Maple Leaf trains operate daily between New York and Toronto via Niagara Falls. The trip lasts about 12 hours and 30 minutes, and passengers can choose between business class and reserved coach class seating. Trains parallel the Hudson River before turning west to cities including Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo in New York. In Ontario, trains stop in St. Catharines, Grimbsy, Aldershot and Oakville. Guides from the Erie Canal Way National Heritage Area and Fort Stanwick National Historic Site ride the train between Albany and Syracuse. At the time of publication, Maple Leaf trains leave New York’s Penn Station in the morning and arrive in Toronto just before 8 p.m.
Adirondack service operates daily between Penn Station and Montreal, Canada. The 10-hour trip makes 16 stops in New York, including the Albany-Rensselaer station, Saratoga Springs and Plattsburgh, before crossing into Canada north of Rouses Point. In Canada, trains stop at Saint-Lambert, an eastern suburb of Montreal. At the time of publication, trains leave New York’s Penn Station in the morning and arrive in Montreal at about 7 p.m. Trails and Rails guides ride the train between Croton-Harmon and Westport, answering passenger questions and providing historical context. Trains have a cafe car and Wi-Fi, and passengers ride in coach seating.
Canadian law requires that all U.S. citizens entering Canada by land carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies both requirements. These documents are also valid for the return to the U.S. by land. Children 15 and under need only supply proof of citizenship for both entry into Canada and return to the U.S. by land. This can either be a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or naturalization certificate. Be aware that visitors requiring a return to the U.S. by air from Canada can only do so with a passport, regardless of age.
Once at Montreal’s Central Station or Toronto’s Union Station, train travelers can connect to Canada’s VIA Rail system. The Canadian departs from Toronto, crossing five provinces and the Rocky Mountains before reaching Vancouver. Passengers can connect to trains north through Manitoba to Churchill, or northwest to Prince Rupert on the Pacific. Frequent service operates between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and along the Atlantic Coast to Gaspe and Halifax. Depending on the route, VIA Rail trains have Wi-Fi, sleeper cars, dining cars, onboard entertainment and activities for kids.
