Canada by Rail: Following the Tracks that Built the Country

Canada’s railways are far more than just a means of transportation, to get from A to B. They are deeply embedded in the country’s modern history, acting as the backbone that helped create, develop and unify the country as we now know it today.

Long before steel rails crossed the land, however, First Nations peoples travelled these vast territories by water. Canoes moved along an intricate network of waterways, forming Canada’s original transportation corridors, enabling trade, communication, and cultural exchange for thousands of years. They laid the foundations for the routes that would later be followed by railways and roads.

Today, travelling by train offers a meaningful way to experience this layered history firsthand. Rail journeys in Canada are not just about the destination, but are an immersive journey into the story of the land itself, as it unfolds mile by mile. A Canadian train trip invites travellers to slow down, watch the landscape unfold, and connect with the nation’s past and present.

Railways: The Birth of a Nation

When Canada became a confederation in 1867, it was a young and fragile nation, separated by immense distances, scattered settlements and formidable terrain. The idea of a transcontinental railway was a bold but essential proposal. The promise of a rail line stretching from east to west persuaded the west coast province of British Columbia to join the confederation, ensuring Canada would stretch from the Atlantic all the way to the Pacific Ocean. 

The completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 was a defining national moment. The driving of the Last Spike at Craigellachie, British Columbia, symbolised the physical and symbolic unification of Canada. Trains crossed forests, prairies, rivers, and mountains, linking communities, opening the West to settlement. Towns and cities grew along rail lines, many of which would not exist without them. Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, and countless smaller communities owe their origins to rail access. The country’s natural resources started flowing to domestic and global markets, fuelling industrial growth creating jobs and supporting waves of immigration. As millions of newcomers arrived, a shared national identity slowly began to take shape. 

Fairmont: The Original Railway Hotels

As the railway expanded, it also reshaped how Canada welcomed the world. Recognising that travel should be an experience, not just a journey, the Canadian Pacific Railway built a chain of grand hotels along its routes. These hotels transformed rail travel into something aspirational and elegant. Iconic properties including Banff Springs, Château Lake Louise, Château Frontenac, The Empress, and Toronto’s Royal York were designed as destinations in their own right. Inspired by European castles and grand resorts, they proclaimed that Canada was not just a frontier, but a world-class destination.

These railway hotels became the foundation of what is now the iconic Fairmont brand, internationally celebrated for blending heritage, a sense of place and modern luxury. Staying in a Fairmont hotel today is like stepping into a living chapter of Canada’s rail history.

Rail Holidays in Canada Today: Living History, Still on Track

While railways once united Canada, today they offer travellers an immersive way to experience the country. Modern rail holidays follow the same historic corridors that built Canada, but at a pace that invites connection and discovery. Rail travel offers travellers the chance to slow down, watch the landscape unfold, engage with Canada’s story mile by mile, as well as with each other. There are no crowds, no traffic, and no rush, just the rhythm of the rails and a front-row seat to one of the world’s great travel experiences.

Canada’s national rail service, VIA Rail, carries passengers coast to coast, through Canada’s heartlands past forests and lakes, prairie horizons, vibrant cities, and coastal landscapes. They offer a relaxed and social way to experience the country’s scale and diversity. It is also an authentic way to travel, giving tourists the opportunity to chat to locals and staff on-board.

Rocky Mountaineer, purpose-built for sightseeing, elevates the experience further with daylight journeys through the Canadian Rockies. Their glass-domed coaches, exceptional service, and spectacular scenery make for unforgettable journeys.

A rail holiday in Canada is more than a journey, it is a connection to the nation’s past, its landscapes, and its enduring sense of place. From the tracks that unified a country and the Fairmont hotels that defined its hospitality, to the memorable rail journeys of today, Canada’s story is best told from the train.

All Aboard?

Canada was built on rails. Today, those rails are waiting to carry you across Canada, inviting you to explore this vast country in an authentic manner. We have two itineraries if you are considering Canada by Rail – the first one being Canadian Rockies by Rail – with options for both VIA Rail or Rocky Mountaineer. Or if you want to traverse Canada on a longer trip, consider our Self Guided Canada Rail Trip: Coast-to-Coast with Activities.

We can also create a bespoke itinerary for you, our Canada Experts are waiting to hear from you.  Contact our Sales Team today to get the wheels in motion for your trip across Canada by Rail.