United States

"Our trip through western Canada planned by Canada by Design was fabulous."

Jeffrey California, United States

"We will be recommending you to others and will use you again when we return for more adventure."

Kay New Zealand

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Matador Original Series

11 sweet train trips in the u.s./canada.

IN MANY PARTS of the world, train travel is a given. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, chances are you’ve at least looked into Eurail passes and most likely you’ll be riding the rails at some point in your travels there. Not only is the Trans-Siberian route a rite of passage for many adventurous travelers, but it’s a commuting rail used by locals to get from point A to B. Train travel in China is a fantastic way to roam around the massive country.

But how many travelers consider the rails in the U.S. and Canada? I’m guilty myself, never having ridden on a train in North America. So I put forth the question: What are the best train rides in the States and Canada? The answers I got have given me some ideas for my next North American travels.

Before I dig into the American routes, I found this great forum thread called Amtrak: Best Kept Secrets . Posters give their advice for issues like dealing with ticket agents, finding good deals, how to pack , and what kind of seat/compartment to book. Some examples:

• If an agent doesn’t give you what you’re looking for, hang up and try again. You may have gotten someone less knowledgeable or maybe just in a bad mood. Or someone may have canceled or changed their ticket.
• If traveling as a pair, always check the price of a sleeper as it may be just as cheap as coach.
• A partially inflated beach ball under your pillows makes a great roomette bed support for sitting up and looking out the window or watching a DVD.

1. Empire Builder

Photo: 6015714281 /Shutterstock

Route: Chicago to Portland -or- Seattle

What you’ll see: Sandstone formations and lakes of the Wisconsin Dells, farmland and river towns along the Mississippi, and Glacier National Park in Montana .

I was on tour with a band. We carried our instruments onboard, performing for passengers…sounds I heard as we barreled down the tracks for those couple of days also inspired me to compose a parade drum duet entitled “West of Williston.” It was directly based on the rhythms of the train speeding up and slowing down at each station. Having the observation car to sit in and gaze at the passing scenery makes the Empire Builder one of the most beautiful and relaxing ways to travel across this country. – Mark Powers

No matter which route you choose, don’t skimp on the cabin — the smaller ones are very small. – Nicholas Peterson

2. California Zephyr

Photo: Khanh Le /Shutterstock

Route: Chicago to San Francisco

What you’ll see: Front Range of the Rockies, across the Great Divide, numerous switchbacks and 29 tunnels, Roosevelt National Forest, 6-mile Moffat Tunnel (at which point you will be 9000ft above sea level), Gore and Glenwood Canyons, the Colorado River, Ruby Canyon, Grand Mesa, Salt Lake City, the Nevada Desert, the High Sierras, and Cali’s Donner Pass.

For scenery, you can’t beat the Zephyr, but check you’ll be passing through the Rockies during daylight hours. – Natasha Young

3. Lake Shore Limited

Photo: Javen /Shutterstock

Route: Chicago to Boston -or- New York

What you’ll see: Farms as far as the eye can see, mountain ranges and rivers, the Great Lakes of Michigan, Erie, and Ontario, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk River, and the rolling hills and woods of the Berkshires.

For all trips up or down the river, the best trains are not [actually] the Lake Shore Limited – which is often packed with families and tired travelers sprawled out and haggard. The best trips are the early morning runs, especially southbound, where the train is not full and there are lots of state workers (lawyers and lawmakers) commuting from the NY state capital, to the state’s biggest city. – Dan Ruderman

4. Adirondack

Photo: Kaleb Kroetsch /Shutterstock

Route: New York to Montreal , Canada

What you’ll see: The Pallisades and the Hudson River Valley, Bannerman’s Castle, West Point Academy, and 50 miles of Lake Champlain (with maybe some ice fishermen in the winter).

When crossing the border into Canada, make sure you have your affairs in order. Yvonne Alcos recently had an unforgettable experience, for all the wrong reasons. To read about it and pick up some tips for border crossings, read Interrogated at the Canadian Border (and Tips to Avoid Problems).

