Discover 8 Picturesque Rail Routes in the US and Canada
Discover 8 Picturesque Rail Routes in the US and Canada - Exploring the Scenic Rail Routes in Western Canada
Western Canada offers travelers an incredible way to see sweeping landscapes and picturesque scenery from the comfort of a train carriage. Whether you start your journey in bustling Vancouver on the West Coast or end up in the rugged Northwest Territory, exploration by rail is a memorable way to experience this diverse region. With advanced planning using tools like Google Flights, it's easy to craft an unforgettable trip sampling Canada's premier train lines.
One of the top routes for awe-inspiring mountain vistas is VIA Rail Canada's Jasper to Prince Rupert line. This two-night journey travels alongside the mighty Fraser River before entering the stunning Coast Mountains. Keep an eye out for bears, deer and other wildlife as you traverse thick forests and pass cascading waterfalls. The remote western Rocky Mountains are on full display from your comfortable seat or the glass-domed observation car. There's no better way to witness miles of untouched wilderness than from the slow-moving vantage point of a train.
Those wishing to glimpse the true north should book passage on Via's Sudbury to Churchill line. Crossing massive lakes, rolling prairies and boreal forest, this multi-day trek ends on the shores of Hudson Bay. Passengers are treated to views of the remote tundra landscape and perhaps a whale or polar bear sighting along the way. Join one of the planned excursions into Wapusk National Park to spot wildlife up close and experience the isolation of the Arctic. Only accessible by rail or air, Churchill lets travelers truly forget about the outside world for a while.
No trip to Western Canada is complete without seeing the iconic scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks from the Rocky Mountaineer. Their GoldLeaf service provides the luxury of an exclusive outdoor vestibule perfect for whiling away hours photographing glacial peaks and crystal clear alpine lakes. The onboard gourmet cuisine and knowledgeable tour guides make the journey as delightful as the destinations. Whether witnessing an avalanche cascading down Lougheed Mountain or spotting bears feeding by a glacial stream, the Rockies look their most awe-inspiring from the vantage point of this celebrated train route.
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- Discover 8 Picturesque Rail Routes in the US and Canada - Exploring the Scenic Rail Routes in Western Canada
- Discover 8 Picturesque Rail Routes in the US and Canada - Spectacular Rail Journeys along the Pacific Northwest
Discover 8 Picturesque Rail Routes in the US and Canada - Spectacular Rail Journeys along the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest of North America has long captivated visitors with its natural beauty, from the rugged coastline of Oregon to the towering Cascades crossing Washington state. Nestled between the Coastal and Cascade mountain ranges lies some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. Fortunately, new explorers can experience it all from the luxury and leisure of a train.
VIA Rail's Cascades line connects Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, offering daily departures in both directions. Passengers are treated to views of the mighty Columbia River twisting its way through tall cliffs and deep gorges. Stopping in charming towns like Wishram and Castle Rock, travelers gain a glimpse into rural Pacific Northwest life. Then the train enters the verdant Skagit Valley, awash with green fields and dairy cows against the dramatic backdrop of glaciated peaks. Spot bald eagles soaring overhead as you meander past picture-perfect scenes worthy of a postcard.
Those seeking an up-close adventure shouldn't miss the opportunity to ride behind a vintage steam locomotive on the Skagit Valley Scenic Railroad excursions. Departing from Rockport, the three-hour roundtrip ascends into ancient temperate rainforest teeming with towering trees and lush undergrowth. Keep eyes peeled for Roosevelt elk, black bear and other wildlife along remote stretches of tracks. Afterward, savor award-winning chowder from the coastal village of Anacortes before continuing the journey south.
A multi-day luxury rail excursion with Amtrak's Coast Starlight takes travelers even deeper into the rugged vistas of the Pacific Coast. Starting in Seattle, unwind gazing at erupting volcanoes, mountains crashing into foamy surf and misty islands shrouded in mystery. Sip local wines while chatting with new friends in the dining car as the train gently rolls through the night. Disembark along the way to explore quirky seaport villages and hikes showcasing power and intimacy of human landscapes nestled against raw natural beauty.