1-877-929-7245

Tour Search

VIA Rail

Canada's railway system is vast and well-established, and an integral part of this network is VIA Rail Canada. Established in 1977, VIA Rail was founded as a solution to Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau's call for rail service between cities to become essential. There were few options for passenger train travel before this, as much of the track in Canada was dedicated to freight service. VIA Rail became the first national passenger service in Canada at the time; it has now served passengers for more than 40 years.

VIA Rail took over track from the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railways to create its first long-distance cross-country passenger route from Vancouver to Montreal for its flagship route. It named the train that ran the course the Canadian as a nod to its predecessors. This occurred in 1978, just one year after the line's founding. Since then, VIA Rail has expanded to reach over 400 cities and towns throughout Canada, including major destinations - such as Jasper, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec City - and more elusive locales, including Churchill. There is a total of over 7,765 miles of track within the VIA Rail network.

Passengers can capture the changes in the vast Canadian landscape from the large picture windows that line the train cars. Most trains are equipped with power outlets, and some journeys even feature Wi-Fi Internet access. Guests are comfortable during travel in any season, thanks to full air conditioning and heating on all rail lines.

Our customers love our VIA Rail tours

Trans Canada By Rail Featuring VIA Rail's Prestige Class

26 Jul 2024

BARRY S FORD

“The service on this rail experience is top notch. Our concierges were outstanding: Rachel, Claire, and Chantal. Our dining room manger, Daniel, was excellent. So efficient. All the dining room attendants were so friendly and helpful. The dining room was very attractive and inviting.

Collected by Trustpilot

Montreal & Quebec City by Rail

17/Jul

CONNIE REGISTER

“Locations of the hotels are perfect! Central to everything we could possibly have wanted to do and 3 1/2 days. Tours were well organized, and informative, and just enough time on our own.!!! Great trip!

Collected by Trustpilot

Canadian Rockies by Rail

17/Jul

RENEE K INOUYE

“Staff exceptionally professional

Collected by Trustpilot

Vancouver to Montreal Trans Canada Adventure

17 Jul 2024

Lawrence Korenman

“We truly enjoyed our trip. This was our first experience traveling by and sleeping on a train. We new it would be an adventure and it did take some adjusting to but after we acclimated to it we really enjoyed it The journey was more relaxing than simply “getting to...

Collected by Trustpilot

Quebec to the Maritimes

28 Jun 2024

debora deane

“I absolutely loved this tour of Canada. It’s a fast paced but little gem of eastern Canada three cities. I upgraded my hotel rooms and what a beautiful experience to stay in this iconica establishments. The train ride was so fun the staff was kind and efficient but be ready...

Collected by Trustpilot

Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

25/Jun

Debbie Bonadies

“We absolutely loved this trip!! We are sold on Vacations By Rail and are now planning our next trip with them! Excellent value..good communication..no issues at all!!

Collected by Trustpilot

Lakes, Mountains & The Rockies

19/Jun

KIM PAULSON MILL

“Great trip except for a lack of communication for the first day in Jasper...our hotel was changed and the pickup location for the first tour was also changed without notifying us...after that the trip was wonderful!!

Collected by Trustpilot

Across Canada by Train

13/Jun

Kathleen Myers

“I really enjoyed our VIA rail tour. It was everything I had hoped it would be!

Collected by Trustpilot

Canadian Rail Adventure

12/Jun

NANCY LORD

“We chose the "Independent" Vancouver to Toronto itinerary and found it suited our preferred travel style perfectly. Transport, lodging and activities arranged by Vacations by Rail were all excellent.

Collected by Trustpilot

VIA Rail

38 results matching: VIA Rail