Train Across Canada

For travellers wondering if there is a cross Canada train, you’re in luck. Not only does VIA Rail have a passenger train that travels between Toronto and Vancouver, you can take a connecting train to Montreal before heading to Halifax, making for a complete rail trip across Canada.

A train trip across Canada shows you the sheer scale and diversity of this vast nation. Watch through a giant picture window as the landscape shifts from expansive lakes to sweeping prairie grasslands, from sky-piercing mountains to lush rainforest, before finally arriving at the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Sleep in your private cozy cabin, take in the views from the dome cars, and linger over tantalizing meals created from regional specialties. There's no other trip quite like it.

Long before air travel was commonplace, or a network of freeways made road trips possible, Canadians went on tour by train. Crossing the country’s vast expanse by rail is just as magical now as it was a century ago — perhaps even more so, in this hurry-up world. The luxurious pace of getting from A to B offers ample time to relax, meet new friends, savour gourmet food and wine, and appreciate the magnitude of this wide land.

There are many options for a trans-Canada rail trip. Journey from Toronto to Vancouver on an epic 13-day adventure or begin in Toronto and arrive on the West Coast in less than a week. No matter what trip you choose, you'll have a unique chance to discover Canada's natural beauty and enchanting culture. All while unwinding in pure comfort. 

The local travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations specialize in train travel across Canada. By creating personalized itineraries based on conversations with you, we can help you realize your perfect trip. We are a Canadian company dedicated to helping visitors experience the best of Canada — it’s all we do.

The Canadian Prestige Journey 

Travel across Canada in VIA Rail's Prestige Class to experience personalized luxury service throughout your journey. The only luxury sleeper train that goes across Canada, VIA Rail’s Prestige on the Canadian train includes a private deluxe cabin with shower and bathroom. Exclusive private tours compliment your experience in each of your stopover destinations. 

Miles covered on train: 2,762  

Days on train: 4 

Nights on train: 4 

Canadian Cross-Country Journey

This eight-day exploration of Canada covers some of the country’s big highlights. You’ll spend four-nights on a rail journey on VIA’s iconic Canadian train, travelling from Toronto through the Canadian Rockies to coastal Vancouver. You can also do the trip in reverse. Excursions at either end of your train trip include time in Toronto, with a guided excursion to Niagara Falls, time exploring the beautiful West Coast city of Vancouver, and time in Victoria, where you’ll take in the world famous Butchart Gardens.  

Miles covered on train: 2,762  

Days on train: 4 

Nights on train: 4 

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. 

Miles covered on train: 2,428 

Days on train: 5 

Nights on train: 3 

Canada Coast to Coast by Train

For those with more time, take this unforgettable 16-day a train journey across Canada. Starting in coastal Vancouver, travel through the scenic Rocky Mountains, explore the charming mountain town of Jasper, and immerse yourself in the cultural hubs of Toronto and Montreal. This journey across Canada includes a luxurious four-night train ride on VIA Rail’s Canadian, offering stunning views of Canada's diverse landscapes. Highlights include exploring the Rockies, a visit to the iconic Niagara Falls, and discovering the historic charm of Quebec City. While on this cross Canada rail trip, enjoy guided tours and ample leisure time to absorb the beauty and culture of this vast country.

Miles covered on train: 3,554  
Days on train: 7 
Nights on train: 4 

Hopping a ride on this train is the ultimate way to discover how big and beautiful Canada is. 'The Canadian' was the flagship of the Canadian Pacific rail line when it began service in 1955. Travelling from Toronto to Vancouver, the Canadian carries you past the Great Lakes, over the granite outcrops of the Canadian Shield, through dense boreal forest, across undulating grasslands, and into the high alpine of the Canadian Rockies, which are crowned by a glacial ice cap. (The only landscape you’ll not see? Tundra.)

“What a wonderful way to see Canada,” said Canadian Train Vacation guest Ellie Haimsohn, of Cleveland, Ohio, in her review. “The Canadian Rockies are unbelievably beautiful, with majestic peaks and glaciers. The diversity is inspiring as you leave the mountains for the prairies.”

The Canadian train is the only route where one can experience VIA Rail’s luxurious Prestige Class. Travellers in this exclusive service level enjoy elegantly appointed cabins featuring private bathrooms with showers, flat-screen TVs, and expansive windows for panoramic views of Canada's stunning landscapes. Prestige Class also offers round-the-clock concierge service, with the option to have the included meals, snacks, and beverages delivered to their cabin. Guests can linger over gourmet meals and premium beverages in the dining car, with menus showcasing the finest local ingredients. Additionally, Prestige Class passengers have exclusive access to the Park Car, a dome car offering a relaxed lounge atmosphere and an upper-level observation deck for unparalleled sightseeing.