5. Sunset Limited

Photo: Gestalt Imagery /Shutterstock

Route: New Orleans – San Antonio – Los Angeles

What you’ll see: Bayou Country, the Mexican border, southwestern deserts, and California mountains.

It’s best known for the fact that it goes within 10 feet of the wall between Mexico and the United States in El Paso, Texas…I took it because it was a unique way to get from the West Coast to New Orleans, and it was nearly the same price as flying (though it took 2 days versus 4 hours). – JoAnna Haugen

It gives you a truer flavor of our nation. – Samuel Emanuele in this New York Times article on the Sunset Limited.

6. Alaska Railroad

Photo: Martina Birnbaum /Shutterstock

Routes: Several between Seward and Fairbanks

What you’ll see: See quote below…

It is hard to imagine that there is a more scenic destination railroad experience than the Alaska Railroad. The train runs from Seward on the Pacific Coast to Fairbanks in Interior Alaska, with intermediate destinations in Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali National Park . The scenery is spectacular, ranging from coastal to mountain [views]. The wildlife that can be seen from the train as you wind through the river valleys and over Broad Pass through the Alaska Range is unequaled anywhere. From the train I’ve seen caribou, dall sheep, moose, bear, beluga whales, orcas, bald eagles and small game species too numerous to mention. Traveler options include packages or do-it-yourself deals. I have been a long-time rider, who has enjoyed every trip. – LTC Jeff Roach, Alaska Army National Guard

7. White Pass Summit Excursion

Photo: Maridav /Shutterstock

Route: 40-mile roundtrip from Skagway, Alaska

What you’ll see: Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch, and more generally: mountains, glaciers , gorges, and waterfalls .

There is no food provided on the train so pack a few small snacks as well if needed…but they do provide water bottles if you get thirsty. You can get up during the ride and walk around to the front or back of the cars and a couple people can stand on the outside landings between each car for a good photo shot without the window. Sit on the LEFT side of the train if you can. You will see both sides of the view no matter where you sit, but they provide you with better narration on the way up the mountain of what your seeing on left side of the train. Also, if [you’re] taking the ride in the cold season, heating is limited on the trains, so dress very warm! – Crystal Harlow

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Explore the Rockies and West Coast

Experience these scenic mountain and coastal regions by train.

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Seamless vacations

Travel by train to the majestic Canadian Rockies and west coast

Welcome to the west coast and Canadian Rockies where our Canadian Insiders help you plan an adventure that hits everything you want from this remarkable region. Stroll in the cool shade of mossy, old growth cedars, spy Haida totem poles standing proudly, ice-blue glacier lakes, and some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the world.

Highlights of the region

See the Best of the Canadian Rockies

Hushed old growth forests blanketed in moss, thundering waterfalls, and towering Rocky mountains that quite simply have to be seen to be believed. The west coast of Canada will give you goosebumps as you glide through the landscape on a train.

West coast wildlife will leave you in awe

A train takes you closer to the natural beauty of the west coast than any other trip. And at almost every destination you have the opportunity to get out and get even closer to the incredible wildlife. We help plan what appeals to you!

Refresh your senses in the vast wilderness

The west coast and Rockies have such a variety of landscapes that they will leave you feeling inspired. Our Canadian Insiders take care of booking all connections and accommodations so you can give yourself time to explore.

Step on thousand year old glaciers

Feel the awe of touching the ancient as you walk along the glaciers of the Rocky Mountains.

Explore at your pace

With so much to experience, our Canadian Insiders help you decide which stops and adventures along the way are right for you. We handle booking all connections and accommodations so you can give yourself time to explore.

Discover vibrant cities

The west coast has world class cities that are culturally distinct. From picturesque Vancouver, where ocean meets forest meets mountain, to Calgary, famous for its cowboy heritage. Our Canadian Insiders can give you the info you need to see the best of them.

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The insider difference.

Our Canadian Insiders talk with you to match what you love and what you want to experience with the best of Canada – from all those can’t miss sights to the hidden gems you can only discover from someone who really knows the region.

