The wild is calling, so soak up the natural beauty of Canada from the tracks and see its untamed scenery in style. Wind through evergreen forests, skirt emerald lakes and pass soaring mountain peaks on iconic trains like Rocky Mountaineer - uncovering a wilderness home to magnificent creatures both great and small. Head away from Canada's natural splendours and into its laid-back cities, where you'll discover multicultural diversity and bohemian flair that's evident throughout glitzy shopping areas, historical buildings and unique foodie spots.
Vancouver blends natural beauty with cosmopolitan charm to splendid effect. The sea-facing metropolis is fringed by snow-covered mountains and green wilderness, and at its heart is both a cultural hotspot and food lover's paradise, with excellent museums, galleries and theatres, as well as restaurants offering cuisine from almost every corner of the globe. Relax in lush Stanley Park or discover the coffee shops and quirky boutiques of Gastown; there's seemingly no end of delights to be found here.
Glacier-fed lakes surrounded by soaring peaks and dense pine forests, an abundance of rare wildlife to be spotted and charming resort towns nestled amidst the mountains; Banff National Park is a treasure trove of unmissable beauty. Spend time here and find yourself immersed in the idyllic Canada you'll recognise from postcards, with endlessly contrasting blues and greens creating a landscape that will take your breath away.
Québec City; a Canadian city with a pervasive European ambience, where a blend of relaxed café culture, sophisticated French cuisine, stunning architecture and hundreds of years of history come together to create a city quite like no other. Step back in time in North America's oldest French-speaking city, where the UNESCO-listed Old Town offers up a labyrinth of winding, cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century buildings, all neatly set within historic, fortified city walls.
Discover the dazzlingly diverse and cosmopolitan city of Toronto, a multicultural melting pot that boasts a wealth of great museums, art galleries and excellent gastronomical options. This is a truly thriving city with no shortage of incredible things to see and do. Admire the striking cityscapes, crowned by the instantly recognisable CN Tower, stroll down vibrant Yonge Street or get a taste of Toronto when you indulge in the plentiful exciting dining options dotted throughout the different districts.
An area of wild and rugged coastlines, the eastern province of Nova Scotia offers up a wealth of maritime treasures all set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. From the famous lighthouse in Peggy's Cove, a picture-perfect rural fishing village, to the colourful, waterfront houses of UNESCO-listed Lunenburg - not to mention some of the best lobster dishes you'll ever try - Nova Scotia is teeming with unexpected delights.
Niagara Falls, the spot where the Niagara River cascades over a crest and plummets into the waters below, is an iconic sight that amazes and inspired those who see it. Visit the world-famous Horseshoe Falls and take in views from the mist-covered base, or admire the roaring natural wonder from the viewing platform. This is a once-in-a-lifetime sight that's sure to stay with you for a lifetime.
Home to over half a million trees and larger than New York City's Central Park, Vancouver's leafy Stanley Park is a scenic oasis found at the edge of downtown that offers a perfect escape from the city. The park's most famous feature is its collection of colourful totem poles which display the designs of the indigenous people of North America and are an impressive sight to behold.
Jasper National Park, found nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1984 thanks to its incredible beauty, and it's not difficult to see why. From the glittering blue waters of Maligne Lake and the striking glaciers of the Columbia Icefield to the towering mountains that create a picture-perfect backdrop, Jasper National Park is a veritable treasure trove of natural beauty.
Deep emerald waters fringed by dense evergreen forests and framed by a collection of soaring, snow-dusted mountain peaks; Lake Louise epitomises the breathtaking great outdoors Canada is so famous for. Occupying a stunning spot in the middle of Banff National Park, this is a scenic beauty spot you'll want to commit to memory - make sure you don't forget to pack your camera during a visit here.
Towering above the rooftops of cosmopolitan Toronto, the CN Tower is one of the world's tallest structures and is an instantly recognisable emblem of the city. The tower attracts around two million visitors every year thanks to the terrific panoramic views it offers across the city and waterfront. There's also a fantastic Revolving Restaurant which rotates once every 72 minutes, so visitors can dine while soaking up breathtaking views.
The world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer offers a unique and instantly memorable trip through one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with the train only travelling through the daytime to allow for the best possible views across the vast Canadian landscapes. The scenery is truly a sight to behold, with the dramatic Rocky Mountains lining the backdrops and towering over dense, verdant forests and pristine sapphire lakes.
Nestled in the heart of the province of Québec's dense maple forests here, you'll find cosy wooden cabins known as Sugar Shacks, where the sap of maple trees is boiled down to create the iconic syrup. Here, visitors can enjoy a gastronomic experience that truly showcases the beating heart of Canadian culture, with a unique insight into maple syrup production before dining on local specialities as live traditional music sets the scene.
Delivering views of thick, evergreen forests, glacial lakes, roaring rivers and of course, the indomitable Rocky Mountains, a journey on the Canadian encapsulates beautiful Canada in a nutshell. Fully restored to its original 1950s splendour, the train is now a true classic, treating passengers to stunning panoramas across the rugged landscapes between Vancouver and Toronto from its huge, wrap-around window.
Get to the heart of Vancouver with an insightful guided tour that introduces you to Gastown. One of Vancouver's best-loved neighbourhoods, Gastown is a charming area of cobblestone streets where you'll find beautifully restored buildings, great coffee shops and unique boutiques packed with quirky souvenirs. Gastown is also home to the Gastown Steam Clock, which lets off steam and sounds whistle chimes every hour.
From vibrant Vancouver, head away from mainland Canada as you set sail on an incredible cruise up the dramatically beautiful coast to Alaska, USA. Sail through the famous Inside Passage, an area of pristine waters, snow-capped mountains and deep fjords that's renowned as a haven for marine animals, and admire the striking, UNESCO-listed ice formations of Glacier Bay - thought to be around 4,000 years old.
Featured Holiday Ideas
Canada offers an amazing array of holidays to explore by rail.