Thinking about your summer plans? Whether you want to see incredible Canadian natural wonders or visit some of the country's iconic landmarks, you don't need to book an expensive plane ticket.
Instead of spending all your cash on a flight, you can take the scenic route this summer and travel across Canada with VIA Rail.
VIA Rail offers trips across Canada where the journey is just as gorgeous as the destination, with a range of prices and route options, whether you want to visit the Canadian Rockies, enjoy classic East-Coast living, or do some city hopping.
Ready to get going? Here are seven VIA Rail routes you can book this summer for under $250.
Toronto - Montreal
Price: $54+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: This trip between Toronto and Montreal will only set you back $54 this summer, transporting you from one metropolitan area to another.
Arriving in Montreal at Montreal Central Station, you'll be nearby several points of interest, including the Notre Dame Basilica, where you'll be blown away by breathtaking interiors and some of the oldest neogothic revival religious architecture in Canada.
Montreal's Quartier Des Spectacles is another great stop for entertainment, with tons of festivals, plays, movies, art exhibitions, dance performances, music concerts, comedy shows, and more regularly going on.
Don't miss a wander through the Atwater and Jean Talon markets, and some outdoor time in one Montreal's many parks, like Jean Drapeau, Mont-Royal or La Fontaine.
In Toronto, you'll arrive at Union Station, which gives you easy access to downtown, and several destinations accessible by foot or by public transit.
You can easily walk to iconic attractions like the CN Tower and Ripley's Aquarium from the train station. While you're in the city, be sure to also check out Toronto's historic and charming Distillery District, where you'll find cobblestone streets, boutiques and restaurants.
Edmonton - Vancouver
Price: $209+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: You can take a journey through the Rockies this summer, with prices starting at $209 one way.
In Vancouver, you can explore 400 hectares of rainforest in Stanley Park, visit the largest aquarium in Canada, and enjoy delicious fresh seafood in one of the city's many restaurants.
Be sure to also leave some time to explore Granville Island and visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, an iconic attraction just 15 minutes from the downtown area.
In Edmonton, you can enjoy many attractions, from the immense North Saskatchewan Valley to the city's historical museums.
One not-to-miss spot is the West Edmonton Mall, the largest mall in North America where you can do way more than just shop.
And don't miss out on nearby nature experiences, like Elk Island National Park.
Winnipeg - Churchill
Price: $241+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: Churchill, Manitoba, is a small town located just south of the Arctic Circle.
Known as the "polar bear capital of the world," the town is a one-of-a-kind destination that lies along the migration path of polar bears and beluga whales.
In the winter, it's known as one of the best places in the world for seeing the northern lights. Fall is the time for polar bears and summer is beluga whale season, with the second half of July and first half of August generally offering the best for beluga whale watching.
You can experience Churchill's unparalleled northern landscapes by train this summer, the only dry land connection to the community.
Jasper - Prince Rupert
Price: $163+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: This scenic adventure route takes you between Jasper, Alberta, and Prince Rupert, B.C.
Located on B.C.'s northern coast, Prince Rupert is a town for nature lovers, with amazing fishing, hiking and outdoor adventures.
The town is also a great place for wildlife viewing -- situated within the Great Bear Rainforest region, Prince Rupert offers access to some of the largest wild mammals in the world, including grizzly bears, coastal wolves, orca and humpback whales, and you can also see bald eagles, seals, sea lions and otters within the city limits.
In Jasper, you'll find more incredible nature experiences, like Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies that's known for its wildlife and extensive trails.
The mountain town is also home to the world's second largest dark sky preserve where you can look for comets, stars and the Milky Way.
Montreal - Halifax
Price: $152+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: You can cross the Maritimes in one day on this scenic trip between Montreal and Halifax that delivers breathtaking views on the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean.
In Halifax, enjoy the hustle of the city and downtown area and get beautiful water views at the Halifax waterfront. The city's boardwalk is a four-kilometre long harbourside adventure of shopping, beer gardens, museums, restaurants, tours, playgrounds, and more that you'll want to spend some time exploring.
For more fun on the water, you can visit one of Halifax's beautiful beaches, like Lawrencetown Beach or Crystal Crescent.
For a classic East Coast experience, be sure to make a stop at Peggy's Cove to see the iconic lighthouse, and don't forget to try a donair while you're here.
Toronto - Moncton
Price: $187+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: Head out east on this one-day trip from Toronto to Moncton, New Brunswick.
You can explore Moncton and its surroundings to discover some of the most renowned attractions in New Brunswick, including the world's largest lobster.
You can enjoy the city's many festivals and cultural events, and some delicious sea food, especially in nearby Shediac, the lobster capital of the world.
One must-visit spot in the area is the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, where you can observe the Bay of Fundy's powerful tides (which are the highest in the world), explore sea caves and stacks formed by the water erosion, and walk along the ocean floor.
Ottawa - Quebec City
Price: $54+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: You can take a short trip between Ottawa and Quebec City this summer and experience iconic attractions and European delights.
In Quebec City, you'll find tons of European charm, from the city's cobblestone streets and historic buildings to its French language and culture.
Don't miss Old Quebec City, where you'll find some of the city's cutest corners and streets, like Rue du Petit Champlain.
Dufferin Terrace is another iconic spot in the city that offers great views of the St. Lawrence River and the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Nature lovers will also want to check out Montmorency Falls Park, where you'll find a dramatic 83-metre-high breathtaking waterfall, as well as hiking trails and a zipline.
An equally iconic destination, Ottawa is home to the Parliament of Canada and sites like the Rideau Canal. If you visit in May (aka the unofficial start to Canadian summer), you can catch the Canadian Tulip Festival and take in an array of colourful blooms.
Throughout the summer the city also hosts festivals like the Ottawa Jazz Festival and the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Be sure to leave some time to discover the Byward Market district, Ottawa’s oldest, most concentrated neighbourhood, and Gatineau Park, the largest green space in the region.
Happy travels!
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 adventure.
These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.
The northern lights are seen in an array of colours in Churchill, Manitoba. 
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre in Churchill, Manitoba. 