We plan and book your entire trip so you can just enjoy, after all, it’s your adventure. And, if you need any advice or assistance during your trip, we’re only a phone call away and always more than happy to help.

Hidden Gems: Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies becomes a snowy wonderland between December and March. It’s tempting to stick with the usual activities during a winter holiday, like carve fresh turns at Sunshine Village, or ride in a horse-drawn sleigh alongside the frozen expanse of Lake Louise.

At Fresh Tracks Canada, we want to send you beyond the ordinary to discover the destination’s hidden gems. Our Insiders know the best local spots for wild ice skating, snowshoeing, frosty sightseeing and more, so you’ll have an epic outing and feel like you have the Rocky Mountains all to yourself.

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Luxury Train Trips in the USA & Canada

Luxury Train Trips in the USA and Canada

There are few things more romantic or whimsical than traveling by train through idyllic North American landscapes. The only thing that makes it better is to do so in the lap of luxury. Here are the top three luxury train trips to take in the USA and Canada.

Rocky Mountaineer

Looking to travel within Western Canada? Then look no further than the super luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. Offering connections between Seattle and the Canadian hub of Vancouver, journeys through the Canadian Rockies and the Goldrush country of Quesnel are also available.

The most popular (and most picturesque) route- First Passage to the West- winds its way through the canyons and mountain ranges of British Columbia before ending in the beautiful towns of Lake Louise and Banff in Alberta. Two-day trips on this route begin at $1,499 CAD, and the full route of five days is priced from $2,349 CAD.

Onboard service comes in one of two luxury categories: SilverLeaf, or the slightly more opulent GoldLeaf. Both service packages come with access to an outdoor area, full storytelling by onboard hosts, and complimentary gourmet snacks and drinks throughout the journey. The difference with GoldLeaf is that guests are attended by 3-4 hosts instead of 2, and the bi-level coach has full instead of oversized dome windows.

American Railway Explorer

With three historic railcars to choose from all renovated back to their former glory, the American Railway Explorer offers only the most opulent charter rail experience. Cars are linked to regularly scheduled Amtrak trains, giving passengers the complete freedom to choose from dozens of custom itineraries. The most popular routes make stops in the Southern California cities of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Diego.

The cost to charter is $5,000 per day, per railway car. This includes a pre-trip concierge to help plan the trip, linens, a mechanic, and a manager. A full catering team, as well as stocked bar and bar staff, are available at an extra cost. Capacity varies by car, but all three cars combined can hold up to 64 people during the day with sleeping space for 22.

The Canadian with VIA Rail

Choose the Prestige Class on this cross-country journey to experience the best Canada has to offer in complete opulence. From Vancouver to Toronto, this journey's stops include Jasper, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Sioux Lookout- providing a taste of every type of Canadian landscape.

Every cabin in the Prestige Class is equipped with a private bathroom with shower, huge panoramic window, and a double bed that converts to a leather sectional couch by day. The trip is made even more special with concierge service, wine tastings, lectures on local geography and history, and priority seating in the dining car with complimentary bar service. Rates begin at $8,000 CAD per double occupancy cabin for the four-day journey.

Top 5 Routes for "Luxury Train Trips in the USA and Canada"

• Luxury Train Club The ultimate resource for luxury train journeys throughout the world, the Luxury Train Club is a booking agency that offers a 2.5 percent discount to all members. It is free to join.
• CNN Travel This article highlights eleven of the poshest trains around the world and features both The Rocky Mountaineer and The Canadian.
• Trip Savvy This article provides a guide to chartering luxury trains throughout the USA.
• VIA Rail This is the website for The Canadian trip with VIA Rail and provides a complete overview of available services, a detailed itinerary, and tips on how to maximize time spent in each city.
• The Rocky Mountaineer Visit this site for full details on the opulent Rocky Mountaineer experience, as well as help planning the trip of a lifetime.

