A Top Rail Journey in North America

Six Remarkable North American Rail Journeys 

Rail travel once revolutionised North American transport. Nineteenth and twentieth-century railroads expedited continent-wide movement. Today, historic excursion trains offer leisurely travel and enjoyable day trips. These journeys showcase spectacular vistas. Onboard food service and magnificent open-air observation areas enhance the experience. Diesel and steam-powered locomotives venture into natural landscapes accessible only by train. These trips offer educational insights into ecology, geology, and history. Almost all are handicap accessible. Fares often remain below $150. These journeys offer glimpses into the continent's diverse natural splendour.  

Agawa Canyon Tour Train 

Just north of the US-Canada border, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, lies one of Canada’s most scenic rail journeys. The former Algoma Central Railway once transported iron ore and lumber. It now traverses the ancient Agawa Canyon. This region’s beauty has inspired various tourist-oriented passenger services. The updated service is now the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. Day-long trips allow guests to absorb the landscape. They can view the scenery from inside or by walking around. The 114-mile route starts at 8am. It travels through the untouched Canadian Shield backcountry. The trip takes roughly four hours. A pre-recorded presentation details interesting sites. At mile 102, a 500-foot drop leads to the canyon base. Trains alone can access this area. Upon arrival, passengers disembark for 90 minutes. They can explore hiking trails, impressive views, and waterways within the canyon park. The train then returns. 

August service runs Friday through Monday. Tickets cost CA$150 (around £82 or 104). Peak foliage season increases the price to CA$166. Passengers can pre-order snacks. They can also bring their own food. A seating upgrade offers a full rear window, better visibility, and reclining, rotating chairs. Cultural guides offer tours focusing on the region’s indigenous peoples. Specialty trips incorporate entomology and flight museums. This creates a unique rail experience. 

Image Credit - NY Times

Skunk Train 

Northern California Redwood Forests make an exceptional destination. The California Western Railroad, founded in 1885, facilitated logging. Today, these tracks provide access to ancient redwoods. These trees are Earth’s tallest living organisms. The scenic landscapes enhance the experience. The Skunk Train got its name from its early petroleum-based railcars. These vehicles no longer emit strong odours. The train operates with vintage viewing coaches. Repurposed merchandise carts now accommodate passengers. Two lines offer different viewing experiences. One focuses on the journey's start, the other on the destination. From Willits, the two-hour Wolf Tree tour covers 32 miles. This round trip ventures into the Noyo River valley. The valley is rich with redwoods up to 1,500 years old. Riders stop halfway to observe the Wolf Tree. 

The Fort Bragg route follows a river and delta. This 3.5-mile stretch runs from Fort Bragg to Glenn Blair Station. Glenn Blair Station rests among redwoods. Return trips offer choices. Passengers can re-board immediately, take a later departure, or stroll along a pedestrian route. Year-round access starts at $50. Various packages are available. Special trips feature antique steam locomotives. On weekends, the halfway point becomes a redwood-surrounded tavern. This unique venue is accessible only by train. It offers entertainment, treats, and live music. 

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad 

West Virginia boasts numerous heritage railways. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad offers a well-established route. It guides visitors through The Trough. This Appalachian wooded canyon is reachable only on foot or by rail. The journey blends history and picturesque scenery. In 1748, George Washington surveyed the area. The area retains his name for it. Indigenous eagles inhabit the canyon's mountains and ridges. Knowledgeable staff describe these protected birds. 

The standard tour, from Romney, is a 35-mile round trip. It crosses the aforementioned area and its iconic bridge. Passengers remain on board. Seating options range from standard to four tiers of fine dining. Each tier features vintage furnishings. Two open-air sections offer unobstructed views. Restored 1950s trains power the entire collection. Standard tours last approximately three hours. Adult tickets start at $74. Tickets are available from April to November. Special twilight tours run during summer. The Potomac Eagle occasionally travels to Petersburg. From there, it connects with guided cave explorations. 

Image Credit - NY Times

El Chepe Express 

Southern areas of the United States are witnessing renewed interest in rail travel. Yucatan's Tren Maya provides regional connectivity. An east-west train aims to revitalise rural routes. However, Mexico’s most famous tourist train remains El Chepe. Many know it as the Copper Canyon Railway. Construction began in the early 1900s. The full 390-mile stretch opened in 1961. It connects the eastern desert and coast to the western interior. Copper Canyon is deeper and wider than the Grand Canyon. The journey begins at sea level and climbs to 7,800 feet. The route includes 86 tunnels. One tunnel features a 180-degree turn and a 100-foot drop in altitude within the canyon walls. 

