Flying might be fast, but it misses the magic of Canada’s landscapes. By train, you see the country at a slower, more human pace, through rolling prairies, towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and charming towns. Windows frame views you can’t get at 30,000 feet, while the rhythm of the rails makes the journey part of the adventure. Here are 22 train trips in Canada more scenic than flying:
The Canadian (Toronto to Vancouver)
Few journeys match the romance of The Canadian, VIA Rail’s legendary Toronto-to-Vancouver trip. Over four days, you glide from Ontario’s forests through the vast Prairies and into the snow-capped Rockies. Panoramic windows in the dome cars let you watch endless fields turn into jagged peaks, a spectacle no flight can capture. The slow pace allows time to savor landscapes, spot wildlife, and meet fellow travelers in cozy dining cars. More than just transportation, this trip is a rolling postcard of Canada, proving that sometimes the journey is the real destination.
Jasper to Prince Rupert (The Skeena)
Known as The Skeena, this two-day train journey from Jasper to Prince Rupert offers an intimate view of Canada’s wild side. You pass through remote valleys, towering mountain passes, and along the Skeena River, where bald eagles soar and salmon run. Unlike flying, the train lets you feel close to the terrain, with slow stretches perfect for soaking in the raw beauty of northern British Columbia. With an overnight stop in Prince George, the trip balances comfort with adventure, giving travelers a front-row seat to some of Canada’s most untouched scenery.
Ocean Train (Montreal to Halifax)
VIA Rail’s Ocean connects Montreal to Halifax, winding through Quebec’s countryside, New Brunswick’s rivers, and Nova Scotia’s coastline. It’s one of North America’s oldest continuously running routes, blending history with beauty. From your window, you see quaint villages, tidal rivers, and stretches of rugged Atlantic shoreline, which are scenes that vanish beneath the clouds if you fly. Overnight sleeper cars make it both a relaxing and practical trip. For anyone who loves maritime landscapes and the charm of slow travel, the Ocean is a Canadian classic that proves trains can still outshine airplanes.
White Pass & Yukon Route (Skagway to Carcross)
Originally built during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass & Yukon Route is more than a train ride, but it is a journey into history. Starting in Skagway, Alaska, and rolling into Carcross, Yukon, the narrow-gauge railway climbs steep grades with breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged mountain cliffs. The vintage cars add charm, and the open-air platforms make you feel part of the wilderness, while flights skip over these jaw-dropping sights, but the train delivers them up close. For travelers chasing both scenery and stories, this journey offers both in abundance.
Agawa Canyon Tour Train (Sault Ste. Marie)
This one-day excursion departs from Sault Ste. Marie and travels deep into Ontario’s wilderness, where granite cliffs and thick forests surround you. The highlight is Agawa Canyon, a natural wonder best seen from the train’s large windows. In fall, when the maples blaze with color, the trip becomes almost painterly, which is unsurprising since the Group of Seven drew inspiration here. Flying over Northern Ontario hides these details, but the train immerses you in them. With stops for hiking and photography, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train is a must for nature lovers.
Polar Bear Express (Cochrane to Moosonee)
Running through Northern Ontario, the Polar Bear Express connects Cochrane with the remote community of Moosonee, near James Bay. This train isn’t just scenic, it is also essential, providing one of the few ways into the area. From your seat, you’ll watch boreal forests, wetlands, and wide rivers unfold, with moose and bears occasionally spotted along the tracks. Unlike a quick flight, the train captures the vastness of Canada’s northern wilderness. It’s an immersive journey that highlights both the beauty and remoteness of the region, giving travelers a rare glimpse of true northern life.
Train de Charlevoix (Quebec City to La Malbaie)
Hugging the St. Lawrence River, the Train de Charlevoix offers one of Quebec’s most scenic rides. Running from Quebec City to La Malbaie, it winds past dramatic cliffs, small villages, and sparkling water views. The slow pace means you can savor every moment, with gourmet food and wine often available onboard. Unlike flying, which bypasses this stunning corridor entirely, the train immerses you in Charlevoix’s culture and landscapes. It’s a short trip packed with beauty, making it a favorite for weekend escapes and proof that shorter journeys can be just as memorable.
