Which train trips start from Toronto?

From Toronto’s Union Station, you can travel across Canada in four days and four nights aboard The Canadian to Vancouver, head east to Montreal, Quebec City and the Maritimes, or take a scenic day trip to Niagara Falls. Whether you prefer a multi-day rail journey through Canada or a shorter getaway, Toronto offers several train travel options to suit different interests and travel schedules.

Toronto Skyline at sunset

Best-selling rail trips departing from Toronto

Explore some of our most popular VIA Rail journeys departing from Toronto.

Trip Duration Highlights Starting price ($ CAD per person)
Across Canada by Train 13 days / 12 nights Two rail experiences: a multi-day sleeper train and luxury daylight rail $13,780 CAD
Prestige Train Journey Across Canada 11 days / 10 nights Luxury transcontinental sleeper train cabin, plus stays at Fairmont hotels $17,860 CAD
Canadian History and Culture by Train 10 days / 9 nights Historic and cultural landmarks of Ontario and Quebec $6,460 CAD
Springtime Across Canada 13 days / 12 nights Coast-to-coast rail, fewer crowds and Spring landscapes $13,660 CAD
Canadian Cross-Country Journey in Winter 9 days / 8 nights Winter wonderland scenery, cozy rail cars and seasonal activities $5,980 CAD
Featured trip

Canadian History and Culture by Train

In this 10-day itinerary, travel by VIA Rail from Toronto to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City, then end your trip in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a heritage town in wine country just a short drive from Niagara Falls. Along the way, see Parliament Hill in Canada’s capital, explore Montreal’s French-Canadian culture and walk the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec.

  • Available:

    April – October
  • Length:

    10 days
  • Time on train:

    3 days
  • Price from:

    Loading price... pp
  • Train type:

    VIA Rail

The Toronto to Vancouver train journey on The Canadian

The Canadian travels approximately 4,466 kilometres (2,775 miles) from Toronto to Vancouver in four days and four nights. Two service levels offer overnight sleeping accommodations: Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class. Sleeper Plus features private cabins or semi-private berths, while Prestige offers larger private cabins with a double bed and en-suite bathroom. Both include all meals and access to the dining car. Full-route Sleeper Plus fares start at around $1,083 CAD per person, while Prestige Class fares start at around $6,040 CAD per person, based on double occupancy.

VIA Rail's Canadian Train travels through Ontario with Autumn's fall colours on display.
Made Murphy bed facing extra-large window of Prestige Sleeper cabin in VIA Rail's train, The Canadian, during winter

Upgrade for extra luxury

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If you’re looking for a more luxurious train trip, upgrade to Prestige Class – highlights include a private shower, extra-large picture window and a fully stocked mini-bar.

Angie Bosworth
Vacation Advisor at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada

Which Eastern Canada rail trips start in Toronto?

From Toronto’s Union Station, travellers can journey east to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City along the Québec City–Windsor Corridor, or continue to Moncton and Halifax via Montreal aboard The Ocean.

Travelling from Toronto to Montreal takes about five hours, while the journey from Toronto to Quebec City takes about 15 hours. From Montreal, The Ocean continues east to the Maritimes, with stops in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

For guests interested in a cross-border option, the Amtrak Maple Leaf runs from Toronto to New York City in around 12 hours, passing through Niagara Falls and the Hudson Valley. This route crosses the Canada–U.S. border, so a valid passport is required, along with any visa or other entry documents. Passengers complete border-crossing procedures at Niagara Falls.

Front of VIA Rail Corridor train passing through fields with fall foliage on either side and pink sunset in the sky
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Spend time in the Niagara region

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If you’re travelling through Ontario, in addition to seeing Niagara Falls, I highly recommend exploring the wineries nearby and visiting the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Shannon Brand
Senior Vacation Advisor at Fresh Tracks Canada

Compare train routes from Toronto

Trip Duration Best for
Toronto to Vancouver on The Canadian 4 days / 4 nights westbound Scenic transcontinental journey; classic sleeper train experience
Toronto to Montreal Around 5 hours Passenger rail; French Canadian culture
Toronto to Quebec City (via Montreal) 15 hours History and culture in old Quebec City
Toronto to Halifax via The Ocean 1 day, 7 hours Maritime coast travel, ocean views from sleeper train
Toronto to Niagara Falls Around 2 hours A quick, 2-hour train ride from Toronto; one of the most popular falls in the world

How to plan a rail trip departing from Toronto?

Train tours from Toronto range from quick getaways to cross-country adventures aboard The Canadian. Whether you are looking for quick weekend trips to nearby destinations, 3-day trips across Ontario, family-friendly journeys, or unforgettable multi-day travel experiences aboard The Canadian, there are options to suit different travel styles and interests.

Planning a rail trip from Toronto starts with choosing how far you want to go. You could head west on The Canadian for a cross-country journey to Vancouver, travel east toward Quebec City and the Maritimes, or stay closer to Toronto with a trip to Niagara Falls. Here are a few ways to narrow down your options:

  • Weekend train trips from Toronto: Quick getaways along the Québec City–Windsor Corridor — such as short routes to Niagara Falls or Ottawa — offer a refreshing escape with minimal transit time. 

  • Three-day options: Short rail trips to Kingston or Ottawa combine scenic travel along Lake Ontario with plenty of time to explore historic sites, waterfronts and local dining.

  • Family-friendly rail trips: Short, direct trains from Toronto to destinations like Niagara Falls take about two hours, with roomy seating, space to move around and downtown arrivals close to family attractions. 

  • Longer journeys: The Canadian is often considered the most scenic journey starting in Toronto, crossing the lakes and forests of Northern Ontario, the Prairies and the Canadian Rockies on its way to Vancouver. The journey can also be done in reverse, starting from Vancouver and ending in Toronto. Travellers heading to the Maritimes can travel east to Montreal and connect with The Ocean to destinations including Moncton and Halifax.

Plan your rail journey departing from Toronto with a Vacation Advisor

Planning your rail journey from Toronto with us is easy and seamless. Our Vacation Advisors at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada, can help you choose the route, destinations and season that fit your interests, whether you’re heading west on The Canadian or east to Quebec and the Maritimes. They design a personalized itinerary for you and handle the details, including transfers, train tickets, bookings, accommodations, tours and experiences.

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Last updated: Oct 19, 2026

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