Amtrak Vacations
Canadian Rail Experience - Toronto to Vancouver
Nine-day cross-Canada rail trip on VIA Rail's Canadian, Toronto to Vancouver
9 daysfrom $2,039
44% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Canadian Rail Experience - Vancouver to Toronto
Nine-day cross-Canada rail trip on VIA Rail's Canadian, Vancouver to Toronto
Amtrak Vacations runs this nine-day, eight-night independent rail trip from Vancouver to Toronto, built around VIA Rail's Canadian in Economy class. Two nights in Vancouver open the trip with a multi-day hop-on, hop-off tour and a guided city tour that includes the Vancouver Lookout, before the Canadian carries the trip east for four consecutive nights, passing the Canadian Rockies with mountain lakes, peaks, and glaciers, and the itinerary notes meals served onboard during this stretch. As the train nears Toronto, the scenery shifts to lakes, farm country, and wide open plains, with wildlife to watch for along the way. Two nights in Toronto close the trip with a hop-on, hop-off tour and a visit to the CN Tower. 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; the day 4 itinerary mentions meals served onboard, but the inclusions list does not itemize any specific meals.
- The 12 listed hotel options span a range of tiers and cities, from the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Vancouver-Downtown to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver; your actual hotel depends on the tier you choose.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Vancouver, BC
Your Journey Begins in Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! Today, you can begin to explore the city with your multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, which will take you around to all Vancouver's popular sights, including Stanley Park and the downtown area.
- Day 2overnight: 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 3railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Canadian®)
Overnight Onboard VIA Rail
Enjoy more of Vancouver today before transferring to the VIA Rail station and boarding the iconic Canadian line for your exciting trip across Canada.
- Day 4railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Canadian®)
Overnight Onboard VIA Rail
As the train makes its way eastward towards Toronto, soak in the beautiful and incredibly picturesque views of the Canadian Rockies from the comfort and convenience of the train. Enjoy delicious meals onboard, and relaxing accommodations.
- Day 5railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Canadian®)
Overnight Onboard VIA Rail
Enjoy another leisurely day onboard VIA Rail as you see more amazing sights only visible by train. Crystal clear mountain lakes, majestic peaks, and ancient glaciers are all part of your adventure.
- Day 6railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Canadian®)
Overnight Onboard VIA Rail
Today, you will see more beautiful landscapes as the train gets closer to Toronto, pristine lakes, charming farm country, wide open plains, and rolling tree covered hills. Keep a look out for wildlife.
- Day 7overnight: Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Arrive in Toronto this afternoon and check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Use your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to take in the fascinating landmarks and neighborhoods of Canada's largest city.
- Day 8overnight: Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Continuing exploring Toronto today at your own pace with your hop-on, hop-off tour. This afternoon, ride to the top of the CN Tower for amazing views of the city.
- Day 9
Your Journey Ends in Toronto
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A guided Vancouver city tour with a stop at the Vancouver Lookout for panoramic 360-degree views.
- Day 4The Canadian Rockies come into view as the train heads east, with meals served onboard.
- Day 5Crystal clear mountain lakes, peaks, and glaciers visible from the train on a leisurely day onboard.
- Day 8A Toronto hop-on, hop-off tour finishing with a visit to the CN Tower.
Included
- One-way VIA Rail® in Economy from Vancouver to Toronto on the Canadian®
- 4 nights' 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 $1,999
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, one-way VIA Rail travel in Economy class from Vancouver to Toronto on the Canadian, spanning four nights onboard.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- Independent, with hop-on, hop-off tours in Vancouver and Toronto and a guided Vancouver city tour; the days on the train are unguided.
- 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.
- Are meals included on the train?
- The day 4 itinerary mentions meals served onboard, but the inclusions list does not itemize any specific meals.
- What will I see along the way?
- The Canadian Rockies with mountain lakes, peaks, and glaciers, followed by lakes, farm country, and wildlife as the train approaches Toronto.
