Reflecting on Via Rail’s Canadian Train Journey

Slow Travel Across Canada by Train

If you're craving a travel experience that combines comfort, scenic beauty, and a chance to truly immerse yourself in Canada's vast landscapes, look no further than Via Rail’s Canadian train. This 5-day cross-country journey offers more than just a ride from Vancouver to Toronto; it’s an opportunity to disconnect, embrace slow travel, and see Canada in its natural splendour.

 
Over the years, after countless hikes and explorations, I’ve come to realize that many travel experiences—though memorable—only allow you to scratch the surface of a place. But when it comes to Via Rail’s Canadian rail voyage, there’s something deeper, more profound about the journey. This isn’t just a way to get from Point A to Point B; it’s a chance to experience Canada’s diverse beauty in a way that few other activities can provide.
 

A Truly Immersive Experience

 
The Canadian Train isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s a window into Canada’s soul. Picture the sun rising over the crystal clear lakes, casting golden hues on the water. Imagine gazing at the rugged shield of Northern Ontario or taking in the sweeping, endless plains of the Prairies. As the train winds through the majestic Rockies, you’ll understand why this is one of the most iconic ways to explore Canada.

 
You won’t just pass through these landscapes—you’ll have the time to feel them. Unlike the blur of a road trip or a quick flight, the pace of this 5-day journey allows you to connect with the ever-changing scenery. As you move from province to province, you’ll witness how the topography, flora, and fauna shift.  You experience firsthand how the land has shaped the nation and the culture of the country.  Simply put a voyage on the Canadian offers an all-encompassing view of the country’s natural beauty.

 
These are experiences that cannot be adequately relayed in a blog or video – instead, they have to be undertaken and enjoyed by oneself.
 

Tips for the Journey

 
Before you board the train, here are a few practical tips to make your experience as smooth as possible:
 
1. Staff Excellence and Superb Service
 
Above and beyond everything else, the service on board Via Rail, whether on the Ocean, Corridor or Canadian is generally fantastic. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, providing insights into the local regions and history of the areas you're passing through. However, like any service industry, there may be the occasional hiccup, such as an extended closure of the café in Economy. Despite these rare problems, Via Rail is known for offering excellent service, especially in higher classes, where comfort is amazing.
 
2. Expect Some Delays, and Embrace Them
 
While Via Rail does an excellent job of helping passengers adjust to changes, delays are a part of the Canadian rail experience. We have experienced delays that have ranged from a couple of hours to over a day. Since CN and CP freight trains take priority, the Canadian often needs to pull over to let them pass. At times in places such as Winnipeg or when crossing the prairies the schedule can and is adjusted to make up for lost time but overall the journey is less about strict schedules and more about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the rails and moment.

Rather than seeing this as an inconvenience, think of it as an invitation to relax, read or chat with your fellow passengers.
 
If you’re connecting to a flight or cruise, be sure to leave yourself plenty of buffer time to accommodate potential delays.
 
3. Pack Appropriate Essentials
 
Part of preparing for a cross-Canada train journey is packing the appropriate essentials. Particularly since there are limits in terms of how much baggage you can take on board that vary depending on the class you are in.   
 
With clothing being the bulk of what you pack and travel with the two largest things to remember are : Layers for throughout the voyage and Smart casual for the dining car. Clothes that can be easily layered are key to comfort on board the train.  In the summer, when it is warm outside, there are times, the Canadian can have its air conditioning set to near Arctic temperatures.  Similarly, in the winter when it is freezing outside the train inside can be boiling hot. As such, the best option is to bring clothes that can be layered as needed. 

 
For instance, if you are in Economy, there is no bedding provided so bringing a small travel pillow and blanket is essential for making your voyage and evenings more comfortable. In addition, if you are a light sleeper, then perhaps packing a sleep mask and earplugs might be something you also want to consider.

 
You also want to remember all of this has to fit into a smaller bag – larger luggage is stored in the baggage car.  In particular, remember to pack any toiletries and prescription medicine that you might need into your carry-on.

