Top Scenic Canadian Train Tours

This luxury daylight train is Canada’s most iconic rail experience, known for its panoramic glass-dome coaches and gourmet onboard meals. The most popular routes connect Vancouver with Banff or Jasper, winding through the Canadian Rockies, Fraser Canyon, and Spiral Tunnels.

You won’t sleep on the train—accommodations are off-board—but that means uninterrupted views and restful nights. It’s one of the best ways to take in Western Canada’s alpine landscapes without the stress of driving.

Spanning nearly 4,500 km over four nights, The Canadian is a classic long-haul journey that crosses five provinces. You’ll travel through boreal forests, prairie farmland, and the rugged peaks of the Rockies, with stops in major cities like Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Jasper.

Sleeper cabins and a dome car are part of the experience, along with onboard dining and lounge spaces. It’s the quintessential cross-country train ride—slow, scenic, and deeply Canadian.

Running seasonally in the fall, this day-trip train is a favorite for viewing Ontario’s autumn colors. The route travels 114 miles north from Sault Ste. Marie into the Algoma District, crossing trestle bridges and winding through thick forest to reach Agawa Canyon Park.

Passengers get time to explore the canyon on foot before returning the same day. For travelers looking for a short, photo-ready rail adventure, this tour is both accessible and spectacular.

Originally built during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow-gauge railway hugs the cliffs and curves of the Coast Mountains. The modern tour runs from Skagway, Alaska into Canada’s Yukon Territory, with steep climbs, dramatic switchbacks, and alpine lake views.

It’s primarily marketed to cruise passengers but open to all. The route blends Canadian and U.S. landscapes in one memorable ride.

Running along the northern shore of the St. Lawrence River, the Charlevoix Train offers a relaxed, coastal route through rolling farmland and charming riverside villages. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour journey each way, with options to stop in Baie-Saint-Paul for arts, food, and local markets.

The train itself is simple but comfortable, making this a scenic detour from urban Québec life into nature-rich countryside.

VIA Rail’s Ocean Train is the oldest continuously running passenger route in North America, connecting Québec and the Maritimes. The overnight ride features sleeper cabins and lounge access, with views of the St. Lawrence River, New Brunswick forests, and coastal Nova Scotia.

It’s a popular pick for travelers looking to experience Eastern Canada without flying, especially in fall when the foliage is at its peak.

Less known than The Canadian, the Skeena travels a 1,160-km route through British Columbia’s northern interior. It crosses the Bulkley Valley and follows the Skeena River to the Pacific coast, offering up-close views of wild rivers, glaciers, and dense mountain forests.

The journey takes two days with an overnight stop in Prince George. For travelers seeking a quieter, off-the-radar route, this one delivers rugged beauty without the crowds.

This remote two-day journey runs over 1,000 miles into Canada’s subarctic. The line connects Winnipeg with the isolated town of Churchill, known for its polar bear and beluga whale sightings.

While the ride is slow—averaging 40 hours—and accommodations basic, it’s a lifeline for the region and a rare chance to travel across vast expanses of tundra, boreal forest, and permafrost. For wildlife watchers and adventure travelers, it’s the only way to get to Churchill by land.

While not marketed as a sightseeing tour, the Corridor trains link major eastern cities with frequent daily departures and large window views. On clear days, travelers can enjoy passing farmland, forested hills, and small towns that give texture to the region.

It’s also the most accessible option for casual rail travel in Canada—ideal for those who want a taste of the countryside without committing to an overnight trip. The comfort level is high even in economy, with business class offering meal service and extra space.