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There are few things more romantic or whimsical than traveling by train through idyllic North American landscapes. The only thing that makes it better is to do so in the lap of luxury. Here are the top three luxury train trips to take in the USA and Canada. Looking to travel within Western Canada? Then look no further than the super luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. Offering connections between Seattle and the Canadian hub of Vancouver, journeys through the Canadian Rockies and the Goldrush country of Quesnel are also available. The most popular (and most picturesque) route- First Passage to the West- winds its way through the canyons and mountain ranges of...

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Amtrak crosses the northern tier … Six top train trips in Canada … Leave foliage spotting to Amtrak

Amtrak’s Empire Builder crosses the northern tier Amtrak’s Empire Builder train route is a two night, 2,200 mile trek across the norther tier of the country. Leaving every day from Chicago, the train takes 40 hours to go through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana and Idaho. Then the train splits in half in Spokane, with one train headed to Seattle and the other Portland. They arrive at the end of the lines just before noon. A few hours later, they’re going back. This summer, I rode the Empire Builder route in both directions. [theurbanist.org]

Travel across Canada with these top six train trips Seeing Canada through the window of a train is one of the best ways to experience the country. Not only are the views exceptional, but trains are comfortable, low-stress, relaxing and allow you to just sit back and take your time to get to your destination. Train trips can be multi-day adventures from one end of the country to the other, but they can also be small getaways to nearby destinations. While most people are familiar with VIA Rail, there are a number of train companies offering their services across the country. [forbes.com]

Peepers leave the fall foliage spotting to Amtrak It’s almost cozy season (or spooky season, depending on your vibes), which means it’s a great time to start thinking about a long weekend to peep some fall foliage. If you don’t want to turn it into a classic American road trip, Amtrak is an excellent alternative to watch the scenery go by without ever having to fill up the tank. According to the railroad, these are the best routes to see the leaves this autumn. [usatoday.com]

Amtrak Coast Starlight eases from Oakland to LA Avid Coast Starlight riders say jumping on the $54 one-way trip from Oakland to LA is not about saving a few hours. It’s about finding a rare space where travelers from around the world come together and unplug from the hurried flow of everyday life. And the antiquated Coast Starlight, which has long been known for awe-inspiring views, is even generating buzz from a whole new generation of rail riders, who have been posting viral videos of the train’s vast route. [timesheraldonline.com]

Amtrak reconnects Burlington, Vermont with NYC Vermont’s newest Amtrak — the Ethan Allen Express — is a route that takes travelers from the city of Burlington straight into New York City’s recently-opened station, Moynihan Train Hall. The ride is easy, quick (for a long-distance train), and takes minimal effort to book for first-timers. We know this because we had the chance to ride the Ethan Allen Express train from Burlington to New York City and back, and have all the inside details you need to know before booking this train. [thetravel.com]

Take Amtrak from NYC to Denver via Chicago Almost all major US cities are accessible via Amtrak. Because there is no direct route from New York to Denver, my trip was split up into four separate train rides: NYC to Chicago, Chicago to Denver, and the opposite route back home. From NYC, I got on the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, which lands in Chicago. After a short stay in the Windy City, my next train was the California Zephyr. This train goes all the way to California, but I would be getting off halfway in Denver, Colorado. [themontclairgirl.com]

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The Canadian train

Considered one of the world’s great rail journeys , The Canadian offers the ultimate transcontinental train trip.

It travels between Toronto and Vancouver, crossing the scenic lakelands of northern Ontario, touring the western plains of the prairies and climbing through the splendid Canadian Rockies before finishing its epic journey three days later on the Pacific coast of British Columbia.

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Canada specialists

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.

Yukon wilderness & British Columbia self-drive

15 days from $9,920pp

Jewels of western Canada self-drive tour

15 days from $4,995pp

Wonders of western Canada by train

10 days from $5,870pp

Grand western Canada self-drive tour

21 days from $9,745pp

Bears of British Columbia

15 days from $11,995pp

Luxury Alaska cruise & wilderness lodge with Vancouver

16 days from $11,450pp

Fjords of Alaska: Luxury Inside Passage cruise

11 days from $9,590pp

Alaska cruise & Canadian Rockies by train

15 days from $6,995pp

Best of western Canada by train & self-drive

12 days from $5,535pp

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Eastern Canada Train Trips

From Ontario to Prince Edward Island and the Atlantic Coast, explore East Coast Canada and its beautiful provinces on our Eastern Canada Train Trips.

