When I first considered taking the train from Barrie to Ottawa, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I’ve heard so much about Canada’s vast landscapes, but the experience of traveling through Ontario’s countryside by train was something that had always intrigued me. This trip, from the charming town of Barrie to Canada’s capital, Ottawa, turned out to be not only an easy way to travel but a comfortable, scenic adventure that gave me a new appreciation for train travel.
1. Booking the Train Tickets
For anyone planning to take the train in Canada, the most convenient way to book tickets is through VIA Rail. The official VIA Rail website is user-friendly and provides a variety of options depending on your departure time, train class, and the flexibility you need. I opted for a one-way ticket, and it took less than 10 minutes to choose my route, select a seat, and make the payment. You can also use their app for booking, which I found just as simple.
I did a quick comparison on third-party sites, but VIA Rail’s direct platform seemed to offer the best deals, especially when I booked in advance. They often have promotions or discounts if you plan ahead, so I’d recommend keeping an eye out for those. After receiving the booking confirmation, I was set for the journey, but I had no idea how enjoyable this ride would turn out to be.
2. The Departure: Barrie to Toronto
The journey began early in the morning from Barrie’s station. Barrie itself is a small yet picturesque city, and the train station had a quaint, vintage feel to it. The building was functional, with clean facilities, and there was a coffee stand inside where I grabbed a quick cappuccino before the train departed.
VIA Rail trains are known for being comfortable, and the interior of the coach was no exception. Spacious, clean, and with large windows, the seats were more comfortable than I had anticipated. There’s also plenty of legroom—definitely something to consider if you’re planning to spend a few hours on the train. I found my seat by the window, settled in, and started watching the world go by as the train slowly pulled out of Barrie.
The first leg of the journey took me from Barrie to Toronto. This part of the ride was mostly suburban landscapes, but as the train picked up speed, it cut through stretches of lush greenery. Even from the windows of the train, the view was relaxing. It’s not quite the dramatic scenery of the Rocky Mountains, but Ontario has a quiet beauty with its expansive fields, winding rivers, and forests.
3. Toronto: A Short Stop
Arriving in Toronto, I had a short stopover before continuing the rest of my journey. I didn’t have much time to explore the city during this break, but the Toronto Union Station is a major transit hub that has plenty of shops, food options, and services. I grabbed a quick snack, stretched my legs, and waited for the next train to take me to Ottawa. The atmosphere at the station was buzzing with travelers, commuters, and tourists, all hustling to get to their next destination.
Toronto’s Union Station is known for its historic architecture, and I couldn’t help but admire the grand columns and vaulted ceilings. It’s a great place to sit back for a moment before heading on to the next leg of your journey. I also noticed a few other travelers who were also taking the VIA Rail service, and it was clear that this was a popular way for many people to move around Ontario.
4. Onward to Ottawa: The Scenic Route
After about 90 minutes in Toronto, I boarded the next train that would take me all the way to Ottawa. This leg of the journey is the longest and offers the most scenic views, so it was definitely the one I was most excited about. As we pulled out of Union Station, I settled in and prepared for the ride ahead.
The train ride from Toronto to Ottawa spans approximately 4-5 hours, but it didn’t feel long at all. I was so captivated by the constantly changing landscapes outside the window. The first part of the journey cuts through suburban areas before slowly transitioning into vast rural fields. Ontario’s rural countryside is incredibly peaceful, with endless stretches of green and the occasional farmhouse. The changing seasons made the ride especially beautiful; the fall foliage was particularly stunning, with bursts of orange and red creating a picturesque backdrop.
One of the standout features of the VIA Rail trains is the onboard amenities. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and drink service. The staff was friendly, offering light snacks, sandwiches, and hot beverages, all served with a smile. I opted for a coffee and a small snack, which was just what I needed to keep my energy up for the rest of the trip.
Throughout the journey, there were moments when the train slowed down, allowing me to fully appreciate the beauty of the landscape. We passed by small towns, lakes, and rivers, with views that felt as though they could belong to a postcard. I couldn’t help but wonder how often travelers miss out on these beautiful sights when flying or driving.
5. Crossing Into Eastern Ontario
As the train continued its journey eastward, we entered the more rugged, forested areas of Ontario. The trees grew denser, and the occasional cottage or lake house dotted the landscape. There’s something about Ontario’s wilderness that feels untouched, like a world away from the bustle of city life.
At this point, the train was moving through the Rideau Canal region. The canal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches from Ottawa to Kingston, and we passed by sections of it during the journey. In fact, one of my favorite moments was when we crossed over one of the canal’s charming stone bridges, and I caught a glimpse of boats gently floating by. The mix of nature and history in this part of Canada is truly something special.
6. Arriving in Ottawa: A Smooth End to the Journey
As the train approached Ottawa, the landscape began to shift. The rural expanses slowly gave way to more urban surroundings, and we entered the outskirts of Canada’s capital. The transition was so seamless that it felt like a natural progression. I had spent the last few hours in a peaceful state of mind, surrounded by nature, and now, I was about to experience the vibrant, political heart of Canada.
Ottawa’s train station, Ottawa Station (or VIA Rail’s Ottawa station), is modern and well-organized. It’s located just a short drive away from downtown, so it’s easy to reach the heart of the city. The station is clean, with good facilities for travelers. After disembarking, I made my way out of the station and into the city, feeling refreshed from the journey.
Ottawa’s charm is undeniable. From the historic Parliament Hill to the picturesque ByWard Market, there’s so much to explore. But there’s something unique about arriving in a city by train—there’s no rush or stress involved. The journey from Barrie to Ottawa had been comfortable, scenic, and relaxing, and I arrived in Ottawa feeling like I had truly enjoyed the ride.
7. Why Train Travel Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
In today’s fast-paced world, flying is often seen as the quickest and most convenient way to travel between cities. But there’s something special about taking the train, especially for a journey like this one. It allows you to appreciate the landscapes and offers a level of comfort that makes the trip feel like part of the vacation itself. No security lines, no cramped seats—you just get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you make your way from one place to the next.
The VIA Rail trains between Barrie and Ottawa are well-equipped to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. The stations are easy to navigate, and the onboard services are top-notch. But it’s not just the comfort that makes this train ride worthwhile. The experience of slowly traversing Ontario’s countryside, watching the changing scenery, and seeing the province from a different perspective is a rare pleasure in today’s travel world.
If you’re planning a trip between Barrie and Ottawa, or any other city in Canada, I highly recommend taking the train. It’s a comfortable, scenic, and stress-free way to travel, and you might just find that the journey itself becomes one of the highlights of your trip.
