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VIA Rail Vacations

Travel Canada's diverse landscapes by train

VIA Rail Canada has perfected the art of ferrying passengers across this vast country. Unwind on a classic overnight train, where you can stretch out in a cozy sleeper cabin and dine on exquisite meals. It's the most comfortable way to explore the natural beauty of Canada.

The old-growth forests of British Columbia. The icy peaks and glaciers of the Rockies. The wide open skies of the prairies. The big city lights of Toronto. The mirror-like lakes of Quebec and Ontario cottage country. The sleepy fishing villages of the Maritimes. These are just a few examples of what you can experience on a VIA Rail vacation.

Planning a train trip to Canada and

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Plan your trip with a Canadian Insider
You know that friendly character you met in the local café who told you to visit that well-kept regional secret which turned out to be the best part of your holiday? That's us.
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Have everything organized for you
By this stage, you're already having dreams about mountains, moose and maple trees. We combine your personal preferences with our insider knowledge to save you hours of pointless internet trawling.
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Get help when you need it
We're here to make sure you get the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax on your vacation because you know that we're a phone call away if you have any questions while you're in Canada.
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Train

Experiences

These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure

  • Prestige luxury train cabin with double bed facing a window
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    Luxury Train Service

    GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer train connects Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. The train runs by daylight and operates from mid-April to mid-October. Prestige class sleeper service on [VIA Rail Canadian](https://canadiantrainvacations.com/explore/the-canadian-train) train operates year-round and you can travel all the way from [Vancouver to Toronto](https://canadiantrainvacations.com/trips/vancouver-to-toronto-train-tour) or vice-versa. Both luxury train services provide spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities.

  • VIA Rail train going over the bridge through a forest in the mountains
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    The Canadian Train

    VIA Rail – Sleeper Train

    Hopping a ride on this train is the ultimate way to discover how big and beautiful Canada is. ["The Canadian"](https://canadiantrainvacations.com/explore/the-canadian-train) was the flagship of the Canadian Pacific Rail line when it began service in 1955. Travelling from Toronto to Vancouver, the Canadian carries you from the forests of Ontario, through the sweeping fields of the Prairies and past the dramatic snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

  • A man looks out the panoramic windows as a train goes through the mountains
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    Prince Rupert to Prince George

    VIA Rail

    The journey covers 1,160km (720 miles) between the north Pacific Coast and the Rockies on the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. It takes approximately 20 hours. Stop overnight in Prince George, so you can experience the entire route in daylight. The panoramic dome cars have floor to ceiling windows, so you won't miss a second of the wild Canadian scenery.

  • VIA Rail train traveling on coast away from the city.
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    The Ocean Train

    VIA Rail – Sleeper Train

    Onboard the Ocean Train you'll travel from the French speaking province of Quebec, through the blissful backdrop of [lighthouses and seascapes](https://canadiantrainvacations.com/explore/maritimes-nova-scotia-train) in the Canadian Maritime Province of Nova Scotia before reaching your final destination of Halifax. As you relax onboard, you'll see tiny communities along your route, representing French Canadian, Acadian, Celtic and English heritage.

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Quick Facts About Via Rail Vacations

  • This passenger rail service connects Canada from Vancouver to Halifax, with four different train routes. Major city stops include Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Jasper, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax.
  • Depending on the train route, VIA Rail offers daylight or overnight sleeper train experiences.
  • Depending on your class of service, VIA Rail offers a selection of snacks, light meals, or gourmet Canadian cuisine made fresh by on-board chefs.
  • Train cars feature large picture windows to highlight the vast Canadian landscape.
  • Enjoy sweeping views in the Panorama car, where giant windows extend to the ceiling.
A table set with a fine dining meal with wine in a train dining car
VIA Rail train journeys through the Ontario countryside
Panorama Car on VIA Rail's The Canadian Train
Train routes on

VIA RAIL

The route you take on your trans Canada journey is up to you – and there are many options to choose from. Let a Canadian Insider help you put the pieces together.

  • Route map of VIA Rail's Corridor train in Eastern Canada
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    The Corridor

    Toronto to Quebec City

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

  • Route map of the Ocean Train
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    The Ocean

    Montreal to Halifax

    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 onboard, you'll see tiny communities along your route, representing French Canadian, Acadian, Celtic and English heritage.

The Canadian Train

SERVICE

VIA Rail's The Canadian runs between Toronto and Vancouver, offering multiple service levels. Need help deciding which one is right for you? Reach out to our travel experts for advice.

