Vancouver to Toronto Train Journey
11 days • April – October
Places visited: Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Jasper, Toronto
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How do you travel across Canada by train with VIA Rail?
Travel by train across Canada with VIA Rail for the most iconic rail experiences. VIA Rail's flagship train, The Canadian, travels between Toronto and Vancouver in four nights over 4,466 kilometres — one of the great rail journeys on earth.
VIA Rail at a glance
5 Major Routes
The Canadian, the Corridor, the Ocean, the Winnipeg to Churchill, and the Jasper to Prince Rupert routes connect the country coast to coast.
2 Sleeper Trains
The Canadian between Toronto and Vancouver, and the Ocean, between Montreal and Halifax, have sleeper cabins.
4 Service Classes
Choose Economy or Business on the Corridor trains, and Economy or Sleeper Plus on the sleeper trains. The Canadian also has a luxury Prestige Class.
Year-round service
VIA Rail runs in every season, with the Canadian departing several times each week.
Featured train trips across Canada
Travelling across Canada by train is one of the world's great journeys. We build our trips around the country’s scenic highlights and iconic experiences.
Prestige Train Journey Across Canada
11 days • April – October
Places visited: Vancouver, Jasper, Banff, Toronto
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Canadian Cross-Country Journey
9 days • April – October
Places visited: Toronto, Vancouver
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Canada Coast to Coast by Train
20 days • April – October
Places visited: Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Kamloops, Vancouver
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Across Canada by Train
13 days • April – September
Places visited: Toronto, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver
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Canadian Rockies to Toronto by Train
12 days • May – October
Places visited: Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Toronto
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Which VIA Rail trains travel across Canada?
VIA Rail trains span the country with five major routes that highlight the country’s geography, culture, and history. The Canadian runs between Toronto and Vancouver in four nights across 4,466 kilometres of prairie and Rocky Mountain scenery.
The Canadian
The Canadian is VIA Rail's transcontinental flagship, the quintessential cross-Canada train running from Toronto to Vancouver in four nights and 4,466 kilometres through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. For most guests, this is the heart of a cross-Canada rail vacation.
The Ocean Train
The Ocean travels overnight from Montreal to Halifax, the essential rail spine into the Maritimes. Board at Montreal's Central Station and wake up in Nova Scotia, ready to explore the coast.
The Corridor Train
The Corridor links Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Windsor with frequent daily departures, the workhorse of eastern Canadian rail travel. It forms the backbone of an Eastern Triangle train vacation.
The Skeena Train
The Skeena is the former name for the train route between Jasper and Prince Rupert, which has an overnight stop in Prince George, as there is no night travel on this route.
This route is not included in current itinearies by Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada.
Compare cross-Canada trains: routes, distances and from-prices
Use this table to compare VIA Rail's five major trains at a glance. These routes span the country. All from-prices are in CAD, per person, and are a starting point your personalized quote will confirm. This pricing reflects the cost of an inclusive itinerary featuring this route, and includes rail booking, hotels off the train, sightseeing activities and tours, and airport, station, and hotel transfers.
* These routes are not currently included in our itineraries and this is an approximate price for adding this route to an existing itinerary.
Take VIA Rail from coast to coast
If you want to see as much of the country as possible, we recommend combining VIA Rail daytime trains and sleeper trains routes in a personalized itinerary that will take you across Canada. You can travel from Vancouver on the West Coast all the way to Halifax on the East Coast.
Shannon BrandSenior Vacation Advisor at Fresh Tracks Canada
Which VIA Rail train reaches Canada's North?
The Winnipeg-Churchill train (historically known as the Hudson) connects Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba, the only rail link to Canada's polar bear and Northern Lights capital. Two nights each way, across the boreal forest and the sub-arctic tundra.
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Combine multiple train experiences
If you travel between April and October, you can combine Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail train experiences for an unforgettable across-Canada trip with extra time in the Rockies.
Angie BosworthVacation Advisor at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada
How do you combine trains for a true coast-to-coast vacation?
A genuine coast-to-coast vacation combines the Ocean and The Canadian into one continuous journey: begin in Halifax, take the Ocean overnight to Montreal, connect by VIA Rail through Toronto, then board The Canadian westbound to Vancouver. The total journey from Halifax to Vancouver spans approximately 5,800 kilometres across six provinces.
