12 Best Train Trips in North America

Trains, planes and automobiles. The majority of travelers use at least two of these on a consistent basis. Traveling by train may not be as popular as it once was, but with these breathtaking routes, you'll be clamoring to travel by train more often.

The Denali Star operates daily mid-May through mid-September, traveling from Anchorage to Denali and Fairbanks, Alaska. With this trip, you get to experience the 49^th state by rail by traversing through Denali National Park. You may even get to see Denali-the highest mountain peak in North America-if the weather is clear.

Ready to get the best views of fall? Book a trip on the "Great Dome" Car and witness the panoramic beauty of the season from an enclosed upper-level train car. You can book this car September 27-November 2 for the Montreal - Albany - New York route.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is great for the whole family. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion takes you to the Nantahala Gorge and back, navigating the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. With this route, you will even be given a one-hour layover to explore the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

The Coast Starlight takes passengers from Seattle to Portland to Sacramento to Los Angeles. The entire trip takes about 35 hours, or you can opt for just a partial leg of the journey. Either way, you won't be disappointed in the views as you travel past snow-capped mountains, forests and views of the Pacific Ocean.

If you have plans to travel to Banff-one of North America's most spectacular mountain escapes and hottest destination spots-then plan to make the most of your vacation by traveling from Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. And if the magnificent views can't convince you, the fact that this is currently the offseason for traveling to Canada-with an exchange rate that benefits Americans-should help sway you.

The Rocky Mountaineer was recently featured on a premiere episode of MIGHTY TRAINS.

You can travel all the way from Chicago, Illinois to Oakland, California on the California Zephyr. And while the route from Chicago to Omaha to Denver gives you picturesque views of America's Heartland, it's the trip from Denver to California that can really take your breath away. Travelers will be treated to views of the Colorado River Valley as they travel over the Rocky Mountains-crossing over the Continental Divide and through the Sierra Nevada.

Hop on the Polar Bear Express to get from Cochrane to Moosonee in Northern Ontario. The train makes a couple of stops along the way, and although this is a passenger train, don't be surprised to see snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles or canoes being unloaded. While there's no promise of polar bears on the trip, guests can visit the Polar Bear Habitat in Cochrane before or after their trip.

The Grand Canyon, one of America's most notable natural wonders, is a must for all travelers. But to get the full experience of what it was like in the Wild West, take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams Depot in Arizona to an outpost at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is an interactive train ride with musicians and cowboys. Or opt to travel around the holidays for a Polar Express experience.

Amtrak Vacations offers a full package deal for travelers going to the Falls from New York to Niagara. Packages include two nights' hotel stay, admission to the Skylon Tower Observatory Deck, a Falls Boat Ride and roundtrip travel on Amtrak's Maple Leaf. This trip is great for the whole family!

Amtrak Vacations does it once again with their perfect vacation packages. With so many options, you can choose how you want to traverse from US coast to coast. See the Great American Majestic Landscapes by traveling New York City - Chicago - Denver - San Francisco - Napa Valley. Or travel through the southern half of the county and up the eastern coast on the Great American Southern Trail-Los Angeles - San Antonio - New Orleans - Atlanta - Washington - New York City.

The train travels through the Black Hills on its way to Mt. Rushmore, where visitors can opt for a full touring package including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Iron Mountain Road, Custer State Park, Needles Highway and Crazy Horse Memorial. The Crazy Horse Memorial is currently celebrating its 70^th anniversary and there are new offerings throughout South Dakota.

Located in West Virginia, the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a must for all train enthusiasts! Take a four and a half hour scenic ride through the Appalachian Mountains to Bald Knob-the third highest point in West Virginia-where, if you time it right, you will be treated with beautiful sunset views.