Canada is made for train travel. With its sweeping forests, rugged coastlines, mountain peaks, and vast prairies, there’s no better way to take in the scenery than by rail. While most people know about the famous cross-country routes, there are plenty of lesser-known train journeys that are just as breathtaking. If you’re craving a scenic escape without the stress of driving, these 20 hidden gems will surprise you.
White Pass & Yukon Route – Carcross to Fraser
Though technically shared with Alaska, the Canadian leg of this historic route climbs through some of the most jaw-dropping alpine terrain you’ll ever see. The narrow-gauge track hugs cliffs and winds past glaciers, waterfalls, and gorges. It’s a short trip, but the views pack a punch. Riding this feels like traveling through a forgotten gold rush trail.
Algoma Central Railway – Sault Ste. Marie to Agawa Canyon
This northern Ontario route is a fall favorite for a reason. The train cuts through thick boreal forest and over soaring trestle bridges, eventually arriving in the jaw-dropping Agawa Canyon. In autumn, the fiery colors are unreal. Bring a camera as you’ll want to capture every moment of this hidden Canadian classic.
Ocean Train – Montreal to Halifax
This east coast journey is one of VIA Rail’s best-kept secrets. You’ll roll through Québec’s farmland, along the St. Lawrence River, and into the heart of the Maritimes. The route is slow and cozy, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the view with a book and a coffee. By the time you reach Halifax, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Le Massif de Charlevoix – Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul
This is a boutique rail experience that hugs the cliffs above the St. Lawrence River. It’s not a long ride, but the drama of the views—especially with mountains on one side and water on the other, makes it unforgettable. Plus, the destination of Baie-Saint-Paul is a charming artsy town worth exploring, packed full of gourmet meals and peaceful vibes.
The Skeena – Jasper to Prince Rupert
This two-day journey is a real under-the-radar experience. Starting in the Rockies and winding through remote northern B.C., you’ll pass waterfalls, canyons, and wild, untouched landscapes. It’s a quieter, more intimate train than the big names, which makes it feel extra special, and that arrival into Prince Rupert, nestled on the Pacific Coast, is just magical.
Train de Charlevoix – La Malbaie to Québec City
Often overlooked by travelers sticking to the big cities, this scenic ride snakes along cliffs, tidal inlets, and riverside villages. It’s perfect if you want a slower, more intimate experience with Québec’s countryside. The train feels more like a luxury sightseeing tour than a commuter line. It’s especially beautiful in late summer or early fall.
Hudson Bay Line – Winnipeg to Churchill
This legendary journey is as remote as it gets. Over several days, the train rolls from Manitoba’s capital into the Arctic tundra, where polar bears and beluga whales roam. It’s rugged, wild, and wildly rewarding. If you want to feel like you’ve reached the edge of the Earth, this one’s for you.
VIA Rail Corridor – Windsor to Québec City
It might sound like a commuter line, but riding this full stretch gives you a front-row seat to Canada’s most historic cities. You’ll glide through Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal with ease, but it’s the little towns and rural views between them that really charm. It’s fast, affordable, and surprisingly scenic, not to mention, it’s super convenient for first-time rail travelers.
Kettle Valley Steam Railway – Summerland, B.C.
This heritage train ride in the Okanagan isn’t long, but it’s bursting with charm. You’ll ride in restored vintage cars over a massive trestle bridge with vineyard views on either side. There’s even a whistle-blowing steam engine to complete the experience, it’s like stepping into a sepia-toned postcard.
Muskoka Heritage Place Train – Huntsville, Ontario
Short but sweet, this little train takes you on a relaxing jaunt through Muskoka’s forested hills. It’s the perfect add-on to a cottage weekend. The route is family-friendly, and the historical station makes it extra fun for train buffs and don’t let its size fool you, it’s full of nostalgic charm.
Train des Mouettes – Trois-Pistoles, Québec
This small-scale tourist train offers panoramic river views and a relaxed pace. Rolling through the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, it’s one of those experiences that makes you slow down and appreciate the scenery. Locals often use it to reconnect with the region’s maritime heritage. It’s also great for spotting seabirds and even seals.
Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway – Vancouver Island (historic)
While currently not in operation, this railway still draws interest for its potential future restoration. The line, which once connected Victoria to Courtenay, offered ocean and forest views you just can’t get on the highway. Even walking or biking sections of the old railway trail is a scenic delight.
Kamloops Heritage Railway – Kamloops, B.C.
This restored steam train offers themed excursions and special event rides. Passing through desert landscapes and ranch country, it’s a unique contrast to the typical alpine scenery of B.C. The historical narration adds depth to the ride. It’s an educational and picturesque outing rolled into one.
Great Sandhills Railway – Leader, Saskatchewan
You wouldn’t expect one of Canada’s most scenic short-line railways to be in the prairies, but this one delivers. The golden wheat fields stretch to the horizon, and the sand dunes of the Great Sandhills make for a surprising and dramatic backdrop. Plus, it supports local agriculture and tourism making it a sweet little secret of the Saskatchewan plains.
The Orford Express – Sherbrooke to Magog, Québec
This gourmet train is more about the food and atmosphere than the distance. You’ll ride through the beautiful Eastern Townships while enjoying a fine dining experience onboard. Rolling hills, lakes, and quaint villages set the mood. It’s the kind of ride where every detail is curated for comfort and elegance.
Trillium Railway – Port Colborne to St. Catharines
Operating as a short-line freight service, this route occasionally hosts heritage or tourist excursions. When it does, you get views of the Welland Canal, Lake Erie, and the vineyards of Niagara. It’s industrial-meets-agricultural in a surprisingly beautiful way. The mix of lakeside views and train history is a win.
Waterloo Central Railway – Waterloo to St. Jacobs, Ontario
This charming route is perfect for a weekend market trip or fall foliage tour. The train passes through Mennonite country, offering a glimpse of a slower, simpler way of life. Special event trains, like the Christmas ride, are popular with families. It’s wholesome, scenic, and super laid-back.
Northern Spirit Line – Cochrane to Moosonee
If you’ve never heard of Moosonee, you’re not alone, and that’s part of the adventure. This route takes you up through Ontario’s north, near the edge of James Bay. It’s a remote and wild trip, full of lakes, forests, and rugged beauty. When the road ends, the train keeps going.
Prairie Dog Central – Winnipeg, Manitoba
One of North America’s oldest preserved railways, this one’s a delight for history lovers. Vintage locomotives and 19th-century passenger cars take you out of Winnipeg into peaceful prairie countryside. The staff dress in period costumes and provide commentary, which makes the whole trip feel immersive, like you’re riding through a living museum.
Portage Flyer Train – Huntsville, Ontario
Another short but special ride, the Portage Flyer was once the world’s smallest commercial railway. Today, it operates as a heritage ride along the Muskoka River, especially popular during Christmas when it becomes a “Santa Train.” The views are intimate and wooded, especially beautiful when leaves are changing or snow blankets the trees.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
