Canada is a vast country with huge distances between major cities. The train is not the primary means of transportation in Canada, although traveling by train is a very good way to move between the major tourist attractions. Long-distance trains usually do not run daily. Suburban and regional passenger services are available in largest cities.
Railway is used primarily for freight traffic. There are many freight traffic operators in the country.
The first railway line in Canada from La Prairie on the St Lawrence River to St Jean sur Richelieu (25 km) was opened in 1836
Last updated: 30.06.2024
Train travel in Canada – useful websites
Via Rail – long-distance passenger operator
Keewatin Railway – operator of the train The Pas to Pukatawagan
Map of the passenger connections operated by Via Rail
Train travel in Canada – long-distance trains
Almost all long-distance trains in Canada are operated by Via Rail. Timetable, journey planner and online shop are available on website linked above. Most popular is “The Canadian” between Toronto and Vancouver.
In 2022, Via Rail discontinued the popular network passes that allowed explore Canada by train for affordable prices. Despite announcements, new offers intended to replace the discontinued ones were not available at the time of the article update. The Via Rail website has a discounts section where new offers should appear once they are introduced. Currently, there are no network passes for tourists.
The rolling stock fleet is old but comfortable. Via Rail replaced some of the old trains by new diesel multiple units – new trains were introduced on the Quebec – Windsor corridor in 2023 (travelling between Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa and Toronto)
Via Rail train routes in Canada:
Toronto – Vancouver
Montreal – Halifax
Toronto – Montreal
Toronto – Ottawa
Quebec – Ottawa
Toronto – Windsor
Toronto – Sarnia
Montreal – Jonquière
Montreal – Senneterre
Sudbury – White River
Winnipeg – Churchill
Jasper – Prince Rupert
Passenger train from The Pas to Pukatawagan in northern Manitoba is comprised of Via Rail rolling stock fleet but the connection is operated by Keewatin Railway.
Train tickets in Canada are relatively expensive. Via Rail has special offers and if yoy book as early as possible you can find cheap tickets.
New trains on the routes between Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa and Toronto have ergonomic seats and large panoramic windows. The trains are are fully accessible and barrier-free. Business class have seat arrangements 2+1, spacious seats and you can wait for the train in Business lounges at main stations. In Business class, you can bring up to two carry-on items on the train, plus one personal item.
Trains between Canada and the United States
There are three daytime passenger services between Canada and the United States. Trains are operated by Amtrak in cooperation with Via Rail.
Adirondack – a daytime train between New York and Montreal through the lush wine country of the Hudson Valley. Journey time is 10 hours.
Adirondack – more information on Amtrak’s website
Amtrak Cascades – daytime trains between Vancouver and Eugene. Journey time between start and end stations is 10 hours and 25 minutes. The route lead past Mount St. Helens and across the Columbia River Gorge. Trains stop in Seattle, Portland and Salem. Two classes are available – Coach Class and Business Class. You can buy something to eat or drink in Bistro Car
Amtrak Cascades – official website
Maple Leaf – a daytime train connection between Toronto and New York. Trains pass through the scenic Hudson River Valley, New York’s wine country, and the gorges of the Finger Lakes region. Trains cover the distance between Toronto and New York in 12 hours 30 minutes.
Maple Leaf train – more information on Amtrak’s website
Train travel in Canada – The Canadian
“The Canadian” is the most famous Canadian train, running three times a week from Toronto to Vancouver and back. It departs from Toronto on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and from Vancouver on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The train journey takes 3 days and 14 hours, so if you leave Toronto on August 2nd at 10:00 PM, you will arrive in Vancouver on August 6th at 9:42 AM.
The advantages include stunning scenery and the opportunity for short walks in several cities, especially when traveling from Toronto to Vancouver. The train has a 4-hour stop in Winnipeg, a 1-hour stop in Edmonton, and a 1.5-hour stop in Jasper.
According to information on the carrier’s website, the train is composed of cars with reclining seats (Economy Class), several types of sleeper cars, a dining car, and a panoramic (observation) car. Some of the cars have been recently modernized. The best class is Prestige – luxury sleeper cars that resemble a hotel on wheels.
The train also stops in remote areas at request stops. Passengers wanting to board or disembark at these stops must notify at least 48 hours before the planned trip.
