Picture this: the wind in your hair and a Canadian landscape rolling by as you cross the country on a wonderful train journey, watching the colours of the east blend with he beauty of the west. It’s time to experience a unique travel adventure as you embark on a journey from East to West on a cross-country train ride through the majestic wilderness of Canada.
1. Following the Tracks: Setting off on a Trans-Canada Adventure
Day one of a journey across Canada was about to start. I loaded the car, filled the flask, and began the off-road adventure.
To begin, travelling north from Vancouver and into the Rocky Mountains was the first leg of the journey. I kept my eyes peeled for wildlife popping up along the road, with elk, deer and mountain goats along the drive. Making a turn off down a dusty path, I found a hidden gem of an RV campsite. The most incredible views of the valley were in front of me. It was time to put the tent up and start cooking dinner!
The next day was full of outdoor activities. After enjoying a peaceful morning, I set out to explore the following:
- Whitewater rafting down the raging river for an adrenaline rush
- Hiking up to a glacier lake in the heart of the mountains
- Cycling down the switchback roads
After experiencing all the mountainous terrain had to offer, I loaded back into the car to continue across the prairies. Keeping my eyes peeled to the ground, I was lucky enough to spot some wild mustangs running along the horizon. The warm air grew thicker and thicker, evidence of summer setting in across central Canada.
2. Rustic Railway Stops: Exploring the Heritage Along the Way
Train travel offers an interesting way to explore the rustic heritage of a destination. For many, the railway stops along the way provide a unique insight into local culture and traditions. From the British steam trains of yesteryear to the superfast high-speed locomotives of today, every railway station evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Discovering the Heritage Along the Way
- Take time to explore the railway station buildings, monuments or any other attractions nearby.
- Pay attention to the local heritage such as museum exhibits or artworks.
- Seek out historical photographs or accounts to gain an understanding of the station’s place in the area.
From the bright bustling concourses of Paris Gare du Nord to the sleepy rural stops of the Highlands of Scotland, each railway journey can be a unique experience. Take the opportunity to get off the train and wander the streets of rural England or visit the old market square in a picturesque French town.
The railway journey could also offer a unique opportunity to get to know the history and customs of a specific region more intimately. Discover the tales of young soldiers leaving on the train in the Second World War, or the stories of merchants who frequented these stations regularly. Remember that the many railway stops were once part of a vibrant culture and community and the stories of their inhabitants can still be discovered today.
3. Taking in the View: Splendours of Canada from the Great White North to the Rocky Mountains
Canada offers some of the most breathtaking and serene natural views the world has to offer. From the isolated Great White North in the Arctic tundra, to the majestic Rocky Mountains in the West, the scale of Canada’s landscapes is truly unparalleled and must be seen to be believed! Here are the highlights of what these stunning locations have to offer.
- The Great White North – The remoteness of Canada’s great wilderness is truly serene. With infinite horizons, vast fields of snow, and the Aurora Borealis to light up the night sky, a trip to the northern wilds of Canada is a journey unlike any other.
- Beautiful Boreal Forests – Forming a natural buffer between the Great White North and the Rocky Mountains, Canada’s Boreal Forests provide a unique blend of boreal and subarctic landscapes. Standing among the towering conifer trees of Canadian boreal forest, and amongst the endless wilderness of snow, is an experience that will stay with you forever.
- The Rocky Mountains – The Rocky Mountains are undoubtedly one of the most majestic of Canada’s natural attractions. From the serene peaks of the snow-covered Rockies, to the roaring glacial rivers that flow beneath them – the Rocky Mountains offer a truly unforgettable view of the Canadian wilderness.
From the Great White North to the Rocky Mountains, Canada has it all. With its diverse landscapes, endless skies, and breathtaking vistas – Canada is definitely a must-see for all nature-lovers!
4. All Aboard: Experiences Connecting Travellers in Time and Place
When you think of travelling, probably the first thing that comes to mind is exotic icons of far-off places: the pyramids in Giza, the Taj Mahal in India, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. But to get a true sense of time and place, sometimes these touristy icons don’t even provide the full picture.
To best appreciate a destination through local eyes, taking a train is the best way to go. Following the tracks as they snake through the countryside, taking numerous stops along the way, provides unique views that are far off the beaten path. It’s not every day that you get a chance to rub elbows with the people who actually live and work in the places you’re exploring, to truly connect and feel what it’s like to inhabit their daily lives.
Here are some of the experiences that will stay with you for years to come:
- The gentle motion of a train car – Instead of rushing past with the hectic pace of a car ride, the lulling motion of a train car encourages relaxation and mindfulness.
- Creating a sense of community – Interacting with fellow passengers, the sense of communal discovery is palpable. As the scenery changes for everyone, conversations transition to feelings of wonderment and wondering.
- Explore new environments – From magical forests to sprawling mountain ranges, the terrain you traverse en route to the destination can be equally captivating.
Trains connect travelers with the present moment, a moment that can’t be replaced. As landscapes change and you share experiences with newfound friends, the power of being connected in time and place is something special – something that can only be achieved by being a part of a traveler community.
5. Cruising the Lines: A Journey to Remember, Across Vast Expanses of Space and Time
Cruising the lines is one of the most spectacular, most serene adventure a space traveler can experience. Cascades of stars shift in exquisite entanglements, galaxies drift in a mysterious dance full of musical harmonies, and a majestic realm of wonders unfolds in front of one’s eyes.
As the journey progresses, a curious explorer will find remarkable experiences. The beauty of traversing through space and time can sometimes come as a shock. Encountering unexpected phenomena like novas and solar flares, or being adrift in a gravity well; all these encounters can shape the soul of a traveler, changing their perspective on life and the universe.
But space is much more than its astonishing features. The sense of freedom and awe of being out there, venturing beyond the edges of solar systems brings a pleasurable sensation to any space voyager. Even the initial feeling of being isolated can bring inner peace, allowing one to know themselves deeper and contemplate what lies in front of them.
- Glimpsing into star-clusters
- Catching a glimpse of a passing comet
- Flying through a newly formed nebula
These and countless other moments create a journey that can be remembered forever. As one heeds the call of adventure into the uncharted depths of space they will find that cruising the lines can be a transformative experience.
So there you have it—a unique experience that combines comfort, sight-seeing, and plenty of adventure. From the windy sea shores of Nova Scotia to the majestic Rocky Mountains of Alberta, a cross-country trip by train is an unparalleled adventure and a great way to experience the true grandness of Canada. Where will you go, and what stories will you tell?