I have been asked for gift recommendations for Canadians who like trains. This page provides a few recommendations for your consideration, if you’re shopping for a train-related gift for a friend or loved one.

Please note that some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you buy something after following the link. This is at no additional cost to you.

Book Recommendations

Any of Greg McDonnell’s books are great gifts, featuring classic Canadian railroading:

• Rites of Passage,
• Signatures in Steel
• Stand Fast, Craigellachie!

Great general train-related books include:

• Meet Me at the Station, Elizabeth Wilmot
• Through the Window of a Train, Barbara Lange
• Railway Country, Brian Johnson and Dudley Witney
• Lines of Country, Christopher Andreae (out of print, expensive)

My friend Eric Gagnon has published several books on VIA Rail that are interesting to read. The last one in particular is very readable. Visit his web site for more information.

Two books from the Canadian National Railways Historical Association are “Canadian National Diesel Locomotives (Volume 2)” and “Château Laurier – A Splendid Century”.

Gift Cards

A VIA Rail gift card is always a good idea!