Rocky Mountaineer train
Rocky Mountaineer is a well-known excursion train operating on various Canadian routes. It consists of air-conditioned, modern, panoramic cars with glass roofs (Golden Leaf class). Passengers are provided with meals during the journey and overnight stays in hotels. There are three classes available: Red Leaf, Silver Leaf, and Golden Leaf, ranging from regular open-plan cars with seating to double-decker panoramic cars.
A sample excursion:
First Passage to the West
Route: Vancouver – Kamloops – Lake Louise – Banff – Calgary
The excursion lasts 6 days, including five nights. Passengers travel by train for only two days, while the remaining three days are designated for car travel (included in the price). All nights are spent in hotels, with two breakfasts and two lunches provided on board the train.
The website offers many excursion options. They are very expensive but popular among people from all over the world.
The Rocky Mountaineer brand also includes a train that was known until a few years ago as the Whistler Mountaineer.
More information about the offers is available on the train’s website.
Rocky Mountaineer – official website
Royal Canadian Pacific
Royal Canadian Pacific is a world-renowned luxury excursion train in Canada. The trains consist of stylish retro cars with sleeping compartments reminiscent of an apartment, all furnished with opulence. A luxurious journey through Canada offers an unforgettable experience. Previously, the operator offered several routes through Canada’s most beautiful regions, with the price including amenities such as airport transfers and a welcome banquet.
Since 2015, the train operates as a charter service, meaning trains are run on special order for larger groups or travel agencies. Currently, there are no public tours available for individual tourists.
Royal Canadian Pacific – official website
Train des Charlevoix
Train des Charlevoix is a tourist train in Quebec province. It runs between Quebec City and La Malbaie. Train stops in Baie-Saint-Paul and in the winter at the Le Massif ski area, a distance of about 140 kilometres (87 mi). It is owned and operated by Le Massif de Charlevoix, which also owns the Le Massif ski area. Journey time between Quebec and La Malbaie is about 4 hours.
The connection is served by old diesel multiple units acquired from Deutsche Bahn – national railway operator in Germany. These diesel multiple units were built in 1981. Trains are not wheelchair accessible and are not equipped with air-conditioning. Toilets are available in each carriage.
Tickets are relatively expensive.
List of the stations:
– Chutes Montmorency in Quebec City
– Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
– Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
– Baie-St-Paul
– Les Éboulements
– Saint-Irénée
– La Malbaie
Train des Charlevoix – official website
Railway Museums in Canada
In Canada, there are over 10 museums dedicated to railways and their history. The most important railway museums can be found in Toronto and Saint-Constant near Montreal. Also noteworthy is the Alberta Railway Museum located 10 kilometers from Edmonton, and the railway rolling stock exhibition at Winnipeg Union Station.
Most important railway museums in Canada
Funicular railways in Canada
There are four operational funicular railways in Canada:
Funiculaire du Vieux Quebec in Quebec City
Falls Incline Railway near Niagara Falls
Two funiculars in Edmonton
Funicular railways in Canada – more information
Tourist railways in Canada
There are many tourist railways in Canada. Most of them are situated in remote areas, far from regular passenger services. Most popular are Agawa Canyon Train Tours – the passenger train runs from Sault Ste Marie to the remote town of Hearst, which is 475 kilometers away.
Very popular is also a Prairie Dog Central Railway – heritage railway operating during the season on a short route near the city of Winnipeg. Trains start at Inkster Junction station, make stops at Hitch’n Post and Grosse Isle stations, and end the journey in Warren.
Tourist railways in Canada – a comprehensive list
Train travel in Canada – local and commuter trains
There are a several local and commuter trains in major cities in Canada. Commuter trains are operated by local operators.
Exo – commuter trains in Montreal area
Go Train – commuter trains in Toronto region
Sky Train – commuter elevated trains in Vancouver
UP Express – train between Toronto and Pearson International Airport
Four systems of light rail operate in Canada. Light rail in Canada is a rail transit system using light rail vehicles in a dedicated right-of-way.
O-Train – light rail in Ottawa
Light rail in Toronto
CTrain – light rail in Calgary
Ion Light Railway – light rail in Waterloo (train-tram)
