8 VIA Rail trips from Toronto to take this summer that lead to breathtaking natural wonders
With summer just around the corner, now's the perfect time to start planning some summer trips to iconic natural wonders.
This summer, why not enjoy the journey just as much as the destination? Instead of hopping on a plane, you can take the scenic route this summer with VIA Rail.
There are so many VIA Rail trips from Toronto that will take you to majestic natural wonders, like waterfalls, mountains, and mesmerizing blue lakes.
The best part is, you can sit back and relax and enjoy the ride without all the stress of driving or having to catch a plane.
Ready to get going? Here are eight VIA Rail trips from Toronto you'll want to check out this summer.
Toronto to Niagara Falls
Price: $25 one-way
Why You Need To Go: You can easily visit Niagara Falls this summer from Toronto for less than you'd probably spend on lunch.
While you'll of course want to take in the stunning waterfall, there are tons of other fun things to do in the area.
Be sure to leave some time in your day to explore the many attractions around Clifton Hill, like the Niagara Skywheel, Movieland Wax Museum, and year-round open house Nightmares Fear Factory.
If you get hungry, there are a number of restaurants on the strip, including Canada's only remaining Rainforest Cafe.
Other must-visit attractions in the Niagara area include the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory, where you can interact with over 2,000 colourful butterflies, Journey Behind The Falls, and the White Water Walk.
Toronto to Ottawa
Price: $54+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: You can hop on board VIA Rail and be transported to Canada's capital this summer.
Ottawa is home to the Parliament of Canada and iconic 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.
Be sure to check out the stunning Gatineau Park, the largest green space in the region and the second most visited park in Canada where you can swim, hike and bike, and visit the beautiful Pink Lake.
There are plenty of other things to do in the city throughout the summer, including festivals like the Ottawa Jazz Festival and the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Toronto to Brockville
Price: $43+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: Known as the "City of 1000 Islands," Brockville is a must-visit destination this summer for adventure.
Located on the St. Lawrence River, the city is a gateway to the 1000 Islands. 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises depart several times daily from Blockhouse Island, taking visitors on excursions of the eastern end the islands.
Brockville is also home to some of the world’s best freshwater scuba diving, and enthusiasts can explore century-old shipwrecks and statues located along the bottom of the river.
While you're here, don't miss a chance to check out the historic Brockville Railway Tunnel. The tunnel, which is Canada's first railway tunnel, passes half a kilometre from Brockville’s waterfront, and is decked out with lights and music.
There are plenty of other outdoor activities available in the area, including kayaking and fishing.
Toronto to Quebec City
Price: $96+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: In Quebec City, you'll find a perfect blend of city and nature this summer.
Nature lovers will definitely want to check out Montmorency Falls, a dramatic 83-metre-high breathtaking waterfall that's even taller than Niagara Falls.
The falls are located just 15 minutes from Old Quebec in Montmorency Falls Park, which also has hiking trails and a zipline.
The city also offers a European charm, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings and 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.
The gorgeous street is known for its European architecture and quaint stores, and looks like something out of a fairytale.
Toronto to Halifax
Price: $224+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy a scenic train ride from Toronto to Halifax that will lead you to Canada's ocean playground.
Just 40 minutes from the train station, you can visit the iconic Peggy's Cove. An iconic Nova Scotia attraction, Peggy's Cove is a stunning area where you can see the historic lighthouse built in 1915, watch waves crash along the coastline and explore the rocks.
Peggy's Cove is also an active fishing village, and you can even go on a tour of the area. Keep your eyes peeled while you explore, because you might spot whales or seals just off the coast!
Don't forget to try some classic East Coast food while you're here, like lobster.
Toronto to Moncton
Price: $198+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: This trip will take you from YYZ to the "entertainment capital" of Atlantic Canada.
In Moncton, you can experience Acadian culture, enjoy fresh seafood, and see the tidal bore, a phenomenon caused by the Bay of Fundy tides.
Just 30 minutes from the city, you can visit the iconic Hopewell Rocks. The Hopewell Rocks are 23 sea stacks that can be found along the shoreline of the Bay of Fundy.
When the tide is high, the stacks appear much smaller, with only the tops poking out from the water.
However, if you wait about six hours, the area changes drastically; the tide recedes so far out that it exposes the rocks completely, transforming them into huge, towering formations.
While the tide is low, you'll be able to walk on the ocean floor, explore secluded coves and sea caves, and find newly exposed treasures like sea glass, fossils and semi-precious stones.
Toronto to Jasper
Price: $424+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: You can visit Canada's Rockies this summer on this scenic train ride from Toronto.
Just minutes from the train station, you can head to Jasper National Park, a stunning national park with endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Here, you can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and almost any other water activity you can think of, in addition to a multitude of hiking and biking trails.
Be sure to check out the Miette Hot Springs, where you can soak in 40°C water.
The park is also a great place to spot wildlife like caribou, elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears, and wolves.
As the world's second-largest dark sky preserve, Jasper National Park is also a great place to stargaze, so be sure to stick around after dark.
Toronto to Vancouver
Price: $514+ one-way
Why You Need To Go: On board VIA Rail's Canadian train, which has been called one of the best train rides in Canada, you can go from Toronto to the West Coast and take in the beauty of Vancouver.
Less than 20 minutes from the station, you can visit Grouse Mountain, the "alpine playground" of the city.
Here, you can enjoy a skyride that will give you jaw-dropping views of B.C.'s majestic nature, visit a wilderness sanctuary home to grizzly bears, try ziplining and take on the Grouse Grind, a 90-minute trek called "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" because of its steep grade and elevation gain of about 850 metres.
Also in the area are the city's iconic Stanley Park and the Vancouver Seawall.
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.
