From scenic routes along the Nova Scotia coast to luxury sleeper trains traversing the Rocky Mountains.
There’s no better way to explore Canada’s vast and awe-inspiring wilderness in style than taking a summer train journey. From the untamed beauty of British Columbia and the magnificent Rocky Mountains, to the coastal charm of Nova Scotia and remote river canyons in Northern Quebec, train journeys connect some of Canada’s most unique landscapes into one seamless itinerary.
Summer is the ideal season to venture into the deep recesses of the Canadian wilderness, thanks to mild temperatures that allow travelers access to regions that could otherwise be inaccessible due to snow. There’s also abundant daylight to absorb the unforgettable scenery passing by the window. Below, are five favorite routes for a once-in-a-lifetime summer rail trip through Canada.
This summer only, Rocky Mountaineer is operating a 2-day itinerary called “Passage to the Peaks” with stops in Banff, Kamloops, and Jasper. Rocky Mountaineer
Traverse the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer
The most luxurious train in Canada is offering a special, limited time route for summer 2026. For this summer only, Rocky Mountaineer is operating an itinerary called “Passage to the Peaks.” This two-day rail journey ferries travelers through some of Western Canada’s most scenic pockets, with stops in Banff, Kamloops, and Jasper, and is a supplementary offering for the influx of travelers expected to visit Vancouver during the FIFA World Cup in June and July.
Passengers can expect jaw-dropping scenery throughout the journey, from towering evergreens and pristine glacial lakes to panoramas of the Rocky Mountains. From the train’s glass-domed observation cars and outdoor viewing platforms, there’s ample opportunity to take in landmarks like the wide expanse of Shuswap Lake, the majestic peaks of Mount Rundle and Castle Mountain, and the stunning evergreen valley and band of ice-capped Rockies at Rogers Pass.
Daytime is dedicated to sightseeing, and each night, guests are transported to hotels along the route to sleep. Travelers can add up to nine nights in hotels along the way, depending on the rail package. For guided off-train experiences, passengers can purchase add-on tours of the Columbia Icefields, Maligne Lake (which is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies), Jasper National Park, and more.
Via Rail’s overnight Ocean Train travels from Montreal to Halifax. VIA Rail Canada
Navigate the Nova Scotia Coast with Via Rail
Explore Canada’s magnificent Eastern coast with Via Rail’s Ocean Train, which traverses Canada’s Maritime Provinces—including Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia—in a single day.
Begin in Montreal and cross the St. Lawrence River as the sun sets. At daybreak, passengers will awake to vistas of the coast of the Chaleur Bay. This region teems with mighty evergreen forests, and more than 60 lighthouses along the way. Expect a day full of coastal views and picturesque seaside towns before the route terminates in the oceanfront town of Halifax.
For this overnight itinerary, opt for a fare in Sleeper Plus Class, which affords a private cabin for two passengers with large picture windows and two chairs that convert to sleeping berths at night. Passengers have access to a separate dining car, which serves three-course meals alongside local Canadian wine, as well as a Service Lounge Car, where guests can relax on sofas and socialize during the journey.
Via Rail’s Corridor Train traverses nearly 500 miles of Northwestern Quebec’s most beautiful landscapes, from Toronto to Quebec City. VIA Rail Canada
Explore the remote reaches of Quebec with Via Rail
Journey to the heart of Quebec’s northern Abitibi region and become immersed in its unspoiled natural wonders with Via Rail’s 13-hour route from Montreal to Senneterre. The route traverses nearly 500 miles of Northwestern Quebec’s most beautiful landscapes, including the undulating Saint-Lawrence Valley.
The train crosses over Pont de la Riviere du Milieu, the highest railway bridge in Quebec that teeters nearly 200 feet above the Milieu River and then travels past serene lakes surrounded by picturesque enclaves like Lac-Chat and Lac-a-Beauce. Spot the Vermillion River churning with white caps and glimpse the Iroquois Waterfall. Travelers will feel like they’re floating over water, as the train crosses the middle of Réservoir Blanc for two miles. The train then winds through Abitibi’s dense boreal forest before finally crossing the granite river valleys of Senneterre. Along the journey, sharp-eyed travelers might even spot wildlife like black bears and moose.
Via Rail operates its economy class cars with spacious seats, mostly configured in a 2-by-2 layout (there are some groups of four seats facing each other for groups). Each row of seats has a large picture window and a power outlet. There’s food and drink available for purchase on board, with a menu of light options like sandwiches, wraps, and cheese plates.
Rocky Mountaineer’s Rainforest to Gold Rush route is one of the most scenic rail journeys in Canada. Rocky Mountaineer
Wind through British Columbia’s rugged landscapes with Rocky Mountaineer
On the three-day “Rainforest to Gold Rush” sojourn through some of the most breathtaking pockets of the Canadian Rockies, passengers aboard the Rocky Mountaineer will be immersed in grand landscapes and natural wonders as they glide from Vancouver to Whistler, Quesnel, and Jasper.
The journey starts as the train hugs the emerald waters of Horseshoe Bay and the sloping fjords at Howe Sound. Glide by the rugged Coast Mountains, navigate the arid cliffs of the Fraser River Valley, and cross dramatic canyons where prospectors panned for nuggets during the gold rush. Before the trip is finished, passengers will gaze upon cascading waterfalls, sparkling lakes, and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, all from their seat on the train.
Travelers wanting even better views of the scenery should consider upgrading their ticket to GoldLeaf Service. With this premium option, guests get even more perks, like a seat in the upper level of a double-decker train car, larger panoramic windows, and a more spacious outdoor view platform, plus a dedicated dining car for three-course lunches.
Travel across Canada’s five provinces aboard Via Rail’s Canadian Train, the only one in the fleet to feature Prestige Class, a top-tier premium sleeper cabin. VIA Rail Canada
A cross-country epic through five provinces with Via Rail
One of the most monumental rail journeys in Canada whisks travelers across five provinces and through some of the country’s most diverse landscapes on a journey between two of its largest cities. Over the course of four days and four nights, travelers will cross nearly 3,000 miles spanning Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia on “The Canadian” train from Via Rail.
From the train’s glass-domed observation car, passengers will witness rushing rivers, peaceful lakes, rolling hills, dense rainforests, and sweeping prairies, as well as up-close views of the snow-dusted Rockies and charming fishing villages.
Notable landmarks include crossing the Continental Divide at Yellowhead Pass, the imposing Mount Robson, Pyramid Creek Falls and its unique curved rocks cascading with water, as well as dramatic canyons and otherworldly rock columns called hoodoos.
The Canadian train is the only one in Via Rail’s fleet to feature Prestige Class, a top-tier premium sleeper cabin that is 50% larger than the standard Sleeper Cabin. The private space accommodates two travelers and comes with an L-shaped leather couch that the room attendant converts into a double bed at night. Guests also get a private bathroom with a shower, a flatscreen TV, and all meals and bar service included.
Conde Nast Traveler by Jessica Puckett, June 1, 2026