Train from Toronto to Vancouver

Taking the train from Toronto in Eastern Canada to Vancouver on the West Coast is a bucket-list experience. On this historic rail route, pass through the prairie provinces and the Canadian Rockies. From towering mountain peaks to lush rainforest, turquoise alpine lakes to golden grasslands, see it all on a train trip across Canada.

At Canadian Train Vacations, we create personalized travel itineraries. We include trains, hotels, tours, and transfers. Our Vacation Advisors have first-hand experience of travelling and living in Canada and have bundles of local knowledge to share with you. Let us build your dream Canadian vacation from Toronto to Vancouver.  

Cross Country Journey  

This train tour Toronto to Vancouver includes four nights on the train and two nights in both cities. Gaze out at the changing scenery as you make your way across Canada. Sleep onboard the train and wake up to a new view every day. Before you board the train, visit Niagara Falls or discover Toronto’s top sights. After your rail adventure, explore Vancouver, Victoria, or Squamish on a sightseeing tour. 

Miles covered on train: 2,775 

Days on train: 4 

Nights on train: 4 

Across Canada by Train 

This trans-Canada train trip from Toronto to Vancouver includes two train experiences. Catch the sleeper train between Toronto and Jasper. Then, after spending a few days in the Canadian Rockies, board the Rocky Mountaineer daylight-only train. The train departs from Jasper for the final leg of your journey to Vancouver. Trip highlights could include a helicopter tour along the Icefields Parkway, a motorcycle sidecar tour in Jasper, or a boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka in Banff. 

Miles covered on train: 2,428 

Days on train: 5 

Nights on train: 3 

The Canadian Prestige Journey  

Travel between Toronto and Vancouver by rail in Prestige Class. Prestige Class provides you with personalised, luxury service throughout your train journey. On the train, relax in your spacious, private cabin as a dedicated concierge arranges everything for you. In the Canadian Rockies, enjoy private sightseeing tours and transfers. 

Miles covered on train: 2,775 

Days on train: 4 

Nights on train: 4 

There are three options to travel between Toronto, Ontario, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Since Canada is a huge country, there is large amount of ground to cover between these two major cities. You can fly, drive or train from one to the other.  

Taking a flight is the quickest option. However, by doing this, you miss out on all the scenery and sights in between, like the Canadian Rockies. 

You could opt to drive from Toronto to Vancouver. This would be 40-45 hours of driving. With breaks and overnight stops, this journey would take you at least a week. Two weeks is recommended, if you want to do some sightseeing along the way!  If you do not enjoy driving long distances, this is not the option for you.  

The last — and in our opinion, the best — way to travel between Toronto and Vancouver is to get the VIA Rail Canadian train. When you take the train, you get to see Canada’s diverse landscapes. The train travels through Ontario’s lake country, before moving across the prairies. Then, once the endless fields are behind you, the Canadian Rocky Mountains come into view. Lastly, the train crosses into British Columbia. You’ll see rivers, creeks, and mountains, before arriving in Vancouver.   

Toronto to Vancouver by rail takes 4 days and 4 nights, so just sit back, relax and enjoy the journey. Choose a private cabin so you can sleep well (available in Sleeper Plus or Prestige classes). You’ll dine on the train and can participate in optional onboard activities.  This sleeper train is a comfortable way to travel across the country.  

Our Canadian Rail Toronto to Vancouver tours always include VIA Rail’s Canadian train. Read more about the onboard experience below.  

What to Expect on The Canadian Train

The Canadian train is operated by VIA Rail Canada and runs every month of the year. For VIA Rail from Toronto to Vancouver, we recommend Sleeper Plus Class or Prestige Class. 

In Sleeper Plus Class, there are several options. There are upper and lower berths, cabins for one, and cabins for two. Berths have comfortable seating that converts to a bed with a curtain. Private cabins are the best option as they have armchair-style seating in the daytime and bunk beds in the evening. Cabins for two have a washbasin and a private toilet. There are shared showers available for Sleeper Plus passengers. Sleeper Plus includes meals in the dining car and access to the train’s viewing cars. Non-alcoholic beverages are included for Sleeper Plus passengers. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. 