VIA Rail’s Winnipeg to Churchill
Often called the gateway to the North, VIA Rail’s route from Winnipeg to Churchill is one of Canada’s most unique train trips. Over two days, the landscape shifts from prairie farmland to boreal forest, then finally to tundra along Hudson Bay. Flying skips straight to the destination, but the train reveals how dramatically the land transforms. Passengers may spot caribou, snowy owls, or even polar bears along the way, and the slow approach to Churchill gives travelers a deeper appreciation for Canada’s northern wilderness.
Rocky Mountaineer: First Passage to the West
Luxury meets wilderness on the Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West. Running between Vancouver and Banff or Lake Louise, this route showcases the most iconic stretches of the Rockies. Dome windows and gourmet meals make the experience indulgent, but the real highlight is the scenery with towering peaks, turquoise rivers, and historic spiral tunnels carved into the mountains. Unlike flying, where the Rockies are just distant peaks below, the train takes you right through their heart, making it seem like a journey designed to make you fall in love with the Canadian landscape.
Ontario Northland (Toronto to Cochrane)
The Ontario Northland train from Toronto to Cochrane offers a quieter, less commercialized look at Northern Ontario. Over its journey, you’ll pass lakes, pine forests, and small towns that reflect the region’s rugged charm. It’s a route that connects city dwellers with the vast wilderness beyond, offering a sense of Canada’s scale you miss in the air. For travelers heading north to access further adventures, like the Polar Bear Express, it’s a scenic and practical choice. The Ontario Northland proves that even everyday trains can deliver unforgettable views and experiences.
CN Rail’s Jasper to Edmonton Corridor
Though shorter than many cross-country journeys, the route from Jasper to Edmonton is one of Alberta’s most scenic stretches. Leaving Jasper, the train rolls past glacier-fed rivers, wildlife-filled valleys, and the eastern edges of the Rockies before transitioning into prairie landscapes. Unlike flying, which reduces it all to patchwork below, the train lets you watch the gradual change of terrain in comfort. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want a taste of Alberta’s natural diversity in just a few hours. Short but stunning, this ride is quietly underrated.
Le Massif de Charlevoix Train (Quebec)
Operating seasonally, Le Massif de Charlevoix train runs along the St. Lawrence River, giving passengers sweeping views of cliffs, waterfalls, and the river’s sparkling expanse. Starting near Montmorency Falls and heading toward Baie-Saint-Paul, the ride showcases Quebec’s unique blend of wilderness and charm. Unlike a plane, which skips over this stretch, the train hugs the shoreline, letting you admire every curve and wave. With gourmet meals and a cozy atmosphere onboard, it is a cultural experience wrapped in scenery, which is perfect for foodies, photographers, and slow-travel enthusiasts alike.
Kettle Valley Steam Railway (British Columbia)
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway near Summerland offers a nostalgic ride through British Columbia’s Okanagan region. Pulled by an old steam locomotive, the train winds through orchards, vineyards, and canyon trestles with stunning valley views. Flying would whisk you over the region, but this trip lets you breathe in the landscape at a leisurely pace, complete with the whistle and chug of a bygone era. Short but memorable, it’s a family-friendly journey that seamlessly blends history with scenery, making it a charming alternative for anyone seeking a taste of vintage rail travel.
Hudson Bay Railway (Churchill to Thompson)
The Hudson Bay Railway between Churchill and Thompson is more than a scenic ride, it is also a lifeline for northern communities. Travelers experience dramatic landscapes that shift from tundra to dense boreal forest, with opportunities to see caribou, bears, and other northern wildlife along the way. Unlike flying, the train allows you to grasp just how remote and wild Manitoba’s north truly is. The slower pace deepens the experience, highlighting both the challenges and beauty of Canada’s subarctic, and for adventurers, this is a rugged journey that reveals a side of Canada few ever see.
