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The Canadian: Canada’s Most Iconic Cross-Country Journey
Marvel at ever-changing scenery aboard a classic overnight rail journey

Experience The Canadian Aboard our Top-Selling Vacations

Moraine Lake in Banff
Canadian Rockies by Rail
7 days$2,725 pp $2,525 pp
  • Venture into the jaw-dropping scenery of Jasper aboard VIA Rail's premier overnight train, the Canadian
  • Stay in both stunning Banff and Lake Louise, surrounded by towering peaks and crystal-clear waters
  • Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary, with local guided tours
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Jasper National Park
Canada Coast to Coast Escorted Experience
18 days$6,490 pp $6,190 pp
  • The ultimate escorted journey across Canada from Vancouver to Halifax featuring four train overnights
  • Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls and the Canadian Rockies
  • Explore the cities of Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and Halifax
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Rocky Mountaineer
Across Canada by Train
14 days$3,795 pp $3,495 pp
  • The ultimate journey covering over 2,700 miles across eight provinces from Vancouver to Halifax
  • Cast your eyes on the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies and Niagara Falls
  • Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary, with local guided tours
Discover More

Canadian

A true classic, the original line that put VIA Rail on the map, The Canadian is an overnight rail line that speaks to the experience of long-distance rail travel in years long ago. This train follows a course of approximately 2,775 miles, traversing through mountainscapes, lush evergreen forests, and wide-open prairies during its journey between Vancouver and Toronto. Along the way, VIA Rail's Canadian makes stops in cities and towns that highlight the country's diversity.

One of the most scenic stretches of the entire route is between Vancouver and Jasper, a resort town surrounded by Jasper National Park and the Rocky Mountains. The train travels along the Fraser River and offers a glimpse at Hell's Gate, a portion of the river that narrows rapidly, forcing the water to erupt at an incredible speed. The Canadian also joins the North Thompson River and offers views of Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson - the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies - before stationing in Jasper.

Leaving the natural haven of the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, watch for canyons and glaciers before the terrain gradually levels, the mountains giving way to foothills and evergreen forests as the Canadian cuts a path through some of Canada's most varied landscapes. Admire tucked-away lakes and vast prairies, filled with color in the summer and endless swathes of white in the winter, as the train travels through Saskatchewan. See Canada frozen in time in the Canadian Shield, a picturesque region of lakes, forests and isolated communities. Then, as the final miles to Toronto near, hilly countryside emerges once more, guiding the Canadian to its final station amidst a vibrant metropolis.

The Canadain

Traveling on the Canadian

On-board entertainment on The Canadian is available in the Skyline Car, which contains a library and a lounge where drinks are served. Alternatively, you can relax in the comfortable armchairs of the Sightseer's Lounge, where views abound from the large wrap-around windows of the Dome area. Sleeper Plus travelers have access to the Park Car, including the Bullet Lounge, in the evenings, whereas Prestige Class guests have all-day access to the Park Car, including reserved seats in the dome area.

During your time on The Canadian, all meals are served in the elegant Sleeper Plus Class dining car and are included in the price of your trip. Food is freshly prepared by the onboard chefs and local ingredients are used where possible. An all-Canadian wine list is available for an additional fee.

Lose yourself in a journey from Vancouver and Toronto on this incredible train, and appreciate the true magnificence of one of the world's most beautiful countries.

25 results matching: VIA Rail's Canadian

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Moraine Lake in BanffMoraine Lake in BanffMoraine Lake in BanffMoraine Lake in BanffMoraine Lake in Banff
$1,000 off
4.3 stars(178 reviews)
Independent
2025AugSepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

Over 69,500 square miles of jagged peaks, emerald forests, and alpine lakes spread over two provinces await in the Canadian Rockies. Venture into the jaw-dropping scenery of Jasper National Park aboard VIA Rail's premier overnight train, the Canadian. On arrival, well-planned sightseeing in iconic Rocky Mountain locales, including Banff National...

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$1,000 off
7 days from
$2,725 pp $2,525 pp
per person
View Details
Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
$1,000 off
4.5 stars(70 reviews)
Independent
2025AugSepOctNovDec
2026AprMayJulAugSep...
Independent

Spend 14 days traversing the boundless Canadian landscape, discovering all the spectacular cities and natural wonders bestrewn upon it by train. This remarkable journey travels from the West Coast to the East using three rail lines - two overnight and one whose route connects the popular cities along the Windsor Corridor. Enjoy first-class...

