What to Expect on Via Rail’s Canadian Train Journey

A Guide to Via Rail’s Canadian: A Journey from Toronto to Vancouver

 
If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling across Canada at a leisurely pace, Via Rail’s Canadian is your ticket to one of the most scenic, relaxing, and iconic train journeys in the world. From the bustling cityscape of Toronto to the stunningly rugged beauty of Vancouver, this transcontinental train journey spans overly 4,500 kilometres and offers a comfortable, unforgettable adventure across Canada’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned explorer, here’s what to expect when you board the Canadian.
 

A Comfortable and Scenic Ride Across Canada

 
The Canadian is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s an experience. As one of Via Rail’s three sleeper routes (alongside the Ocean and the Hudson Bay route to Churchill), it allows travellers to sit back, relax, and take in the ever-changing scenery. 

The train runs twice weekly in each direction between Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Toronto, making stops at various iconic Canadian towns and cities along the way. Whether you’re heading through the Rocky Mountains, the vast prairies, or the picturesque lakes of Ontario, you’re in for an unforgettable journey.
 

Classes of Service: Choosing the Best Fit for You

 
The Canadian offers several classes of service, including Economy, Sleeper Plus and Prestige..  Depending on your preferences, you can enjoy meals in the dining car, explore the onboard amenities or simply sit back and it in the scenery.  What class you board on, invariably influences the cost paid for the voyage during your experience on board.  Each offers a unique experience, ranging from affordably comfortable to luxurious.
 

Economy Class: Comfortable & Practical

 
If you're travelling on a budget, Economy Class is the most affordable option. Located towards the front of the train, behind the locomotive and baggage cars, Economy offers comfortable reclining seats, fold-down tables, and lots of legroom. You’ll have access to power outlets, washrooms, and a Skyline Dome car where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Canadian landscape.

 
Dining in Economy isn’t included in your fare, but you can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals from the onboard snack shop. While Economy lacks the luxury of private cabins or showers, it’s a decent choice for those who are younger, travelling on a shorter journey, or simply want to enjoy the ride without breaking the bank.

 
When we first started travelling on Via Rail in the 1990s, the majority of the train was seated in Economy Class; however, since the early 2000s, there seems to have been a concerted effort to ship passengers to Sleeper Plus, which was formerly referred to as Silver and Blue Class.
 

Sleeper Plus: More Space, More Comfort

 
For those who want a bit more space and comfort, Sleeper Plus is a great choice. This class includes two types of sleeper cars: the Major and Chateau cars, each offering slightly different layouts but similar amenities. You’ll find several types of sleeping accommodations, ranging from seats that transform into berths to roomettes and private cabins for one, two, or three people.

 

In Sleeper Plus, your travel experience is elevated with comfortable beds, full meals (which are included in the price), and access to showers and clean towels. The staff even takes care of making your bed in the evening and returning it to seating during breakfast. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and restful journey, Sleeper Plus gives you more space and an upgraded experience compared to Economy Class.  There’s also limited access to the Park Car or Bullet Dome at the rear of the train, which is now the purview of Prestige Class.
 

Prestige Class: The Ultimate Luxury

 
Introduced in 2015, Prestige Class is the most exclusive (and expensive) option aboard the Canadian. If you’re looking for a luxury experience akin to a cruise suite on rails, this is as close as you’ll get. Prestige cabins are larger, featuring private washrooms and showers, bigger windows, and a range of additional amenities.

 
For the ultimate experience, Prestige passengers have exclusive access to the Park Car (or Bullet Lounge), which now serves as a private seating area with panoramic views and a bar. The Prestige cabins offer space, comfort, and a more personalized service, but as Via's onboard staff have noted, the expectations for ultra-luxury sometimes exceed what a train can realistically provide.
 

Onboard Amenities: Relax, Unwind, and Socialize

Skyline Dome Car: Panoramic Views of Canada
 
One of the highlights of the Canadian is the Skyline Dome Car (also known as the Dome Car or Bar Car). This car provides some of the best views of the journey, with a panoramic observation dome where you can sit and watch the landscapes unfold. The Dome Car is open to all classes of service, with Economy Class typically having one at the rear of their section and Sleeper Plus guests enjoying access to one about every 2-3 cars.

 
During your time in the Dome Car, enjoy complimentary water, coffee, tea, and small snacks, are available.  In addition, passengers can purchase wine, beer, or soft drinks from the bar. On some journeys in the space beneath the dome, there may be live entertainment, guest speakers, or trivia sessions to keep you entertained. The Dome Car is also where you can truly relax, enjoy a presentation, or simply take in the views as the train winds through Canada’s majestic wilderness.
 

Dining: A Feast for the Senses

 
Given that the Canadian journey spans 4 nights and 5 days, dining plays a significant role in the experience. Passengers in Sleeper Plus and Prestige classes are assigned seating times for lunch and dinner in the dining car, which is typically located behind the Skyline Dome Car. The dining car boasts white linen, china ware, and panoramic views, with meals prepared onboard using fresh, local ingredients. 

The menu changes throughout the voyage, and vegetarian options are available.  In addition, the quality and portions of the meals are excellent.  We have found that the food is incredible and that the portion sizes are generous. 
 

Breakfast is available in the snack lounge between 6:30 and 8:30 AM, and if you’re in Economy, you can purchase limited meals from the snack bar, which offers instant soups, sandwiches, and other light options. For those in Sleeper Plus and Prestige, it’s common to find that meals are so generous and delicious that you’ll skip some meals altogether, opting instead for just breakfast and dinner.
 

The Park Car

 
At the very end of the train is the Park Car, often referred to as the Bullet Car. This is an iconic space on the train, offering views from the rear of the train as it weaves through the landscape. 

The Park Car has become a place for relaxation and connection, sometimes offering a quiet place to enjoy a drink or watch the stars pass by.
 

A Journey Like No Other

 
Whether you choose Economy, Sleeper Plus, or Prestige, a trip aboard the Canadian is an unforgettable adventure that allows you to see Canada in a way few others get to experience. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and the chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern travel, Via Rail’s Canadian is more than just a train ride—it’s a journey into the heart of Canada itself.

 
So, are you ready to trade in the airports for panoramic views, the traffic for wide-open landscapes, and the usual hustle for the ultimate relaxation? Hop aboard the Canadian, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience across the breathtaking beauty of Canada.

See you on the trails and rails!