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Sleeper Plus Class

Sleeper Plus Class

Enjoy your own bed in a luxurious and comfortable private cabin, where you can stretch out and watch the sunset (or sunrise, if you're an early bird). Depending on the size of your group, you can book a cabin for one, two or four travelers. You'll have your own toilet and sink, plus a shower that is only shared with a handful of other people. The perks of Sleeper Plus include: Three gourmet fine dining meals per day, complimentary fruit and cookies between meals, priority boarding and access to the station lounges in Vancouver and Toronto, access to the Panorama and Skyline viewing cars, and non alcoholic beverages included; alcoholic beverages available for sale.
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VIA Rail's The Ocean Train

  • The Ocean has been carrying passengers from Montreal to Halifax for over 110 years.
  • The 1,350km journey connects the Eastern edge of Canada and takes about 21 hours.
  • Major city stops include Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton, and Halifax.
  • The best time to enjoy this trip is from mid-June until mid-October.
  • Inaugurated in 1904, the Ocean is the oldest continuously operated named passenger train in North America.
  • This is an overnight sleeper train experience, with panoramic viewing cars and meals included.
Passengers looking out the domed windows on a train car
An aerial view of the VIA Rail train on the tracks along the water
View of the colourful houses of Fisherman's Cove near Halifax
Places to

VISIT

From the bright city lights of Toronto to the looming Rocky Mountain peaks, our personalized VIA Rail trips offer adventure on a grand scale. Your Canadian Train Vacation Advisor can help create a trip that includes the best Canadian destinations.

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    Maligne Lake

    Jasper

    Alberta

    Jasper is the gentle giant of the Rockies and this small mountain town offers visitors a more laid-back mountain experience – with equal options for adventure, discovery and relaxation.

  • A view of the Toronto skyline from the Toronto Islands
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    Toronto Skyline

    Toronto

    Ontario

    Toronto has great neighbourhoods, wonderful ethnic restaurants and bars, museums, Broadway shows, concerts and galleries. You will want to visit landmarks such as the CN Tower, the Skydome and museums - then get off the beaten path and walk vibrant, quirky neighbourhoods that reflect the incredible diversity of Canada's population.

  • Purple sunset over a river in Winnipeg with the Museum of Human Rights in the background
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    Winnipeg Skyline

    Winnipeg

    Manitoba

    Winnipeg will surprise you – a sophisticated, cultured metropolis rising out of an endless sea of flat prairies. It's gaining attention for its diverse dining scene, excellent new museums and the quality of its theatre, comedy and music.

  • View of Montreal across the St. Lawrence River at sunset
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    St. Lawrence River

    Montreal

    Quebec

    Predominantly French-speaking, Montréal is set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River and named after Mt. Royal. Its 19 boroughs, many of which were once independent cities, include neighbourhoods from cobblestoned, French colonial Vieux-Montréal – with imposing Notre-Dame Basilica at its center – to industrial Sud-Ouest and artist-friendly Plateau.

  • A couple having a picnic on the grass in front of the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac
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    Overlooking the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac

    Quebec City

    Quebec

    The tiny cobblestone streets, steep hills and welcoming squares of this European-esque city are a delight to explore under blue summer skies. Once you have had your fill of the quaint, French-Canadian charm after wandering through the streets, you can head to the The Baie de Beauport, the city's beach. Watch the locals play beach volleyball as the sunlight sparkles on the water.

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    Argyle Street, Halifax

    Halifax

    Nova Scotia

    Halifax is the largest port in Canada's Maritime Provinces and its links with the sea and the Celtic people are evident in the dialect of the locals, the songs and fiddle music played in the pubs, and the wonderful maritime museum on the harbourfront. Stroll along the cobbled streets exploring galleries and shops and dine out on fresh lobster on your visit.

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Recommended VIA Rail Trips

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Canadian Rockies Voyage by Train

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Vancouver to Toronto Train Tour

Vancouver to Toronto Train Tour

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Canadian History and Culture By Rail

Canadian History and Culture By Rail

Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City

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Ready to start planning your Canadian journey?
Here at Fresh Tracks Canada, we have gourmet globetrotters, tranquil train-travellers, bold backpackers, and nature lovers. But what ties us together is that we're all passionate travellers. When we're not helping people plan vacations to Canada, we're getting together to plan our own adventures.
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