Riding the Rails Across Canada on VIA Rail’s The Canadian

Written by Anne-Marie Marais

Crossing Canada by train isn’t just travel — it’s an experience that unfolds kilometre by kilometre in the best possible way. From unexpected comforts to breathtaking scenery, this journey offers more than you might imagine. Curious what life is really like onboard The Canadian? Step inside the adventure.

Traveling across a country as vast as Canada demands a mode of transportation that lets you truly feel its scale. From the car you can miss the landscapes, but from the train you get a birds eye view of it all. You can see the country unfold through fields, meadows, cities and farms. If you long for a journey like this you might just want to hop aboard VIA Rail’s legendary train: The Canadian.

Starting Our Journey in Toronto

The Canadian journey can begin from the east or west coast, taking off from Toronto and Vancouver. We chose Toronto so we could plan the perfect build up to the Rocky Mountain crescendo.

Our adventure began the moment we arrived at Toronto’s historic Union Station, the building was rife with activity, and the underground tunnels alive with shops and commuters. While we waited to board our train, we checked into the Business Lounge, where our excitement built.After boarding, we found our room—our cozy home for the next four days. It came with two chairs that converted into bunk beds, a private toilet and sink, and a generous window for soaking in the view. Later we discovered we’d lucked out: booking Cabin F gave us a bit more space than most.

Photos by Long Legs Photography

Exploring the Train

With our bags put away, we set out to explore the train. A shower room was conveniently located right outside our car. The sleeper car held a mix of rooms and berths, and just down the corridor we found the activities car—and the famous dome roof. This became our favourite spot whenever we weren’t eating or sleeping. Nothing beats watching Canada roll through those dome windows.

When the train finally lurched forward, we waved goodbye to the CN Tower and slipped north into the forests and lakes of Ontario. Ontario is surprisingly enormous—it takes more than a full day and night to cross. But time, on this journey, is something you quickly stop worrying about. Our only tasks were to enjoy the view, relax, make new friends, and savour the delicious food that awaited us at every meal.

Dining on Board: A Culinary Treat

The dining experience was as impressive as the scenery. A chef onboard ensures everything is made from scratch, and traveling in Sleeper Plus class meant all meals were included, with several freshly prepared options at each sitting. 

Meals also provided a wonderful chance to meet fellow travelers. All dining tables seat four, so whether you're traveling alone or as a pair, you always gain new table mates. We met fascinating people, many celebrating milestones in life or marriage. For us, this trip was about creating a shared memory we’ll hold onto forever.

Events, Talks, and Tastings

Beyond the views and meals, VIA Rail adds thoughtful touches to the experience. Throughout the trip, the social steward hosted local wine or beer tastings and offered interesting talks about nearby landscapes, the history of the regions, and local wildlife.

The Route Across Canada

The Canadian has been running for 70 years now, an anniversary it celebrated in 2025. Launched in 1955 by Canadian Pacific and absorbed by VIA Rail in 1978, it has evolved over time, but the spirit remains.

Our route included (plus other quick stops):

• Sudbury Junction

• Sioux Lookout

• Winnipeg

• Saskatoon

• Edmonton

• Jasper

• Kamloops

• Vancouver (terminus)

Many smaller stops last only about 15 minutes, but Winnipeg and Jasper offer longer breaks. Winnipeg Station sits right beside The Forks—absolutely worth exploring. And with a couple of hours in Winnipeg, you have time to enjoy a stroll and some snacks at The Forks. Jasper gives you an hour or so to stretch your legs, enjoy the mountain views, and pop into charming cafés and shops.

Both cities also make excellent multi-day stopovers if you want to break up the trip and continue on a later train.

Photos by Long Legs Photography

Delays, Single Tracks, and More Time to Relax

Our schedule shifted due to rail traffic—most of the cross-country route is single track, and freight trains have priority. We had several pull-offs between Toronto and Winnipeg, eventually ending up about six hours behind.

But the delays never bothered us. They gave us more time to enjoy the dome car, chat with new friends, and take part in activities. We actually missed the Winnipeg stop altogether because we arrived in the middle of the night and slept right through it.

Ironically, The Canadian made up most of the lost time while we were asleep. Even after running one to six hours behind at points, we still arrived in Vancouver right on schedule.

Sleeping on the Train

Before the trip, we weren’t sure what four nights of sleeping on a train would feel like. But we must say—it’s surprisingly pleasant. And the bedding deserves a shout-out: soft sheets, a cozy duvet, plush pillows, and good-quality towels.

When it’s time to turn in after watching the sunset and stars from the dome car, it’s wonderful having everything you need in your room—including your own sink and separate toilet. Those little conveniences make a big difference.

The bunk beds are easy enough to navigate; one of us climbed the ladder to the upper bunk, and there’s a safety guard to prevent any rolling off. And if you’re tall—no worries. One of us is 6'2" (185 cm) and fit comfortably.

Arriving in Vancouver

After four days of rolling through forests, lakes, prairies, mountains, and coastlines, we arrived in Vancouver with hearts full and cameras crowded with photos. We stepped off the train with wonderful memories, new friendships, and a growing list of VIA Rail journeys we now want to take.

Next on our list? The Ocean—from Montreal to Halifax!