Canada has a lot of ground to cover and is fortunate that the distances bring stunning views and varying scenery. A train journey across the land is the perfect way to visit a number of places without missing out on the hidden beauty. There are so many rail journeys that you could take but we have looked at just two, starting with the infamous Rocky Mountaineer.
1. First Passage to the West: 2 Day Rail Journey on the Rocky Mountaineer
This is the only passenger rail service on this historic route and its construction is one of the most important in Canadian history as it united Canada from east to west. This journey can be travelled from East to West or West to East.
Eastbound
Day 1 Vancouver to Kamloops
You will experience dramatic changes in scenery, from the green fields of the Fraser River valley through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior.
Day 2 Kamloops to Lake Louise or Banff
You will travel along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. You will see the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends in Lake Louise or the resort town of Banff with road connections available on to Calgary.
2. The Canadian: 4 Night Rail Journey on VIA Rail
Linking Toronto and Vancouver, the Canadian is one of the world’s most legendary and popular rail journeys. You don’t have to complete the full journey or complete it in one go. You may choose to break the journey up by visiting Winnipeg or by seeing the Polar bears in Churchill, in Jasper or Edmonton and explore the Rockies. You can also use it as a one way trip between Vancouver and Jasper, the journey from Kamloops is during the day and the scenery is stunning.
The Canadian runs three times a week in summer and twice a week in winter.
If you are interested in exploring Canada by train, please contact toni@holidaysplease.com or call 07951 219293 to find out more.
