Train holidays in Canada for those days when you don’t want to hurry. See here for more details.
There’s something about the idea of a holiday that starts before you even arrive at your destination, as your cup of coffee is warming up in your hand, you’ve got a window seat, and the train is rattling along as the countryside rolls by. Packages for rail holidays give you a chance to take things slowly and see more of what you’re passing through.
If you’re the sort of person who likes to sleep in, spend hours looking out the window, and find a leisurely pace rejuvenating, then a holiday on a train might just be the answer. The other bonus is that it cuts out the hassle of getting behind the wheel of a car for many miles.
Package Basics
Rail packages tend to be very diverse but generally will include a few components of the rail trip, such as a couple of nights in a hotel or a few excursions. Depending on the type of holiday you prefer, the package could be aimed more at sightseeing while on board or a break away from the train. For a look at rail trip packages to Canada from the team at Canada Rail Vacations, click here – that’s where the available itineraries are laid out.
It’s important to look beyond the cost when comparing packages because they don’t all include the same things. Here are some questions you should ask before buying any packages:
- Does it include rail travel with reserved seating?
- Are there hotel stays before or after your train ride?
- Do transfers from the train station to your accommodation and back get covered?
- Is there any sightseeing included with your holiday?
- Are luggage transfers between stops included if you’re stopping in multiple locations?
- Will meals be provided on board the train, particularly on a long-distance route that runs overnight?
You may find some packages are much cheaper because several elements above aren’t included. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as many people love the freedom to plan their own excursions and choose their own hotel, but it does mean you’ll need to factor those extra expenses into the overall cost of your holiday.
Pace and Route
Some rail holidays might be more scenic than others, but it’s important not to go overboard if you want to fully appreciate them. A holiday route that passes through the mountains and other breathtaking scenery will seem less impressive if you’re trying to squeeze in as many sights as possible while rushing to get to the next stop.
So instead of thinking about what route is the best, consider what type of holiday you want to go on. Do you want to sit back and let the scenery fly past you as you relax in your seat, or do you want to use the train as a transport link between holiday destinations so you can linger for a couple of nights in each place? Either works well but will produce a different experience. For example, a longer journey could be followed by a full day off to give you time to recover, enjoy a long breakfast, take a wander round town, and discover new things along the way.
Seats and Sleepers
If you’re on a daylight service where views are key, selecting seats might be important too. Booking in advance could increase your chances of getting seats together or facing forward.
For an overnight train, the math changes again. A private sleeper cabin may cost more – check https://www.businessinsider.com/why-you-should-only-book-private-cabins-on-overnight-trains-2023-11 to know more, but you’re saving the price of a hotel room and waking up refreshed enough to get out and see the sights. Just double-check what amenities such as beds, toiletries, dining, and luggage storage are included, and don’t assume all sleeping options are created equal.
That’s unnecessary overhead if you’re just hopping on the train for a few hours between two longer stops; regular seats will likely be plenty fine.
Flexible Timing
A big part of the joy of travelling by rail is letting go of control. Schedules can change due to weather, track maintenance, shared right-of-way, or other unforeseen issues. Rather than treating that as a potential inconvenience, build it into your plans. Check this page for more details.
Allow yourself a minimum of 90 minutes between a train arrival and any subsequent connection you can’t reschedule. That’s particularly valuable if you need to retrieve luggage, make a transfer, or check into lodging that doesn’t offer extended reception hours.
Slow travel benefits from breathing room.
And if you’re booking extra activities, steer clear of reserving a fixed-time excursion directly after a scheduled arrival. A flexible dinner reservation or a self-guided stroll makes for a more pleasant evening.
Views Along the Way
There’s nothing wrong with bringing a book, a journal, or even binoculars for birdwatching. And remember to pack a sweater, just in case the air-conditioning is set too low or you want to enjoy the view from the open-air viewing platform. Keep a camera handy, but don’t feel compelled to photograph every passing scene.
Some of the best memories will be the simple ones: a foggy morning outside the window, mountains silhouetted in the distance, a river suddenly appearing alongside the tracks, or the quiet stillness at a small-town stop. A package can take care of the heavy lifting, freeing you to notice the details.
The season also makes a difference. Summer days are longer, which means more time to see the scenery; winter days may have shorter light for viewing from the train windows but may also have fewer crowds at the station and snowy vistas.
Find out if the particular line you’re riding has accessible boarding, and let them know if you need special meals.
Booking Checklist
Begin by determining how many days you really want to spend on the train, then compare packages based on what makes your life easier, not what they include. Look at the sleeping arrangements, transfer times, luggage policies, and how much free time is allowed at each stop.
When you’ve narrowed the selection, note the arrival times at each overnight destination and ensure that your lodging accepts late arrivals.
Last Updated on September 29, 2026