In Prestige Class, guests receive an all-inclusive experience. Cabins feature a L-shaped leather sofa and large windows. At night, the sofa converts to a double bed. Prestige class includes meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, access to the Prestige Park car and lounge, and a dedicated concierge. Receive priority boarding, priority meal reservations, afternoon tapas, unlimited snacks and turn down service. You could even enjoy breakfast in bed!  

There are communal lounge areas for Sleeper Plus and Prestige passengers. The Skyline car has a glass-dome viewing area. The dining car which is where you’ll eat your meals. There is also the Prestige Park Car and bullet lounge.  Prestige guests have reserved seating in the viewing area of the Prestige Park Car and priority access. During peak season, Sleeper Plus guests have limited access to the Prestige Park Car. 

The VIA Rail Toronto to Vancouver train travels 4,466 kilometres. The train traverses five provinces in Canada. Major city stops along the way include Winnipeg (Manitoba), Saskatoon (Saskatchewan), Edmonton (Alberta), Jasper (Alberta), and Kamloops (British Columbia). The train does stop at small towns as well if these stops have been requested in advance. 

While The Canadian train is the only passenger train to cover this exact route, some travellers combine this sleeper train with the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train. The Rocky Mountaineer runs between the Canadian Rockies and Vancouver. To experience both trains, you could disembark VIA Rail in Jasper. Then, get the Rocky Mountaineer train from Jasper or Banff to Vancouver. This route can be done in reverse, from Vancouver to Toronto.  

At each of the terminal cities, Vancouver and Toronto, there are exciting off-train excursions that travellers can add to their itinerary if travelling with Canadian Train Vacations. 
In Toronto, take a day trip to Niagara Falls and explore Niagara’s wine region. Or stay in the city and discover its diverse neighbourhoods with a food tour. 

The west-coast city of Vancouver offers plenty of sight-seeing excursions at various activity levels. Take a day trip to Victoria to see the famous Butchart Garden and have high tea at the Fairmont Empress, or stay closer to Vancouver and venture to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for a unique rainforest immersion.

The Toronto to Vancouver train cost depends on the departure date and level of service. 

At Canadian Train Vacations, our vacation packages include sightseeing tours and activities, train station and airport transfers, and hotels, in addition to the train. Our Canadian Cross Country Journey trip starts from $4,580 USD per person.  

If you are looking for a luxury experience, then choose the Canadian Prestige Journey. The Toronto to Vancouver train prestige class price varies depending on availability. 

VIA Rail’s Canadian train takes 96 hours to get from Toronto to Vancouver. This is the only train that travels between the two cities. The train departs Toronto Union Station on Sundays and Wednesdays at 9.45am. It is scheduled to pull into the Vancouver train station at 8am on Thursdays and Sundays. As the train must stop for freight train traffic, the journey can take longer, and the train may arrive in Vancouver later than planned. 

Since you are on the train for four days, there is food and drink available onboard. In Sleeper Plus and Prestige classes, gourmet meals are included in your ticket. You are served breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the inviting dining car. Travellers are assigned to an early or late seating for lunch and dinner, though brunches and breakfasts are open seating. As each table seats four adults, smaller groups are seated together providing an opportunity to meet other passengers.  
There are usually 3-4 main dishes to choose from: a red meat option, chicken option, fish option, and a vegetarian option. The menu changes each day, so you won’t have the same meal twice. These gourmet meals are all freshly prepared by chefs in the train’s onboard kitchen.  
Some examples of previous menu items are: 

• Breakfast: Chef’s omelette, vegan scramble, cranberry orange pancakes
• Lunch: Pulled turkey wrap, couscous salad, ginger beef on rice  
• Dinner: Beef tenderloin, potato-crusted cod, chicken with lentils, marinated tofu 

Spend time off the train 

You can break up your train tour from Toronto to Vancouver with a stop in Winnipeg or Jasper. Spend a few nights in these destinations, then hop back on the train (you would need to plan according to the train schedule). Winnipeg is the capital of Manitoba and a lively prairie city. Here, you can visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights or see polar bears at the Assiniboine Zoo. Jasper is a charming mountain town in Jasper National Park where you can explore the mountains, lakes, and wildlife of the Canadian Rockies.

