9 Canadian Cities to See by Train

By Railbookers Friday, April 8, 2022 Read time: 6 minutes

O Canada! These nine cities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the Great White North by train. Read more to discover more about Railbooker's Canadian rail holidays.

Full of natural wonder, vibrant cities, and the most coastline of any country on Earth, Canada is certainly captivating and large. With so many amazing areas to cover, travelling by train is the best way to see it all in comfort and style. And whether you start your journey in the west or the east, rich culture, stunning scenery, and electric city life come standard on every rail holiday to Canada with Railbookers.

1. Vancouver

Stanley Park and the Vancouver skyline at sunset.

This West Coast wonder celebrates its natural surroundings just as much as its modern architecture. Steel and glass skyscrapers stand against a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks and an urban park with half a million trees sits at the edge of the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods. In the West End, you’ll find the entrance to the urban oasis of sprawling Stanley Park. Once you enter you’ll feel as if you’ve travelled to the heart of the Canadian Wilderness, but urban excitement is close by. Nearby Gastown is where Victorian flair meets high fashion, Granville Island offers a taste of local seafood and of First Nations culture, and Chinatown feels like a city unto itself, being the world’s third largest. Learn more about rail holidays to Vancouver.

2. The Canadian Rockies

A lake with turquoise waters surrounded by forests and the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

You can’t capture the true majesty of the Rocky Mountains from just one city, so we decided to spread the love. With rugged peaks that put skyscrapers to shame, verdant valleys, and lush alpine forests, this really is Canada’s wild heart. Between Jasper and Banff, you’ll find the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives that provide the opportunity for a tour over ancient glaciers. A day trip to Lake Louise from Banff is well worth the journey. This postcard-perfect resort is reminiscent of Quebec City’s Chateau Frontenac—except it’s on the shore of a brilliant turquoise-hued lake surrounded by dense forest. Don’t forget to pack your camera—the Rockies are chock-full of show-stopping photo ops. Learn more about rail holidays to the Canadian Rockies.

3. Jasper

The Northern lights shine in the night sky above a lake in Jasper, Alberta.

Jasper draws outdoor enthusiasts all year round. Jasper National Park is one of the country’s best, and offers ample opportunity for amazing wildlife viewing. Wolves, moose, grizzly bears and bighorn sheep can be seen in the park, and elk and mule deer tend to wander around town. Soar on the SkyTram—the longest and highest aerial tramway in Canada—for views that stretch all the way to neighboring British Columbia on a clear day. Go stargazing under crystal clear skies at the Jasper Planetarium, with a chance to catch the mesmerizing Northern Lights if you’re there between September and March. Learn more about rail holidays to Jasper.

4. Banff

Downtown Banff, Alberta with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

Banff is beyond beautiful. From the rushing Bow Falls to the soothing hot springs, there’s nowhere like it on Earth. Originally a service stop supplying Banff National Park, today the town boasts an elevated culinary scene and high-end shopping you wouldn’t expect to find in the middle of the Canadian wilderness. Take the gondola ride 7,500 feet up Sulphur Mountain for incredible views of the Rockies. Ride back or walk down to town and learn more about the history and culture of the Rockies at the Whyte Museum. Learn more about rail holidays to Banff.

5. Calgary

The cityscape of Calgary, Alberta with the Saddledome Arena in the foreground.

It’s hard not to notice the friendly, frontier spirit that permeates Calgary. You’re sure to see a cowboy hat or two downtown—the city’s arena is even shaped like a saddle! You can’t leave Calgary without trying a famous Alberta steak, but if you’d rather have less carnivorous cuisine, there are plenty of globally inspired dining options to be found. Stephen Avenue downtown is a pedestrian mall where you can really feel the pulse of the city. Relax by the broad Bow River, or take a tour by bike in Eau Claire. Explore the bohemian chic Inglewood district, full of shops, restaurants, and live music venues, and recently named the best neighborhood in Canada. Learn more about rail holidays to Calgary.

6. Toronto

The Toronto skyline at sunset, including the CN Tower.

The country’s largest city, Toronto is multicultural, multifaceted, and a must-see on any journey to Canada. Its fresh, international flair comes from its residents—over half were born outside of Canada. Visit Kensington Market in the Westside neighborhood for a feast of global cuisine, then grab a drink along trendy College Street. For elegant dining and luxury boutiques, head to Yorkville, known as the “Mink Mile”. In the Distillery District, you’ll find cobblestone streets and Victorian-era warehouses that are now home to an art-filled area of galleries, cafés, and shops. Can’t decide where to start? Take a tour of the CN Tower—one of the world’s tallest buildings—for a 360-degree view of this marvelous metropolis. Learn more about rail holidays to Toronto.

7. Niagara Falls

The Horseshoe Falls at Niagara.

One of Canada’s most iconic sights, Niagara Falls is known as the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” and you’ll fall in love as soon as you arrive. The thundering falls are awe-inspiring, and you’ll get the best views from this Canadian side of the Niagara River. But don’t just settle for seeing the falls from the sidelines. Board the Maid of the Mist and get an up-close view from the churning cauldron below the falls, or see this natural wonder from a new perspective with a journey behind the falls. If you’d rather stay dry, take to the skies on a soaring helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view. Learn more about rail holidays to Niagara Falls.

8. Montreal

The cobblestone streets of Old Montreal in the evening.

As chic as it is charming, Montreal really delivers a cool, cosmopolitan vibe. Explore Old Montreal with its cobblestone streets winding past buildings dating from the 1600s for an atmosphere that is decidedly European—but with a few uniquely Canadian twists. Here you’ll find several places to sample poutine, an indulgent dish of French fries, gravy, and cheese curds. If you feel like you need to walk this meal off, make for Mount Royal. A network of footpaths leads up to Summit Park, where sprawling views of the city stretch out in every direction. Take a tour through the city’s many trendy neighborhoods, like the hip Le Plateau with its colorful wrought-iron staircases, or Mile End—home to an enclave of writers, artists and musicians. Learn more about rail holidays to Montreal.

9. Quebec City

A cobblestoned street in Quebec City with Chateau Frontenac in the background.

Over 400 years of history is on display in this chic French-speaking city that wouldn’t look out of place on the European continent. Explore castles, ramparts, intriguing museums, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town. One must-see is Chateau Frontenac. Perched high on a cliff, this exceptionally elegant hotel offers sweeping views of the city and was where Canadian Prime Minister MacKenzie King, Winston Churchill, and Franklin Roosevelt planned the D-Day landing of WWII. The city is easily walkable. For unique shops (including North America’s oldest grocery store), fine restaurants, and trendy boutiques, take a stroll through the Saint-Jean and Saint-Roch neighbourhoods, connected by a unique funicular railway. Learn more about rail holidays to Quebec City