There is something nostalgic about taking a cross-country train journey. With each swift chug of the engine and rolling wheels, you can feel the time slipping away as you slowly travel your way through the scenery of a country full of marvels. For Canadians, hopping on a train for a journey across the country is a common dream. From east to west, through big urban cities to sprawling coastlines and rolling forests, Canada’s beautiful landscape can be experienced in all its natural glory during a train ride lasting days. Join us as we take an in-depth look at Canada’s cross-country train journey from east to west.
1. All Aboard: Exploring Canada By Train
Traveling by train through this stunningly beautiful country is an adventure you won’t soon forget. In the US, Amtrak offers several cross-country journeys, as well as various regional options. However, in Canada, the train is the go-to way to discover the best of the country. Here are just some of the reasons you should consider a train trip to explore the vastness that is Canada:
The Scenery: Step onto the train to see some of the most beautiful parts of Canada. From the jagged mountain peaks of the Rockies to the towering skyscrapers of Toronto, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Not to mention, the extensive coastline of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. On your train trip, you’ll see spectacular sights that you can take in from the luxury of your own private cabin.
City Stops: Canada has some amazing urban wonders that cannot be missed. From cities as diverse as Montreal to trendy hotspots like Vancouver, the train is a great way to access these amazing metropolitan areas. Depending on the route you choose, you could even make some stops along the way, giving you time to explore the sights and sounds of these vibrant cities.
Unique Experiences: Taking a train across Canada isn’t just about visiting the cities and seeing the amazing scenery; it’s also about learning about the culture and experiencing the many unique activities available throughout this beautiful country. On board, enjoy interactive tours, spectacular meals prepared by renowned chefs and fun activities like trivia nights or wine tastings. After disembarking, visit local art galleries, go on nature walks and watch some of the country’s best theater and music performances.
2. Countryside Cruising: Taking In The Scenery
There’s something special about the panorama of vibrant rural sights, sounds, and smells that’s hard to experience in the hustle and bustle of city living. With countryside cruising, you can enjoy a journey of scenery and life that go far beyond the limits of the city’s nightlife.
- Unearth a World of Opportunities
Exploring the countryside can open a new world of opportunities, from discovering breathtaking perspectives on picturesque landscapes, to coming across wildlife sanctuaries and ancient churches. You might even stumble across a bustling farmer’s market overlooked by an ancient pub.
- Experience the Very Best of Nature.
Whether it’s a short stop to relish the silvery mist that blankets a meadow, an afternoon of adventure in a forest, or a day filled with the aroma of wild flowers – countryside cruising will provide you with an experience tailor-made for nature lovers. As you traverse the countryside at your own pace, you take in all of the sights, sounds, and smells of rural life.
- Experience Genuine Connection
Beyond discovering the natural world there is something truly magical about the genuine connection available in the countryside. By breaking out of the cityscape and interacting with the locals, you can find yourself in the middle of an authentically local experience. Whether you’re taking a pit-stop in a village inn, visiting traditional eateries and pubs, or simply soaking up the sun in a picturesque field – connecting with rural life is sure to reward you with experiences beyond your wildest dreams.
3. City Centers and National Parks: Experiencing Canada’s Rich Culture
Canada is a place of incredible diversity, blending the beautiful urban settings of the cities with the wonders of nature found in its national parks. The best of both worlds can be seen and enjoyed when you explore the cities and their park attractions.
- City Centers: In the cities of Canada, there are endless opportunities to explore and experience their culture. You can enjoy a fine dining experience in the hustle and bustle of downtown Montreal, sample artisanal foods in Vancouver, or take in some local culture in Toronto’s iconic neighborhoods. The possibilities are endless.
- National Parks: Canada also has many national parks that allow you to get up close and personal with the Canadian wilderness. Whether you’re in Nova Scotia to explore the stunning coastline, climbing the majestic mountains of Alberta, or taking in the unique beauty of Ontario’s cottage country, nature and its vastness will overwhelm you.
Canada provides visitors with a diverse selection of destinations and experiences. From the vibrant metropolitan areas to the tranquility of its parks, Canada has something for everyone. Whether it’s exploring Canada’s rich culture in its cities or communing with nature in its national parks, these two experiences are truly captivating and will stay with you for a lifetime.
4. Time-Travelling Through History: Stories Along the Tracks
Following the Tracks
Picture the tracks of a railroad, stretching from one side of the continent to the other. This vast railway seems to be frozen in time—yet so much history has come and gone over its old metal beams. Thousands of miles of a cross-country trip, seemingly timeless but full of stories from the past.
Hop on board, fasten your seat-belts, and prepare yourself for a journey. Each stop along the tracks will take you back in time. New cityscapes, new landscapes, and new stories stretch across the horizon.
- Smell the smoke from the locomotive as it pulls into the station in 1910s New York City.
- Gaze with wonderment as an 18th-century train passes the rocky cliffs of the American Midwest.
- Listen to the voices of generations who grew up and lived their lives alongside these tracks.
Time-travelling down the tracks will craft an unforgettable story. Explore towns no longer around, cities that experienced great change, and journeys that seem to stop in time. Share your experiences with others and create a new journey of your own.
5. Reaching the West Coast: A Destination of Discovery
A journey to the West Coast is an unforgettable destination of discovery. From the steep, snow-capped Olympic Mountains of Washington to the redwood forests and white sandy beaches of Northern California, this coast holds a captivating variety of diverse landscapes.
Washington
- The U.S. side of the world-famous San Juan Islands are just some of the highlights of this area of the West Coast.
- Head up to Seattle to discover the major city at the northern end of the coast or follow the winding Pacific Coast Highway that skirts the coastline.
- For hiking and outdoor enthusiasts, this is prime wilderness country, complete with waterfalls, hot springs, and glacier-capped peaks.
Oregon
- Heading south, Oregon boasts picturesque towns, miles of coastline, and very green countryside.
- This state has something for everyone – whether it’s the stunning beauty of the Columbia River Gorge or the nightlife of Portland.
- Oregon’s coastline is wild and fun and boasts some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste, as well as camping and beach access.
Northern California
- In Northern California, the region around San Francisco is full of small towns, redwood and oak forests, vineyards, wandering rivers, and picturesque villages.
- Here you can explore a variety of national parks, find numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure, dine on delicious seafood and organic produce, and take advantage of amazing views from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
A journey to the West Coast is an experience of never-ending discovery. Whether you come for an adventure or simply to take in the majestic landscapes, the West Coast will not fail to surprise and inspire.
As you step off the train and take in the sights of the new city, think not only of where you have been, but the incredible journey that you just made: from the East coast to the West, an unforgettable cross-country train ride through the vast and varied landscape of Canada!
