Looking for easy, budget-friendly summer adventures with your kids? VIA Rail is making it simpler than ever to explore Canada with their Kids Ride Free promotion. Until September 2, 2025, one child (under 18) can ride free in Economy class with every adult on select routes — making VIA Rail summer travel one of the best family deals of the season.
Whether you’re planning a spontaneous day trip or looking to revisit a favourite spot, these train journeys offer an effortless way to travel with kids. Just hop on and watch the countryside roll by. If you’re considering a move, these trips also double as a way to get a feel for a new community. At Zoocasa, we believe that sometimes a short trip is all it takes to discover where you truly belong.
Why Choose VIA Rail for Family Summer Travel?
It’s Cost-Effective
With one child riding free per adult, the savings stack up fast, especially for larger families.
Stress-Free for Parents
Skip the driving and parking. Instead, enjoy a coffee, take in the views, or read a book while your kids stay entertained.
Kid-Friendly Perks
Spacious seats, a snack bar, and free Wi-Fi on select routes make train travel a low-stress option for families.
Eco-Conscious Choice
Trains offer a more sustainable way to explore compared to car travel.
Travel Made Easy
No baggage fees on regular carry-ons mean you can pack plenty of games, snacks, and books without extra cost.
The Best VIA Rail Routes Under 4 Hours for a Family Day Trip
Here are five quick and easy VIA Rail summer travel routes ideal for family-friendly day trips. Each journey is under four hours and packed with activities for kids this summer.
Toronto to Kingston (2 hrs 30 min)
Step off the train and into history. Explore Fort Henry’s military reenactments, splash pads by the waterfront, and leafy parks perfect for a picnic. Bonus: Kingston’s old limestone buildings make for great photos and mini architecture lessons.
Ottawa to Montreal (2 hrs)
Perfect for foodies and festival-goers alike. Wander through the Old Port, check out the Biodome’s rainforest habitat, or grab a bagel and a hot chocolate at a local café. Summer in Montréal is full of live music and outdoor markets that kids will love.
Montreal to Quebec City (3 hrs 15 min)
Let the fairytale begin. Québec City feels like Europe without the jet lag. Think horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone streets, and interactive museums that let kids step into the past.
Vancouver to Chilliwack (via Abbotsford, under 2 hrs)
This scenic ride through the Fraser Valley offers mountains, berry farms, and nature walks. Stop for ice cream, hit a local trail, or let the kids roam in one of the region’s many parks.
Halifax to Truro (1 hr 45 min)
Quick, easy, and packed with adventure. Try tidal bore rafting for teens, or stroll the shady trails of Victoria Park. Don’t miss the local museum scene — ideal for rainy day learning.
How to Book Your Free Kids Ticket
Booking is easy — but here’s what you need to know:
- Eligibility: One child or youth aged 0–17 travels free per accompanied adult (18+). Teens 13–17 must travel with a valid photo ID.
- Class: Economy and Escape fares only (Economy Plus and higher are excluded).
- Booking Site: Tickets must be booked directly through VIA Rail’s official website, by phone, or at a VIA Rail station using the promo code CANADAFAM.
- Travel Period: Travel must be completed by September 2, 2025.
Tickets can be purchased from June 16 through September 2, 2025, and the promotion is subject to seat availability and cannot be combined with other discounts or group bookings.
For full terms, visit the promotions page on the VIA Rail website.
Where Will the Train Take You Next?
Whether you’re craving a break from the city or travelling with kids, these short VIA Rail summer travel trips offer the perfect blend of freedom and ease. And who knows? That lakeside town or historic city might just feel like home.
Ready to make the move? Start your home search with Zoocasa today.
