Train Travel in Canada

Prior to Canadian confederation, the western regions of Canada were mysterious areas with few inhabitants.

The western USA at that time was slowly being settled with immigrants, and prominent Americans began discussing the annexation of their northern neighbour.

Canadian Prime Minister John A Macdonald worked to promote the union of the country, and he felt a railway would unify the country both geographically and politically.

After many trials and tribulations the final rail was laid at Craigellachie, British Columbia in 1885, and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) stretched across the country.

The CPR came to own luxurious hotels, cruise ships and an airline, all the while promoting Canada and its own services. They sent agents abroad, launching exhibits and publishing beautiful brochures and posters for tourists, and pamphlets and books for immigrants.

The CPR still continues its freight service across Canada, but as of 1978, their passenger service became part of VIA Rail.

Many international visitors are used to travelling their own countries by train, so Canada's options for travelling by rail are listed below. In Canada, however, rail travel is generally NOT for the budget concious traveller.

Cross Canada Rail Services

Via Rail Canada - Runs more than 480 trains per week over a 14,000-kilometre network - that makes about 4 million passengers aboard VIA trains per year

Rocky Mountaineer - The official site of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations - providers of unique Canadian train trips and vacation packages across Canada.

For a detailed website on travelling by train in Canada, have a look at How To Travel By Train Across Canada

Traveling From the USA

For train service from the USA, Amtrak enters Canada at three locations - Montreal Quebec, Toronto Ontario and Vancouver British Columbia.