Photo via Alexandre.ROSA/Shutterstock
Trains are my favourite mode of transportation, no doubt. And, with all the beautiful natural scenery in Alberta? There are so many reasons why trains are far superior to cars, and getting the chance to see this stunning province without having to be at the wheel is just one of them.
We’ve rounded up some of the train rides you can take in Alberta this summer. Whether it’s a long overnight trip or an hour-long sightseeing trek, you’re going to love what we have in store for you.
If you’re any kind of familiar with trains, you’ve heard of Via Rail. These trips will take you straight from Edmonton to Jasper, or, if you want to go even farther, you can even take the train all the way to Toronto.
The best thing about this train, too? You don’t have to wait for summer; this baby is available all year-round.
When: Year-round
Time: Varies
Where: Varies depending on trip
Cost: Varies depending on the trip
The Alberta Prairie Railway is back with another summer full of excursions, giving passengers a chance to step aboard a beautifully restored 1920s train for an experience that feels straight out of another era. So if your idea of a perfect day trip includes rolling Prairie views, live entertainment, and a bit of unexpected Wild West energy.
Not to mention, this spot is hidden in Stettler, just south of Red Deer. Not too far of a drive if you ask me.
When: Now until October
Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 4611 47th Ave. Stettler, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $135
From Christmas in July to a Western-themed train ride, Aspen Crossing makes things fun when it comes to going on trips. Not to mention, they even offer high-tea train rides where you’ll be offered a variety of delicacies — how cool is that? My personal favourite has to be its dinner theatre train, where you can take part in a murder mystery fiasco.
When: Now until October
Time: Various times
Where: PM82+WH, AB-24, Mossleigh, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $39
This train is the most luxurious ride you can take through the Rockies. There are four rail routes you can choose from in Western Canada. They connect Vancouver to the Canadian Rocky Mountain towns: Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper.
Not to mention, it travels only during the day, so you won’t miss a moment of the ever-changing landscapes. This is especially exciting when you’re sitting in the spacious glass-dome train coach, eating delicious locally sourced cuisine.
When: Now until October
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies depending on the trip
A volunteer effort has been continuously keeping the streetcar system alive in Edmonton. High Level Bridge’s streetcar is the most famous one. While the streetcar system in Edmonton ended officially in the 1950s, the streetcars still live on. While it’s not exactly a train, it’s still on rails. I’m letting it slide this once just because of the views of Edmonton it offers.
When: Now until October
Time: Rides start at 9 a.m.
Where: 10254 Whyte Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $5
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