Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) · Tailor-made rail vacation

Canadian Cross-Country Journey

9-day sleeper train journey across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver

Canadian Cross-Country Journey, a rail journey with Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada)

Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) runs this 9-day independent rail vacation from Toronto to Vancouver on VIA Rail's Canadian. There is no fixed group schedule; local experts plan the trip and offer support, with a choice of guided activities in each city. After two nights in Toronto, with time to see Niagara Falls or explore the city's neighborhoods, the trip boards The Canadian for four nights in a private sleeper cabin, crossing the Canadian Shield, the prairies of Saskatchewan and Alberta, and the Rocky Mountains near Jasper. The journey ends with two nights in Vancouver, with optional day trips to Whistler or to Victoria and Butchart Gardens. Named hotels include the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, with Prestige and Prestige Gold cabin upgrades available. The trip suits travelers who want to see Canada's changing landscapes from a sleeper cabin rather than a car or coach seat, with time to explore a major city on either end.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel standard and cabin class depend on the tier chosen: the base Sleeper Plus tier pairs a 4-star hotel with a Sleeper Plus cabin, while Prestige and Prestige Gold move up to 5-star hotels and a Prestige cabin.
  • City sightseeing in Toronto (Niagara Falls) and on the west coast (Whistler, Victoria and Butchart Gardens) is offered as optional add-ons, with the Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip specifically noted as an extra cost.
  • The evidence pack does not list current departure dates; confirm availability and exact pricing with the operator before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Toronto

    Begin your Canadian vacation

    Arrive in Toronto, Canada's multicultural metropolis, comprised of funky, historic neighbourhoods, shimmering skyscrapers, and Lake Ontario's sweeping waterfront.

  2. Day 2overnight: Toronto

    Explore Niagara or Toronto

    Spend a day exploring the colorful neighbourhoods of Toronto, or discover famous Niagara Falls. Options: Niagara Falls Day Tour, Niagara Wine Country Bus Tour, Toronto Small Group Sightseeing Tour.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard train

    VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

    Board The Canadian train in Toronto and begin your transcontinental journey west, travelling north into Ontario's picturesque lake country.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Onboard train

    VIA Rail - Ontario

    Head west through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and into the province of Manitoba. See ancient, exposed rock, boreal forest, and countless lakes.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Onboard train

    VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

    Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Fields of green and gold stretch endlessly under an immense blue sky.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Onboard train

    VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

    View the magnificent Rocky Mountains this morning, passing through Jasper before entering British Columbia.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Vancouver

    VIA Rail - Arrive in Vancouver

    After travelling through BC's Fraser Valley, your journey onboard The Canadian train comes to an end. Arrive in coastal Vancouver. Dinner in Vancouver.

  8. Day 8overnight: Vancouver

    Discover Vancouver and the West Coast

    Spend the day on your choice of tour and discover Vancouver, Whistler, or Victoria. Options: Whistler Day Tour, Vancouver City Tour and Flyover Canada, Granville Island Market Tasting Tour, Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip (extra cost).

  9. Day 9

    Departure from Vancouver

    Your Canadian vacation comes to an end as you travel to the Vancouver airport in time for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Boarding The Canadian in Toronto and heading north into Ontario's picturesque lake country.
  • Day 4Crossing the Canadian Shield's ancient exposed rock, boreal forest, and countless lakes into Manitoba.
  • Day 5The prairies of Saskatchewan and Alberta, fields of green and gold under an immense blue sky.
  • Day 6Viewing the Rocky Mountains as the train passes through Jasper before entering British Columbia.
  • Day 7Arriving in coastal Vancouver after traveling through BC's Fraser Valley.

Included

  • Hotel accommodation
  • Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
  • Meals onboard the train
  • Choice of unique guided activities
  • Airport and train station transfers with a private driver
  • Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
  • Electronic travel documentation package
  • Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. VIA Rail's Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver is included, with a private sleeper cabin (Sleeper Plus, Prestige, or Prestige Gold depending on tier) and meals onboard.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is independent travel with no fixed group schedule. Local experts from Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) plan and coordinate the trip and offer support.
Which train is used?
The Canadian, operated by VIA Rail, running from Toronto to Vancouver.
What hotels are included?
The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, at a 4-star standard on the base Sleeper Plus tier, rising to 5-star with Fairmont Gold floor access on Prestige Gold.
What is not included?
Sightseeing options such as the Niagara Falls tour, a Whistler day tour, and the Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip cost extra.
When does it run?
The evidence pack does not list current departure dates.

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