Agawa Canyon Tour Train

"Great day to relax and focus on slowing down and enjoying the scenery. Staff are very helpful and provide great information along the way. They were able to accommodate our accessibility needs with a lift and seating in Car 9 closest to the lift. We did a family trip with a group of 8. Seats were padded and comfortable. Snacks and drinks on board. Even with a late season ride and rainy stsrt to the day, the colours were beautiful. Note for preparation, especially if you are in a group to arrive early, seats are not assigned. Staff are very helpful to accommodate seating requests after boarding."

Tanya Eastman

"Embark on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and discover a transformative experience that harnesses the raw beauty of Northern Ontario, inspiring a sense of wonder in those who travel through Sault Ste. Marie's breathtaking landscapes.

Be prepared for a scenic journey, with a round-trip duration of 8 hours, divided equally between traveling to Agawa Canyon and returning to the depot.

We arrived at the depot by 7:30 am, ready to embark on our journey by 8 am. Despite the crowd, the staff facilitated a remarkably smooth boarding process. We made our way to the lookout, where we were treated to breathtaking vistas that left us in awe. Although the fall colors weren't as vibrant as anticipated, they still displayed a orange-yellow hue with hints of red, serving as a poignant reminder of nature's ability to surprise and inspire us. 🍁

After taking in the breathtaking views at the top, we made our way down with a sense of urgency, driven by the ticking clock. We seized the opportunity to stroll along the train tracks and paused briefly to capture some photos at the river bank. The train's loud whistles signaled our cue, and we had a thrilling 10 minutes to snap a few final shots with the train front. Although we didn't have time to explore the waterfall, we left feeling invigorated by the experience.

The train's food and beverage options were reasonably priced. Although the seats had limited legroom, we were considerate of our fellow travelers, sitting across from us. For future trips, I'd consider upgrading to the Stone Gardner coach, which offers a unique experience with its expansive rear window, complimentary meals, and comfortable seating. It is well worth the premium price of $500.

Here are my thoughts on the train experience, highlighting areas for growth and opportunities for enhancement.

One potential improvement for this train tour is allocating more time to explore the park, as the current 1.5 hours can feel a bit rushed. With so many attractions to see – including the 300-step lookout, two waterfalls, trails, riverbank, it can be challenging to fit everything in.

The upgrading the train's seating, could significantly enhance passenger comfort.

The train ride features insightful commentary that enhances the experience, offering a deeper understanding of the area's history and ecology. The train thoughtfully slows down at popular spots, allowing passengers to capture memorable photos.

The staff, both on the train and at the station, exemplify exceptional service, showcasing genuine warmth, helpful expertise, and unwavering professionalism. Every query receives prompt, clear, and empowering responses. Their diligence in maintaining immaculate washrooms is truly commendable. Without the distraction of Wi-Fi, passengers can fully engage with the breathtaking scenery, fostering a deeper connection with nature. A remarkable display of integrity was demonstrated when the staff made a concerted effort to reunite a lost pair of sunglasses with their rightful owner.

The breathtaking double rainbow that appeared in the sky was the perfect finale to our trip, leaving us with an unforgettable sense of wonder."

C Khan

"Breathtaking views, uncomfortable long ride.

Overall, I really enjoyed this trip. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking - without a doubt, it’s worth experiencing at least once. When I stepped off the train and looked around, I was amazed. Honestly, if I had only seen photos of the canyon, I would have thought they were photoshopped. Seeing it in person was unforgettable.
But there are things that clearly need improvement. The seats in our coach were obviously taken from an old airplane and simply fixed into the train, with foldable trays like on planes. For a long journey - four hours each way (eight hours total on board) - the seats were uncomfortable, and they were placed too close together, leaving very little room for knees. And because we had already spent more than 10 hours on the road before boarding, sitting that long in those seats felt even tougher. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for older passengers as well.
Another issue is the short time at the canyon. We only had about 1.5 hours there, which wasn’t enough to fully enjoy the place. The highlight is the waterfalls and the climb to the local lookout point - but with such limited time, you’re either rushing or missing out. Extending the stop would make the tour far more rewarding.
One thing I really liked was the monitors in the coach showing a live feed from a camera mounted on the locomotive. It felt like standing right at the front of the train, like on the bow of a ship. The idea is fantastic, but the execution needs work: the video wasn’t smooth (more like a slow slideshow), and the screens were small. Larger, better-quality screens with smoother video would make this feature truly amazing.

PS: I also want to mention the staff, both on the train and around it - zero complaints. They are super friendly, helpful, and professional. Whenever I had a question, I got clear answers right away, just a great team. And another positive detail: there is no cell service along the way, and the organizers did not provide Wi-Fi. That meant no clowns shouting on FaceTime or WhatsApp and waving phones around. Everyone simply enjoyed the trip and the views."

Oleh Chaban