6 Best train trips to see fall foliage in Canada
4 Minute Read
Summary
- Discover Canada’s best fall foliage train trips, from Agawa Canyon to the Rocky Mountains.
- Explore scenic rail routes showcasing peak autumn colours, iconic landscapes and unique destinations.
- Save on Canadian train travel with CAA Member discounts on select rail journeys.
Autumn is one of the best times of year to travel by rail in Canada, with train trips for every kind of traveller. Canada’s natural landscapes become a riot of colour in the fall, with yellows and oranges complementing the crystalline lakes, mountain peaks and lush forests throughout the country. Few travel experiences showcase these seasonal displays quite like a train journey.
"One of the greatest advantages of train travel in autumn is access to landscapes that are difficult or impossible to reach by road, allowing leaf peepers to enjoy uninterrupted views," says Lia Kupchanko, Director, Retail and Call Centre Sales.
Whether you like luxury train travel, budget train travel, or you want to see the best destinations accessible by train in Canada, there is an autumn rail itinerary for you.
Rocky Mountaineer — First Passage to the West
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Aboard Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West, start in Vancouver for a trip to Banff via Kamloops and Lake Louise. Banff is gorgeous year-round, but especially in autumn. Although you won’t see reds and oranges, this iconic national park is home to larch trees, which turn gold and drop their needles from September to early October. You'll also see the yellow foliage of birches and aspens along the route. This journey will take you through the Spiral Tunnels, across the Continental Divide and over the mighty Fraser River as you dine on meals made with local ingredients and hear riveting stories about the region.
Agawa Canyon Tour Train
On this rail adventure, you’ll travel from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Agawa Canyon Park amidst the rugged beauty of Northern Ontario. From the brilliant hues of Bridal Veil Falls and Black Beaver Falls to the watercolour panorama of the Lookout Trail, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train offers a 10-hour round-trip through remote landscapes accessible only by rail.
VIA Rail — The Ocean
Via Rail’s Atlantic Canada corridor, called The Ocean, connects Montreal and Halifax with stops in Rimouski, Moncton, Truro and more.
Fall foliage peaks between late September and early November, so plan to travel sometime during those dates if you want to experience rolling hills crested in gold and the soft yellow grasses of Nova Scotia’s dunes. From local flora and fauna to world-famous cuisine, including succulent lobster, this trip is customizable for your budget and bucket list.
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Ontario Northland — Polar Bear Express
The Polar Bear Express links Cochrane, Ontario with Moosonee, Ontario, a paradise for hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities. Tucked into the bottom of James Bay, Moosonee is a remote northern town surrounded by the vibrant yellows and oranges of its province. The journey takes about five hours each way, so allow at least one full day for this expedition.
Portage Flyer Train (Muskoka Heritage Place)
All aboard the 1948 diesel-electric locomotive located in Huntsville, Ontario, right in the heart of scenic Muskoka. The Portage Flyer Train is a short loop along the Muskoka River to the edge of Fairy Lake, each framed by the scarlets and burnt oranges of autumn.
More than a train trip, this is an opportunity for families to learn about the history of the railway and the technology that powers it. Algonquin country turns brilliant from late September to mid-October; make the trip during that timeframe to see the best fall leaves.
South Simcoe Railway
The Beeton Creek Valley unfurls vibrant hues along the railroad tracks, with such stunning russets and vermilions that the South Simcoe Railway runs dedicated Fall Colour Excursions from September 26 to October 18.
You'll sit in comfort on a 1920s-style historic diesel locomotive and travel the way old-timers did, learning about the train route that once connected Hamilton with Barrie and Collingwood.
Experience autumn by rail
Are you ready to embark on a fall expedition across Canada? CAA Members save on rail travel across the country.
If you're planning to see the leaves from a train this fall, use your Membership to save up to 20 per cent on Via Rail fare. CAA Members also save up to $250 per person when travelling onboard Rocky Mountaineer, when booked with CAA Travel.
Book an appointment with a CAA Travel Agent to get your trip on track.
