The Prices of Train & Rail Tours to Canada
Jump to: Best Tours | Tour Prices
Few things capture the romance of travel quite like exploring Canada by train. With scenic views rolling past your window, train and rail tours offer a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and timeless charm. Imagine gliding through picturesque villages, vast countrysides, and historic cities—all without the hassle of driving or planning. Whether it's a leisurely ride through scenic landscapes or an iconic rail journey, these tours make travel as enjoyable as the destination itself.
In this guide, we'll break down the costs of train and rail tours in Canada, highlight the standout options, and share the must-visit destinations that make these trips truly magical. To ensure you find the best rail adventure, we've analyzed a variety of tours, comparing prices, quality, amenities, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you're dreaming of a budget-friendly excursion or a luxury rail escape, these tours are your ticket to a stress-free journey with a view. All aboard for an unforgettable adventure!
Why does Canada appeal to sightseers?
Canada's efficient and scenic rail network appeals to travelers looking to explore in comfort and style. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Jasper National Park is known for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty. Quebec City, Whistler, and Toronto are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. You can't miss the nightlife of Toronto, Montreal, and Whistler, either. The region's blend of iconic destinations and breathtaking rail routes makes it ideal for exploring by train.
How much do Train & Rail Tours in Canada cost?
The average price per day for train and rail tours in Canada is $513, based on our analysis of 10 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $282 to $827 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $358 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $704 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
The Best Tours in Canada
Budget-Friendly Tours
Budget-friendly and affordable train and rail tours in Canada average $358 per day, with daily prices from $282 to $417. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out Canadian Train Odyssey here.
Mid-Range Tours
For typical train and rail tours in Canada that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $487 per day. Daily prices range from $426 to $519. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is Canadian Rockies by Train.
Luxury Tours
Luxury train and rail tours in Canada average around $487 per day, with daily costs ranging from $597 to $827. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is Great Canadian Rail Journey.
Which tour companies offer these trips?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer train and rail tours in Canada. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Cosmos
Cosmos is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. A number of their tours visit destinations in Europe and North America. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Canada, Italy, and Argentina. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as snorkelling, cooking classes, and wine tasting.
Globus
Globus is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Great Britain, Italy, and Canada. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, snorkelling, and whale watching.
Collette
Collette is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, and France. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and camping.
Tours of Distinction
Tours of Distinction is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Many of their tours visit North America and Europe. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Canada, France, and Great Britain. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.
See All Tours from Tours of Distinction
Departure Destinations in Canada
Wondering where tours launch from in Canada? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a popular Canadian city on the west coast. It has a spectacular setting between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. It's also a diverse city with a vibrant Asian population and many great restaurants. Visitors enjoy the cultural opportunities that the city offers, but also appreciate the opportunities to get out into nature in the surrounding areas.
Calgary
Calgary is a growing city that mixes modern skyscrapers with western culture. You'll find rodeos and local festivals that pay tribute to the city's agricultural past, but there are also science museums and a growing art scene. The city serves as a gateway to the Canadian Rockies, so many hikers and travelers pass through enroute.
Kamloops
Kamloops is a city that sits at the junction of the North and South Thompson Rivers. The area is filled with hiking trails and nearby ski resorts. There's also wildlife and many beautiful parks to explore.
Victoria
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. It is filled with parks and flower gardens, making it a beautiful place to visit. The city has many striking buildings as well, and a friendly atmosphere that is very welcoming.
More
Other popular destinations for train & rail tours through Canada include Banff National Park, Charlottetown, Lunenburg, Canmore, and Kingston.
Train & Rail Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
If you're debating whether to plan your trip solo or join a guided tour, take some time to reflect on the pros and cons of both options.
Organized Tours
Pros- Guided tours ensure you see all the major attractions efficiently.
- Professional guides provide historical context and interesting facts.
- You don’t need to navigate or worry about transportation.
- Tickets and entry to popular sights are often pre-arranged.
- Group tours can offer discounts on attractions and services.
- Local guides help you discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots.
- Tours often include additional perks like meals or refreshments.
- The itinerary is planned for you, saving you time and effort.
- You can meet other travelers with similar interests.
- Guides help with language barriers and local customs.
- The fixed schedule may not align with your personal preferences.
- Tours may include stops that don’t interest you as much as others.
- You have less flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace.
- Some tours cater to general audiences and may lack depth.
Independent Travel
Pros- You can create an itinerary tailored to your specific interests.
- Independent travel allows you to spend as much time as you want at each location.
- You have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
- Flexibility allows you to visit attractions on your own schedule.
- You can discover unique experiences not included in standard tours.
- Researching and planning can be time-consuming.
- You must navigate unfamiliar places on your own.
- Managing transportation between attractions can be challenging.
- Popular attractions may sell out or have long lines.
- You might miss out on local insights provided by professional guides.
- Language barriers can make communication more difficult.
- There’s no support system if unexpected issues arise during your trip.
Which is cheaper?
Are guided train and rail tours worth the money compared to independent travel? It depends on the specifics. Tours combine accommodations, meals, transport, tickets, and activities into a single cost, while independent travelers manage and pay for these individually. To determine which is more affordable, compare the tour's total price with what you'd spend booking everything separately. Preferences like staying in low-cost lodging or indulging in fine dining can influence whether a tour costs more or less. Make sure to check out the tour package to see what is included, or not, very carefully before deciding.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Wildlife Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, The Best Historical Tours in Canada, The Best 10-Day Tours in Canada, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada, The Best 3-Day Tours in Canada, The Best 2-Week Tours in Canada, The Best 3-Week Tours in Canada, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Canada, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, The Best Eco Tours in Canada, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Canada, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Canada, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Canada, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Cultural Tours in Canada, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Canada, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Canada, The Best Photography Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Canada, The Best Walking Tours in Canada, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Canada, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, The Best Budget Tours to Canada, The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best 3-Day Tours from Algonquin Provincial Park, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Calgary, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Montreal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Toronto, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Halifax, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Whitehorse, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Winnipeg, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Quebec City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Calgary, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best 10-Day Tours from Toronto, The Best 2-Week Tours from Vancouver, The Best 2-Week Tours from Toronto, The Best 2-Week Tours from Halifax, The Best 2-Week Tours from Calgary, The Best 2-Week Tours from Whitehorse, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Montreal for more package tour options.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.