Our local travel experts arrange every connection, overnight hotel nights and transfers so the coast-to-coast journey flows as one smooth vacation, not a series of separate bookings. Most guests spend two or three extra nights in Montreal and Toronto, making the most of the cities before boarding the transcontinental train.
Featured Trip
Across Canada by Train
This 13-day itinerary will fill a traveller’s desire for both the energy of Canada’s big cities and the calmness of its expansive nature. As you journey by train between Toronto and Vancouver, you'll discovery the diversity off Canada‘s landscape. With travel on both VIA Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer, you’ll experience the best train trips in Canada. You’ll also get five days in the Rockies, including a stay in Lake Louise.
Available:
April – SeptemberLength:
13 daysTime on train:
5 days / 3 nightsPrice from:
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VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer
Which VIA Rail service classes can you choose?
VIA Rail offers four service classes across its network, though not every class runs on every route. The Canadian offers Economy, Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class. The Ocean offers Economy and Sleeper Plus only — Prestige Class is not available on this route. Daytime routes run Economy seating throughout: the Corridor also offers Business Class, while the Skeena is Economy only.
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Sleeper Plus Class
Sleeper Plus offers private berths and cabins for one or two, with all meals included in the dining car and access to the Skyline dome car. This is the most popular class for a cross-Canada vacation because the private cabin makes a four-night journey genuinely comfortable. A berth converts from a daytime seat to a fold-down bed at night with a curtain for privacy, while a private cabin has its own door and is the more spacious option.
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Prestige Class
Prestige Class is VIA Rail's premium offering on The Canadian, with the largest suites, a private bathroom, concierge service and exclusive access to the Prestige Park Car. This is a genuine luxury experience, well-suited for guests who want the very best Canadian rail travel can offer.
Economy Class
Economy Class is a comfortable, affordable option with wide reclining seats, large windows and access to a glass-domed viewing car on The Canadian. Meals are available for purchase. This class is ideal for guests who want the scenery and the journey without the higher price of a sleeper cabin.
Compare classes at a glance
Prices reflect the cost of our inclusive itineraries, with rail booking, hotels off the train, sightseeing tours and activities, and transfers.
* Please note that trips booked through Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada do not use Economy class.
Take a look inside a VIA Rail Canada vacation
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Daytime set up for a sleeper cabin on VIA Rail
The private sleeper cabin for two on VIA Rail's Canadian train has two armchairs next to a large picture window.
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Sleeper cabin for two on VIA Rail
Private cabins for two on VIA Rail's sleeper trains have upper and lower bunk beds which are set up in the evening.
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Dining car on VIA Rail Canadian train
Guests on sleeper-train journeys enjoy multi-course meals served in the Dining Car on VIA Rail's Canadian and Ocean trains.
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Prestige Cabin on VIA Rail Canadian train
Prestige sleeper cabins feature double beds, an extra-large window, concierge service, and enhanced amenities.
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Viewing areas in the Lounge Cars
Sleeper Plus passengers get access to the lounges and viewing areas on The Canadian train.
Stations, baggage, accessibility and pet policy
Planning a rail vacation with confidence starts with knowing what to expect at the station and onboard. Here is what matters most for a relaxed, comfortable journey.
- Major stations: Toronto Union Station is the primary eastern gateway, a grand Beaux-Arts hall in downtown Toronto with step-free access, luggage storage and taxi and rideshare pickup outside. Vancouver's Pacific Central Station is the western terminus, a short taxi or rideshare ride from downtown hotels. Halifax's VIA Rail station serves the Ocean, and Jasper, Winnipeg and Prince George are key stops on the transcontinental and northern routes.
- Baggage allowance: VIA Rail allows each passenger two pieces of checked baggage up to 32 kilograms each, plus carry-on luggage. There is no charge for the first two checked pieces on long-distance trains. Sleeper Plus and Prestige guests have additional storage space in their cabins. Our local travel experts are happy to advise on packing light so the journey stays effortless.
- Accessibility and step-free travel: Accessible cabins are available on The Canadian, with wider doorways and adapted facilities. Our local travel experts confirm every accessibility requirement ahead of travel so guests board with complete confidence. These comfortable, spacious trains are especially well-suited to guests who prefer a relaxed, step-free pace. Learn more on our train tours for older travellers page.
