Canada Rail (canadarail.ca) · Independent tour

The Canadian Nostalgic: Westbound

7-day sleeper train crossing on VIA Rail's The Canadian, Toronto to Vancouver

The Canadian Nostalgic: Westbound, a rail journey with Canada Rail (canadarail.ca)

Canada Rail Vacations operates this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation from Toronto to Vancouver, built around four nights aboard VIA Rail's 'The Canadian' in a private sleeper cabin. Day 1 opens in Toronto with a complimentary CN Tower pass, before the train departs on day 2 for a journey that crosses Ontario's lakes and forests on day 3 and the prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan on day 4. Day 5 brings the Canadian Rocky Mountains, with a short stop in Jasper before the train continues toward British Columbia. All meals are made to order in the dining car throughout the journey, and the train arrives in Vancouver on the morning of day 6, leaving the rest of the day free to explore the city's beaches, Gastown, or Granville Island. This suits travelers who want the multi-day sleeper train experience itself as the main event, with only one hotel night on either end.

What to know before you look closer

  • The base package uses Popular Hotels (3-star) and a Sleeper Plus Cabin; a Prestige Class upgrade costs an additional CAD $4,250 per person.
  • Airport transfers in Vancouver and Toronto, and rail station transfers between the VIA Rail station and hotels, are not included.
  • Meals other than onboard the train are on your own, and gratuities for rail, hotel, and transfer staff are also excluded.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Toronto

    Toronto Arrival. Complimentary CN Tower Admission

    Arrive in Toronto, Canada's largest city and the capital of Ontario. Once you've checked into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours! We've included complimentary passes to the CN Tower so that you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the bustling city from above. You may walk the glass floor or enjoy a seasonal dinner in the rotating restaurant at the top.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard the train

    Board "The Canadian" Train from Toronto to Vancouver

    Today is the beginning of your four nights aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian train. The train offers a truly unique experience of Canada's diverse scenery. All meals are included and can be enjoyed in the dining car. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to take in the scenery in the glass dome. At night you will retire to your private cabin as the gentle sway of the train rocks you to sleep.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aboard the train

    "The Canadian" Train - Ontario

    The entire day is spent travelling across Canada's second largest province, Ontario. Your route is north of the Great Lakes and the entire day can be spent watching the countryside pass by. Lakes and never ending forests are out your window throughout the day as you glide across our great country on the route the early settlers once took.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Aboard the train

    "The Canadian" Train - Manitoba and Saskatchewan

    Enter the peaceful prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. A stop in Winnipeg gives you the option of getting off the train and taking a look around. As you head further west, swaying grasslands and fields of gold stretch out before you in every direction underneath a never ending sky.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Aboard the train

    "The Canadian" Train - The Canadian Rockies

    Enter Alberta and pass through its capital city of Edmonton before continuing west. A milestone moment has been reached. You've entered the Canadian Rocky Mountains. A short stop is made in Jasper before you snake through the snow-capped peaks towards British Columbia.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Vancouver

    "The Canadian" Train - Arrival in Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver in the morning and the rest of the day is yours. Due to its diversity and active arts scene, there is no shortage of sights to see in this beautiful coastal city. Stroll along the urban beaches, visit historic Gastown or spend your time shopping on Granville Island.

  7. Day 7rail

    Vancouver Departure

    Your vacation concludes upon check out from your hotel. We hope you enjoyed the nostalgia of seeing our country by rail. Thank you for travelling with Canada Rail Vacations.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in Toronto with a complimentary CN Tower admission pass to view the city from above.
  • Day 2Boarding VIA Rail's 'The Canadian' in Toronto for four nights in a private sleeper cabin, with meals made to order in the dining car.
  • Day 3A full day crossing Ontario north of the Great Lakes, with lakes and forests passing the dome car windows.
  • Day 5Entering the Canadian Rocky Mountains with a short stop in Jasper before continuing west toward British Columbia.

Included

  • 4 nights private bedroom accommodation on board VIA Rail's "The Canadian" train
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation pre and post train nights
  • All meals made to order on board "The Canadian" train each day
  • Complimentary CN Tower admission passes
  • Complimentary Vancouver city tour when an additional night is added

Not included

  • Airport transfers in Vancouver and Toronto (available, please ask for details)
  • Rail station transfers between VIA Rail station and hotels
  • Meals, other than onboard the train
  • Gratuities/tip for rail, hotel and transfer staff
  • Canadian 5% sales tax

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, four nights in a private sleeper cabin aboard VIA Rail's 'The Canadian,' from Toronto to Vancouver, in Sleeper Plus Class.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent tour. Hotel nights and sightseeing in Toronto and Vancouver are on your own, apart from a complimentary CN Tower pass.
Which train and class are used?
VIA Rail's 'The Canadian,' in Sleeper Plus Class, with a Prestige Class upgrade available for CAD $4,250 per person.
What meals are included?
All meals are made to order onboard the train each day; meals in Toronto and Vancouver are on your own.
What is not included?
Airport transfers, rail station transfers between the station and hotels, and gratuities for rail, hotel, and transfer staff.
When does it run?
208 departures across all months of 2026 and 2027.

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