One Train, One Country, Countless Adventures: Toronto to Vancouver by Rail

There is no better way to absorb the massive expanse of Canada than to watch it slowly drift past your window for four days. The Toronto to Vancouver train, better known as The Canadian, Via Rail’s legendary cross-continental route, is an exercise in leisurely exploration of 4,466 kilometres of forests, prairies and mountains. Whether you’re on the Vancouver to Toronto train or simply heading west, you sign up for one of the last great rail adventures left.

The Journey Begins

Having left Toronto’s Union Station, the train begins cutting through the rocky Canadian Shield of northern Ontario. You’ll pass through dense wilderness on your way to the vast horizons of the Prairies. The train will follow through Manitoba and Saskatchewan, provinces with skylines that seem to stretch on forever, before reaching Alberta.

On day three, the Canadian Rockies come into view, starting as a distant horizon and eventually filling your field of vision. After passing through Jasper and entering BC, the train snakes its way through river valleys and mountain passes until it reaches the Pacific coast in Vancouver. At every mile, new landscapes unfold before your eyes, and at every mile, it feels as if you’re in a different country.

Adventures Onboard

The adventure is not just in the scenery, the train offers a number of ways to enjoy your journey. At the front and rear of the train (on eastbound and westbound services, respectively) are dome cars offering unparalleled, eye-level views. The Skyline lounges offer a more social experience, while the Park Car: available only on westbound trains, provides panoramic, 360-degree views.

If you’re travelling in Sleeper Plus or Prestige Class, all meals are included in your ticket. Sit down at the dining car with a white tablecloth, a glass of Canadian wine and some fellow strangers-turned-travelers for a meal that’s as much a part of the adventure as the scenery.

Throughout the journey, the train makes stops in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Jasper, places where you can disembark and spend a few days sightseeing before hopping back on the train back in your preferred direction. You can also decide to extend your journey by spending a few days in one of these stops at no additional charge. Jasper is the most popular stopover destination, as it grants you access to Maligne Lake and the Icefields Parkway.

The Classes

You can choose between three classes on the Toronto to Vancouver train. Economy is the most affordable option and features comfortable reclining seats and access to the Skyline dome car. Sleeper Plus is the most popular class for crossing Canada by train, private sleeping accommodations, all meals included and lounge access are all part of the package.

At the top of the menu is the Prestige Class, which features a double Murphy bed, an en suite bathroom, a personal concierge and exclusive access to the Park Car.

Leaving Toronto for Vancouver (or vice versa) is an experience that cannot be rushed. Departing twice a week, year-round, with additional services during the summer, the journey takes four days and four nights: but many travellers take advantage of the optional stopovers in Toronto, Jasper and/or Vancouver to extend their journey.

Travelling from Toronto to Vancouver by Train: Last Great Adventure

Whether you’re on the Vancouver to Toronto train or simply heading west, the experience is both humbling and educational: an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Canada and the small part we play in it. For more information on fares and schedules, get in touch with Canadian Train Vacations.