Easy Travel

Traveling by Train in Canada

Via rail Canada routes & planning guide for adventure & business travel

Canada’s national railway is riding the wave of enthusiasm for train travelling that is sweeping railways worldwide. The Windsor Quebec City corridor, VIA Rail Canada’s oldest and busiest route, boasts high-speed service and the railroad’s first wifi network. Out west, recent developments include the acquisition of the historic Malahat Railway on Vancouver Island and the introduction of Snow Train Express ski trips from Edmonton to Jasper is a success.

VIA carries over 4-million passengers a year. Routes extend 7750-mi/12,500-km across eight Canadian Provinces. Trains serve over 450 stations and honor requests for “Special Stops” at random points along vast stretches of wilderness railway.

VIA’s reach extends to a number of popular destinations. High-speed Corridor trains connect Toronto, Montrèal, Ottawa, Quèbec City and Niagara Falls. Eastward, the Maritime-bound Ocean and Chaleur to Gaspe are among routes serving Quèbec and Atlantic Canada. Western routes include the sub-arctic Hudson Bay, the transcontinental Canadian and the Skeena’s Rocky Mountain adventure. Amtrak operates connecting services to Seattle, New York City and points across the USA.

This VIA Rail Canada Guide provides a quick overview of railroad services. It profiles individual routes including brief descriptions. Also covered are trip planning, fare options, and onboard classes and services as well as up-to-date information on requirements for crossing the Canada-USA border by train. The menu in the left column will get you started.