Algoma Central Railway (Hearst to Sault Ste. Marie)
Beyond its popular canyon tour, the Algoma Central Railway also runs a longer route connecting Hearst with Sault Ste. Marie. This trip threads through Northern Ontario’s thick forests, rocky ridges, and countless lakes. While flights hop over these remote areas, the train immerses passengers in Ontario’s untouched wilderness. Hunters, anglers, and outdoor adventurers often use the line to reach otherwise inaccessible cabins and lodges. It’s a raw, less-polished kind of scenic travel, making it perfect for those who prefer solitude and authenticity over luxury, as it also embodies the wild, unfiltered spirit of Northern Ontario.
Rocky Mountaineer: Journey Through the Clouds
Another standout from the Rocky Mountaineer, the Journey Through the Clouds runs between Vancouver and Jasper, offering spectacular views of Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife add to the spectacle, with glass-domed coaches ensuring you don’t miss a moment. Unlike a flight, which makes the mountains look like distant ridges, this trip takes you right into their shadows. The service includes gourmet dining and storytelling from onboard hosts, turning the journey into an immersive experience and offering luxury rail travel at its finest, paired with unforgettable landscapes.
VIA Rail’s Corridor Route (Toronto to Montreal)
While it’s often seen as a commuter line, VIA Rail’s Corridor Route between Toronto and Montreal has its own quiet charm. Rolling past farmland, small towns, and stretches of Lake Ontario’s shoreline, it offers glimpses of everyday Canadian scenery you’ll never notice from a plane. The journey may lack dramatic mountains, but its beauty lies in the rhythm of rural life and historical towns along the way. For travelers who prefer to slow down between Canada’s two largest cities, this train is a reminder that even ordinary routes can hold simple pleasures.
Train to Gaspé (Quebec – suspended, but scenic)
Although currently suspended, the VIA Rail route to Gaspé is still remembered as one of Canada’s most scenic rides. Running along the St. Lawrence and into the Gaspé Peninsula, the route offered cliffside views, sweeping ocean horizons, and quaint fishing villages. Flying into the region skips over these details, but the train wove them together in a way no other mode of travel could. There are talks of reviving the service, which many hope will bring back one of the most beautiful maritime train experiences in the country.
Rocky Mountaineer: Rainforest to Gold Rush
The Rainforest to Gold Rush route runs from Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel, taking passengers through an incredible mix of landscapes. Coastal rainforests, arid ranchlands, and mountain passes all appear in a single trip, and while flying jumps straight to the endpoint, the train reveals how dramatically the land changes across British Columbia. Dome cars, gourmet food, and attentive service make the trip indulgent, but the real highlight is the diversity of scenery. It’s a lesser-known Rocky Mountaineer route that surprises travelers with its variety and beauty.
Cape Breton & Central Nova Scotia Railway (Tourist Runs)
Though freight dominates this line today, tourist excursions on the Cape Breton & Central Nova Scotia Railway have showcased Nova Scotia’s beauty. Rolling through wooded valleys, coastal cliffs, and small Maritime towns, these rides highlight the slower charm of the East Coast. While planes quickly cross the province, the train lingers, letting travelers feel connected to its communities and landscapes. Seasonal excursions sometimes revive parts of the route, and each trip feels like a celebration of Maritime life, delivering heart and scenery for those who find joy in smaller, regional railways.
VIA Rail’s Edmonton to Saskatoon Line
Though less dramatic than mountain routes, the Edmonton-to-Saskatoon line captures the quiet beauty of the Prairies. Wheat fields stretch endlessly, skies shift in color throughout the day, and small towns break up the horizon. Flying over the Prairies can make them feel empty, but from the train, you appreciate their scale and rhythm. For travelers, it offers a meditative ride that highlights Canada’s agricultural heartland in a way no quick flight ever could. It may not boast peaks or oceans, but its subtle beauty is unmistakably Canadian.
Prince Edward Island Railway (Historic Excursions)
Though PEI’s passenger service ended decades ago, heritage excursions on restored stretches of track keep its memory alive. These short rides offer glimpses of rolling farmland, red cliffs, and ocean vistas that define the island’s charm. Flights bypass these scenes, but the train, though limited today, connects visitors to PEI’s slower, pastoral beauty. For many, it’s not just about the views but the nostalgia of rail travel on the island. Even in its smaller form, the PEI Railway captures the essence of why trains remain such a beloved way to experience Canada.
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