The Most Breathtaking Train Journeys in North America

Train travel in North America offers a unique and nostalgic experience that allows passengers to savor the beauty of the landscapes at a leisurely pace. In a world dominated by instant gratification, these train journeys provide a welcome change of pace.

One such enchanting journey is aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a National Historic Landmark that harks back to the 1880s. Departing from Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, this 64-mile route takes passengers through evergreen forests, impressive canyons, and jagged peaks in the Rocky Mountains. The coal-fired steam engine chugs along at a gentle 12 mph, ensuring that travelers don’t miss the wildflowers and craggy canyons. With no cell service along the way, passengers are compelled to relax and enjoy the journey. Tickets for this nostalgic ride start at $115 for adults.

For those seeking a breathtaking ascent, the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway offers a trip to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado. At 14,115 feet above sea level, passengers are treated to snow-covered cliffs, alpine vistas, and the surreal rock formations of the Garden of the Gods. The railway, the highest in the Northern Hemisphere, provides an easy way to reach the summit, and visitors can indulge in high-altitude doughnuts at the top. The Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp offers a relaxing retreat with hot-tub time and outdoor activities like hiking, archery, and stargazing. Tickets for this scenic journey are priced at $58.50 for adults.

For a slice of American history and a leisurely exploration of the Wild West, the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel is a captivating option. Since 1901, travelers, including notable figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Clark Gable, have ridden this railway to admire the Grand Canyon. Departing from Williams, Arizona, the train journey ends at the South Rim’s Historic Village, allowing ample time for canyon exploration. Ideal for families, the ride features lively musicians and cowboy characters, enhancing the nostalgia. Tickets for this historic journey start at $67 for adults.

Venturing north, Via Rail Canada offers an iconic journey from Toronto to Vancouver, known as The Canadian. Passing through the Canadian Shield, prairies, and Rocky Mountains, passengers may spot grizzly bears, mountain goats, bison, and coyotes. The 4-night trip offers various accommodations, including domed lounge cars and art-deco style dining cars. The culinary experience is enhanced with daily menu changes and Canadian beer and wine tastings. Starting at $1,111 CDN ($875), the sleeper car provides a comfortable and scenic way to traverse the diverse Canadian landscapes.

For a luxurious two-day journey, the Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to Red Rocks route takes passengers from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to Moab, Utah. With oversized windows offering panoramic views of canyons, desert cliffs, and rock formations, this trip is a feast for the senses. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the gourmet food served by executive chefs ensures a delightful culinary experience. Tickets for this luxurious journey start at $1,375.

Heading to Alaska, the Denali Star Train offers one of the best ways to experience the majestic scenery of Denali National Park & Preserve. The GoldStar Service, with its glass-domed windows, is a splurge-worthy option. The journey includes stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks, with breathtaking views of Denali on clear days. Tickets for this Alaskan adventure start at $259 for adults.

In the Pacific Northwest, the Amtrak Cascades train journey from Vancouver, B.C. to Eugene, Oregon, takes approximately 11 hours. Passengers can witness seaplanes landing in Vancouver, explore the Experience Music Project Museum in Seattle, watch glass blowers in Tacoma’s Museum of Glass, and visit the world’s largest bookstore in Portland. Ticket prices vary throughout the year.

For a more extended adventure, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight offers a 35-hour rail journey between LA and Seattle. The route showcases Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Portland, with opportunities to explore wineries, craft breweries, and natural wonders like Crater Lake and the Cascades. Ticket prices for this scenic journey vary throughout the year.

Finally, for those with time to spare, the California Zephyr offers an epic 51-hour and 20-minute journey from Emeryville, California, to Chicago. Passengers can take in the Sierra Nevada and Rockies landscapes, with stops for activities like hiking in the Tahoe National Forest and bobsledding in Salt Lake City, Utah. Prices for this extensive journey vary according to travel dates.

These North American railway journeys offer a blend of history, breathtaking landscapes, and a leisurely pace, providing passengers with a unique and memorable travel experience.