The Corridor Train runs between Toronto and Quebec City, with stopovers in Ottawa and Montreal. Travel through the heartland of Canada. This scenic commuter train service offers Economy and Business Class. In Business Class, guests receive priority boarding and waiting lounge access as well as onboard meals and drinks served at your seat.

Onboard the Ocean Train, you'll travel from the French-speaking province of Quebec, through the blissful backdrop of lighthouses and seascapes in the Canadian Maritime Province of Nova Scotia, before reaching your final destination of Halifax. As you relax on board, you'll see tiny communities along your route, representing French Canadian, Acadian, Celtic and English heritage. 

The Skeena — the VIA Rail service that connects Jasper, Alberta to Prince Rupert, British Columbia — is another route in the rail system that allows one to see Canada  by train. This is a two-day trip that takes passengers through some of Canada’s most breathtaking and varied landscapes. (The popular Skeena Skyline dome car has not been in service since 2020 and there are no updates about its return.)
A special add-on offered by Canadian Train allows travellers to enjoy a picturesque portion of this route out of Jasper.  During this short day tour, passengers enjoy stunning views of pristine lakes, rushing rivers, and abundant wildlife before returning to Jasper.

The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train, perfect for experiencing the most spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities of the Canadian Rockies. The train connects British Columbia and Alberta, with stops in Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, Vancouver and Whistler on three unique routes. Your overnight stay during your journey will be in Quesnel or Kamloops.

Explore: Rocky Mountaineer Train Trips

• Canada is huge. The journey between Vancouver and Toronto is approximately 1.5 times the distance between London and Moscow. 
• It's fair to say that the railways built Canada, the world's second largest country. They connected Toronto and Ottawa in the east with the western frontier, which became a tourist draw after Banff National Park was established in 1877. 
• Canada is home to nine of the world's 12 climatic regions. Aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian train, you traverse nearly every landscape on Earth. 
• The scenic Rocky Mountaineer is the only passenger train to have access to certain special historic Canadian Pacific Railway routes, such as the 1885 Canadian Pacific route between Vancouver and Banff. 
• Some Canadian trains are designed with glass-dome viewing cars, so that you won't miss a minute of the jaw-dropping scenery. 
• Canada spans almost 90 degrees of longitude and uses 6 different time zones, so make sure you adjust your watch accordingly! 
• VIA Rail is the only company that offers service from one coast of Canada to the other. 
• Passenger and freight trains use the same rail lines in Canada, so be on the lookout for trains carrying raw materials to their final destinations. 
• Be prepared to enjoy a gourmet meal if your itinerary includes a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer. 
• In many cases, it's possible to add excursions to your train trip, enabling you to see even more of what Canada has to offer. 

Top 5 Reasons to Take Rail Trips Across Canada

• You'll see more– On a driving trip you'll have your eyes glued to the highway. On a train trip across Canada, you can sit back and enjoy the view as you travel through swathes of undeveloped forest, vast marshlands, canyons, river valleys and small towns. 
• Trains go straight to the centre in most Canadian cities– The train was the very first way to get across Canada - therefore it got all of the best real estate. The train arrives in the downtown core of each city, right in the middle of all the top hotels, shopping, dining and sightseeing. 
• You'll make new friends– A cross-Canada train journey can be wonderfully social. During the trip you can relax in the dining cars and get to know your fellow adventurers. There's nothing like card games, local wine and great views to inspire conversation. 
• Train travel is comfortable– Sit back in your large reclining chair. Feast on regional cuisine and local wines in the dining car. Drift to sleep to the click-clacking rhythm of the train in your private cabin (VIA Rail). 
• You'll have plenty of time to relax– Cross-Canada train travel is all about long, leisurely journeys where you simply sit back, read a book and watch the mountains and rivers go past your window. It's a wonderfully calm way to travel. 

Other reasons to cross Canada by train:

• You're almost guaranteed to see wildlife– You might see moose in Ontario, antelope on the plains, or bighorn sheep in the Canadian Rockies. Sightings of deer and elk are also common in the mountains. And if you don’t see any of Canada’s Big 5 from the train’s viewing areas, it’s a good bet you’ll see our country’s famous mammals when you get to Banff or Jasper.
• The excellent onboard service–  Since this is train travel, there’s no need to rush through a meal. Breakfast and lunch are served onboard VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains. If you travel on The Canadian train, you can enjoy a three-course dinner. Choose between braised rack of lamb or citrus-glazed salmon, for example, paired with Canadian wine, and served atop a white tablecloth in the dining car.

