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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Trans Canada By Rail Featuring VIA Rail's Prestige Class

Vancouver to Toronto by VIA Rail's Canadian in Prestige Class cabins

Illustration of Trans Canada By Rail Featuring VIA Rail's Prestige Class

Vacations By Rail's Trans Canada By Rail features a nine-day transcontinental journey from Vancouver to Toronto, combining luxury Fairmont hotel stays in both cities with four nights aboard VIA Rail's Canadian in Prestige Class. Days 1 and 2 include private guided sightseeing in Vancouver, exploring Stanley Park, Gastown, and Granville Island, followed by two nights of leisure to explore independently. Days 3 through 6 take you aboard the Canadian as it crosses the Canadian Rockies (passing Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson through Jasper National Park and Edmonton), traverses the Prairies through Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and winds through Ontario's Canadian Shield and historic Longlac. Your Prestige Class cabin features a private restroom and shower, extra-large picture windows, and access to a personal concierge. Days 7 and 8 in Toronto include a private four-hour guided tour of landmarks and neighborhoods, plus free time to explore St. Lawrence Market, Kensington Market, or the waterfront. The package totals 10,295 USD and covers hotels, all meals aboard the train, guided tours, and airport transfers; flights are separate. This independent vacation suits luxury-focused travelers and rail enthusiasts seeking a signature North American train experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from Canada are not included; book separately.
  • Day 7 transfer from Toronto's Union Station to the Fairmont Royal York is independent (not provided by Vacations By Rail).
  • No current departure dates are listed in the operator's published schedule; confirm availability before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arriving in Vancouver on Canada's West Coast

    Private transfer from the airport to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. Check in for two nights; free time to explore.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    A private sightseeing adventure in Vancouver

    Private guided tour of Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island, the Lions Gate Bridge and Cypress Mountain viewpoint. Afternoon free at leisure.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Overnight train

    Stepping aboard VIA Rail's Canadian

    Private transfer to Vancouver's train station to board VIA Rail's Canadian. Settle into your Prestige Class Cabin with private restroom and shower, extra-large picture windows, personal concierge and complimentary gourmet meals.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Overnight train

    A privileged perspective on the Rockies

    The train follows the Fraser and North Thompson Rivers through the Canadian Rockies, passing Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson, through Jasper National Park and Edmonton.

  5. Day 5overnight: Overnight train

    Traversing the Prairies on the Canadian

    Travel through Saskatchewan and Manitoba ("The Prairies"), passing through Winnipeg this evening.

  6. Day 6overnight: Overnight train

    The ancient landscapes of the Canadian Shield

    Pass through Ontario and the Canadian Shield, including Longlac at the northern tip of Long Lake, historically part of the fur trader canoe route.

  7. Day 7overnight: Toronto

    Arriving in Toronto

    Arrive at Toronto's Union Station. Transfer independently to the Fairmont Royal York for two nights; free time to explore St. Lawrence Market, Kensington Market or the waterfront.

  8. Day 8overnight: Toronto

    An introduction to Toronto

    Four-hour private guided tour of Toronto's landmarks and neighborhoods. Afternoon free at the hotel or exploring independently.

  9. Day 9

    Traveling home

    Check out and take an included private transfer to Toronto's airport for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Boarding VIA Rail's Canadian in Vancouver, stepping into your Prestige Class cabin with private restroom, shower, and picture windows.
  • Day 4The train follows the Fraser and North Thompson Rivers through the Canadian Rockies, passing Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson through Jasper National Park and Edmonton.
  • Day 5Traveling through Saskatchewan and Manitoba (the Prairies), passing through Winnipeg in the evening.
  • Day 2Private guided tour of Vancouver includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island, the Lions Gate Bridge, and Cypress Mountain viewpoint.

Included

  • 4 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 4 nights in a Prestige Class cabin aboard VIA Rail's Canadian
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Private transfer to Vancouver rail station
  • Private airport transfers
  • 4 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights

Questions travellers ask

Is all rail travel included?
Yes. The package includes four nights in a VIA Rail Prestige Class cabin aboard the Canadian, plus all rail and coach travel throughout the tour.
Which trains does this tour use?
VIA Rail's Canadian, which runs from Vancouver to Toronto (or reverse). You travel in Prestige Class, the highest service level on this train.
What hotels are included?
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (two nights) and The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto (two nights), both rated 4-star.
What meals are included?
Four breakfasts, one brunch, three lunches, and four dinners are included. Meals aboard the train are complimentary and gourmet.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
Independent. Vacations By Rail arranges hotel stays, train cabins, and guided tours, but you move between cities under your own direction.
How much walking is involved?
Private guided tours in Vancouver (three hours) and Toronto (four hours) involve city walking. Afternoons are free for rest or further exploration at your pace.

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