Come visit my region

We asked VIA Rail employees to give us suggestions for activities to do their region. Here are ideas for your next train trips in Canada!

1 - BWV Toronto Ukrainian Festival

Location: Bloor West Village, Toronto, ON

Recommendation from Uliana Meldal-Johnsen from Toronto, Ontario, 5 years at VIA Rail..

This festival is a great place to taste traditional Ukrainian food, listen to good music and watch Ukrainian dancers on stage from all over North America and Ukraine. It’s an activity that suits everyone! You can get there by public transportation—exit at the Jane subway station.

Tips: Enjoy captivating performances, savour traditional cuisine and explore a shopping site featuring our beloved local businesses!

2 - Many activities in the Ottawa–Gatineau region 

Recommendations from Sarah Jenkins from Ottawa, Ontario–Gatineau, Québec, 2 years at VIA Rail.

The Outaouais region is a place full of history, beauty and nature, and it has a fabulous food culture to discover. This region stretches across both Ontario and Québec, welcoming all who visit. Kids will enjoy tons of activities—from walks around the Parliament and hikes in Gatineau Park to biking along the Rideau Canal and kayaking in Wakefield, there’s tons of family fun to be had. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there’s the Kōena Spa in Gatineau, museum and parliamentary tours, shopping in the historical ByWard Market, and the 613flea marketplace, which is currently running every weekend until the end of the summer. And don’t forget to stop by Bobino Bagels for some Montreal-style bagels! Best of all, you can travel to the Ottawa–Gatineau region by train.

Tips: Book your tours early during summer travel. Spots fill up quickly!

3 – Rock the Park music festival

Location: London, ON

Recommendation from Mounir Shoukri from London, Ontario, 6 years at VIA Rail.

This festival has a variety of artists to please both contemporary and nostalgic music lovers. There’s a great party atmosphere, so adults may enjoy this event more than kids. Start planning now for 2026! The site is about a 15-minute walk from VIA Rail’s London station.

Tips: Lawn chairs aren’t allowed. There are tons of restaurants and bars around the park. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss the London Children’s Museum.

4 - The Saguenay trails

 

Recommendation from Valérie Durette from Saguenay, Québec, 2 years at VIA Rail.

Saguenay is truly a relaxing place to enjoy and admire the beauty of nature. There are blueberries to pick in the summer—an activity that everyone will love! Also, don’t miss the Médard cheese shop for tasty fresh cheese curds or the Cantine Boivin restaurant for a good poutine.

To get there, all you have to do is take the train to Jonquière

5 – The Bay of Fundy region

Recommendations from Achraf Housni from the Bay of Fundy, 1 year at VIA Rail.

Plan a visit to the Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy, where you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide and kayak among the rocks at high tide. It’s a unique and spectacular experience! The Bay of Fundy is my favourite because of its natural beauty and unique phenomena. It’s fascinating to see how the landscape completely changes in just a few hours.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Fundy National Park is a must. With over 75 miles of hiking trails, stunning waterfalls and activities like canoeing and camping, there’s something for everyone. There’s a wide variety of things to do outside that allow you to connect with nature in a profound way.

If you prefer cultural events, don’t miss the Acadian Historical Village, a living museum that immerses you in Acadian history and culture with reconstructions and activities, which are both educational and entertaining.

To visit the Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy, you can take the train to Moncton, then drive southwest on Route 114. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Anecdote:On my last visit to the Hopewell Rocks, I met a group of tourists who had brought small flags from their countries to plant on the ocean floor at low tide. It was fascinating to see flags from all over the world flying among the rocks. It created an international and festive atmosphere, and everyone took memorable photos.

Tips: If you’re in Fredericton, be sure to also check out The Palate, a restaurant that focuses on ingredients sourced from local farmers, fishermen and foragers. They also offer a variety of craft beers produced in the region. Another great spot is Claudine’s Eatery, known for its East Coast comfort food, like fried chicken eggs benedict and homemade seafood chowder.

There’s also 11th Mile, a restaurant that offers a social dining experience with shareable dishes and craft cocktails.

6 - Nova Scotia must-do and must-see

 

Recommendation from Paul Falvo from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, newly at VIA Rail.

Lunenburg is one of my favourite places because it’s a UNESCO heritage site, and particularly because of Old Town Lunenburg, where past meets present. A former terminus of the Halifax & South Western Railway, the area has preserved its charm and authenticity, even as it evolved to host visitors. It has something for everyone!

In the morning, take a stroll on Lincoln Street in the morning, browse the local shops and have coffee at a sidewalk café with the locals. Then, rent a kayak or canoe—or cycle down the Bay to Bay Trail, on the old rail bed between Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. Later, reward yourself with a meal at a restaurant with a view of the harbour that was home to the famed Bluenose schooner.

It’s easy to get to Lunenburg—simply get on Train 14 to Halifax, then take a Maritime Bus, rent a car or book a tour.

Tip: The Farmer’s Market is on Thursday mornings. For music lovers, visit the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival from August 7–10.

7 – Historical sites in Saskatchewan

Recommendation from Lily Duclaux from Saskatchewan, 1 year at VIA Rail.

