Known as one of Canada’s well known scenic rail trips. The Agawa Canyon Tour Train departs from Northern Ontario of Sault Ste. Marie into the rugged, remote wilderness of the Algoma District along the historical Algoma Central Railway through lakes, rives, forests, and canyons of the rugged Canadian Shield. These landscapes have been made famous of the Group of Seven painters. Artists who sought to paint the beauty of rugged landscapes and forge the identity of Canada in the early 20th Century.
Tickets
Purchase tickets through the official website for the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. Be sure to book far in advance as the train is very popular during the peak autumn colours of red, yellow, and gold.
Fares
Fares start from $166 CDN for a seat (Adults). Food and drink is not include. Fares raise during the peak autumn colours.
For a more a more premium, expansive experience with stunning views consider the rear Stone Gardner Car at $500 CDN. Featuring Swivel lounge cars and a 270° view from the rear observation windows. Includes breakfast, lunch, and drinks.
Timetable
The train only run from August 1 to October 18 each year.
The train departs from the depot at 8:00. However, one can board up to an hour beforehand.
Passengers can bring a small lunch sized cooler and non-alcoholic drinks.
Onboard
A gift shop and a snack bar are available on board. Debit and credit cards are the only accept forms of payments; no cash.
GPS triggered commentary will highlight, points of interest, sights, and stories. You’ll learn about First Nations, fur traders, and explorers who opened up this rugged landscape.
Train Cars
- Coach car: Seats grouped together in sets of 4 facing each other
- Stone Gardner car: upscale rear facing car featuring panoramic views, available with premium fare purchase
- Dining Car: serves breakfast and cafe
When to Travel
Peak fall colours hit the area in late September to mid-October. However, fares are higher during peak period.
What You’ll See
The rugged, remote Canadian wilderness only accessible by train. One of the highlights en route is the railway trestle running above the hydroelectric dam over the Montreal River. Offering vast, sweeping views. In additions, sights of yesteryear featuring buildings, industrial operations, and railway points that appear stuck in time
Some coach cars show forward facing views from cameras mounted on the locomotive.
At Agawa Canyon Park the train will stop for 90 minutes allowing people to hike and explore the canyon. With no roads this park is inaccessible to the outside world. It is impossible to reasonable see every sight within that time so prioritize what you want to see first.
The popular sites to check out are:
- The Lookout Trail (offers a panoramic view of the canyon and train)
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Black Beaver Falls
- Agawa River
Classes
Pros
- Beautiful, sweeping views of the Algoma region as the city gives way to the rugged landscape.
- Given the remoteness, this train is hands down the best way to be fully immersed in peak fall colours.
- Plenty of parking at the Depot located at:
- 87 Huron St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 5P9, Canada
Cons
- This scenic train only runs 3 months a year (August, September, October)
- The travel time of 10 hours makes for a long day, especially on the train ride home. Travel time includes 4 hours travelling (one way).
Notes
- Dress for the weather: since this train operates during the fall. Expect cool mornings and sunny middays. So dress in layers. We recommend bringing:
- A light jacket
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A small backpack or bag to bring your lunch off the train
- Sault Ste. Marie is a 8 hour drive from Toronto and Detroit. However, regional flights are available to Sault Airport (YAM).
- There is no Wi-fi nor cellular service available on board.
All systems operated by
VIA Rail Canada
