Explore Canada’s Best Tourist Spots on a Trans-Canada Train

Behold Canada’s natural beauty and explore the best tourist spots, from the picturesque Pacific coastline to the majestic shores of the Atlantic Ocean, by rail on a one-of-a-kind train tour.

History and Natural Beauty on the East Coast
Halifax is a large coastal region of urban and rural communities at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. A hearty mix of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, this region of Nova Scotia is key to enjoying an authentic Canadian experience. Walk alongside historic roads lined with red brick buildings. Visit the bustling Halifax Waterfront and one of the longest boardwalks in the world. Learn more about the seaside city’s past at historic towns and fishing villages along the coast, taking in the unique blend of Celtic and Canadian cultures. Downtown Halifax boasts some of the best spots, from modern eateries and breweries to museums and art galleries. Or you could just spend a day on the Downtown Shopping Spree Trail.

Canada’s Greatest Hits in the Corridor
Neatly located in succession — but in no particular order — are a few of Canada’s best tourist spots from Nova Scotia to Toronto. Historic Quebec City is North America’s oldest French-speaking center, located on the Saint Lawrence River. Walking down the narrow cobblestone streets flanked by old stone buildings is like traveling back in time. Book a summer train tour to visit the music, food, and cultural festivals, or a wintertime excursion to see Quebec’s Winter Carnival.

The next leg of the train tour traverses through the beautiful countryside to Montreal, where all the fun happens. Montreal’s more than 90 annual festivals, museums, galleries, and diverse food scene make the city a cultural powerhouse. The city also has a reputation as an arts center thanks to the diverse communities of local artists, writers, and musicians who contribute to the public celebration of the arts. Touring the city is a treat for the eyes, with both classic and modern architecture on display. When you get hungry, remember that you’re in one of the best food scenes in the country. Whether you’re looking for a Jewish deli, French patisserie, English pub, or a hole-in-the-wall that serves local comfort foods, Montreal has it all.

Ottawa is Canada’s capital and the best place to experience some of Canada’s best tourist spots. The city is home to the park-lined Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head downtown for a glimpse of the stunning Gothic Parliament buildings and Victorian architectural gems around town. No matter the weather, Ottawa’s year-round parks, gardens, and public spaces give locals and visitors alike a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

Toronto is a multicultural metropolis and, as Canada’s largest city, a destination in itself. Here, you’ll find all the usual suspects: multicultural communities and cuisines, an outstanding selection of museums and art galleries, inspiring architecture, and a selection of performing arts venues and events. You’ll also find Toronto’s unique blend of history and modern influence, from the old dive bars in historic buildings to clubs in high-end contemporary establishments. Nearby Lake Ontario also provides a serene place for hiking, watersports, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the waterfront paths.

The Canadian Train All the Way to Vancouver
The Canadian route takes you from Toronto, along the southern border, to Vancouver. You’ll experience Canada’s vast and diverse beauty firsthand, from the gorgeous countryside to the idyllic prairies of Big Sky Country, the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies, and the picturesque West Coast region. On a trans-Canada train tour, you can enjoy endless vistas and Winnipeg, a sophisticated metropolis, rising out from under the radar among Manitoba’s vast prairies. Watch from your window as the flatland becomes foothills and finally ascends into the towering Canadian Rockies. The jaw-dropping scenery presents itself as expansive mountain ranges, pristine lakes and forests, and rocky bluffs. Cool off in a glacier-fed lake or hike in the dense alpine forests, picnicking in a serene meadow. The trip ends in Vancouver, an urban center with everything you could want in a metropolis and more. Explore West Canada’s largest city, visiting world-class museums, enjoying the diverse music and arts scene, and feasting at deliciously creative eateries.