Amtrak Vacations
Canadian Rail Experience - Vancouver to Toronto
Nine-day cross-Canada rail trip on VIA Rail's Canadian, Vancouver to Toronto
9 daysfrom $1,949
44% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Canadian Rail Experience - Toronto to Vancouver
Nine-day cross-Canada rail trip on VIA Rail's Canadian, Toronto to Vancouver
Amtrak Vacations runs this nine-day, eight-night independent rail trip from Toronto to Vancouver, built around VIA Rail's Canadian in Economy class. Two nights in Toronto open the trip with a hop-on, hop-off tour and a visit to the CN Tower, before the Canadian carries the trip west for four consecutive nights, passing lakes and farm country where the itinerary notes watching for bear, elk, and deer, then foothills and the Canadian Rockies, with mountain lakes, peaks, and glaciers visible from the train. Two nights in Vancouver close the trip with a hop-on, hop-off pass and a guided city tour that includes the Vancouver Lookout. Because four of the eight nights are spent seated in Economy class rather than in a hotel bed, this suits travelers with an interest in the cross-Canada rail journey itself, more than those looking for a short or lightly-paced introduction to rail travel.
What to know before you look closer
- The VIA Rail Canadian segment (four nights, days 3 through 6) is booked in Economy class, not a sleeper cabin; sitting for four consecutive nights in coach seating is a different experience than the hotel nights on either end of the trip.
- The 12 listed hotel options span a range of tiers and cities, from the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre to the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver; your actual hotel depends on the tier you choose.
- No meals are listed as included; the inclusions cover only the rail fare and 8 total nights (4 hotel, 4 onboard).
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Toronto, ON
Your Journey Begins in Toronto
Welcome to Toronto! Once settled, begin exploring the fascinating landmarks and neighbourhoods of Canada's largest city at your own leisure.
- Day 2overnight: Toronto, ON
Toronto
Continue exploring Toronto today using your hop-on, hop-off tour. Your guide will point out important attractions and points of interest, and you will have the ability to get off at any stops that interest you. Don't miss the iconic CN Tower for amazing views of the city at sunset.
- Day 3railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Canadian®)
Overnight Onboard VIA Rail
Travel on your own to the VIA Rail station and board the iconic Canadian Line for your exciting three-day trip across Canada.
- Day 4railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Canadian®)
Overnight Onboard VIA Rail
Today you will journey across Canada traveling through a variety of beautiful landscapes and taking in sights only possible by train, from pristine lakes and charming farm country to wide open plains and rolling tree covered hills. Keep a look out for wildlife such as bear, elk, or deer.
- Day 5railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Canadian®)
Overnight Onboard VIA Rail
Continue your sightseeing train experience today. Be sure to have your camera handy as the plains give way to foothills and then the mountains.
- Day 6railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Canadian®)
Overnight Onboard VIA Rail
As the train continues on toward Vancouver, witness the beautiful and very picturesque views of the Canadian Rockies from the comfort and convenience of the train, crystal clear mountain lakes, majestic peaks, and ancient glaciers.
- Day 7overnight: Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, BC
Arrive in Vancouver this morning, check in at your hotel and begin to explore the city with your hop-on, hop-off pass. Head over to the peninsula known as Granville Island, a popular shopping district, or stop by Chinatown for some scrumptious Asian cuisine.
- Day 8overnight: Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, BC
This morning, enjoy a guided city tour showcasing the best of Vancouver's vibrant neighborhoods and scenic highlights, including the Vancouver Lookout for panoramic 360-degree views. Following the tour, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
- Day 9
Your Journey Ends in Vancouver
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A Toronto hop-on, hop-off tour with a visit to the CN Tower for views of the city at sunset.
- Day 4Watching for wildlife (bear, elk, deer) while passing lakes and farm country aboard the Canadian.
- Day 6The Canadian Rockies come into view, with crystal clear mountain lakes, peaks, and glaciers visible from the train.
- Day 8A guided Vancouver city tour with a stop at the Vancouver Lookout for 360-degree views.
Included
- One-way VIA Rail® in Economy accommodations from Toronto to Vancouver on the Canadian®
- 4 nights' hotel accommodations
- 4 nights' onboard VIA Rail
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Railbookersfrom $4,499
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, one-way VIA Rail travel in Economy class from Toronto to Vancouver on the Canadian, spanning four nights onboard.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- Independent, with hop-on, hop-off tours in Toronto and Vancouver and a guided Vancouver city tour; the days on the train are unguided sightseeing from your seat.
- Which train is used?
- VIA Rail's Canadian, in Economy class.
- Is there an overnight on the train?
- Yes, four consecutive nights, from day 3 to day 6, in Economy class seating rather than a sleeper cabin.
- What hotels are used?
- 12 options across Toronto and Vancouver, including the Fairmont Royal York and the Fairmont Pacific Rim.
- What will I see along the way?
- Lakes and farm country with wildlife on day 4, foothills and mountains on day 5, and the Canadian Rockies with mountain lakes, peaks, and glaciers on day 6.
