Travelling by Train

It’s a magical world aboard the train where spectacular scenery passes by the large picture windows and the mood is casual and friendly. Aboard North America's trains you can be a part of it all, close to nature but surrounded by comfort, any time of the year.

Enjoy 360 º panoramic views from the scenic dome car, socialize in the lounges, savour freshly prepared meals in the dining car or enjoy private moments on your own in your sleeping car accommodations. You can be a part of it all — close to nature but safe and relaxed, any time of the year.

Click here to view the accommodations and facilities inside the train.

John Steel's Rail Tours is pleased to offer a variety of tours aboard Canadian trains including the following VIA rail services:

The Canadian

Travel from Canada's scenic west coast, through the magnificent Rockies, across the wide-open prairies and past the scenic lakes and forests of Ontario. The Vancouver to Toronto transcontinental affords the luxury and comfort of superbly refurbished 1950's Art Deco rail cars and many amenities in Silver & Blue class sleeping car accommodations.

The Skeena

This 1,160-kilometre (725-mile), daylight journey connects the Alberta Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper to Prince George in BC's interior and Prince Rupert on the Pacific coast. From May to October experience the fabulous 360-degree views (Totem Deluxe class) of the fully glass enclosed Panorama dome cars.

The Malahat

The delightful day excursion travels through some of the most beautiful countryside in Vancouver Island between Victoria, at the southern end of the journey, and Courtenay, at the northern end. Chemainus, Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach are seaside communities found along the route.

The Hudson Bay

Venture north to the land of polar bears and the northern lights, a two-night, 1700-kilometre journey (1000 miles). Leaving Winnipeg, Manitoba in the heart of the southern prairies, travel to Churchill, situated on the shores of Hudson Bay in the vast sub-Arctic region.

The Corridor

Connecting Central Canada's exciting cities from Windsor, Ontario (through Toronto and Ottawa), and Québec City, Québec, (through Montréal), the Corridor offers VIA 1 class service.

The Chaleur

Explore the charming Gaspé Peninsula between Montréal and Gaspé, passing through the lovely village of Percé. The train travels through small villages on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River and down the Matapédia valley to the Baie des Chaleurs. Easterly class provides comfortable accommodations and a shower in each car.

The Ocean

Travel to the friendly Maritimes from cosmopolitan Montréal, Québec to the historic coastal city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. From Montréal, tour along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, through the Matapédia valley and across scenic New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The Ocean features the state-of-the-art Renaissance Cars.

Click here to view the accommodations and facilities inside the train.

Amtrak Holidays

Independent Holidays in the United States

See the USA by rail! We can help you plan an Amtrak Holiday aboard one of the many routes of this intercity passenger rail network.

With scenic routes between major Canadian cities and the US, Amtrak serves more than five hundred destinations throughout the USA. Gateways to the US are located at Vancouver, BC, Toronto, ON and Montreal, QC, where trains connect to the VIA Rail system. Custom tours are available on Amtrak services: the Adirondack (Montreal, QC - New York, NY), the Cascades (Vancouver, BC - Eugene, OR), the Maple Leaf (Toronto, ON—New York, NY) plus many more that offer day trips or overnight journeys.

Amtrak Accommodations Trains travelling long-distance routes use either the two-level Superliner or the one-level Viewliner train car equipment, each of which has sleeping cars with bedrooms.

Sleeping accommodations are available on most long-distance routes and most of Amtrak's long-distance trains include a full-service dining car. The Superliner Roomette, ideal for one or two passengers, is located on both upper and lower levels of the double-decker Superliner cars. A Superliner Bedroom is ideal for two passengers and has a comfortable bed and an upper berth that folds down from above. All Superliner Bedrooms feature private, self-enclosed restrooms with toilet, sink and shower. Also available is a Family Bedroom and an Accessible Bedroom for passengers with mobility impairment. The Viewliner Deluxe Bedroom has two beds, private enclosed shower and bathroom with a sink. The Viewliner Standard Bedroom has beds in this room and the lower berth converts into two seats in the daytime. Each room includes a sink and toilet (not enclosed) and a shower is located down the hall.