'The Canadian' Toronto to Vancouver Train Route
Hop on a comfortable panoramic train for an unforgettable journey between two of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in Canada. While travelling through five provinces, you’ll have the chance to appreciate the diversity of Canadian nature and to marvel at spectacular views.
- Travel through the diversity of Ontario’s landscapes, from the dense urban center of Toronto to the peaceful hills surrounding the Great Lakes and the wilderness of the north. Enjoy the lush local flora while chasing rivers surrounded by verdant plains and thick forests.
- Explore the southern part of Manitoba and take in the rolling prairies, picturesque towns, and glistening lakes surrounded by a wide variety of trees. Stay on the lookout and say hello to bison herds, black bears, wapitis, or one of the hundred bird species that call this region home.
- Enjoy a blissful ride through southern and central Saskatchewan as you pass between grassy plains, hills, rivers, and lakes. Celebrate the eight bridges that span the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, nicknamed “the Paris of the Prairies.”
- Make sure you have your camera ready to capture the stunning view of the Rocky Mountains on the horizon as you travel across Alberta. You’ll get the chance to experience some of the most iconic vistas in Canada from the capital city of Edmonton to the renowned town of Jasper, set in the snow-capped mountains.
- Indulge in the wonders of nature in British Columbia and witness breathtaking sights: towering mountains, awe-inspiring waterfront, serene rainforests, and tranquil fishing villages… The journey to Vancouver by rail’s beauty is unparalleled.
Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Ride
Prestige Class Cabin: Night
A modular leather L‑shaped couch transforms at night into a Murphy bed for two facing the window.
Prestige Class Cabin: Day
The Prestige Sleeper cabin is 50% larger than the cabin for two in Sleeper Plus class. It features an extra-large window and has its own private washroom with shower.
Prestige Class Cabin: Day
The electric radiant heated cabin floors and walls maintain a comfortable, constant temperature.
Prestige Class Cabin: Night
The luxurious Prestige Cabins feature an elegant contemporary décor, with modern amenities including a television.
Prestige Class: Park Car - Mural Lounge
In this elegant and inviting lounge, travellers can enjoy non-alcoholic beverages and snacks or simply take a seat and chat with the concierge or other guests in a laid-back atmosphere.
Prestige Class: Park Car - Bullet Lounge
Located at the back of the train, the Bullet Lounge offers great views and photo opportunities. See the breathtaking scenery unfold right before your eyes and all around you. It’s the perfect place to sit down and read a good book or strike up a conversation with fellow travellers.
The Canadian: Cabin For Two - Day
Sleeper Cabin for two, configured for the daytime, with the double bunk beds in their stowed position.
The Canadian: Cabin For Two - Night
Sleeper Cabin for two, configured for the night, with the double bunk beds in their down position.
The Canadian: Cabin For Two - Bathroom
Travellers can rely on the Sleeper cars, which are renowned for their quality and comfort, and include a private toilet and sink.
The Canadian: Skyline Car
You’ll be on your way to some much deserved rest and relaxation on board the Skyline car. On the top floor, the windows extend to the ceiling, providing you with the perfect place to admire the breathtaking scenery as it unfolds.
The Canadian: Dining Car
Three-course meals that are made to order on board the train in the dining car. You can choose from three dishes at each meal. If you have any dietary requirements, you can order a special meal as you would in a restaurant. Priority dining is available for Prestige guests.
The Canadian: Skyline Car Cafe
There’s a certain freedom that comes with train travel. The freedom to move about during your trip, and the freedom to take a coffee break, have a chat or admire the scenery. What’s more, you can enjoy all this freedom in a comfortable space. Enjoy a relaxing selection of games or stop in to check the daily schedule for today's happenings on board.
Enjoy the Comfort of the Train
Leave your car at home and climb aboard! Make sure your next getaway is safe and eco-friendly.
VIA Rail Canadian: Prestige Cabin for Two
These private luxury cabins are 50% larger than the standard Sleeper Cabins and include an L-shaped, leather couch by day for sitting as you enjoy the scenery streaming past your oversized window. At night, your room attendant pulls the double bed down to prepare your room for a restful evening. These Cabins include a full private bathroom with a shower. Your cabin offers a small storage area for baggage so we advise guests to check the bulk of their luggage during their time on the train. All toiletries and linens are included in your cabin.
VIA Rail Canadian: Sleeper Cabin for Two
These private cabins include folding chairs by day for sitting as you enjoy the scenery streaming past your window. At night, your room attendant pulls the bed out to prepare your room for a restful evening. Cabins include a window with blinds and a private toilet with a sink and full mirror. Shower facilities are available at the end of the car. Your cabin offers a small storage area for baggage so we advise guests to check the bulk of their luggage during their time on the train. All toiletries and linens are included in your cabin.
VIA Rail Canadian: Sleeper Cabin for One
These private cabins include a folding chair by day for sitting as you enjoy the scenery streaming past your window. At night, your room attendant pulls the bed out to prepare your room for a restful evening. Cabins include a window with blinds and a private toilet with a sink and mirror. Due to the size of the cabins for one, when the bed is folded down, the toilet is not accessible. Shower facilities are available at the end of the car. Your cabin offers a small storage area for baggage so we advise guests to check the bulk of their luggage during their time on the train. All toiletries and linens are included in your cabin.
Simple and Delicious
Enjoy wholesome and gourmet options that are prepared using carefully selected local products from Canadian artisans.
Dining On Board
In the Dining car, from breakfast to dinner, you can explore VIA Rail’s gourmet three-course menus. They offer three choices of specialties cooked by their chefs on board for every meal, and all products are carefully selected from Canadian artisans.
You can purchase a selection of local beers and wines by the glass to accompany your meal.