On your trip between Toronto and Vancouver, you’ll have hotel nights on either side of your train journey. There are a variety of hotels in each city.  

Before boarding the train, you’ll want to spend one or two nights in Toronto. Toronto is Canada’s largest city, so there is plenty to discover. Then, at the end of your trip, you’ll stay in Vancouver for one or two nights. Due to train and airline timetables and possible delays, we do not recommend flying in or out on train arrival or departure days. 

At Canadian Train Vacations, we have three levels of hotels: comfort, superior, and deluxe. Comfort hotels are generally 3 to 3.5-stars, Superior hotels are 4 to 4.5-stars, and Deluxe hotels are 5-stars. Hotels are well-situated within downtown areas and have a range of amenities. If you choose Deluxe level, then it’s likely you’ll stay in Canadian Fairmont Hotels. 

The train journey from Toronto to Vancouver is not just about reaching your destination; it’s about savouring every moment of the experience. These tips will help you make the most of your unforgettable journey across Canada.

Packing for a train trip requires some strategic thinking to ensure comfort and convenience across the varying climates of Canada. Here are the essentials: 

• Layered Clothing: Canada’s climate changes as you move from region to region and can also change throughout the day, especially in the mountains. Bring a mix of lightweight and warmer clothing to layer as needed.
• Comfortable Footwear: Opt for comfortable shoes suitable for walking and lounging. A pair of slippers can be handy for onboard relaxation.
• Travel Pillow and Blanket: Though the train provides bedding, these personal items can increase your comfort. You’ll appreciate the blanket in the winter months.
• Personal Toiletries: Include travel-sized toiletries, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and any prescription medications. Your cabin will have a shower kit with some basic items, including soap and shampoo.
• Tech Gear: Chargers, power banks, headphones, and a good camera for capturing the scenic views.
• Snacks and Reusable Water Bottle: While meals are provided, having your favorite snacks and a reusable water bottle can be handy.
• Books and Magazines: Bring along some reading material for quiet moments.
• Travel Journal: Document your journey in a travel journal – it’s a great way to remember the details.

Traveling by train across Canada offers a variety of onboard activities and entertainment options to make your journey enjoyable and engaging:

• Scenic Dome Car: Spend time in the dome cars for unparalleled views of the landscape. It's a great spot to relax and take in the scenery.
• Social Lounges: Socialize with fellow travelers in the lounge cars. These areas often host games, trivia, and wine or beer tastings.
• Dining Car: Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by skilled chefs. The dining car also provides an excellent opportunity to meet and chat with new people over a shared meal.
• Board Games and Cards: Bring your own or join others for a game of cards or a board game – a fun way to pass the time and meet new friends.

Capturing the stunning Canadian landscape from the train can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you take incredible photos during your trip:

• Camera Settings: Use a fast shutter speed to avoid motion blur as the train moves. A wider aperture can help in lower light conditions.
• Positioning: For the best shots, spend time in the scenic dome car or near the windows of your cabin. Avoid reflections by getting close to the glass and using a lens hood.
• Magic Hour: Take advantage of the early morning and late afternoon light, known as the golden hours, for the most dramatic and beautiful lighting.
• Variety of Shots: Capture a mix of wide landscapes, close-ups of interesting details, and candid shots of onboard life to tell a complete story of your journey.
• Editing Apps: Use photo editing apps like Lightroom or Snapseed to enhance your images, adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation to bring out the best in your photos.
• Practice Patience: The Vancouver to Toronto train ride offers countless photo opportunities. Be patient and ready with your camera to catch unexpected moments and breathtaking views.