Experience our Rail Tours

Our range of touring options, highlighting the best of North America, will take you where and how you want to go. No matter what your destination along North America's rail network, John Steel Rail Tours will ensure you arrive rested and relaxed. Experience the safe, comfortable atmosphere, the warm hospitality and the ever changing spectacular panoramas outside the train's windows. Nothing surpasses the romance, the relaxation and the sheer luxury of rail travel. It is a world unto itself — it's travelling by train!

We have Fully Independent Tours, Guided Group and personalized Custom Tours available. Browse through our web site catalogue and start dreaming. We're sure you'll find just what you're looking for!

Book your tour today, just download our Touring Booking form and send it to our Tour Consultants so they can arrange your rail adventure.
Tour Booking Form

Guided Group Tours

Our Guided Group Tours are all-inclusive and offer a blend of friendly group activities with time on your own, plus the comfort and convenience of escorted group travel. We handle all arrangements and details so you are free to relax and enjoy your holiday.  [ List of Group Tours ]

Independent Holidays

Our Fully Independent Tours (FIT) are unescorted and depart on a variety of dates year-round allowing you the flexibility of travelling at your own pace. We offer personalized service in making arrangements for you and provide travel tips to assist you throughout your journey. [ List of Independent Tours ]

Custom Tours

Our specialty! Lengthen or shorten your vacation, include an extra destination or activity — we will work with you in designing a unique itinerary, which meets your personal needs and wishes. Our Tour Coordinators can customize any one of our itineraries with destinations across Canada and the United States for independent travellers and groups of all ages, interests and sizes. A professional and knowledgeable Tour Director is available to accompany Custom Group Tours.

As North America's rail travel experts, we create unique rail journeys along the vast rail network in both Canada and the United States and offer specialized custom itineraries that are built by our guests and with travel associates throughout the world. Customized itineraries for individuals or groups take into consideration the guests' destinations, routing, selections for accommodations and chosen activities. We can design a tour based on a particular theme, special experience or occasion. Our rail journeys include adventure vacations with wildlife viewing, resort getaways, sporting vacations, guided group travel and single city or multi-city holidays. Independent holidays may focus on a particular experience such as historical sites, festivals, gardens, cuisine, museums, galleries and man-made or natural attractions.

Travel Tips

The Snow Train To Jasper

All Aboard the Snow Train to Jasper. These unique outdoor winter adventure packages for independent travellers combine an exhilarating Rocky Mountain adventure and a scenic journey aboard VIA Rail's Canadian. The spectacular Rockies provide the venue to enjoy many winter pursuits. A choice of accommodations is offered and your return journey can be by train or air. Originating from a number of cities with a choice of departure dates from November 2008 to April 2009, our Winter Tours may be customized to fit any traveller's or group of travellers' needs and interests. Itineraries are flexible and tours may be extended at the destination or the departure location. Our guests from the United States are able to make convenient connections from Amtrak to VIA Rail at many points along the border.

Family Vacation or a Holiday for Two?

Whether you decide to make your journey a romantic getaway or you want to include the whole family, travelling by train is the best of all worlds!

Romance by Rail sets the mood for romance, or any special occasion in luxurious comfort with this special add-on aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian. Two bedrooms are converted to a spacious suite with his and hers washrooms, a double bed with down duvets, turndown service and a bedtime sweet. Fresh flowers and sparkling wine add to the ambience. And, there’s even breakfast in bed!

Travelling by rail is perfect for families! Children love the chance to experience train journeys where they can watch the countryside and the wildlife go by and get up to stretch their legs! Teenage family members enjoy the train’s social atmosphere and parents appreciate the safe, relaxing environment. The spectacular views from the panoramic dome car fascinate young and old alike! Most of VIA Rail's trains have added special Activity Cars that provide a number of amenities for young travellers, including special Activity Kits. In the Skyline Car, (on select trains) there are board games, a TV and VCR for family movies and even video games. Accommodations suitable for families are available for overnight journeys and select trains offer excellent menus for children.

On Amtrak, many long-distance trains offer audio or video entertainment or a feature movie in the Lounge Car (Superliner cars), audio/video outlets in the sleepers (Viewliner cars). On some routes, entertainment may include seasonal presentations and onboard commentary by volunteer rangers of the National Park Service through Amtrak's Trails and Rails program. This innovative partnership program provides educational opportunities to passengers by fostering appreciation of America's natural and cultural heritage. As well, many Northeast and West Coast corridor trains feature Quiet Car service, intended to provide a quiet atmosphere for those who want to work or rest without distraction.

The train journey is only part of the trip and John Steel's Rail Tours offer terrific destinations and adventures that are suitable for all ages. Some of our Guided Group tours are particularly family friendly and our Independent Holidays can be arranged to suit a family's needs and interests. Our Tour Coordinators will be happy to provide details and answer any questions you may have.