Trains in Canada

Trains in Canada

Traveling by train is a safe and convenient way to explore Canada. The rail system connects significant cities, including Vancouver, Quebec and Toronto, and passes through pristine destinations like the Rockies. Several trains tend to commuters and long-distance travelers allowing vacationers to rub shoulders with locals.

If you're traveling between cities, there are inter-city trains between Toronto, Quebec, Ottawa, and Montreal. The Ocean operates between Montreal and Halifax while The Canadian travels from Toronto, through Winnipeg, Edmonton and Jasper to Vancouver. The busiest trains in Canada operate on The Corridor from Quebec to Windsor, passing through Montreal and Toronto. The Canadian route is also popular with travelers. The train ride starts from Toronto, one of Canada's largest cities, through Winnipeg and the mountainous landscapes between Jasper and Vancouver. 

There are also train rides from Toronto to Niagara Falls. You can get up close with a cruise to the falls before taking a train to Montreal along the Saint Lawrence River. The trains in Canada passing through the Rocky Mountains are also popular with travelers. The trip through the mountains offers deluxe accommodation and a glass dome for spectacular views of the rugged landscapes. By using Omio, visitors can choose between several routes to optimize their trips.

Booking tickets to Canada with Omio

When booking trains in Canada, travelers can rely on Omio for efficient services and better organization when traveling. To book tickets with Omio, travelers need to specify their destination, their anticipated travel dates and their departure points. Once the traveler keys in all the information, Omio redirects the traveler to a website with all the relevant options. Travelers have the opportunity to select different train tickets and take advantage of current offers and discounts. After payment, Omio delivers the tickets directly to your mobile phone for easy access.

Train companies in Canada

VIA Rail controls the largest share of commuter trains in Canada. It operates more than 460 trains covering 7770 miles (12,500 km) and connects more than 450 localities in Canada. There are four major train routes. The Canadian operates from Toronto to Vancouver. The Skeena runs from Jasper to Prince Rupert. The Corridor operates between Quebec and Windsor with stops at Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto. Lastly, the Ocean connects Montreal and Halifax, running through Quebec and Moncton. Each trip includes stopovers, food, drinks, electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi. Passengers can choose economy, business, sleeper plus, or prestige classes.

Ontario Northland connects the North Bay and Moosonee. The railway is more than 500 miles (800 km) in length. Currently, the operator has one passenger train - The Polar Bear Express, from Cochrane to Moosonee. It is a flag stop train. To tour the famous Agawa Canyon, book a tour with Algoma Central in North Ontario. It operates between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst on the Algoma Central Railway.

Lastly is the Rocky Mountaineer, which offers luxurious train travel through Canada. The operator has three notable routes that passengers enjoy in glass domes for unparalleled views. There's a trip from Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, to Jasper. Another from Vancouver through Kamloops to Jasper and Vancouver through Kamloops to Banff. Each route includes exceptional onboard services and a night at a midpoint hotel.

Popular International routes by train

You can cross from cities in the U.S. to Canada via train. However, it is wise to have your passports and visas in place to cross the border. For travelers between the U.S. and Canada, Amtrak is the company to consider. The train operator works with other rail companies such as VIA Rail to provide train trips.

Consider the Amtrak Cascades to explore the Pacific Northwest region. The train runs from Vancouver through Seattle, and Eugene in the U.S. Passengers can also travel to Toronto or Montreal from New York, crossing Lake Ontario, the Niagara Falls, Hudson Valley, and Buffalo. 

Alternatively, you can travel to Vancouver from Chicago. Take The Cardinal or the Lake Shore Limited and connect to Seattle through the Empire Builder. From here, you can pick the Amtrak Cascades to Vancouver. The trip takes you through the Appalachian Mountains, the Great Lakes, and the Glacier National Park.

Lastly, you can take a taxi from Detroit to Windsor and take a train from there. By booking a ticket through Omio, travelers can arrange a continuous trip from any of the cities.

