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

Canadian Snow Train

19/Mar

H Betsy Barrett

“Great trip! First time on a sleeper train.

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Across Canada by Train

30 Dec 2024

LIZA R FERRARA

“Food and service were wonderful on the train. Views were breathtaking!

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Vancouver to Montreal Trans Canada Adventure

11 Dec 2024

ROBERT PHILLIPS

“THE FOOD WAS WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL. EVERYONE ON STAFF WAS SO HELPFUL AND ALL THE PEOPLE WE MET AS FELLOW TRAVELERS WERE SO FRIENDLY AND WE FELT LIKE WE'D KNOWN THEM FOREVER. OUR FIRST CAR STEWARD, "T" WAS JUST GREAT. WE HAD A SEWAGE PROBLEM, BUT SHE...

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Trans Canada by Rail

03 Nov 2024

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 2024

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 2024

BRUCE EVERET BIERSCHBACH

“Great customer service before and during trip.

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Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

26 Oct 2024

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