The Most Scenic Way to See North America (Hint: it’s not by car)

May 01 - Jun 30 , 2026

The Most Scenic Way to See North America (Hint: it’s not by car)

The most scenic way to travel North America isn’t behind the wheel or from a window seat at 30,000 feet. It’s by rail. Train travel puts the journey front and center, with panoramic views, relaxed pacing and seamless transitions between destinations. Our travel agency plans all types of trips — cruises, land tours, private charters and more. We’ve seen it all, so trust us when we say that rail is different. If you’ve ever wondered whether a rail vacation is worth it, the short answer is yes. Keep reading to find out why.

Why is train travel so popular right now?

Rail travel is trending again because it solves a simple problem: travelers want to see more without dealing with more logistics. Instead of rushing between airports or focusing on the road, the journey itself becomes the highlight.

What makes it stand out:

  • Wide panoramic views from comfortable, spacious rail cars
  • City-center access that removes airport transfers and long drives
  • A slower pace that highlights landscapes instead of skipping past them
  • Seamless transitions when combined with guided touring
 
Routes through the Canadian Rockies or Alaska’s wilderness show how rail naturally fits into immersive travel, where the scenery does the storytelling.

Is rail travel actually easier?

For many travelers, yes. It’s a style of travel built for seeing more, without having to plan more — and with the right advisor guiding the choice, it becomes one of the most rewarding ways to experience North America. Rail removes much of the friction that comes with driving long distances or coordinating multiple flights. It keeps the focus on the experience rather than the logistics.

Key advantages include:

  • Simpler boarding processes
  • Comfortable seating with more space to move and relax
  • Luggage handling included on many guided journeys
  • Built-in sightseeing between destinations
Travel Leaders Image
Canadian Rocky Mountains

Why we recommend Globus Rail Tours

Globus Rail tours combine iconic rail journeys with expert-guided exploration, from the cities of Europe and the landscapes of South America and Asia to the far reaches of the South Pacific. But their North American itineraries are some of the most iconic.

Depending on the itinerary, you may see:

  • Glacier-fed valleys and mountain peaks in Western Canada
  • Wildlife-rich wilderness in Alaska near Denali and Talkeetna
  • Red rock canyons and national parks in Utah and Colorado
  • Historic towns and changing landscapes across multi-day routes
     

What’s included?

The difference between a good rail trip and a great one often comes down to how it’s planned. That’s where a travel advisor makes all the difference, helping match the right journey and making sure you get the best quality vacation at the best value, with all the extra special touches included.

With Globus, you get:

  • First-class tickets and hand-picked accommodations
  • Carefully designed rail itineraries with immersive regional experiences
  • Expert Tour Directors and Local Guides throughout the journey
  • Seamless transportation between rail, hotels and sightseeing
  • A balanced mix of iconic highlights and flexible exploration

 

Booking your Globus Rail vacation through our travel agency means having an expert guide you through the details that shape the entire experience, from choosing the right itinerary and pacing to understanding which routes deliver the most scenic value. We help you compare options so you book with confidence. You’ll also unlock access to current offers, including savings of $200 per couple on select 2026 Globus rail vacations.

Featured Itineraries:

Travel Leaders Image
Denali, Alaska

Nature's Best: Alaska

This immersive Alaska tour combines coach, train and ship travel to showcase Denali, Kenai Fjords and Talkeetna while offering close-up wildlife encounters, glacier cruising and iconic local experiences. 

Fairbanks to Anchorage
6 nights from $3,919 per person

Travel Leaders Image
Arches National Park, Utah

Western Rails & Canyons with Canyon Spirit Rail Journey

This American Southwest adventure spans Colorado and Utah with iconic rail journeys, soaring mountain and desert landscapes, national parks and flexible excursions — from Pikes Peak and Mesa Verde to Canyonlands, Arches and the Canyon Spirit train. 

Roundtrip Denver
8 nights from $5,699 per person

Travel Leaders Image
Jasper National Park, Canada

Great Canadian Rail Journey

This epic journey blends luxurious transcontinental rail travel and scenic coach touring with iconic experiences — from Niagara Falls and five diverse provinces to the Canadian Rockies, coastal ferries and flexible exploration in Victoria.

Toronto to Vancouver
13 nights from $8,199 per person

Travel Leaders Image
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

America's National Parks with Canyon Spirit Rail Journey

This classic American West adventure explores the national parks and legendary towns of South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana, blending iconic landmarks, Wild West history, scenic rail travel and customizable excursions.

Rapid City to Denver
13 nights from $8,579 per person

Travel Leaders Image
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Canada

Spirit of the Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer

This scenic Western Canada tour blends rail, coach and ferry travel with breathtaking mountain, glacier and coastal landscapes, luxurious Fairmont stays and flexible sightseeing from Vancouver and the Rockies to Victoria.

Roundtrip Vancouver, British Columbia
11 nights from $8,659 per person

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and doesn't include any applicable promotions.

**Book a select 2026 Globus Rail Tours and save $100 per person off the land price. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between November 3, 2025 and December 15, 2026 for travel in 2026. Combinable with Welcome Back credits and applicable consumer brand promotions only. Cannot be combined with multiple agency/account specific promotions. Applies to new 2026 bookings only. Must mention promotion code TLN100RAIL26. Offer reliant on space availability. Not applicable to groups or custom tours. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Don't miss any Travel News or Limited Time Offers!

Subscribe to our Newsletter