"The Chepe" (short for Chihuahua al Pacifico) was originally a supply line. Luxury was not a priority. A cheaper line still serves this purpose. El Chepe Express caters exclusively to tourists. Established about five years ago, it offers luxurious amenities. Panoramic windows, especially near the central bar, enhance the view. First-class fares provide open-air access and priority use of the upper-deck dining car. One-way fares start at MXN 2,900 (around £130 or $143) and rise to MXN 5,400. Partial trips and multi-day lodging are available along the route. The El Fuerte to Creel section is a highlight. It features most of the line’s 39 bridges. 

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad 

This US National Historic Landmark dates back nearly 150 years. The 65-mile narrow-gauge line is remarkably high and traverses varied terrain. It crosses between Colorado and New Mexico eleven times. It travels through canyons, grassy plains, and aspen woodlands. Scenes from the opening chase of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" were filmed along this route. 

Two vantage points stand out. The train hugs cliffs and precipices. It skirts an 800-foot gorge. It then climbs to the line’s highest point. At just over 10,000 feet, this is one of the highest rail lines in the US. Even in summer, frost can occur on the mountain plains. Excursions operate from both ends from May to October. Lunch is included. The full journey takes at least eight hours each way, plus a one-hour bus transfer. Passengers choose from four carriage classes. The top class features wood-panelled interiors. All passengers can access open-air gondola cars. A GPS-triggered audio guide provides historical information. Five restored steam engines power the trains. 

Image Credit - NY Times

Mount Washington Cog Railway 

Showman P.T. Barnum once dismissed the Mount Washington Cog Railway as less exciting than his own shows. Yet this railway offers a unique experience. Its climb is among the steepest in the world. Special mechanisms propel the train up Northeast’s highest peak. The summit, over 6,000 feet, features an alpine environment. Frigid, turbulent conditions are common. In 1934, the area recorded a ground wind speed of 231 mph and a temperature of -47°F. 

“The Cog” operates year-round. Winter tours last one hour each way. They start 2,700 feet up and do not reach the summit. Hot meals and refreshments are available. Open fireplaces provide a cosy setting. May to October services reach the summit. Visitors can explore the former summit house, now a historic site. Biodiesel powers most trains. A few coal-fired steam engines also operate. Winter tickets start at just over $50. Coal-fired summer trips cost roughly double. 

Grand Canyon Railway 

The Grand Canyon Railway offers daily service to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Departing from Williams, Arizona, this 65-mile journey immerses passengers in the changing landscapes of the American Southwest. The historic railway, dating back to 1901, offers a blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. Live entertainment and western characters add to the atmosphere. The train arrives at the Grand Canyon Depot, just steps from the South Rim. Passengers have approximately four hours to explore the canyon before returning to Williams. Various classes of service are available, offering different levels of amenities.  

Napa Valley Wine Train 

The Napa Valley Wine Train combines the romance of rail travel with the world-renowned wines of Napa Valley. Restored Pullman cars from the early 20th century transport guests through rolling vineyards and picturesque wineries. Multi-course gourmet meals are served onboard, paired with select Napa Valley wines. Several tour options are available, including winery tours and tastings, vineyard walks, and culinary demonstrations. The Napa Valley Wine Train provides a unique and luxurious way to experience this celebrated wine region. 

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad 

Tracing the historic Klondike Gold Rush trail, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad offers a breathtaking journey through the rugged mountains of Alaska and Canada's Yukon Territory. Starting in Skagway, Alaska, the narrow-gauge railroad climbs to White Pass summit, offering stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and historic trestles. Passengers can choose from various excursions, ranging from short trips to the summit to longer journeys into the Yukon. The railway provides a glimpse into the challenging history and dramatic landscapes of this remote region. 

Image Credit - NY Times

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad 

In the heart of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a scenic trip through canyons and along the Animas River. The historic steam-powered train travels between Durango and Silverton, traversing steep mountain passes and narrow gorges. Passengers can choose from open-air gondola cars or enclosed coaches. Various excursions are available, including special events and themed trains. This railroad preserves a piece of Colorado's mining history while showcasing the area's natural beauty. 