As you have read, travelling across Canada by train is a vacation of a lifetime and offers a unique way to experience the country's diverse landscapes. The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations are here to make planning your trip as easy as possible.  Here are some of our top tips on booking and packing, as well as our insights into what to expect on your train tour across Canada.

Planning Your Trip

Choose Your Route: VIA Rail, with its passenger train across Canada, offers many options. The most iconic rail route is the transcontinental journey from Toronto to Vancouver on the Canadian train. For East-Coast exploration, consider the Ocean train from Montreal to Halifax. 

Book Early: Train travel in Canada is popular, especially in the summer and fall. Booking several months in advance can help secure the best fares and preferred travel dates.

Select Your Class: VIA Rail offers various classes, from comfortable Economy to the luxurious Prestige Class. Decide what level of comfort and service you desire. Prestige Class provides spacious cabins, private bathrooms, and all-inclusive dining and beverages.

Plan Your Stops: Make the most of your trip by planning stops at major cities and attractions along the way. Consider spending a few days in Toronto, exploring the Rockies in Jasper, or visiting Vancouver’s vibrant waterfront.

Packing Tips

Pack Light: Space on trains can be limited, so pack only what you need. A small suitcase or backpack is ideal. Remember, you can check your larger luggage separately on the longer routes. 

Layered Clothing: Canada’s weather can vary greatly in every season. Layered clothing will keep you comfortable whether you’re in the mountains or by the coast. Don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes for excursions.

Essentials: Pack travel-sized toiletries, a reusable water bottle, and any medications you need. A small first-aid kit can also be handy.

Entertainment: Bring books, magazines, or download movies and music for the journey. While the scenery is captivating, there are times when you’ll appreciate having something to do. There will be sections when you won’t have access to cell or internet service. 

What to Expect

Scenic Views: One of the highlights of travelling by train is the ever-changing landscape. From vast prairies to towering mountains, and dense forests to bustling cities, the views are spectacular.

Relaxed Pace: Train travel is slower than flying but infinitely more relaxing. Enjoy the journey, take in the views, and socialize with fellow travelers.

Onboard Services: VIA Rail trains offer a variety of services. Sleeper Plus and Prestige Classes offer more amenities, including fine dining, lounge access, and private cabins or berths. 

Dining: Meals on the train are an experience in themselves. Depending on your class, you can enjoy anything from simple snacks to gourmet multi-course meals, often featuring local ingredients.

Stops and Excursions: Trains make several stops, allowing for brief excursions or extended stays. Take advantage of guided tours or simply explore on your own. As the train only runs every 3 to 4 days, if you do get off the train for an extended stay, you will have to wait for the next run.  

Parts of Canada to Visit

For major stops along the cross-Canada route, you can request a four-day stopover in a destination — this is because The Canadian train (VIA Rail) only runs every four days.

No matter which trip you choose, you can bookend your train journey with bucket list experiences.

Consider this: you can kick off a once-in-a-lifetime Toronto to Vancouver train trip with a visit to Niagara Falls, a natural wonder, and end it with a day tour to Victoria and the beautiful Butchart Gardens. If you stop in Jasper, enjoy a boat trip on Maligne Lake, one of the world’s prettiest bodies of water.

1. Vancouver 

Many cross-Canada train trips begin in Vancouver, the perfect jumping-off point for a tour. What makes Vancouver so unique is that it's a bustling city surrounded by natural wonders. Whether you prefer fine dining and shopping or kayaking and hiking, Vancouver has something to offer everyone.

2. Winnipeg 

Make sure your cross-Canada rail trip goes through Winnipeg, Manitoba, which includes a combination of quiet prairies and metropolitan amenities. Winnipeg is the ideal place to visit if you enjoy museums and other cultural attractions. 

3. Jasper 

Many Canadian cross-country train trips include stops in Jasper, the site of Jasper National Park. If you're looking to get out of the city and connect with nature, Jasper is the place to do it. The town has plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities. 

“For me the best part was all the wildlife — elk, just walking down the street in Jasper,” effused Australian Hazel Prosser, who travelled from Toronto to Vancouver, with stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff along the way.

4. Montreal 

Immerse yourself in the French culture without ever leaving Canada by including Montreal on your Canadian cross-country train tour. Located on an island in the St. Lawrence River, Montreal is a cosmopolitan city with museums, high-end restaurants and eye-catching architecture. 

5. Quebec City 

When you take a luxury sleeper train across Canada, look for an itinerary that includes Quebec City. Immerse yourself in French-Canadian culture as you walk along cobblestone streets or sun yourself on Baie de Beauport, the local beach. 

6. Halifax 

The coastal city of Halifax is the perfect place to conclude a train ride across Canada. Steeped in Celtic history, Halifax is a major port, so be sure to have some fresh lobster before you board your cross-Canada train for the return trip home.