All Aboard for Adventure: 5 Great American & Canadian Rail Journeys
- Explore North America’s most iconic landscapes by rail, from the historic tracks of New England to the majestic Canadian Rockies and the grandeur of the Grand Canyon.
- Immerse yourself in rich cultural history, learning about the legacy of New England’s railroads, the heritage of the Cherokee Nation in the Appalachians, and the Indigenous cultures of Alaska.
- Enjoy a comfortable and social learning adventure, where you can meet fellow travelers and learn from local experts without the hassles of driving or navigating.
- Search for unique wildlife, from grizzly bears in Western Canada to the marine life of Alaska’s Inside Passage, all from the unique vantage point of a train.
There’s a certain romance to traveling by rail. It’s about the journey, not just the destination. Imagine settling in by a grand window, watching the diverse landscapes of North America unfold before you — no traffic, no missed turns, just the gentle rhythm of the tracks carrying you toward your next discovery. Aboard a train, you have the freedom to walk around, meet fellow learners and simply soak in the ever-changing scenery, from majestic mountains to vibrant coastlines.
Inspired to explore the world by rail? We’ve gathered some of our favorite rail journeys across the U.S. and Canada, perfect for anyone with a curious mind and a spirit of exploration.
Scenic view from train in Alaska.
1. Discover New England’s Railroad Legacy
The historic tracks of New England come to exhilarating life on this educational adventure. From the Essex Steam Train in the Connecticut River Valley to the legendary Cog Railway climbing New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, you’ll get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the railroad industry. Hear from a railroad historian aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, enjoy a scenic dinner on the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train and immerse yourself in an essential piece of American transportation history.
2. Trains, Cherokee and Culture in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Let the rhythm of the rails carry you into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. On this unique expedition, you’ll ride historic rails to capture stunning scenic views and learn about the richness of Appalachian culture. Hear stories from the area’s long history, tap your toes to the traditional music of Southern Appalachia and learn about Cherokee life in the “enchanted land” from an expert on Cherokee history and song. It’s a cultural immersion that connects you deeply to the region’s heritage.
3. Discover Alaska by Rail: A Traveling Adventure
They call Alaska "The Last Frontier" for a reason. On this expedition, you’ll ride the rails along the entire 470-mile length of the historic Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Seward. Journey to Denali National Park, home of North America’s tallest peak, and explore its trails with an expert. You’ll also visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the state's diverse Indigenous cultures and explore the grandeur of Kenai Fjords National Park by boat.
4. Western Canada by Train & Ferry
Discover the breathtaking range of the Canadian Rockies and the magnificent natural beauty of British Columbia. With an expert naturalist, you’ll explore the rich ecology of Banff and Yoho National Parks. Then, experience the province’s diverse landscapes aboard Via Rail's Skeena train and on a BC Ferry ride through the Inside Passage, an area teeming with marine life. A true highlight is learning about the bioregion of the grizzly bear and observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Participant on a train ride in Sedona, Arizona.
5. Scenic Railroads of Arizona: Sedona and the Grand Canyon
The wonders of Sedona and the Grand Canyon are world-renowned, but few experience them via historic railway. On this journey, you’ll ride the Verde Canyon Railroad through Arizona’s rim country and embark on an overnight adventure to Grand Canyon National Park aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway. Throughout your expedition, experts will share insights into regional lore as you explore the stunning red-rock vistas and absorb the incomparable canyon views.
Making the Most of Your Rail Journey
Traveling by train is an exciting and unique way to explore the world. With these tips, you can make your journey comfortable, engaging and stress-free.
- Arrive with time to spare: Give yourself plenty of time to find your platform, settle in and perhaps meet your Group Leader and fellow participants.
- Pack for comfort: Bring comfortable clothes and accessories like a blanket or pillow to make your journey cozy.
- Stay charged: Don’t forget chargers for your phone and camera! You’ll want to capture the incredible scenery along the way.
- Explore the train: Don’t just stay in your seat! Walk to the dining or observation car to get a different perspective, chat with fellow learners and fully immerse yourself in the experience.
- Review baggage rules: Be sure to check the baggage rules for your specific program to ensure you have everything you need, from clothing to any gear for field trips.
Group leader with participant on a train.
Explore the World by Rail With Road Scholar
As some of our most popular learning adventures, we offer a wide range of rail journeys in our collection of educational programs. From the historic routes of New England to the desert landscapes of the American Southwest, our expeditions are designed to be as educational as they are inspiring. We also have learning adventures by train across the globe, in destinations like Switzerland, Africa and Japan.
What makes our rail programs so remarkable is the community you build along the way. You’ll be joined by a diverse group of curious minds, all eager to learn and explore together. Guided by local experts, you’ll gain deep insights into the history, culture and environment of your destination.
If you’re ready to forge new friendships, learn something new about the world and create lasting memories, we invite you to start perusing life on the rails today.