When arriving in Canada

Canada is a vast country, and traveling by train is a great way to explore the diverse landscapes and cities. To make sure you plan your trip properly, do your research early and find out if you need connecting trains. Also, book early because tickets become more expensive as due dates draw closer. Download the Omio app to help you compare ticket prices across certain seasons and travel dates.

Most long trips have stopovers for a few hours. The stops may include company-provided bus tours, but you can opt-out and venture out on your own. Remember to check how long each of your trips is, how many stops are along the way, and what to expect in the stopover cities. In this way, you will have adequate cash in-store to buy meals and souvenirs. Also, check for sleeping structures and food onboard.

Trains in Canada

Trains in Canada are a reliable way of exploring the country. Canada features an extensive rail network that connects major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Quebec. These train routes are scenic and pass through Canada’s hidden gems. There are intercity and commuter train services. Intercity trains include The Ocean, which runs through Halifax to Montreal. The Canadian intercity trains operate from Toronto to Vancouver and the cities in between. The Corridor route is the busiest, and it runs from Quebec through Montreal and Toronto and stops at Windsor. VIA Rail Canada operates Canadian long-distance trains and intercity trains.

Booking your train ticket with Omio for Canada

Omio offers a reliable platform for travelers to get organized and efficient train services. To get your ticket, you need to feed your destination, travel dates, and departure points on the website. When travelers provide this information, Omio provides all the information and services along the route. Travelers can choose their preferred providers and schedules. Once you have paid, Omio sends the tickets to your phone.

Train Companies in Canada

VIA Rail is the main provider for train rides within Canada. It operates over 400 trains and connects more than 450 locations in Canada. Commuter train services are available in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. In the Montreal area, train services are operated by Exo. Exo serves cities and towns along the north shore of Mille Lles River and the South Shore of St. Lawrence River. Go Transit is a regional transit system that serves the greater Golden Horseshoe Region of Ontario and the Toronto area. West Coast Express serves the Vancouver and Fraser Valley Regional District.

Popular International routes by train

Travelers can get international train routes by train in Canada. They can cross cities in the U.S and Britain to Canada by Train. The Amtrak Cascades is an amazing way of exploring the Pacific Northwest region. Trains run from Vancouver to Eugene via Seattle. Another popular route is the Toronto-Montreal route which goes through Lake Ontario, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls. The Vancouver- Chicago route is another international route with views of the Great Lakes, Glacier National Park, and the Appalachian Mountains.

Canada People. Source: Shutterstock

When arriving by train in Canada

Canada features diverse geography, and trains are an amazing way of exploring it. Canadian cities are well spread out, so ensure to book the right train and the distance. Even though most Canadians speak English, French is often used by Canadian locals. Canadians have a reputation for being polite. So ensure you do not stand out by littering or unruly behavior. Most stores open seven days a week and run from morning to late at night. Most restaurants cater to every possible diet preference, and waiters are friendly. Citizens from other countries besides the U.S need a visa to enter Canada. The currency used is the Canadian Dollar, and travelers can acquire them in major train stations, banks, and airports.

VIA Rail in Canada

VIA Rail is the main provider for train rides within Canada. It operates over 400 trains and connects more than 450 locations in Canada. There are four major train routes in Canada: The Canadian, The Skeena, The Corridor, and the Ocean. Ontario Northland provides one passenger train called the Polar Bear Express. It operates from Cochrane to Moosonee. Rocky Mountaineer provides luxurious train rides. It operates on two routes; Vancouver -Jasper, and Vancouver Banff.

Main train stations in Canada

One of the major train stations in Canada is the Montreal Central Station. It operates daily from 6:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. It features a ticket counter, baggage services, a lost and found center, Wi-Fi, photo machines, snack bars, vending machines, payphones, exchange services, and washrooms. Pacific Central Station is another major train station in Canada that lies on 1150 Station Street. It features an ATM, payphones, restroom, and tickets sale office. The facility is wheelchair enabled. There are baggage services and parking options. Toronto Union Station lies at 65 Front Street West Toronto. It operates daily from 5:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

The station provides Wi-Fi, baggage services, and washrooms. Additional amenities include photo booths, food concessions, a snack bar, a waiting room, newspapers, banks, and ATMs. It is wheelchair enabled and provides a lost and found area. Churchill train station is a major train station in Canada, and its address is 1 Mantayo Seepee Meskanow. It operates from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It provides outdoor parking options, washrooms, and payphones. Finally, the Windsor train station lies at 298 Walker Rd. Windsor. It operates daily from 4:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The station provides baggage services, washrooms, telephones, and taxis.