I’m from Saskatchewan and personally feel it’s looked over. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you know where to look! Everybody can enjoy this area. In particular, I would recommend the Carlyle area, as it has a high concentration of historical sites. Batoche is also wonderful if you’re interested in Métis history—I have family ties there!

Tips: If you’re passing through Tisdale, Gus’ Greek Ribs is a fantastic place to eat on the way to where you’re headed.

8 - Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Recommendations from Heather Leemann from Halifax, Nova Scotia, 8 years at VIA Rail.

This valley has it all—award-winning wineries, hiking, cycling, farmers’ markets, museums, a UNESCO world heritage site, the world’s highest tides and a multitude of festivals and events. With wonderful eateries that offer locally grown and sourced products, our farm-to-fork restaurants are a must-visit! Living here allows me to showcase what I love best about my region, although I still feel like a visitor sometimes, as there’s so much to explore. And kids will definitely love the valley!

If you take Train 14 it’ll bring you into Halifax, and from there, you’re a short 60-minute drive away. Day trips can also be organized from Halifax—several tour companies even offer wine and food tours.

Tips: Known for its wine production, Annapolis Valley is the third most important fruit-growing region in Canada. With the world’s highest tides measured at 45 feet, there’s even whale-watching available here.

Also, you can visit the Landscape of Grand Pré, a UNESCO Heritage Site that shouldn’t be missed. It tells the story of the deportation of the Acadians, who once lived and worked in harmony with our First Nations community and built the dykes to reclaim and create the farmland.

9 – Beaches in Port Stanley, Ontario

Recommendations from Peter Simpson from Port Stanley, Ontario.

Port Stanley has two beautiful wide soft sandy beaches on the warm waters of Lake Erie. There are volleyball courts, dunes, lifeguard towers and sweeping vistas along the shore. The town is steeped in history dating back to colonial times—once a booming shipping port, it supported agriculture, the railway and the fishing industries of the region. While the commercial fishery of perch and pickerel is still thriving, the area is now mainly known as a residential and tourist town.

A wide variety of restaurant options catering to all palates is available, from beach bars to fine dining establishments. A burger and fries—and maybe a beer—at GTs On The Beach and smoked pork belly with corn bread at Two Forks will keep you well fed. And a cone at Shaw’s Ice Cream on the way home is the cherry on top of a perfect day. It’s like a dream for the young and young-at-heart! Port Stanley is a 45-minute drive from the VIA Rail station in London.

Tips: St. Thomas, situated between London and Port Stanley, was once one of the biggest rail hubs in Canada. Known as Railway City, St. Thomas used to be serviced by 12 railways. Today, the Port Stanley Terminal Rail continues to operate a tourist train between Port Stanley and St. Thomas.

And don’t miss the elevated park in St. Thomas. Built on a former train trestle, the park is part of the Trans Canada Trail.

10 - Maligne Canyon, Alberta

Recommendation from Denis McGonigal from Jasper, Alberta, 12 years at VIA Rail.

This place has some of the most beautiful rapids and waterfalls that are easily accessible by walking. Children and adults alike will be amazed by the beauty. The best way to get to Jasper is by train on The Canadian, then rent a car and drive to Maligne Canyon—or do the 12 km on foot.

Tips: Wear a bell if you hike from town. You’re more than likely to encounter an elk or a goat. And don’t forget your lunch and water!

11 - Activities in Lanark County, Ontario

Recommendation from Jean-Philippe DeLauniere from Lanark County, Ontario, 25 years at VIA Rail.

There are so many activities available, like boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, and bonfires. You can also enjoy Mississippi Lake and downtown Perth for its architecture and festivals. There’s something for everyone—and you can get there by public transportation or by car.

12 – Halifax, Nova Scotia

Recommendations from Ocean-Leigh Young from Halifax, Nova Scotia, 10 years at VIA Rail.

The train itself is a great activity! Halifax has so much to offer tourists and locals, but not many people know that it’s accessible by train. My daughter absolutely loves it and is always excited when I bring her to the station or take her somewhere on the train.

Parents or school groups will often bring kids on short trips from Halifax to Truro just to experience the train, and it’s so much fun for them! The joy it brings kids is one of the best parts. It’s a great day trip activity and not something people often think to do in Halifax.

Tips: The train trip is only about an hour and a half from Halifax to Truro station, and it’s less than an hour’s drive for someone picking you up at the other end.

While in Truro, you can check out Victoria Park, the Truro Farmers’ Market, the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre, the Fundy Discovery Site and Masstown Market, which isn’t too far away.

13 - Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba

 

Recommendations from Rachel Ostop from Manitoba, 14 years at VIA Rail.

Lac du Bonnet is a wonderful community just over an hour’s drive northeast of Winnipeg. The lake is great for boating, swimming and fishing. There’s a great Canada Day celebration that includes a fair, a car show and fireworks. It’s a beautiful little getaway not far from the city with fun for people of all ages! You definitely need a vehicle to get to this gem of a place.

Anecdote: The name of the town is French and means “Lake of the Bonnet.” It was named in 1732 by Pierre Gaultier de la Vérendrye because it reminded him of a bonnet or hat. The Blueberry Hill Trail for hiking, Black Bear Golf Club and Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park are other interesting places to visit in the area.