Links to Via Rail only
Tickets: directly with viarail.ca or private excursions companies
Food
Meal options onboard, timings (reservation or not), sharing tables with others
Breakfast is not reserved
Destinations:
Station opening times on route, break time (2 hours, 3 hours, etc) stops to refuel
Flag service/stop trip, will stop in remote areas
Information about each region & province geographical features (lakes, rocky mountains, etc) what to see, expect, describe platforms
The Canadian will always stop at these stations:
The rest or smaller flag stops that only stop on request. Whilst the Canadian is a luxury slow travel experience, it’s primary function is a remote service.
Depending on the season, wine tasting, beer tasting, board games
Train cars:
- Economy: regular seats
- Sleep cars: for sleeper plus, small communal shower
- Prestige car: spacious and luxury room with murphy bed, private washroom and large windows
- Skyline: panoramic views
- Dining car: only for Sleeper Plus and Prestige class
- Park car: bar lounge with panoramic views
When to travel
- Time of year to travel, summer solstice, max daylight
- Winter- snow christmas, landscapes
- Best, worst times to book, tour group bookings are popular and fill up quickly, book in advance during peak season
What you’ll see
The vast Canadian landscape divided into 3 sections: Canadian Shield, Prairies and Mountains. After leaving the metropolitan urban areas of Toronto you pass through farmlands followed by the massive, rugged Canadian Shield. This expansive wilderness filled with hills, lakes and trees takes over a day to traverse. Ending just east of Winnipeg.
Winnipeg serves as the gateway to the Prairies, the vast wide open landscape is mostly flat but the Assiniboine Valley is a treat in itself.
Finally the grandness of the Rocky Mountains is what draws most travellers in.
Activities on board
Dome car (skyline car) in middle of train hosts events, talks, games.
Tips:
- Bring a small bag around during the day as you leave your room and explore the train.
- Dress for the season (winters can be very cold) and make the most of the stops to get outside, stretch and enjoy some fresh air.
Classes
Economy Class
the basic class, available on all routes
Business Class
mainly on Corridor routes (e.g., Quebec City ↔ Windsor)
Sleeper Plus Class
for long-distance travel.
Includes berths/private or semi-private cabins, meals, shower or restroom access, and other services.
Prestige Class
luxury class with private cabins, premium amenities, beds, personalized service, gourmet meals, etc. Only available on certain routes (e.g., Toronto ↔ Vancouver).
Pros
- Spectacular scenery: prairies, forests, and the Rockies.
- Several classes: economy, sleeper, prestige — for different budgets and experiences.
- Social experience: dining car, panoramic car and overnight with other passengers.
- Lower carbon footprint compared to flying.
- Relaxed trip: it’s not just moving, it’s enjoying the landscape as part of the trip.
Cons
- Very long duration: it’s a trip of several days, not a quick way to move.
- Delays: by sharing tracks with freight trains, delays can occur. > “Be prepared for delays … freight trains get priority” Reddit+2Reddit+2
- Limited connectivity: bad or interrupted Wi-Fi in a good part of the route. Eh Canada Travel
- High price for luxury cars (“Prestige”) or private cabins.
- Limited space for outlets, depending on the class.
Notes
- Bring a multi-charger: in many classes there are few outlets or they are shared.
- Expect digital disconnect: connectivity is limited, so it can be a good time to disconnect.
- Prepare for delays: the train doesn’t always run on time; it is recommended not to plan commitments right after arriving.
- In economy class, bring snacks and something to entertain yourself (books, downloaded movies, etc.). > users comment that “bring books or pre-download movies … cell service … can be spotty”
- Earplugs help: the train is quiet, but the sound of the tracks can bother you for sleeping.
- In dining car: meals are usually of good quality, and in sleeper cabins they are included.
- Timing tip: for spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, check the schedules to cross them during daylight.
- When tipping: users report giving tips at each meal (for example, $5-$10). Reddit
- Choose the season wisely: autumn (fall) is popular for the colors of the landscape.
All systems operated by
VIA Rail Canada