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$1,000 off
14 days from
$3,795 pp $3,495 pp
per person
View Details
Niagara Falls Niagara Falls Niagara Falls Niagara Falls Niagara Falls
Escorted
2025Sep
Escorted

Uncover Canada's most amazing landscapes on this fantastic journey from the Pacific coast to the Great Lakes. Our exploration begins with a guided tour of beautiful Vancouver before touring the stunning Rocky Mountains from the charming mountain towns of Banff and Jasper. Here, we admire awe-inspiring vistas including Lake Louise, the Icefields...

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12 days from
$6,035 pp $5,735 pp
per person
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Jasper National ParkJasper National ParkJasper National ParkJasper National ParkJasper National Park
Escorted
2025SepOct
2026MayJunAugSep
Escorted

A spectacular overland adventure showcases the beautiful and varied landscapes for which the world's second largest country is famed. Starting in characterful Vancouver, we explore the majestic west coast's jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains, rushing rivers, glacial lakes, and pristine forests before boarding the iconic Canadian train for a three-night...

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18 days from
$6,490 pp $6,190 pp
per person
View Details
Bow Lake, Banff National ParkBow Lake, Banff National ParkBow Lake, Banff National ParkBow Lake, Banff National ParkBow Lake, Banff National Park
$1,000 off
4.5 stars(58 reviews)
Independent
2025AugSep
2026MayJulAugSep
Independent

Discover the romance of rail travel on this unforgettable 12-day journey from Vancouver to Toronto, featuring two iconic train experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your adventure aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, where you'll travel through the majestic Canadian Rockies in all-daylight comfort, soaking in stunning views of towering...

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$1,000 off
12 days from
$8,735 pp $8,235 pp
per person
View Details
Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
Save up to $500
Escorted
2026MayAugSep
Escorted

A magnificent small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada. This vacation features stays in the country's grandest hotels and is connected by spectacular journeys with private cabins on VIA Rail's Ocean and Canadian, and the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. From Quebec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac and on to Toronto, Jasper...

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Save up to $500
17 days from
$11,995 pp $11,495 pp
per person
View Details
Independent
2026MayJulAugOct
Independent

An unforgettable adventure aboard two of Canada's most iconic trains. Begin with the panoramic luxury of the GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer, followed by a Prestige Class experience aboard VIA Rail's Canadian. Along the way, witness the natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies and the vast, ever-changing landscapes of the Canadian plains...

12 days from
$14,123 pp $13,623 pp
per person
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Banff, WinterBanff, WinterBanff, WinterBanff, WinterBanff, Winter
Last Chance 2025
4.3 stars(6 reviews)
Independent
2025NovDec
2026JanFebMar
Independent

Two national parks, endless mountain scenes, and remote landscapes clad in fluffy white snow set the stage for an adventure like no other in Canada this winter. This independent rail vacation offers ten days of exploration split between Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory. Each location provides a new look at why this time of year...

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Last Chance 2025
10 days from
$3,685 pp $3,385 pp
per person
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Via Rail, The Canadian in the SnowVia Rail, The Canadian in the SnowVia Rail, The Canadian in the SnowVia Rail, The Canadian in the SnowVia Rail, The Canadian in the Snow
Last Chance 2025
4.4 stars(45 reviews)
Independent
2025OctNovDec
2026JanFebMarApr
Independent

Experience the best of the Canadian wilderness in winter and discover spectacular scenery as well as vibrant Canadian cities. Winter is an ideal time to travel as the rates are lower, the trains are less crowded, and the staff has more time to share their "tales of the rails" with you. Be a part of this exciting adventure onboard VIA...

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Last Chance 2025
7 days from
$2,745 pp $2,545 pp
per person
View Details
Valley Ten Peaks Banff Valley Ten Peaks Banff Valley Ten Peaks Banff Valley Ten Peaks Banff Valley Ten Peaks Banff
$1,000 off
4.5 stars(52 reviews)
Independent
2025AugSepOct
2026AprMayJulAugSepOct
Independent

Two of Canada's most popular cities combine with an exciting train journey across Canada to create one amazing Canadian train vacation. Enjoy all the pleasures of train travel as the Canadian takes you from Vancouver through an ever-changing landscape east to Toronto. Your 7-day tour includes time at leisure in Vancouver, first-class sleeping...

