Canada is the second largest country in the world right after Russia, and that is why an idea to do a tour around this country in a week seems ridiculous. However, there is method in madness! You can simply set off on this journey by Canadian Pacific Railway. During 4 days and 3 nights, I travelled more than 4,400 km, starting from Toronto in the east of Canada and ending up in Vancouver in the Pacific.

Coast of Lake Ontario

I started my journey in Toronto, which is described as an economic and cultural capital of Canada. It is not without reason that in 2001 the United Nations awarded the city the title of “the World’s Most Multicultural City”. Toronto is home to over 150 ethnic groups. Everyone will find something for themselves in a vast number of cafés, restaurants and interesting places.
However, a must-see place is definitely the coast of Lake Ontario. The view from the CN Tower, a 553 m high tower that is among the highest in the world, is particularly amazing. On a clear day from the top, you can see Niagara Falls. On the other hand, if you feel like going for a stroll, you will not be disappointed with the area of Queen and King St.

The Lake District

The first part of the trip, which lasts approx. 30 hours, goes along the Lake District. Due to the location of the lakes, trains have to limit their speed there. Washago is a small, historic station located right next to large Couchiching Lake, with numerous trails around it. One of the attractions of Parry Sound at Lake Huron, the fourth largest town in the world, are ferries.
Whereas, town called Sudbury can boast more than 100 lakes of different size. Our first stop was Winnipeg. As we moved on, I immediately noticed the change of scenery. We entered the prairie, where the train significantly accelerated, as it could move in a straight line.

The Rocky Mountains and Jasper

When we got to Edmonton, we could feel that the terrain was slightly sloping upward and we saw the landscape was changing. A train to Jasper National Park gets through a tunnel, and then slowly moves on the slopes of the mountains or goes around them. A ride through the Rocky Mountains is one of the most interesting parts of the trip.
The viewing dome deck of the train allows you to enjoy the amazing view not only of the mountains, but also the blinding white snow lying on their slopes, colourful lakes, foamy cascades of waterfalls and dense forests.

Vancouver

At night, we reached the port, which is the heart of all British Columbia. Vancouver welcomed us with a cloudy sky and drizzle, which is a typical climate of this part of Canada. The Fraser River was flowing down below, heading for the Strait of Georgia in the Pacific Ocean.
The city is bordered by water on three sides and is closed by steep mountains that reach over 1500 m above sea level. It is worth mentioning that one of the favourite places of residents is Stanley Park, where you can admire the most beautiful sunsets in Canada.

Glass dome on the roof

The train consists of 10 carriages. The first two are economy class with comfortable seats, while the others are sleeping carriages. A restaurant and small kitchen are located between them, from where you can walk the stairs to access a glass dome located almost on the roof of the train. In Winnipeg, the train stops over for 4 hours, in Edmonton – an hour, and in Jasper – one and a half hours.