Train travel is not a new idea in Canada. During World War II, trains were used to transport troops across the nation, but train travel decreased after the war, as more people were using cars and planes to travel. The major player was Canadian Pacific, which has undergone several name changes (as well as route changes) over the years. Passenger train travel in general has experienced many changes over the years, but now offers several impressive options for seeing the varied landscape of Canada.
Canada is a very large country, and considering its size, has fewer roads than one might expect. In the past, the most efficient way of cutting through Canada's rough and wild territory proved to be laying rails, not building roads. As train travel decreased after WWII, Canadian Pacific tried creating a niche market in luxury travel, which ultimately failed.
Train travel provided not only a means of passenger travel, but of transporting goods during and after the war.
Like the continental U.S. states, Canada is divided in the west by an immense mountain range, known as the Canadian Rockies. The eastern part of the country is more level, but offers beautiful scenery nevertheless. The most popular train trips in Canada are through the Canadian Rockies.
There are several options for train trips in Canada, depending on how long you want to travel, whether you want to spend your nights sleeping on the train or in hotels, and what part of Canada you want to see. There are Eastern Canada trips, which travel from Montreal to either Gaspe or Halifax, and Western Canadian trips, which typically include Vancouver, Calgary and Jasper.
Train travel is not an inexpensive way to see Canada. A day trip from Whistler to Vancouver is about $200 per person. A 12- to 13-day excursion from the West Coast to the Canadian Maritimes varies from approximately $3,000 to $6,500 per person depending on the level of service and the time of year.
Some trips include sleepovers in hotels, while others include sleeping-car accommodations.
To get the most bang for your buck, work with a travel agent to book your trip.
An important consideration is whether the price you pay is in Canadian or American dollars, and where they are trading. Depending on the exchange rate, rail travel may prove to be less expensive at some times than others.
