9 Scenic Train Rides In Canada

scenic train rides in canada
Keira
Keira 
Updated
| 4 min read

When it comes to landmass, Canada comes second to Russia. This shows that there’s a lot to do in Canada given its vastness, and it’s up to the travelers to maximize all the scenic views that it has to offer. The impressive long-distance train network crisscrosses most of Canada, and this is definitely the best way for travelers to immerse themselves in the scenery free of stress. Here, travelers can behold the Canadian Rockies down to the largest cities of both the East and West Coast. Here is a list of the most scenic train railroad rides you can board in Canada.

1. Canadian Train Vacations


Canadian Train Vacations embarks travelers on a scenic and historical journey. They can provide stunning day train trips or even personalized trips around the traveler’s preferred train journey. One of the routes can take you from Vancouver to Banff, where it exemplifies Western Canada’s most stunning landscapes. Take a route further north if you would prefer, head towards the quaint Rocky Mountain of Jasper. Come across remote and unspoiled terrain along with lots of wildlife. Here you can witness Mount Robson, the tallest peak of the Canadian Rockies. That’s just a few of what this railway has to offer!

Canadian Train Vacations

Website: Canadian Train Vacations

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2. South Simcoe Railway


There’s no time to waste when you set abroad Simcoe Railway’s historic excursion train. Experience the scenic trip through Beeton Creek Valley over the rails of an authentic and century-old branch line. This 1920’s train has been restored for travelers to travel while taking in the sights and sounds of the vintage locomotive. The round trip starting from Tottenham all the way to Beeton is grounded to less than an hour. The trip is accompanied by an informative commentary provided by the train conductor. Take a chance to turn back time and relive the days of history on the railways.

South Simcoe Railway

Website: Sount Simcoe Railway

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3. York-Durham Heritage Railway

scenic train rides in canada | york-durham heritage railway
Source: instagram

The York-Durham Heritage Railway has vintage and authentic Pullman coaches or cafe cars. Here, you can get a ride roundtrip to the Town of Uxbridge. The scenic view of beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine is seen in the coaches as the train goes between Uxbridge and Stoufville. At present, York-Durham Heritage Railway is temporarily closed. Operations resume on June 2, 2019.

York-Durham Heritage Railway

Website: York-Durham Heritage Railway

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4. Port Stanley Terminal Rail


Port Stanley Terminal Rail has served as an operating tourist excursion train for over 30 years. This is located in a historic station, right beside King George lift bridge, at the harbor in Port Stanley. These historic diesel locomotives are dated back from the 1940s and 1950s. They will definitely take you on a leisurely trip down history. Enjoy the occasional wildlife and stunning scenery this ride has to offer. They operate on a private way that passes northwards to St. Thomas’ city boundary.

Port Stanley Terminal Rail

Website: Port Stanley Terminal Rail

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5. Great Canadian Railtour Company Ltd.


This is famously known as the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. Having to indulge you with scaling mountainsides and weaving along the steep canyons, Rocky Mountaineer will do exactly just that. Be able to pass through the Canadian Rockies terrain that is inaccessible, in style. In the realm of rail travels, this ride allows you to experience and set your sights towards unequivocal beauty.

Great Canadian Railtour Company Ltd.

Website: Great Canadian Railtour Company Ltd.

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6. Agawa Canyon Tour Train


Agawa Canyon Tour Train is one of the most famous train tours in all of North America. Be transported to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and ride alongside the glistening northern lakes and rivers. See impeccable granite rock formations and the Canadian Shield’s vast wilderness and forests. Experience rugged landscapes and watch as the beauty evolves through the window of your coach. The best part? You get to experience all of this, in just one day.

Agawa Canyon Tour Train

Website: Agawa Canyon Tour Train

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7. Orford Express Tourist Train


Enjoy the pleasures of a well-known gourmet escapade in Quebec. Having one of the most beautiful trains, The Orford Express provides guests with a unique and multi-sensory experience. Partner that wonderfully plated and savory meals with those breathtaking landscapes right outside your window. Go through the scenic countryside of Magog, Sherbrooke, Eastman, and Bromont. Get to enjoy your brunch, lunch, dinner alongside the scenery.

Orford Express Tourist Train

Website: Orford Express Tourist Train

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8. White Pass & Yukon Railroad

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Harvey Barrison used under CC BY-SA 2.0

With White Pass & Yukon Railroad, you will travel back into the heart of history. This route is known to be “The Scenic Railway of the World.” Having to embody famous icons like the Klondike Gold Rush, this train travels between Skagway and Carcross in the same path that the Klondike stampeders had passed. Come on this exclusive and completely unique experience.

White Pass & Yukon Railroad

Website: White Pass & Yukon Railroad

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9. Royal Canadian Pacific


The Royal Canadian Pacific is fit for royalty. Here, guests are pampered as they are brought back to the world of romance in rail travel where they are surrounded by nothing short of elegance and grace. The train travels through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. They go forth through the Rocky Mountains from Calgary, Alberta where one can expect the most wonderful sceneries, such as the Southern Alberta Prairie, and many more. There is also wildlife viewing along the way where one can observe animals in their natural habitats right outside their window.

Royal Canadian Pacific

Website: Royal Canadian Pacific

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All you need to do is to take a peek

scenic train rides in canada | all you need to do is to take a peek
Source: Pixabay

Canada can offer so much experience, scenery, history, and culture in such little time. No time in the world seems enough to indulge the travelers’ need for a scenic fix. Give rail traveling a shot and see that no matter where you ride, you’re definitely headed towards the right direction.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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