Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
MTL Blog Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with MTL Blog Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

2 Canadian Train Trips Derailed The Competition In A Ranking Of The World's Best Routes

All aboard! 🚂

Two people aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian, Right: View from the Rockey Mountaineer train.

Two people aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian, Right: View from the Rockey Mountaineer train.

Assistant Editor

Now that Canada’s international travel restrictions have been given the boot, you might be inclined to book your next trip ASAP — and we don’t blame ya. So, if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to explore the globe, train travel offers up an experience that you won't find with your typical cruise or airline.

For those of you who are keen on choo-choo-ing your way across Canada or any worldwide destination but aren’t entirely sure how and where to look, Condé Nast Traveler’s recent ranking of best rail journeys has got you covered.

The travel magazine released its 35th annual Readers’ Choice Awards winners for the world's best train trips— and two of ‘em just so happen to be right here in Canada.

The Canadian managed to land in the 14th spot out of 20. The trip, offered by VIA Rail, allows you to enjoy your very own private cabin, private washroom and built-in entertainment as part of its Prestige Class.

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer followed in the 15th spot. According to Condé Nast Traveler the journey “leaves no sight unseen as you traverse the dramatic scenery between Vancouver, British Columbia and Banff or Jasper, Alberta.”

The website also mentions that the railway journey was founded in 1990 and has since transported more than two million guests — making it one of the most extensive privately-owned premium tourist train trips in the world.

If you’re looking to set your sights on some international spots, then here’s the full list of best train trips in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler readers:

  1. Steven Stars In Kyushu — Japan
  2. Belmond Andean Explorer — Peru
  3. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express — France & Switzerland
  4. Palace On Wheels — India
  5. Belmond Hiram Bingham — Peru
  6. The Ghan — Australia
  7. Rovos Rails — Africa
  8. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train — Southeast Asia
  9. Northern Belle — United Kingdom
  10. Al Andalus — Spain
  11. British Pullman, A Belmond Train — England
  12. Golden Eagle Danube Express — Europe
  13. Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train — Scotland
  14. The Canadian — Canada
  15. Rocky Mountaineer — North America
  16. Inca Rail — South America
  17. Deccan Odyssey — India
  18. The Maharajas’ Express — India
  19. Golden Chariot — India
  20. La Trochita (The Old Patagonian Express) — South America

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

Explore this list   👀

    • Assistant Editor

      Mike Chaar was an assistant editor & writer for MTL Blog. You might recognize him from bylines in Men's Health, FanSided, Contiki, and ScreenRant, to name a few. Mike's work has also appeared on the 'Real Housewives' and 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' When Mike isn't typing away, you can find him at his fave sushi spot, listening to one of Mariah Carey's 19 number-one hits or creating content.

    Montreal Jobs New

    Post jobView more jobs

    A cozy seaside gem near Montreal was just named North America's 'most peaceful' town

    Canadian towns dominated the list, claiming five of the top six spots.