If you’re considering a family road trip but looking for an option with no driving included, then a journey by train can be a perfect alternative. VIA Rail Canada can make family travel enjoyable and scenic, giving a relaxing way to explore the vast landscapes from coast to coast. Having done this journey I can confidently say it’s worth having a journey with kids on the train—those panoramic views, cozy seats, and the adventure of moving between provinces make it memorable. Here’s our guide to making the most of your journey on VIA Rail with kids.
Preparation Chart for the Adventure
Travelling by train with the kids may feel challenging, but with the proper planning is completely manageable. Canada’s rail lines connect some of the best family vacation spots in Canada, from the urban energy of Toronto to the coastal charm of Vancouver and even the historical streets of Montreal.
We took the way to travel to Toronto to Vancouver, to experience Canada’s diverse landscapes. Planning family-friendly trips in advance allows for an easier journey. Once you have your route and timing sorted, focus on packing essentials and preparing activities to keep the kids entertained.
Packing Essentials in Train Travel
Packing cleverly can make all the difference. Having the right children’s travel essentials guarantees family has everything they need for a comfortable journey. Consider the following:
- Comfort Items: For long train rides, packing for kids means including comfort items. Cozy blankets, neck pillows, and familiar stuffed animals make a big difference.
- Travel Gear for Kids: A stroller can be helpful if your journey includes train station stops where you’ll need to navigate busy terminals. And if you’re traveling with toddlers, bring a collapsible crib or inflatable footrest so they can nap comfortably.
- Entertainment: Download movies, audiobooks, and travel activities for kids on a tablet. Bringing along coloring books, travel-sized games, or a “mystery bag” with small toys to unwrap at intervals adds excitement.
- Snacks: While VIA Rail has dining cars, healthy snacks for road trips or in this case, train trips, can keep kids content. Think granola bars, cut-up fruit, or crackers. Plus, packing snacks saves time and keeps food costs down.
For our family, zip-lock bags were a lifesaver. They kept everything organized, from snacks to chargers, and were perfect for quick clean-ups.
Activities and Games to Keep Kids Engaged
Traveling across provinces with kids can be both an educational and fun experience, especially if you include some road trip games for kids that work well on a train.
- Scenic Spotting Game: Create a list of things to spot outside the train—animals, mountains, rivers, or even other trains. The first one to spot them gets a point, making it a fun way to engage with the passing landscapes.
- I Spy and Bingo: Old-school games like “I Spy” work well for younger kids. You can even make a bingo card with different sights, adding an element of surprise.
- Coloring and Craft Time: We packed a few coloring books with a Canadian theme, like wildlife and nature scenes. VIA Rail’s slow-paced journey makes it easy to color without much jostling.
These games were a great way to explore Canadian culture with children, giving them a sense of Canada’s geography and wildlife without overwhelming them. These moments also become mini-adventures, providing opportunities to bond and laugh together as a family.
Kid-Friendly Stops and Scenic Views
The best part of traveling with kids via rail is the freedom to walk around and stretch your leg, sightsee the train from first to last, and even enjoy meal times in a dining car with a scenic moving view, like eating when everything else is running behind. Knowing when and where to stop can add extra adventure to your trip. For example, during our trip, we decided to get off at Jasper National Park for a short stay. This family-friendly destination has everything kids love—open spaces, stunning views, and plenty of wildlife.
We booked a family-friendly accommodation nearby, making it easy to resume our journey refreshed. Exploring different stops like Jasper can break up the journey, allowing everyone to stretch their legs and experience the outdoors.
Tips for Safe Train Travel for Kids
The security of kids is crucial, particularly when traveling in a moving train with stairs, passageways, and other passengers.
· We employed the following advice:
Set some ground rules before you board. Children should be taught to always ask before exploring and to remain seated when the train is going.
•Carry a small first aid kit on together, and include motion sickness medication in case you need it. Bringing additional wipes and sanitizers might be essential while traveling with toddlers in order to maintain hygiene.
• An ID bracelet showing your contact details is a fantastic idea for younger children. They are particularly useful in congested train terminals.
We felt more at ease knowing that our children were protected, which allowed us to enjoy the trip.
Budget-Friendly Family Travel Advice on VIA Rail
VIA Rail is a fantastic choice for low-budget family travel because it offers free travel for children under two. Additionally, there are family and child discounts, and occasionally children travel for free during specific seasons of the year, so keep an eye out for special offers.
Another tip: we prepared a cooler bag with sandwiches, juice boxes, and fresh fruit instead of continuously purchasing meals on board. In addition to lowering our expenses, this gave our dinners some variation. Using onboard food wisely allowed us to keep below our spending limit without compromising our enjoyment.
Creating Memories: Attractions and Activities That Are Family-Friendly
Even though taking the train is a unique experience, you can continue to explore Canadian culture with your kids after you get there. Explore local markets, go to museums, and sample the cuisine at each location. For example, we tried poutine in Montreal, which the children thought was both enjoyable and interesting. We also spent a day in Toronto visiting Ripley’s Aquarium, a Canadian kid-friendly attraction that captivated everyone.
Simple family activities like watching the prairies sunset, observing wildlife from the observation car, and even cuddling up to the train as it passed were our favorites. Canada’s splendor of nature, historical richness, and the opportunity to see it all from the comfort of a train car enhance family vacations there.
Conclusions Regarding Family Train Travel in Canada
There is a completely different way to see Canada when you travel with children on VIA Rail. It’s more about the trip than the final destination. We enjoyed spending quality time together as a family on the train, whether we were playing games in our seats or taking in the scenery. A pleasant, picturesque, and thrilling mode of transportation is offered by VIA Rail if you’re searching for an alternative to a family road vacation. A rail trip across Canada can be one of the most memorable experiences your family will have if you have the proper equipment, some preparation, and the right family travel advice. These suggestions, which cover everything from kids’ travel necessities to entertaining youngsters, can help you get ready for a hassle-free and joyful trip. So gather your belongings, board, and allow VIA Rail to transport you across Canada on a journey and that will never be forgotten!