Connecting the alluring french culture of montreal with the roaring niagara falls in ontario, prince edward island and halifax, eastern canada train tours feel worlds away from the west., the maritime provinces are bursting with unique history and succulent seafood, while the streets of quebec city hold some of the oldest stories in the country., packed with a plethora of experiences from one stop to the next, a rail journey through the eastern provinces will undoubtedly reveal canada’s quirkier side..

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Canada Train Trips REVIEWS

"Thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance."

Nick Florida, United States

"From day one we felt comfortable that everything was going to be special."

Mark Australia

"Thanks Canada by Design for putting together and planning such a trouble free, smooth running package."

Lutfu Istanbul

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I'm a seasoned Amtrak rider who spent 6 hours in business class on a Canadian train for the first time. It was better than any train I've taken in the US.

• I booked a business-class ticket on a Via Rail Canada train from Toronto to Montreal in 2022.
• For $200, I sat in a business-class seat with two tables and complimentary meal and drink service.
• I thought it was nicer than most US trains I've been on, worth the price, and I'd gladly ride again.

In the last three years, I've spent over 150 hours traveling 5,000 miles on trains, from 30-hour overnight rides to quick, three-hour journeys. 

I've taken trains along the East Coast of the US, into the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec, and between the European countries of Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Along the way, I've tried out a wide range of seating options, from business and first classes to shared bunks and private rooms. 

In August of 2022, I spent six hours traveling in business class from Toronto to Montreal on Via Rail , Canada's main railroad system. It was my first time using Via Rail, and I was surprised by all the business class offerings, from comfy seats to snacks and meals. It was better than my business-class Amtrak experiences in the US — and totally worth the $200 ticket.

Similar to Amtrak, Via Rail is one of the most accessible and popular ways to travel by train in Canada.

ViaRail serves more than 400 stations in eight provinces across Canada with economy seating, business class, and sleeper accommodation, according to the train line's website.

My journey began at Toronto's Union Station.

I arrived at 7 a.m. for my 8:30 a.m. train to Montreal.

I arrived early because my business-class ticket included access to an exclusive lounge at the station with plenty of seating and free refreshments.

According to its website, Via Rail's lounges are available to passengers traveling in business class, sleeper plus, prestige, and VIA Rail Premier members traveling in economy.

Amtrak has lounges at select stations too, but they're only free to access for first-class passengers .

The lounge was mostly empty on a Friday morning.

I thought it was a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy a coffee and get some work done.

Around 8 a.m., I made my way to the track where my train was boarding.

My business-class ticket came with priority boarding , so I was able to skip a long line of passengers.

When I got to my assigned single seat, I was surprised to find that I had a side table in addition to a tray table that pulled out in front of me.

No train I've ever been on in the US has offered two tables per passenger.

Throughout the trip, I used the side table to hold my coffee while working and to store my laptop while taking work breaks. Beneath the side table, a conveniently placed outlet charged my devices.

Right away, I thought that my Via Rail seat was one of the most comfortable I've ever experienced on a train.

The Toronto Star reported that Via Rail business-class seats are 18.5 inches wide with a 39-inch seat pitch. 

An Amtrak representative told BI that their business-class seats are about an inch wider than Via Rail's with an additional three inches of legroom, but I don't think they're nearly as comfortable.

Unlike Amtrak seats I've sat in, the top of my Via Rail seat was curved, so I was able to rest my head in a comfortable position for lounging.

The seats reclined, too, just like in the US. This made them even more comfortable.

I also noticed that, unlike on my rides with Amtrak, Via Rail's seat back compartments held a safety pamphlet with directions for what to do in an emergency situation.

I found this comforting.

The train started moving right on time at 8:32 a.m.

Shortly after leaving, a train attendant came around with a complimentary drink service. I ordered a coffee.

