5 best train trips in Canada

Gordon Lightfoot sang about the Canadian railroads for a reason: rail travel is somehow quintessentially Canadian, in many ways a link to the early days of the country.

1. Across Canada by train

The ultimate long-haul journey? Across Canada by train, Toronto to Vancouver on VIA Rail. The trip lasts nearly four days and there are several departures each week; if you want to save money, travel in winter, when prices are discounted. VIA Rail recently changed the schedule to improve dailight viewing in the Rockies. www.viarail.ca/trains/en

2. Through the Rockies

Half the excitement of a cross-Canada train trip is going through the Rockies. No time for the whole thing? Rocky Mountaineer Vacations runs train trips through the mountains, Vancouver to Calgary or vice-versa. Travel by day when you can see the sights, and stay in a hotel overnight. www.rockymountaineer.com

3. The far north

The best train trips take you to places without roads or cars. Like the VIA train from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba, on the shore of Hudson Bay. It's a 1,700-kilometre, two-night trip that costs as little as $157 (one way) if you go coach. See www.viarail.ca/trains/en

4. The nearer north

The Polar Bear Express is a classic excursion train, travelling between Cochrane, Ont., and Moosonee on James Bay during the summer. The one-day, return-trip excursion is a quick way to experience the north -- especially if you're taking children along. www.ontarionorthland.ca/en

5. Overnight

If you've got the time and bit of extra cash, it's worth it to take a berth or a room on an overnight train and let yourself be rocked to sleep by the soothing clickety-click of the wheels on the track. The trip from Montreal to Halifax on VIA Rail's The Ocean lasts about 21 hours -- just enough time to kick back and relax. www.viarail.ca/trains/en