- Pet policy: Small pets (cats and small dogs) are permitted in Economy Class on select Corridor trains in an approved carrier. Long-distance trains including The Canadian, the Ocean, the Skeena and the Hudson Bay do not carry pets in the passenger cabin. Accommodations are made for service animals.
How much does a VIA Rail vacation across Canada cost in CAD?
A VIA Rail vacation across Canada typically costs between $5,750 CAD to $18,000 CAD. The cost reflects a multi-day journey that includes accommodations, meals, and guided experiences along the route. The price of a cross-country train trip varies depending on the length of the itinerary and the level of comfort selected.
The fare includes sleeper cabins with private facilities, dining services, and access to viewing lounges, ensuring comfort throughout the trip. Seasonal demand influences pricing, with summer departures higher than spring or fall schedules. Guided excursions in destinations such as Banff, Jasper, and Vancouver add further value to the package, contributing to the final cost of a train trip across Canada.
For the full fare breakdown across every route and class, see our VIA Rail train cost guide.
VIA Rail schedules, routes and fares: how do you check times?
When planning a trip with VIA Rail , it is worth understanding how the timetable works before you book. Some routes do not have daily departures, so getting off the train for a layover may require two to three extra days.
- Fixed timetables with seasonal frequency. VIA Rail runs fixed routes and published timetables, but departure days vary by season. The Canadian departs Toronto three times each week westbound in peak summer and less frequently in winter. The Ocean departs Montreal three times each week. The Jasper-Prince Rupert and Winnipeg-Churchill have their own seasonal schedules.
- No need to decode the timetable yourself. Our local travel experts confirm every departure time, connection and current fare as part of one personalized itinerary. You tell us your preferred dates and travel style; we build a joined-up schedule around them, including any overnight hotel nights between trains and transfers to and from the station.
- Via rail schedules and fares change by season. Summer fares are typically higher than shoulder-season fares, and sleeper-cabin inventory fills earlier than Economy seats. Our Canadian Insiders flag current availability and any seasonal value options when they build your quote.
What is Canada's transcontinental railway, and which route does it follow?
Canada's first transcontinental railway, completed in 1885, linked the country coast to coast for the first time and opened the West to settlement and trade. The historic Canadian Pacific Railway route ran through the southern Rockies via Calgary and Rogers Pass. Today, VIA Rail's The Canadian follows a northern transcontinental route from Toronto to Vancouver across 4,466 kilometres (2,775 miles), passing through Jasper and Kamloops rather than Calgary and Rogers Pass. For guests who want to trace both the history and the scenery, The Canadian is riding a piece of that founding story at every kilometre.
Is VIA Rail the official booking site?
Canadian Train Vacations, by Fresh Tracks Canada is an independent Canadian rail specialist. We are not the official VIA Rail booking site. VIA Rail Canada operates the trains and sells point-to-point tickets directly through its own website. Our role is different: our local travel experts build a personalized vacation itinerary around VIA Rail's train routes, adding hotels, transfers, excursions and practical support so you never have to coordinate the pieces yourself.
Most guests find this the more relaxed and rewarding way to travel Canada by rail, because every element is planned, confirmed and coordinated in advance. There is no obligation to request a quote, and we are always happy to answer questions before you decide.
Plan your VIA Rail train vacation with a Canadian Insider
Every great rail vacation starts with a conversation. Tell us the regions you want to explore, the service class you have in mind, and the dates you are considering, and our local travel experts will shape a personalized itinerary around you. Hotels, transfers, excursions and train reservations are all coordinated so you can simply arrive at the station and enjoy the journey.
FAQs on VIA Rail Train Trips
Useful Links
Train Across CanadaRocky Mountaineer TrainVIA Rail The Canadian TrainVIA Rail Prestige ClassCanadian Sleeper TrainToronto to Vancouver TrainVancouver to Toronto TrainVIA Rail Montreal to Halifax TrainToronto to Calgary by TrainRocky Mountaineer Train CostVancouver to Banff TrainVIA Rail vs Rocky Mountaineer TrainPrestige Vs Sleeper Plus ClassRocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf vs SilverLeaf ServiceExplore Canada
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