Then it was time for breakfast. Unlike Amtrak's business-class fares, Via Rail's ticket comes with complimentary meals brought to my seat.

The train served a warm bagel with cream cheese. It was no New York bagel , I thought, but it was decent and filled me up.

An hour later, an attendant came back around with savory snack packs filled with nuts, pretzels, and crackers.

Then, train attendants came around again with warm hand wipes before lunch service, which I thought was a nice touch.

Lunch was another business-class perk. The menu was announced over the loudspeaker. The entree choices were trout, chicken, or pasta.

I went with the pasta. It was a rigatoni dish with sides of corn salad, bread, and carrot bread for dessert. The meal was better than I expected with an al dente cook on the pasta. I also thought it was much better than the pasta I've tried on Amtrak trains.

After lunch, I went to the bathroom and was impressed by how clean it was compared to most train bathrooms I've used.

I often find overflowing trash cans in train bathrooms, but VIA Rail's looked like it was cleaned recently.

Due to some delays at stops along the way, the train arrived in Montreal about an hour later than scheduled at 2:30 p.m.

While I thought this was frustrating, at least I was comfortable.

This 6-hour business-class ride cost $200, while a recent 10-hour Amtrak business-class ride cost $163. Although it was more expensive, I think the Via Rail ride was worth the additional cost since I found it to be so comfortable.

Even though we were late, I found business-class train travel to be more comfortable and pleasant in Canada than I typically do in the US. Now I want to explore more of Canada by train.

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10 fabulous day trips from Vancouver

Jan 22, 2024 • 7 min read

Just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Richmond has one of North America’s most exciting Asian-dining scenes © Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

There’s so much to see and do in  Vancouver that you might forget to check out what the surrounding area has to offer.

You shouldn’t. With easy access to the rest of  British Columbia , Vancouver is an ideal jumping-off point for day trips for gourmets, history buffs, outdoor adventurers and more.

Here are our top 10 favorite escapes from the city.

1. Raise a glass to the Port Moody beer train

Travel time: 1 hour

It’s no secret that BC’s craft-ale scene has surged in recent years. And while Vancouver is studded with lip-smacking tasting rooms, you can also take an unofficial “beer train” out to the suburbs for an afternoon of quaffing with the locals. Lining the street – sort of like...a row of beer taps – you’ll find several intriguing breweries, each with its own inviting tasting rooms and friendly bars.

How to get to Port Moody from Vancouver: Hop on the SkyTrain transit service from downtown Vancouver to Moody Centre Station (about 45 minutes), then walk across the bridge to Murray St in the heart of historic Port Moody.

2. Cruise in Vancouver Harbour

Travel time: variable

If the water is calling your name, there are dozens of ways to leave the shore and hit the waves that surround Vancouver on three sides.  Harbour Cruises ’ one-hour tour meanders alongside the city’s waterfront. And its half-day Indian Arm option is a much deeper excursion: as the city shrinks away, you’ll be slowly enveloped in a forested, sheer-cliffed natural wonderland that feels like a Norwegian fjord.

Look out for the community of Deep Cove on your cruise – and consider returning for a kayak or stand-up paddleboarding adventure.  Deep Cove Kayak Centre offers tranquility-boosting guided tours from here that make you feel like cities were never invented.

How to get to Vancouver Harbour from Vancouver: There are many ways to hit the water in this port town. Harbour Cruises can be found near Devonian Harbour Park, with more options as you head into Stanley Park .

3. Enjoy food, art and beer in North Vancouver

Travel time: 15 minutes

This ocean-facing city is home to the food stands and artisan boutiques of  Lonsdale Quay Public Market , plus a once-gritty shipyard that’s been transformed in recent years with boardwalks, restaurants and boutiques (many of them in restored factory sheds). The highlight is the  Polygon Gallery , a dramatic contemporary art space that lures culture fans from around the region. The beer in North Van also entices, with a clutch of microbreweries a 10-minute walk away on East Esplanade. Further inland is one of North Vancouver’s top attractions, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park , easily reached by  shuttle or bus  from downtown. 