Meals adapted to all your dietary requirements
Do you have special dietary requirements? VIA Rail caters to a variety of dietary restrictions as well as personal preferences. Let your server know before you order!
Allergies
Religious Preferences
Special Diets
Vegan + Vegetarian
Something for Everyone
Traveling by train means more than traveling between two cities. Taking the train offers you many advantages, take a look and book your next trip today.
Amenities On Board
Picking the train means enjoying the journey as much as the destination. And when you choose VIA Rail, you choose a safe, comfortable, accessible and eco-friendly way to travel. You also help to support your community as well as every other Canadian community we serve. Let us carry you away.
Tours Featuring VIA Rail's 'The Canadian' Route
The Canadian Trip of a Lifetime: Eastbound
You’ll start at the Pacific Ocean and end at the Atlantic Ocean. Over 16 days, you’ll see the full breadth of our great country. From lush West Coast rainforests to remote glaciers atop mountains, to Canada’s Prairies, lake country, and rugged East Coast, you’ll see Canada in a way that few people…
The Canadian Rockies Express: Toronto to Calgary
This 11-day tour is a straight shot to the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy the sweeping landscapes from the comfort of the train. Experience stunning sightseeing and comfortable hotel stays throughout this unforgettable journey from Toronto to Canada’s majestic Rockies.
The Canadian Prestige: Westbound
Combine nostalgia and luxury to get prestige: unparalleled customer service, five-star accommodation, and the finest attention to detail. The Prestige rail cars aboard VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” train are a masterpiece of design and a once in a lifetime travel experience. This tour includes private…
The Canadian Nostalgic: Eastbound
Step back into a golden past aboard “The Canadian” train – destination Toronto. With five days aboard the train, you’ll be mesmerized by Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Prairies and lake country, you’ll be rocked to sleep by the motion of the train and you’ll savour made to order meals as you glide…
The Canadian Adventurer: Westbound
This 12-day tour will take you on a truly Canadian adventure. Packed with unforgettable natural excursions, must-see highlights, and endless landscapes, this tour combines two legendary trains that connect the Pacific Ocean and the Great Lakes. Begin your tour in metropolitan Toronto and take in…
Rockies Winter Wonderland
Step back in time and board “The Canadian” winter train to Jasper through the snowy Canadian Rockies. At night, nestle into bed aboard this 50s-era train and be rocked to sleep as you travel through canyons and along riversides. This tour moves at a comfortable pace with lots of time in the…
Rockies Nostalgic: Eastbound
Step back in time and board VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” train for an overnight journey from Vancouver into the Canadian Rockies. You’ll enjoy great made-to-order meals as you glide from the West Coast through the mountains. Relax in the lounge car while you watch the sunset, and be rocked to sleep by…
Frequently Asked Questions about the VIA Rail Canadian Train
What is the best Canadian Rockies train trip?
The best Canadian Rockies train trip that you can take onboard VIA Rail is our 7-Day Rockies Nostalgic tour during the summer months, or our 8-day Rockies Winter Wonderland tour during the winter months. These trips makes use of ‘The Canadian’ train from Vancouver to Jasper, giving you one night onboard the train. We then include a sightseeing tour of Jasper, a sightseeing transfer to Banff that includes the Columbia Icefield Excursion, a Banff sightseeing tour that includes the Banff Gondola, and finally a transfer to the Calgary International Airport. For a Canadian Rockies tour that includes a longer stay onboard The Canadian train, our Canadian Adventurer and Trip of a Lifetime tour options may be a better fit.
Is there a sleeper train across Canada?
There are three sleeper trains within Canada, VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’ which travels between Vancouver and Toronto, VIA Rail’s train between Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba, and VIA Rail’s ‘The Ocean’ which travels between Montreal and Halifax.
How much does it cost to ride the train across Canada?
The cost varies between routes and the time of year but for the 2024 season for travel between Toronto and Vancouver, it will cost around CAD $2500 per person in the winter months and $4500 per person in the summer months for a Sleeper Plus cabin. For a Prestige Cabin, it will cost around CAD $5500 per person in the winter months and CAD $7500 in the summer months.
*All prestige cabin prices are based on two people sharing the room.
**By starting your trip in Vancouver instead of Toronto you will save approximately 8% on the train portion of your trip
***All prices are in Canadian Dollars. $1 CAD is equal to approximately $0.70 – $0.75 USD
Note that this is just for the cost of the train and all of our tour packages listed online include hotels and excursions on either end of the train journey. For a rail-only quote, please contact us directly.
How long is a train trip across Canada?
The Canadian train between Vancouver and Toronto
Total Travel Time: 93 to 97 hours (4 nights spent onboard)
Direct travel between locations with short stops in Jasper and Winnipeg along the way
Total Travel Distance: 4466 Kilometers or 2775 Miles
1 Night in Toronto is necessary between trains as The Canadian route is subject to delays
The Corridor train between Toronto and Montreal or Quebec City
Total Travel Time: 5 to 5.5 hours from Toronto to Montreal, an additional 3 to 3.5 hours to Quebec City
These trains run during the day with multiple departure times available
Total Travel Distance: 542 Kilometers or 337 Miles to Montreal, an additional 262 Kilometers or 163 Miles to Quebec City
The Ocean train between Montreal or Quebec City and Halifax
Total Travel Time: 23 hours from Montreal, 20 hours from Quebec City (1 night spent onboard)
Total Travel Distance: 1346 Kilometers or 836 Miles from Montreal, 1084 Kilometers or 674 Miles from Quebec City
Total Travel Time Across Canada: Approximately 125 hours (5 nights spent onboard the train plus 1 or 2 nights spent in hotels required)
Total Distance Covered on the Train Across Canada: Approximately 6354 Kilometers or 3948 Miles