Popular train journeys in Canada

One of the most popular train journeys in Canada is the Cochrane -Moosonee route. Trains from Cochrane to Moosonee take an average of 5h, covering a distance of 186 miles (300km). Another popular train journey in Canada is the Sudbury- White River route. The distance between Sudbury and White River is 247 miles (398km) and the journey time is 8h 3min. The Winnipeg- Churchill is another popular route for trains. They take 44h 55min. The Toronto-Quebec train journey takes 9h 29min. Trains from Toronto to Ottawa take about 4h 24min to get between the two cities. Finally, the Montreal-Halifax train route takes about 22h 7min.

Canada Trains. Source: Shutterstock

Popular train journeys from Canada

One of the most popular international train routes from Canada is the Toronto-Vancouver route. It takes 4 days and 1h.The Jasper-prince Rupert is another popular route and trains take 20h. Another popular international route is the Vancouver –Jasper train route that takes 19h. Trains from Vancouver to Banff, a popular international route, takes about 36h. Finally, the Skagway- Carcross train journey takes about 3h 35min.

Good to know

Trains are the best way of exploring vast Canada. Trains also provide comfort hard to find in other means. Some Canadian trains come with glass-dome-viewing train cars. They are mostly found on long-distance trains. Visitors should make sure they adjust their watches as the country uses six different time zones. Long-haul trains also provide extra facilities like sleeper train cars. Before starting your journeys, ensure to check the duration of your journey and how many layovers the journey may have. Research about the given layovers and activities to do during these stops.

To Canada by Train- travel tips

Canada is a large country, and it features some of the most scenic routes in the world. With train journeys, travelers catch breathtaking views of the West coast, the prairies, Maritimes, and the Rockies. Canada features diverse geography and natural wonders, making it an ideal destination for all travelers.

Outdoor thrill-seekers will love to visit the Banff National Park, which offers visitors hiking trails, pristine lakes, and lush unspoiled landscapes. Cypress Hills is another ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It lies on the Alberta and Saskatchewan border, and it features a blend of lush forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Visitors can enjoy zip-lining, horseback riding, and a tour around the historic Fort Walsh. Outdoor lovers can consider visiting Canada's iconic Niagara Falls.

Families can enjoy a walk on Clifton Hill or catch a cruise at the base of the falls. The Skylon Tower offers an impressive aerial view of the falls. When you visit Canada, be sure to visit the CN tower, which dominates the Toronto Skyline. It features a revolving 360 restaurant where visitors can get impressive city views and views of the lake. Thrills seekers can enjoy a walk in the CN Tower Edgewalk.

If you are out to soak in history during your visit to Canada, consider visiting Drum Heller. It lies in the heart of Canada's Badlands, and it features the Royal Tyrrell Museum. The museum offers a wide variety of fossil exhibits and dinosaur exhibits. Old Quebec features outstanding architectural designs, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Chateau Frontenac. Prince Edward Island offers rich history tours through Montgomery's Cavendish home, ideal for art and charm lovers. Nature lovers seeking ideal destinations will love a tour of the Butchart Gardens. It lies in Victoria, and over a million bedding plants bloom around the year.

Nature-lovers should also consider visiting The Forks in Winnipeg that features live entertainment, vast dining options, and unique attractions. During your visit to Canada, be sure to explore its capital, Toronto. It blends museums, art galleries, live music, arts, theaters, sports, and shopping stalls. A train to Quebec is a great way of exploring the scenic landscape. Quebec offers visitors various activities like dog sledding, fishing, cruise rides, whale watching, skiing, and hiking. It is the ideal getaway for families and couples.