How to get to North Vancouver from downtown Vancouver: Hop on the 12-minute SeaBus transit ferry from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay, and you’ll step off in North Van.

4. Explore Bowen Island

Travel time: 1½ hours

Board a ferry and cruise past towering mountains and tree-covered islands to stunning Bowen Island. Step off in Snug Cove to explore wooden boardwalks, bright-painted storefronts and forest-lined trails where sightings of bald eagles and Bowen’s resident deer are common. Need more? Follow the trail to Opa, a gigantic ancient Douglas fir that’s a highlight for many visitors.

How to get to Bowen Island from Vancouver: Perhaps the best boat trip you can take in this region is the BC Ferries ’ service from West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island. The 250 express bus from downtown Vancouver takes you directly to the ferry dock; from there, it’s a 20-minute hop to Bowen.

5. Taste the world in Richmond

Travel time: 20 minutes

Richmond’s pan-Asian flavor reflects a community where many locals have roots in China, Korea, Vietnam and beyond. It’s also revered as the home of what is perhaps North America’s best Asian dining scene.

Start with lunch at  Parker Place , a Hong Kong–style mall with a food court like a hawker market and dishes ranging from juicy pork buns to crispy Vietnamese subs. Then explore the nearby  Aberdeen Centre ’s culturally immersive stores, which stock everything from Chinese teas to quirky Japanese dollar-store trinkets. (Save time for a Taiwanese shaved-ice treat in the upper-floor food court.)

Take the foodie theme further at the clamorous  Richmond Night Market . Running Fridays to Sundays between May and October, it’s lined with over 100 steam-shrouded food stands. Arrive hungry and with a sense of culinary curiosity – and get ready for stinky tofu, dragon’s-beard candy, nori-topped Japanese fries and much, much more.

How to get to Richmond from Vancouver:  Richmond is easy to reach from Vancouver on the Canada Line to Bridgeport Station.

6. Ascend a mountain in 10 minutes in Squamish

The popular Sea to Sky Gondola is a super-scenic cable-car ride that whisks riders up a forested mountainside. The Squamish area ’s other attractions include the family-friendly  Britannia Mine Museum – don’t miss the underground train ride – and the Railway Museum of British Columbia , with a delightful vintage-train collection. Also save time for  Shannon Falls Provincial Park , home to one of BC’s highest waterfalls.

How to get to Squamish from Vancouver: Rent a car for the one-hour drive north of the city. This dramatic cliffside road is one of BC’s most spectacular routes and also home to several great attractions – mostly near the town of Squamish, less than an hour away. If driving is not an option, shuttles will take you from Vancouver to Squamish, including the BC Connector , Skylynx  and the Squamish Connector .

7. Go birding on Iona Beach

Travel time: 45 minutes

If you’ve been meaning to try birding – a pastime that’s surged in popularity in recent years – BC’s Lower Mainland is also a hotbed of easy-access opportunities. Ladner’s  Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary , Delta’s Boundary Bay Regional Park and North Vancouver’s  Maplewood Flats Conservation Area are all justifiably popular. But Richmond’s  Iona Beach Regional Park may be the best of the bunch.

Stretching along the Fraser River shoreline, this relatively compact green space is typically home to a huge diversity of local and visiting birds. Bring binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for eagles, hawks, red-winged blackbirds, Anna’s hummingbirds and many more. It’s the kind of back-to-nature haven that couldn’t feel further from the bustling streets of downtown Vancouver.

How to get to Iona Beach from Vancouver: Travelers can drive to the park, which is located near Vancouver International Airport, or take the Canada Line Skytrain to the airport and a taxi from there.

8. Dine on fish, chips and history in Steveston

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This charming fishing village fringes the wide Fraser River. Yet its bobbing-boat-filled harbor isn’t just about wood-sided stores and great fish and chip joints (we recommend  Pajo’s ): there’s tons of history here, too. Shipbuilding and fish processing made this one of BC’s busiest communities in the late 1800s, and its two National Historic Sites evoke the story perfectly. The  Gulf of Georgia Cannery tells you what working as a “slimer” in a fish plant was like, while exhibits at the  Britannia Heritage Shipyard illuminate everything from prohibition-era rum-running to the internment of Japanese Canadians during WWII.

