6 Amazing Canada Train Trips You Need To Go On At Least Once

Skip the plane, ride a train!
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Every true adventurer knows that no bucket list is complete without an epic train adventure on it. Luckily for us Canadians, we have access to multiple train services that operate across Canada; from the east end of the country all the way to the west. Whether you're looking to escape this cold winter or are planning for the summer, a train trip is always a valid option for an upcoming vacation.

There are a variety of different train trip packages offered by Via Rail (and its participating partners) that will allow you to see Canada's wondrous beauty in a new and exciting way. The trips listed in this article all depart from Toronto; however, departure locations can be adjusted when you book online. They can be rather pricey (I mean, you would be paying to traverse only the second largest country in the world), but they are still worth considering. Here are 6 amazing Canada train trips you need to go on at least once in your life (click the links throughout to book your trip!):

Exploring Ontario // Toronto to Ottawa

Featured Locations: Toronto > Kingston > Ottawa

Cost: $1999

Train: Corridor trains

Distance: ~450 km

Trip Duration: 6 nights

Dates: Tuesday, May 31, 2016 to Friday, September 23, 2016

This package includes business class admission to one of Via Rail's corridor trains. The trip will take you to three landmark Ontario cities - Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa. For 6 nights, you'll get the chance to tour the cities and experience them in their entirety. Contact Cartan Tours Inc. for more detailed information on itineraries.

Focus on Montreal and Quebec City // Toronto to Montreal/Quebec City

Featured Locations: Toronto > Montreal > Quebec City

Cost: $699

Train: Corridor trains

Distance: ~ 1,061 km

Trip Duration: 4 nights

Dates: Saturday, February 20, 2016 to Friday, December 30, 2016

This package includes economy class admission to a Via Rail corridor train. The trip will take you to Montreal and Quebec City, where you can immerse yourself in Canada's French culture. Sample activities include walking tours of Old Montreal and Old Quebec, an afternoon tour of the Beaupre Coast, a river cruise on the St. Lawrence and must more. Customizations to the trip package can be made by contacting one of the representatives at Anderson Vacations.

Trans-Canada Experience // Toronto to Vancouver

Featured Locations: Toronto > Winnipeg > Edmonton > Jasper > Vancouver

Cost: $4560

Train: The Canadian

Distance: ~ 4,466 km

Trip Duration: 12 nights

Dates: Friday, April 29, 2016 to Thursday, October 13, 2016

This package takes you on a western Canada adventure on The Canadian, one of Via Rail's proudest services. The trip entails stops at three top mountainous tourist locations, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff, before arriving at Vancouver. Enjoy breathtaking scenery like the Georgian Bay, the western Plains and the Canadian Rockies as you make your way across the country. For more information, please contact TruExperiences Tours.

Atlantic Maritimes with Rail // Toronto to Halifax

Featured Locations: Toronto > Moncton/Halifax > PEI

Cost: $5363

Train: Corridor trains, The Ocean

Distance: ~ 1,796+ km

Trip Duration: 15 nights

Dates: Saturday, June 4, 2016 to Saturday, October 1, 2016

This package is eastward bound, towards Canada's Atlantic provinces on its east coast. Included is admission onto one of Via Rail's Sleeper Plus Class trains; as well as a variety of activities at the Halifax destination such as tours of Hopewell Rocks, Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg, whale watching on the Bay of Fundy, 2 nights in PEI and exploration of the famous Cabot Trail.

Circle the Bay of Fundy with Rail // Toronto to Halifax

Featured Locations: Toronto > Moncton/Halifax

Cost: $3449

Train: Corridor trains, The Ocean

Distance: ~ 1796 km

Trip Duration: 11 nights

Dates: Saturday, June 4, 2016 to Saturday, October 1, 2016

This package includes admission onto Via Rail's Sleeper Plus Class Services that heads to Halifax from Toronto. You'll be able to see the beautiful rolling landscape of the East as you travel. Once you arrive, a variety of activities will be available to you, including motor tours of various areas in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, tours of Joggins Fossil Park, Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park, whale watching at the Bay of Fundy, and a Lobster dinner boat cruise.

Capitol to Capitol // Toronto to Montreal, Washington D.C.

Featured Locations: Toronto > Niagara Falls, ON > Ottawa > Montreal > New York City > Philadelphia > Washington, DC

Cost: $2499 US

Train: Corridor trains

Distance: 1,860 km

Trip Duration: 12 nights

Dates: Sunday, April 26, 2015 to Thursday, March 30, 2017

This package takes you to 7 different cities on Via Rail's corridor trains. You'll visit various iconic capitol cities in both Canada and the US, including Ottawa and Washington D.C., and get the chance to explore them all within a 12-day period. The train service includes hot meals and beverages served at your seat.

BONUS: A Churchill Summer Explorer // Winnipeg to Churchill

Featured Locations:

Cost: $1875

Train: The Canadian, Winnipeg-Churchill line

Distance: 1,700 km

Trip Duration: 7 nights

Dates: Thursday, December 17, 2015 to Thursday, December 29, 2016

Although not departing from Toronto, this trip package is worthwhile for those who have always wanted to venture into the Canadian north. It includes admission onto one of Via Rail's Sleeping or Touring Class trains, as well as a variety of natural and historical tours. See Rail Travel Tours' description of this package for further details.

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