The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
Guided Rail Tours

Rail travel style

Guided Rail Tours

Small-group escorted journeys with on-board hosts and excursions.

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Travel style overview

What this style is all about.

Escorted rail journeys with a host who handles every check-in, transfer and excursion. Small groups, planned dining, and a guaranteed seat on the train.

Best for

  • Solo travellers
  • First-time international visitors
  • Travellers who prefer not to plan
  • Multi-generation groups

Best season

Late April – mid-October for most departures.

What's included

A quick comparison.

Tour director onboard and on the ground

Pre-booked excursions and meals

Small-group size (typically 18–28)

All transfers and tipping handled

Featured rail journeys

Best journeys for guided rail tours.

Rocky MountaineerCanadaLuxury daylight

Rocky Mountaineer

Glass-domed coaches, gourmet plated dining and the unfolding theatre of the Canadian Rockies — all in daylight.

Vancouver → Banff / Jasper 2–7 days
From From $2,499Explore Journey
Venice Simplon-Orient-ExpressUltra-luxury

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Restored 1920s carriages, black-tie dining and a slow theatre of European landscapes drifting past.

London → Venice 2 days
From From $4,200Explore Journey
Rovos RailEdwardian luxury

Rovos Rail

Mahogany-panelled suites, observation cars and a measured roll across the South African Karoo.

Cape Town → Pretoria 3 days
From From $3,100Explore Journey
White Pass & Yukon RouteCanadaScenic

White Pass & Yukon Route

A narrow-gauge climb over the Klondike gold rush trail — sheer cliffs, glaciers and Yukon wilderness in a single afternoon.

Skagway → Carcross Half day
From from $150 CADExplore Journey
Agawa Canyon Tour TrainCanadaScenic

Agawa Canyon Tour Train

A single-day round-trip into one of Ontario's most spectacular canyons — at its absolute best when the maple forests turn.

Sault Ste. Marie → Agawa Canyon Full day
From from $130 CADExplore Journey

Pair it with

Build a bigger trip.

Pre/post hotel nights

National Park day tours

Cultural and Indigenous experiences

Explore National Parks Browse Itineraries Experiences

Other rail styles

Explore another way to ride.

Luxury Rail Vacations

Suites, butlers, fine wine and crystal stemware on rails.

Explore

Scenic Rail Journeys

Daylight rides through glaciers, gorges and coastlines.

Explore

Rail & Cruise Vacations

Pair an iconic train with a Pacific or Mediterranean sailing.

Explore

Rail & Hotel Packages

Add nights in Banff, Lucerne or Kyoto to bookend the journey.

Explore

Independent Rail Adventures

Pass-based, self-guided travel — your route, your pace.

Explore

Planning assistance

Talk to our rail travel concierge.

Tell us what you're hoping to experience and we'll share ideas, sample itineraries and honest advice — no booking pressure.

We help you build the trip — no booking pressure, no obligation.

Find Your Perfect Rail Journey Read planning guides