Every school kid in Canada remembers learning about the Last Spike. When, in 1885, with a single swing of a hammer, the ceremonial spike was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway in Cragellachia, British Columbia, and the country was united by a transcontinental ribbon of steel.
But in an age of air travel, riding the rails in Canada has become less of a necessity and more of a pleasure trip. And there’s undoubtedly much joy awaiting, relaxing in a comfortable seat while the grandeur of the Rockies, maritime beaches, or the endless prairies rolls by outside a passenger train window. If you’re looking for a slow travel approach to exploring Canada, here are five of the best ways to see the country from the tracks.