How to get to Steveston from Vancouver: Take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Richmond-Brighouse Station, then the 407 bus.

9. Visit the “Royal City” in New Westminster

Travel time: 25 minutes

New Westminster – aka the “Royal City” – was the region’s main settlement before  Victoria took...the crown in 1866. Start your visit here by window-shopping on historic Columbia St. The landmark  Anvil Centre  is home to two free-entry attractions: the popular  New Westminster Museum and the  New Media Gallery , which mounts avant-garde contemporary exhibitions.

A few steps away, cross the train lines to the other side of the tracks and explore a restored linear park that runs alongside the Fraser River like a grass-fringed boardwalk. Look for public art and grand shoreline views here – herons and cormorant sightings included. Hungry? Check out the food stands at the indoor  River Market nearby.

How to get to New Westminster from Vancouver : It’s a 25-minute SkyTrain ride from downtown to New West.

10. Tackle the slopes in Whistler

Travel time: 2 hours

An hour past Squamish, the Sea to Sky Highway reaches  Whistler . Locals and visiting ski and snowboard fans from around the world flock to this famous winter playground. Yet there are almost as many summer visitors to the area (whose icicle-draped alpine village is beautiful year-round). In town, don’t miss the striking  Audain Art Museum  – but also save time to plunge into the great outdoors.

Hiking and biking routes (rentals are available) appeal to folks of all abilities and energy levels; activities from zip-lining to river rafting are also on offer. Don’t miss a ride on the eye-poppingly scenic  Peak 2 Peak Gondola (glass-bottomed car recommended), then inch across the lofty  Cloudraker Skybridge , a steel suspension span with a see-through deck.

How to get to Whistler from Vancouver:  As with Squamish, a number of shuttle buses including  Epic Rides and Skylynx will get you there. Yet those who rent a car for the nearly two-hour drive will have maximum freedom.

This article was first published Mar 3, 2015 and updated Jan 22, 2024.

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Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

Gray Line Coach, New Zealand

By Gray Line

Boat trip on Milford Sound, Fiordland

TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Christchurch - Canterbury

By KiwiRail

With so many things to do and spectacular places to see, choosing how you travel around New Zealand is as important as choosing where you want to go.

Choosing transport in New Zealand depends on how quickly you want to get from one place to the next and how much you want to see on your journey. You can self-drive, join a guided tour, book flights, or take a train or bus. Passenger and vehicle ferries offer services between the North, South and other islands too.

See the sights at your own pace and hire a rental car or motorhome to travel around New Zealand. We have a  range of itineraries  to make planning your road trip easy and help you see the best New Zealand has to offer in the time you have. Use our  travel calculator  to work out driving times and distances. You can also hire bikes or motorbikes.

Bus and coach

If you would prefer that someone else does the driving, there are guided coach tours ranging from day trips to multi-day itineraries. Or you can use the nationwide bus network to travel between regions. New Zealand’s bigger cities have hop-on hop-off bus experiences for an easy way to see the sights, as well as public bus networks.

Flights are available right around New Zealand, from the Far North down to Stewart Island in the south and some outlying islands. Booking domestic flights are easy and there are airports in the major cities and throughout the regions.

Ferries and water taxis

Interislander Ferry, Marlborough, Marlborough

By Positively Wellington

Being an island nation, ferries and water taxis are an important part of getting around New Zealand. Regular passenger and vehicle ferries connect the North and South Islands across Cook Strait, while a passenger ferry links the South Island with Stewart Island. Elsewhere around the country, you’ll find ferries travelling between outlying islands and smaller water taxis in some locations for quick and easy trips.

Travelling by rail gives you a front-row view of spectacular scenery often not visible from the road. There are three main scenic rail journeys in New Zealand, traversing the North and South Islands. There are also some rail services connecting the regions and suburban trains within Wellington and Auckland.

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