Page 23 - 2026-2027 Travel Guide to Canada

the Prairies to boreal forest and subarctic
tundra. You’ll travel through many unique
communities and enjoy awe-inspiring
views. Once in Churchill, you’ll be immersed
in untamed wilderness. Bask in the warm
village atmosphere and experience some
truly memorable moments. Be ready for
adventure as you enter this world of
exceptional flora and fauna, which includes
polar bears in autumn, belugas in summer as
well as the magical northern lights during
winter (www.viarail.ca).
AGAWA CANYON TOUR TRAIN
Fans of the legendary Group of Seven artists
will want to journey into the remote northern
Ontario wilderness that inspired these
talented painters on-board the Algoma Central
Railway’s Agawa Canyon Tour Train. The 367-
km (228-mi.) round trip from Sault Ste. Marie
winds through the spectacular canyon from
early August to mid-October, with peak fall
foliage viewing between mid-September to
early October. Wildlife lovers and nature
enthusiasts alike are attracted to the natural
beauty. Expect stops at Mile 114 and prepare
for exciting hikes to the floor of the Agawa
Canyon, created by glacial retreat some
10,000 years ago. A GPS-triggered commen-
tary in six languages makes sure you don’t
miss a thing along the way, telling stories of
fur traders, explorers and the Ojibway people.
While spring and summer tours are
certainly beautiful, autumn is the most
popular time for this train tour. In fact, so
many leaf peepers come looking for autumn
colours that booking well ahead is
recommended (www.agawatrain.com).
AGAWA CANYON TRAIN • RUSS HEINL/DREAMSTIME
21
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER TRAIN TRAVELLING THROUGH THE SCENIC ROCKY MOUNTAINS •
RICHARD JACYNO/ DREAMSTIME
WHITE PASS &
YUKON ROUTE RAILWAY
If you’ve ever longed to see Canada’s farthest
northern locations, such as the Klondike
Gold Rush country, you’ll want to book a seat
on the long-serving diesel and steam
locomotives of the White Pass & Yukon
Route Railway. This authentic vintage train,
an International Historic Civil Engineering
Landmark, makes a steep 914 m (3,000 ft.)
climb through gorges and glaciers on a
narrow-gauge track. Retrace the original
route to the White Pass Summit, passing
Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead
Horse Gulch. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama
of mountains, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles
and historic sites (www.wpyr.com).
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
Is the Rocky Mountaineer at the top of your
bucket list? You’re not alone! Featuring once-
in-a-lifetime views of majestic mountains,
glittering lakes and pristine western
Canadian wilderness, this iconic train offers
a spectacular experience. Guests can choose
from two levels of service: SilverLeaf or
GoldLeaf, both of which include delectable
food and wine, outstanding attention to
detail and fascinating, informative on-board
commentaries. Multi-day excursions include
such iconic destinations as Vancouver,
Whistler, Lake Louise, Jasper, Calgary, Banff
and Kamloops. Add optional excursions such
as city tours and helicopter rides to your
itinerary and enjoy the overnight accommo-
dations included in Rocky Mountaineer trips
(www.rockymountaineer.com).
TRAIN DE CHARLEVOIX
This rail adventure travels 125 km (78 mi.)
through the stunning but remote country-
side between Québec City’s Montmorency
Falls and La Malbaie, stopping in seven
picturesque towns and coastal villages as
travellers enjoy a gorgeous view of the
St. Lawrence River. The service runs daily
from mid-May to the end of October, and
weekend service in November
(www.traindecharlevoix.com).
POLAR BEAR EXPRESS
Enveloped in the warm embrace of vintage
charm, passengers settle into their seats,
their faces illuminated by the soft glow of
dawn filtering through the windows as the
rhythmic symphony of the Polar Bear
Express passenger train begins its pilgrimage
through a wilderness untouched by time.
Along the route, nature’s tableau unfolds
in all its splendour: dense forests give way to
meandering rivers, while snow-capped
peaks tower majestically against the
horizon. Yet amidst this grandeur, it’s the
camaraderie amongst travellers that truly
defines the Polar Bear Express experience.
Here, strangers become confidants, sharing
stories as they savour hearty meals from the
onboard café. So, whether bound for
adventure or returning home, all who
journey aboard the Polar Bear Express are
united by the spirit of exploration and the
enduring promise of the northern frontier.
Serving as the vital artery connecting the
remote communities of Moosonee and
Moose Factory to the bustling town of
Cochrane, this iconic passenger train
transcends mere transportation—it’s a
cherished symbol of resilience and unity
that recently celebrated its 60th anniversary
of operation (www.ontarionorthland.ca/
en/travel/polar-bear-express-passenger-
train)