For clients craving something beyond airports and highways, train travel offers an unforgettable blend of comfort, scenery, and cultural immersion. Rail journeys in Canada and Mexico aren’t just transportation—they’re experiences you can position as bucket-list adventures. From majestic mountains to charming coastal towns, these trips allow travelers to slow down, savor the view and connect with the places they visit.
Today’s Tip was inspired by the Travel Career Development textbook, the core component to the Gold Award Winning TRIPKIT Program.
Why Train Travel Sells
- Experience-Driven The trip itself becomes part of the vacation.
- Scenic Access Routes reach places air or road travel can’t match for views.
- Comfort and Convenience Shortened security lines, city-center arrivals, and the ability to move around onboard.
- Customizable Easy to package with hotels, excursions, and other transportation.
VIA Rail: Canada’s Rail Network
VIA Rail links more than 400 Canadian communities, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, with connections to buses and ferries for seamless travel. Advisors can book through a GDS, by phone, or directly online, and VIA offers discounts for seniors, children, and groups, plus a frequent-traveler program—making it appealing for a wide range of clients.
Signature Routes to Promote
- The Canadian This three-day, 2,800-mile (4,506-km) journey from Toronto to Vancouver is considered one of the world’s great train trips. The train has been restored to its 1950s style and features observation cars, dining car, bar, and lounge. Luxury class offers private sleeping compartments and intimate dining.
- Winnipeg-Churchill This journey travels north to the edge of the Canadian arctic and arrives in Churchill, Manitoba, the polar bear capital of the world. Combine this trip with guided tours for a wildlife-focused package.
- The Ocean From Montreal to the Canadian east coast, this route traverses rural communities to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and is ideal for clients looking for coastal charm.
El Chepe: Mexico’s Copper Canyon Marvel
The Chihuahua al Pacífico Railway—El Chepe—is one of the most dramatic rail experiences in the Western Hemisphere. The 13-hour ride between Chihuahua and Los Mochis travels through spectacular mountain scenery over the Sierra Madre and through coastal plains. It includes 86 tunnels, 37 bridges, and elevations from sea level to 8,000 feet. Tour operators often combine the journey with overnight stays in charming canyon-side lodges and motor coach tours.
Advisor Tip: Recommend booking first- or luxury-class tickets through local Mexican travel agencies or U.S. tour operators who specialize in the Copper Canyon.
Packaging for Profit
These rail adventures can be sold as:
- Stand-alone trips for rail enthusiasts
- Add-ons to broader Canada or Mexico itineraries
- Themed packages (wildlife, photography, fall foliage, cultural immersion)
By highlighting the unique benefits—unmatched scenery, immersive experiences, and stress-free travel—you can create itineraries that stand out and appeal to clients looking for more than the ordinary.
Bottom Line: Whether it’s the panoramic vistas aboard The Canadian or the thrilling curves of El Chepe, train travel in Canada and Mexico delivers stories, photos, and memories clients will treasure—and you’ll be the one who sold them the journey of a lifetime.
Help your clients explore the world and enjoy experiences that last a lifetime. Continue expanding your knowledge with The Travel Institute’s Education Hub with all of its Destination and Niche Market courses, Peer-to-peer Papers, and timely, powerful educational webinars.
