
Local knowledge from expert travellers
29/10/2025 · By Tim Hall
Enhance your holiday with Great Rail Journeys as expert Tour Manager Tim Hall discusses how to get the most out a trip and uncover the places locals love.
Read moreFrom the majesty of the Rocky Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, North America offers endless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and everything in between. Join us on an unforgettable tour in North America to witness the rugged beauty of Canada's Rocky Mountains, discover the roots of blues and rock'n'roll in the Deep South or cruise through Alaska, visiting old Gold Rush towns and coming face-to-face with extraordinary wildlife.
Browse our range of North America holidays and book now to explore the cities, coastlines, and national parks of the USA and Canada.
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Feel the energy of New York's Times Square, gaze at Chicago's skyscrapers, taste the French-inspired flavours of Montreal and experience the world-class arts scene in Toronto.
From the geysers of Yellowstone to the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, experience unspoiled wilderness in the region's national parks which preserve awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Witness breathtaking peaks on Rocky Mountaineer, cross arid deserts on Amtrak's California Zephyr and ride heritage railways through the New England's radiant fall foliage.
Follow in the footsteps of great musicians in the Deep South, encounter elaborate totem poles in Stanley Park and look out for whales while cruising Alaska's pristine waters.





Embark on a spectacular overland journey that showcases the beautiful and varied landscapes the world's second-largest country is famed for. Landing in Vancouver, explore the west coast's jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains, rushing rivers, glacial lakes and pristine forests before boarding VIA Rail's Canadian for a three-night journey across the plains...





Delve into the remarkable landscapes of Canada, travelling through areas of outstanding beauty on world-famous trains. Beginning with a guided tour of beautiful Vancouver on the Pacific coast, the journey continues with two daytime trips on the amazing Rocky Mountaineer to the astonishing Canadian Rockies. Based in gorgeous Banff and Jasper,...





A spectacular discovery of natural wonders awaits on this exploration by land and sea. From the mountain town of Banff in the Canadian Rockies, we marvel at the spellbinding beauty of Lake Louise before boarding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. This fantastic rail journey transports us to Vancouver, where we set sail on an unforgettable cruise. ...





Join us on an epic tour across the United States, a once-in-a-lifetime journey to some of America's most celebrated cities - San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago and New York - visiting iconic landmarks including Monument Valley, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. This incredible journey also features legendary trains - Amtrak's...





Experience scenic railways, charming cities and breathtaking views on an unforgettable tour of New England in the Fall. Travel through spectacular mountain scenery lit up with vivid colours on this autumn tour along America's scenic east coast. Stay in Boston with time to explore its history and culture, then journey by boat to fascinating Salem.





Uncover Canada's most amazing landscapes on this incredible exploration of the country's contrasts from the Pacific to the Great Lakes. Beginning with a guided tour of Vancouver, the journey continues to the stunning Rocky Mountain town of Jasper. Here, admire awe-inspiring vistas, including the Maligne River valley. Embark on an epic...





Explore Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans' links to iconic musicians, embracing the heartlands of country, rock'n'roll and blues before travelling through Mississippi by rail to uncover the birthplace of jazz. During this musical journey, step into the world of Elvis Presley at his Graceland home, spend an evening at the Grand Ole Opry,...





Historic tracks lead us on an unforgettable rail tour through the heartlands of great American music. Uncover the home of country music in Nashville with a visit to the Grand Ole Opry; explore the roots of blues and rock'n'roll at Graceland and Sun Studios in Memphis; and embrace the expressive jazz of New Orleans and the spirited French Quarter.





Embark on a magnificent small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada. From Québec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac to Vancouver's 'Castle in the City', stay in five iconic Fairmont hotels as we journey from coast to coast. Enjoy two daylight trips on the famed Rocky Mountaineer in exquisite GoldLeaf Service, admiring the...





Experience the breathtaking beauty of Canada and Alaska on an unforgettable journey by land and sea. From the picturesque town of Banff, admire the beauty of Lake Louise and view the Athabasca Glacier before boarding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, taking in breathtaking scenery on one of the world's most scenic railways as we journey to Vancouver.





Discover the historical cities of Montreal and Quebec, the only walled city in North America, and delight in the beauty of Niagara Falls, on this journey through the heart of Canada. Explore Toronto and Ottawa, staying in historical hotels and experiencing the diverse food of these intriguing cities. Your trip mixes old town charm and natural...





Take a breathtaking journey through the Canadian Rockies aboard VIA Rail's Canadian train, from Vancouver to the mountain town of Banff. Your journey takes you through stunning scenery, and on arrival in Jasper you can ride the Jasper Skytrain up to Whistler's Mountain for more inspiring views. You'll visit magical Lake Louise and you'll have the...
North America is the world's third-largest continent. Its two largest countries, the USA and Canada, share many captivating qualities-stunning natural scenery, iconic cities, and rich cultural histories. This makes them endlessly rewarding to explore. However, they also both have very unique experiences that set them apart from one another.
Canada stretches across six time zones, reflecting its vastness, and beyond its towns and cities lie awe-inspiring, expansive landscapes. The country is home to 37 National Parks and an additional eight National Park Reserves, showcasing terrains from open grasslands to majestic glaciers.
Canada's climate is as varied as its geography, changing with location. Summers are typically hot and dry in the western prairies, humid in central and southern regions, and milder along the coast. Spring and autumn are generally temperate, though the west experiences higher rainfall. Winters can be extremely cold, with temperatures often dipping below -20°C, especially inland.
The USA, like Canada, offers magnificent natural beauty, but it also boasts an iconic blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Visitors of all interests-whether music fans, nature lovers or culture buffs-will find fantastic places to explore and enjoy. For those keen to experience the full breadth of the country, a coast-to-coast journey across the USA offers an unforgettable way to sample its diverse attractions.