Crossing Canada by rail is leisurely, scenic and a little addictive. The Vancouver to Toronto train runs on VIA Rail’s The Canadian. It covers about 4,466 kilometres over four nights and five provinces. Getting ready for the trip makes it a lot easier. Here are seven tips to help you get ready.
1. Choose Your Direction First
Think about the views you’d most like to see. Head east out of Vancouver and you’ll arrive at Jasper late that afternoon the following day. This means the Rockies are visible during daylight, particularly from the start of spring through the early fall. Winter days are shorter, so you may see less. Local rail experts say there is no wrong choice. It all depends on your preferences and the season.
2. Allow Enough Time
It takes four nights and a little over four days to make the journey, with freight trains sometimes getting priority on the rails, so you shouldn’t try to book a return flight on the same day you get there. Indeed, plan for an additional night or two each in the city on the extremes. The trip won’t feel rushed, and you’ll be at ease.
3. Pick the Right Cabin
The choices are about the same going either way, since the train from Toronto to Vancouver has the same classes as the train going east. Economy gives you a reclining seat, with meals bought on board. Sleeper Plus adds a private berth or cabin and all meals. Prestige class is the top tier, with a large cabin, plus a shower and beverages included. Most people doing the full crossing choose Sleeper Plus for the combination of comfort and value.
4. Budget Before You Book
Rail only fares start from $514 CAD for Economy and $1,083 CAD for Sleeper Plus berth. A Sleeper Plus cabin for two begins near $1,960 CAD each. The starting price for Prestige Class is approximately $6,040 CAD. Fully planned trips (this includes hotel and tours and transfers) will incur an additional cost and requires careful planning ahead of time on what you would like to include.
5. Plan a Stopover
A simple stopover breaks up the trip into two manageable parts, and can make the whole Vancouver to Toronto train journey much more flexible. The most popular places to stop along the way are Jasper and Winnipeg. Jasper is in the mountains and has hiking and animal viewing close, while Winnipeg is about halfway and has many art and food draws.
6. Pack for Life Onboard
Light packing is advised, as there’s less space in the cabins, and you should also pack plenty of layers, as the temperature can vary in the train carriages. Add a camera, a book and a power bank. The glass dome cars are available to all classes, but are well worth seeing, particularly over the Rockies, and best seen by arriving early and securing a good seat. Food is cooked fresh in the dining car and the communal tables allow you to chat with other travellers.
7. Get Help From a Local Expert
Having a planner who is familiar with the course can save you a lot of time and trouble. Canadian Train Vacations provides cabins, hotels, transfers and tours; and can create its own Toronto to Vancouver train journey, plus can meet dietary and accessibility requirements ahead of the trip. So, you can enjoy the view.
Final Thoughts
For a trip this big, it might help to do some study first. Decide on your preferred direction, pick a cabin you’re happy with, plus allow for any delays, and then sit back and take in the Canadian scenery.