Finally, if you worry about having something to do on board then perhaps packing a book or kindle for reading or if you are more into watching movies and listening to music, downloading entertainment before boarding will be key – as there is no reliable wifi on board the Canadian.
 
3. Bring Snacks (Especially in the Economy)
 
If you're travelling in economy class, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks. The onboard food options, particularly in the snack car, can be limited and inconsistent. In higher classes like Sleeper and Prestige, meals are more abundant and upscale, but in economy, you're looking at more basic options—think microwave meals, instant noodles, and limited small snacks.
 
4. Bring Your Camera
 
Whether you’re a casual snapper or a serious photographer, there are plenty of photo opportunities along the route. The wildlife, the vast landscapes, and the changing skies will make for some of your most memorable shots. You never know what you’ll see—a bear in the distance, a bald eagle soaring overhead, or a long train weaving across the landscape. 

The Canadian with its iconic Skyline dome cars is the perfect place for photography as the staffs frequently use the PA system to announce upcoming features and wildlife.  No matter which direction you are travelling there are great views.
 
5. No WiFi but a Great Connection
 
If you’re expecting constant WiFi access, you might be disappointed. Wifi is not available onboard the Canadian and the possibility for a cell signal is sparse and typically only available near major urban centers such as Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Jasper. 

The point being that having a constant wifi connection on board is unlikely so this is actually a great opportunity to digitally detox and focus on the landscape, the company around you, or a good book. Take this time to unwind and connect with the journey and not your phone.
 
6. Consider Stopovers
 
While the full journey from Vancouver to Toronto is incredible, the brief stops and breaks along the route don’t provide time to explore the communities or go sightseeing.  Stretching your legs on the platform or in the station is about the extent of what you can do in the 15-30 minutes allotted.  

As such, some passengers choose to make stopovers in cities like Jasper, Edmonton, or Winnipeg. These breaks allow you to explore more of Canada and dig deeper into specific regions before continuing their journey on the next Canadian train. It’s a great way to experience Canada.
 
7. Stunning in every Season
 
Canada’s landscapes are beautiful year-round, and depending on when you travel, you’ll experience a different side of the country. 

Fall brings an explosion of fiery reds and oranges across the forests. Summer, lush with growth, makes for stunning vistas, while winter’s blanket of snow creates an almost magical silence over the land. The changing scenery throughout your 5-day journey provides a visual feast, so no matter the season, you're in for something special.
 
8. The Full Canadian Experience
 
Although the Canadian Train takes you from Vancouver to Toronto, it doesn’t connect coast-to-coast across the country. To complete the full cross-country journey, you’ll need to hop onto Via Rail’s Ocean route from Montreal to Halifax. 

Pairing the Canadian with trips on the Corridor between Toronto and Montreal or the Ocean from Montreal to the Maritimes offers the ultimate way to experience all of Canada.
 
9.  A Question of Class
 
Economy class is comfortable and a wonderful means to travel the nation.  Alternatively, Sleeper Class offers more options for sleeping in a bed and enjoying wonderful meals.  Recently, however, Via Rail introduced an elite class called "Prestige Class" that comes with upgraded accommodations and exclusive perks. The cost of these classes reflects the levels of amenities and services offered…to a point.  

On our last journey on the Canadian a cabin in Prestige Class was 5-6 times the cost of our berths and almost 10 times the cost of an economy seat.  In addition, this new class has had some unintended consequences. The rear Park car or bullet, once a favourite spot for enjoying panoramic views, is now primarily reserved for Prestige passengers, which has altered the atmosphere for those travelling in Sleeper.   
 
While the service is exceptional, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost for Prestige is quite high and not everyone finds it worth the price.   As always, it is important to reserve tickets in the class you would enjoy the most.
 

Final Thoughts and Reflections on Via Rail’s Canadian

 
The Canadian Train is one of those rare travel experiences where the journey itself becomes just as important as the destination. It’s a chance to slow down, embrace the changing landscapes, and experience the vastness of Canada in a way that’s impossible from any other mode of transportation. 

So, if you’re ready to take the ride of a lifetime and see Canada like never before, Via Rail’s Canadian Train might just be the perfect adventure for you.
 
See you on the trails or on the rails!