All Aboard the Autumn Express: A Journey into the Heart of Agawa Canyon

There's something magical about the Canadian autumn. The air turns crisp, the sun casts a golden glow, and the landscape explodes in a riot of color. But to truly experience this spectacle, you need to get off the beaten path. That's exactly what I did on a three-day trip from October 3 to 5, 2025, with Trans Asian Travel and Tours, on their all-inclusive Agawa Canyon Tour Train package. For $575 CAD, it promised an unforgettable adventure, and it certainly delivered—with a healthy dose of excitement and a few unexpected twists.

Day 1: The Midnight Journey

The adventure began not with a train whistle, but with a bus engine. According to our planned itinerary from Trans Asian Travel and Tours, our journey was set to begin on Friday, October 3, with multiple pickup points. My group gathered at Parkway Mall in Toronto, the first pickup point, around 8 PM. The bus was a familiar sight, but what awaited inside was a surprise. Our tour guide, with a friendly smile, greeted us with a taste of home: water bottles, sweet Karyoka, and savory pork empanadas. It was an instant icebreaker, and the air buzzed with excitement as our group—mostly fellow "kababayans"—settled in. We said a quick prayer for a safe journey, and then, we were off.

I was seated at seat number 25, a window seat with a view of the rapidly disappearing city lights. The bus was modern and comfortable, equipped with Wi-Fi and, most importantly, a power outlet for my phone. As per the itinerary's note to "wear comfortable clothes" and "sleep in the bus," the long night drive to Sault Ste. Marie was surprisingly pleasant. I watched movies on my phone, dozed off, and chatted with my seatmate. We made two brief but essential washroom stops, a welcome stretch for our legs before we finally arrived at the train station at 5 a.m., just as the first hint of dawn was coloring the sky. The itinerary mentioned an early morning stop at Tim Hortons for breakfast and to freshen up, which was a welcome relief after the long journey.

Day 2: Riding the Rails of Fall

After a quick break, we were assigned to Coach Number 16 of the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. Our itinerary for Day 2 was clear: "8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Agawa Canyon Tour Train." The train ride itself was the crown jewel of the trip. The seating was spacious and comfortable, allowing us to stretch out and get lost in the view. As the train chugged along, the scenery outside transformed into a living painting. Lakes, rivers, and dense forests passed by, their leaves ablaze in a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold. The on-board commentary was excellent, providing timely and interesting facts about the history of the area and the landmarks we were passing. I learned about the Group of Seven artists who found inspiration in this very landscape, and as I looked out at the vibrant colours, I understood why.

The weather was a blessing. Sunny and cool, with not a drop of rain in sight. Other passengers who had taken the tour in previous years told me how lucky we were, as last year's trip was a wet and dreary affair. This made the perfect conditions for photography, and everyone, myself included, was glued to their windows, snapping photos and videos of the breathtaking scenery.

We arrived at the Agawa Canyon Park, a wilderness sanctuary accessible only by rail. My goal was to climb the 300-step lookout for that iconic panoramic view. We started the ascent, passing a beautiful, cascading waterfall along the way. But as the climb got steeper, I had to be realistic about my physical limits. After a valiant effort, I decided to take a break and admire the view from a more accessible spot. We also didn't get to hike to see the Black Beaver Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, but it was a great lesson in accepting that it’s okay to slow down and enjoy what you can. The beauty of the place was overwhelming even without conquering every trail.

After our time in the canyon, we took a bus to the Comfort Inn in Sault Ste. Marie for our overnight stay, as the itinerary had planned. Our room, number 225, was a haven of relaxation. It was spotless, with a clean washroom and a relaxing bathtub. The flat-screen TV and reliable Wi-Fi were a nice bonus. The hotel's prime location meant we could easily walk to nearby establishments. We opted for dinner at Manchu Wok, a perfect end to a long day of travel and sightseeing. While some of our fellow travelers went to the casino, we opted for a good night's sleep to prepare for the next day's journey.

Day 3: A Brush with Panic and the Road Home

The next morning, as per our itinerary, we had breakfast at 7:00 AM. It turned out to be a bit of a chaotic scene, with a "deluge of the crowd" as our tour guide put it. It was clear the breakfast area was overwhelmed, a small detail that was quickly forgotten once we were back on the bus, full of food and ready to go. The energy was high, with fellow "kababayans" sharing stories of their casino triumphs (and losses!).

Our Day 3 itinerary stated: "Our first stop will be at the Big Looney and then we proceed to Sudbury to make a visit to the Big Nickel, we will have our lunch here in Sudbury." We did indeed have a quick stop at the Big Nickel in Sudbury. We had just 30 minutes to snap photos and take in the sheer scale of this roadside attraction. As we were about to leave, a wave of panic washed over me. I patted my jacket pocket—my wallet was gone! My heart pounded as I rushed back to the bus, which was now locked. I immediately froze my credit and debit cards using my phone, mentally retracing my steps. I knew I hadn't left it at the hotel since I had used it at Tim Hortons earlier that morning. Relief flooded me when the bus driver returned and I found my wallet safe and sound inside my jacket pocket. It was a stressful moment, but a valuable reminder to always keep track of your valuables, especially when traveling with a large group.

The rest of the trip was smooth. We made a final washroom break at Parry Sound, and by 7:25 PM, we were back at Parkway Mall, where our journey had begun, ready to return to "Home sweet home."

This Agawa Canyon tour is more than just a trip—it's an experience. It’s a chance to witness the spectacular beauty of a Canadian autumn, to connect with fellow travelers, and to learn a few life lessons along the way. Be ready for the long bus and train rides, and be realistic about your physical abilities. But most of all, be ready to be amazed. It's a trip I'll never forget, and one I highly recommend for anyone looking for a breathtaking escape into nature.