North America

If holidaying in North America poses one problem, it's 'where to begin'? North America possess a daunting variety of fabulous towns and cities to visit, man-made and natural wonders to marvel at and pleasureable activities to partake in.

Planning an itinerary which captures the highlights of either the USA or Canada, seamlessly integrates all necessary accommodation and transport and is guaranteed to please everyone can be a logistical nightmare.

A far better plan is to let Great Rail Journeys do all of the hard work for you. Specialising in the provision of quality escorted rail tours for more than thirty years, we offer unforgettable rail holidays in the USA and rail tours of Canada.

North America's railways have come a long way since the days of the 'iron horses' that traversed the old Wild West. Modern, comfortable and fast railways create a network that reaches almost anywhere on the continent that a traveller might wish to visit.

The Rocky Mountaineer

Carrying upwards of 100,000 passengers a year, the Rocky Mountaineer has earned a well-deserved reputation for offering the most comfortable and pleasureable means of viewing Canada's famous and spectacular Rocky Mountains.

Passengers can relax and enjoy spacious reclining seats, air conditioning, an at-seat service of complimentary drinks and snacks and an on-board commentary, as they are treated to some of the most magnificent scenery on earth from their window. An open-air viewing platform at the rear of the train brings the spectacle even closer and is the ideal spot from which to take photos.

The Grand Canyon Railway

One of the USA's most famous and celebrated natural phenomena, the Grand Canyon needs no introduction. Its namesake railway, which makes the sixty-four mile journey from the town of Williams, Arizona to the canyon's southern rim, was inaugurated in 1901.

Abandoned and in disrepair by the 1960s the railway was eventually rescued and lovingly restored as a heritage line. As the train's beautiful vintage locomotive and carriages pass through Arizona's breath-taking landscapes, passengers are entertained by singers and also witness an attempted train robbery and shoot out performed by actors.

American Pullman

The name Pullman is synonymous with luxury train travel. Based in Chicago, the Pullman Rail Company was established in 1897 and became famous for its lavish Art Deco-styled trains and impeccable standards of service. Although the Pullman Company went out of business in the 1980s its legacy lives on courtesy of the authentically restored American Pullman train that runs between Chicago and New Orleans. Returned to its former glory in every detail, this exquisitely furnished and decorated train offers passengers a nostalgic journey back to America's golden era of luxury rail travel.

Occupying almost five percent of the earth's surface, North America is the third largest continent. Accounting for the majority of North America's area, The USA and neighbouring Canada, share many of the same attributes - varied landscapes of ravishing natural beauty, iconic cities and rich cultures and histories - which make them endlessly enjoyable and rewarding to explore. Side by side, however, if the USA is imagined as the world's greatest theme park, Canada must surely be its best adventure playground.

Canada spans six time zones, such is its size, but every inch of space beyond its towns and cities is occupied with vast, breath-taking landscapes. The country boasts thirty-seven National Parks and a further eight National Park Reserves which between them cover every kind of terrain from grasslands to glaciers. This makes Canada an unrivalled destination for all kinds of outdoor activities from hiking and wildlife-spotting to snow-sports and mountain climbing.

Canada's climate is as varied as its scenery and will differ depending upon location. In summer, the western prairies tend to be hot and dry, central and southern areas experience humidity with the heat, whilst coastal areas remain milder. Spring and autumn are both generally temperate throughout Canada although rainfall is greater in the west. Winters can be extremely cold and snowy with temperatures commonly dropping below -20°C.

It's difficult to imagine a visitor that the USA doesn't cater for. Like Canada, the country is blessed with areas of magnificent scenery and natural wonders, but the USA's colourful and diverse history, culture and entertainments are equally compelling. Music lovers, wildlife-spotters, sports fanatics, sun-worshippers, gastronomes and culture buffs will all find plenty to delight them in the USA but for those who want it all, there could be few better ways to experience a little of everything that the country has to offer than by making the legendary journey from coast to coast.