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat 

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers a combined rail and river journey in Connecticut. Passengers first board a vintage steam train for a scenic ride along the Connecticut River. At Deep River Landing, the journey continues aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a relaxing cruise down the river. Various themed excursions are available, including dinner trains and fall foliage tours. The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat provides a nostalgic and enjoyable way to experience the Connecticut River Valley. 

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad 

Departing from Bryson City, North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad ventures into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The railroad offers various excursions, including trips to Nantahala Gorge and the historic town of Dillsboro. Passengers can choose from different classes of service, ranging from open-air gondola cars to climate-controlled coaches. Special events and themed trains are also available throughout the year. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad provides a scenic and relaxing way to explore this beautiful natural area. 

California Zephyr 

The California Zephyr offers a truly transcontinental experience. Operated by Amtrak, it travels daily between Chicago and Emeryville, California, near San Francisco. The route showcases some of America's most spectacular scenery, passing through the plains of Nebraska, the Rockies, and the Sierra Nevada. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating, dining car service, and observation cars with panoramic views. The journey takes approximately 51 hours, making it a leisurely and immersive way to cross the country. 

Coast Starlight 

Another of Amtrak's scenic routes, the Coast Starlight runs between Seattle and Los Angeles, hugging the Pacific coastline for much of the journey. The train passes through forests, mountains, and along beaches, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Passengers can enjoy onboard amenities, including dining cars and observation cars. The trip takes approximately 35 hours, providing a memorable way to experience the West Coast. 

Image Credit - NY Times

Texas Eagle 

Connecting Chicago and San Antonio, the Texas Eagle offers a journey through the heart of America. The route passes through major cities like St. Louis and Dallas, as well as rural landscapes and small towns. Passengers can experience the changing scenery from comfortable seating and enjoy onboard dining. The trip takes approximately 25 hours, providing a convenient and scenic way to travel between the Midwest and Texas. 

Sunset Limited 

The Sunset Limited offers a transcontinental journey between New Orleans and Los Angeles, passing through the deserts of the Southwest. The route showcases iconic landscapes, including Arizona's deserts and New Mexico's mountains. Passengers can relax in comfortable seating, enjoy onboard dining, and take in the views from observation cars. The journey takes approximately 48 hours, providing a unique perspective on the American Southwest. 

Ethan Allen Express 

Connecting New York City and Rutland, Vermont, the Ethan Allen Express offers a scenic escape to the Green Mountains. The route passes through picturesque towns and along rivers, showcasing the beauty of upstate New York and Vermont. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating and onboard amenities while taking in the views. The trip takes approximately six hours, making it a convenient and relaxing way to reach Vermont. 

Downeaster 

Running between Boston and Brunswick, Maine, the Downeaster provides a scenic coastal journey. The route follows the New England coastline, offering views of charming towns, beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean. Passengers can relax in comfortable seating and enjoy onboard amenities. The trip takes approximately 3.5 hours, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the coast of Maine. 

Amtrak Cascades 

The Amtrak Cascades route connects Eugene, Oregon, to Vancouver, British Columbia, offering scenic views of the Pacific Northwest. The train travels through forests, along rivers, and past mountains, providing a glimpse of the region's natural beauty. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating and onboard amenities. The journey takes approximately 11 hours, providing a relaxing way to experience the Pacific Northwest.  

Image Credit - NY Times

Maple Leaf 

Jointly operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, the Maple Leaf connects New York City and Toronto. The route traverses upstate New York and southern Ontario, offering views of both rural landscapes and urban centers. Passengers can enjoy onboard amenities and comfortable seating. The journey takes approximately 12 hours, providing a convenient and scenic way to travel between the two cities. 

Adirondack 

The Adirondack route connects New York City and Montreal, traveling through the scenic Hudson Valley and Adirondack Mountains. Passengers can enjoy the changing landscapes from comfortable seating and access onboard amenities. The journey takes approximately 10 hours, offering a relaxing way to experience the beauty of upstate New York and Quebec.  

Choosing the Right Rail Journey 

With so many remarkable rail journeys available across North America, selecting the right one depends on individual preferences and interests. Factors to consider include the desired scenery, length of trip, budget, and available amenities. Whether seeking a short day trip or a multi-day transcontinental adventure, North America's scenic railways offer a unique and memorable way to experience the continent's diverse landscapes and rich history. Remember to check with individual railway companies for the most up-to-date schedules, pricing, and special offers. As schedules and offerings can change, particularly with seasonal adjustments, it's always advisable to confirm details directly with the railway operator.