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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

3/Nov

customer

“Wonderful trip, relaxing and quiet. Met new and interesting people. Food was exceptional. Staff was so friendly and helpful. Was sad that they had to disembark halfway through the trip. Second crew was also very good.

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Fall Colors of Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

30/Oct

Roy Olsen

“The trip itinerary was excellent; however, there seemed to be a disconnect between Vacation by Rail and Holland America. We did not receive timely information from the cruise line regarding excursions. The only info was for add' l perks such as wi-fi, drink pkgs, etc. We had contacted...

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Montreal & Quebec City by Rail

27/Oct

BRUCE EVERET BIERSCHBACH

“Great customer service before and during trip.

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Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

26/Oct

DAVID MICHAEL CARPENTER

“We enjoyed the whole trip. The planning by VBR covered all aspects and all we had to do was enjoy ourselves.

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Fall Colors of New England, Quebec & Montreal

25/Oct

Alan Wold

“Loved the trip, Our guide Edgar was awesome. Driver Anna was great too.

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Canadian Rockies by Rail

16/Oct

DEBORAH Blake

“Very good trip

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Canadian Rail Adventure

14/Oct

joan

“Beautiful scenery, well organized and executed trip. The Rocky Mountaineer was spectacular in every way. Comfort, staff, meals, all great. The bus trips between overnight stays were very good. The Fairmont hotels we stayed in were beautiful and very comfortable. In spite of 3 consecutive overnights on train, which I would not recommend,...

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Wonders of Canada & the Rocky Mountaineer

10/Oct

Roxie Hayes

“The staff was amazing, the food fabulous and the views, jaw dropping.

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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!!

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VIA Rail

36 results matching: VIA Rail