Via Rail

For those looking for a Canadian adventure by train, VIA Rail’s extensive network means you can travel right across Canada from Vancouver to Halifax – via Jasper, Toronto and Montreal – in just 6 days. With shorter routes also available including Winnipeg to Churchill, Montreal to Québec City or Jasper to Prince Rupert, each offering the chance to kick back and relax and making the journey part of your holiday experience.

As specialists in tailor-made travel we can help you create an itinerary exactly to suit you. Whether you’re looking for a short hop by train between cities or an extended rail holiday across Canada, our team are on hand to help plan your holiday.

Vancouver-Toronto: The Canadian

The Canadian is VIA Rail’s classic train, a renovated stainless steel ‘streamliner’ from the 1950s. This elegant piece of rail history crosses Canada on a 4-night journey between Vancouver and Toronto, and features air conditioning, a café car, lounge car and access to the viewing dome car. All meals, prepared fresh each day by VIA Rail chefs, are served in your assigned dining car.

Overnight sleeping options are as follows:

Upper & Lower Semi Private Berth

Semi Private units are 5’10” by 3’7″ and by day feature wide couch style seats facing each other. At night, this converts to upper and lower bunk style beds with reading lights. Heavy curtains drape your berth offering privacy and quiet. The washrooms and shower are only a few steps away.

Private Double Bedroom

By day this 7′ 2″ square unit is a private room for two, with armchairs, a large picture window, small closet, call button, hand basin, razor outlet and private toilet. A vanity and foldout table is only a call button away. At night this unit converts to upper and lower bunk style beds.

Single Private Bedroom

This is a private one person room measuring 6′ 5″ by 3′ 7″ with a comfortable seat, call button, hand basin, razor outlet, private toilet and vanity. At night this unit converts to a snug sleeping area.

Prestige Sleeper Class

Our recommendation – the spacious, high-end Prestige Sleeper cabins feature large windows for panoramic views, a leather L-shaped couch by day and a double bed by night facing the window, a private washroom with shower, a flat-screen TV with video selection, a minibar stocked with a selection of beverages and electric radiant heated cabin floors. Prestige Sleeper Class travellers can enjoy exclusive access during certain times to the Prestige Park Car with spectacular observation area, complimentary bar service, snacks and specialty coffees, varied activities such as wine tastings, and talks on local history, geography and culture.

Other Routes Available

Montreal-Halifax: The Ocean
Prince-Rupert-Jasper: The Skeena
Toronto-Québec City: The Corridor

Montreal-Halifax: The Ocean

Eastern Canada is serviced by The Ocean train, connecting Halifax, Nova Scotia to Montreal in Québec. Travelling through the forests of New Brunswick, this is an enjoyable 2-day, 1-night rail journey.

Overnight sleeping options are as follows:

Economy Class

Stretch out in your large comfortable seat and take in the splendid scenery from large picture windows. Snacks and drinks may be purchased from the convenient circulating trolleys, or visit the Skyline Car with its lounge, café and take-away service. At night, lower the lights, raise your footrest and recline in complete comfort. Blankets and pillows are available to purchase on board (currently CA$10).

Sleeper Plus Class

Located in the sleeper car, here you will find a private cabin for two featuring a couch or armchairs which convert to a bed by night, complete with a down duvet. Many cabins feature a private shower and meals are included in the elegant dining car (alcohol at additional cost). The large window is perfect for watching scenery drift by; alternatively Sleep Plus passengers have access to the Park Car, which boasts two stylish lounges.

Prince-Rupert-Jasper: The Skeena

The Skeena travels between the Rocky Mountain resort of Jasper and the coastal town of Prince Rupert. The journey is broken with an overnight stay at Prince George – please note that accommodation here is not included in your rail fare.

Choose the relaxing ambience and attentive service of budget travel in Economy Class (available all year), or upgrade to Touring Class to enjoy sweeping views from the extra-large panoramic windows of the Panorama car at your seat (summer only). Touring class passengers also benefit from a complimentary selection of hot and cold meals.

canada via rail the corridor route ontario

Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal-Québec City: The Corridor

A rail journey is the ideal way to enjoy a short hop between cities and The Corridor provides useful connections between the major attractions of Ontario and Québec.

Economy Class seats offer true stretch-out comfort, complete with foot-rests and reclining seat backs. A snack and beverage service is offered at your seat or from the snack counter. Alternatively choose Business Class for advance seat selection and pre-boarding privileges, use of the Panorama Lounges in Montréal, Dorval, Ottawa and Toronto, plus a complimentary bar and meal service.

Also Consider: Rocky Mountaineer

A popular alternative to VIA Rail, the Rocky Mountaineer is a summer only option travelling between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper in the heart of the Rockies. A scenic 2-day journey includes an overnight hotel stay and provides a luxurious way to experience rail travel in Canada.