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$1,000 off
7 days from
$2,505 pp $2,305 pp
per person
View Details
VIA Rail Moose Lake Canadian FallVIA Rail Moose Lake Canadian FallVIA Rail Moose Lake Canadian FallVIA Rail Moose Lake Canadian FallVIA Rail Moose Lake Canadian Fall
Last Chance 2025
4.6 stars(18 reviews)
Independent
2025AugSep
2026MayJulAugSep
Independent

Let the rails guide your adventure on this 17-day coast-to-coast Canadian tour. The journey begins in Vancouver, where you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic ride into the Rockies. Soak in all the beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks and Lake Louise before boarding VIA Rail's Canadian for a three-day rail journey to Toronto. After time...

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Last Chance 2025
17 days from
$10,905 pp $10,405 pp
per person
View Details
VancouverVancouverVancouverVancouverVancouver
Save up to $500
4.1 stars(14 reviews)
Escorted
2025Sep
2026MayJulAugSepOct
Escorted

Delve into the remarkable landscapes of Canada on world-famous trains. Our exploration begins with a guided tour of beautiful Vancouver on the Pacific coast before we enjoy two daytime trips on the amazing Rocky Mountaineer to the astonishing Canadian Rockies. Based in Banff and Jasper, we admire the awe-inspiring Lake Louise and the Athabasca...

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Save up to $500
13 days from
$6,295 pp $5,795 pp
per person
View Details
Our customers love our Canadian tours
Canadian Rockies by Rail
13/Jul
customer
5 stars
“Really enjoyed the short journey from Vancouver to Jasper. Service was great and accommodations very nice. Food and bar was great
Collected by Trustpilot
Across Canada by Train
9/Jul
CHARLES GIBSON
5 stars
“First train was older but very traveler friendly.
Collected by Trustpilot
Best of the Rockies
8/Jul
MICHAEL EUGENE SPIKER
5 stars
“Great trip! In addition to beautiful scenery viewed from the train, I enjoyed the historical narrative given by the crew along the route.
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Snow Train
30/Apr
CARROL SCHOLZ
5 stars
“Had a great time. Food was amazing!! Cabin attendant's and staff were fun. It was a bummer that due to train delays with other trains we arrived to late a a few places to have time to get off for more than 10 minutes if that, or we arrived at...
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Snow Train with Jasper
24/Apr
JENNIFER ZIMDAHL
5 stars
“Amazing experience, and very well planned! Everything went off without a hitch! While you could probably save a little bit of money by booking everything yourself, the convenience, expertise, and peace of mind in having someone more knowledgeable do it for you seems well worth it in my opinion. We...
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights
4/Apr
Kathy McVey
5 stars
“Our trip through the Canadian Rockies was amazing. Vacations by Rail set everything up for us and we lived seamlessly through our vacation without a hitch. We enjoyed Banff, Jasper, a wonderful train ride, and stellar look at the Northern Lights in Whitehorse, Yukon. Would definitely recommend this trip!
Collected by Trustpilot
Trans Canada By Rail with Jasper
12 Oct 2024
LARS GÖSTA HAGGBLOM
5 stars
“Friendly,comfortable,astonishing
Collected by Trustpilot
Lakes, Mountains & The Rockies
19 Jun 2024
KIM PAULSON MILL
5 stars
“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
Winter in the Rockies
11 Apr 2024
Helen Adams
5 stars
“This was a great trip; the hotels were beautiful and we loved the overnight train! Just the right amount of coordination by Vacations by Rail so that our time was our own but all of the transportation details were arranged conveniently and expertly. This was our second Vacations...
Collected by Trustpilot

Classes of Service on the Canadian


Prestige Class

Experience old-world elegance in your private cabin with a couch and lower full-size bed. Enjoy personal concierge services and unrestricted access to the viewing cars.

- Private bathroom with shower
- Included meals, snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)


Sleeper Plus Class

Relish the comfort of a private cabin or curtained upper or lower berths, each with cozy fold-down beds, and admire the scenery with access to two viewing cars.

- Shared bathroom and shower facilities
- Included meals and non-alcoholic beverages


Economy Class

Travel with incredible value and epic views in comfortable reclining seats. Enjoy the option to reserve spaces for multiple travelers and access to the Skyline Car.

- Shared bathroom access
- Light meals, snacks and beverages available for purchase