VIA Rail Holidays
Travel across Canada
VIA Rail is such a flexible way to travel. It has lots of practical routes linking Eastern Canada's cities. You can even travel across Canada on a sleeper train! Lots of the routes are budget-friendly, but there is a choice of seats and cabin types if you fancy a bit of luxury.
About VIA Rail
Travel Canada with VIA Rail
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Travel Canada with VIA Rail
Travel Canada in style and comfort with VIA Rail. As Canada’s national rail provider, VIA Rail can help you explore a good chunk of Canada. From hopping onboard for shorter inter-city routes to travelling across the vast country on a five-day epic journey, with VIA Rail and Canadian Affair you can create the rail holiday you want. We can advise you to help you get the most out of your time on the rails!
How to Book
Getting started
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Step one – choose your route
With a good part of Canada covered by rail, choosing your route is the hardest part - there’s so much to see! Use the train to link between the cities you want to explore. This is particularly handy in the east where the major cities in Ontario and Québec are well connected. You can even travel out further to Atlantic Canada. Make the train journey the main event with a trip on the five-day ‘Canadian’ route from Toronto to Vancouver. -
Step two – choose the level of service
For a shorter journey, an economy service fits the bill but if you’re travelling overnight or for a few days, you'll want to ensure that you’re comfortable and rested for when you arrive. Choosing a Sleeper Plus or Prestige service means resting your head in a comfy bed each night.
Ready to book? Just give our expert team a call and they will tailor-make your perfect rail journey.
Where
Choose your route
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The Canadian - Toronto to Vancouver
An awesome cross-country route taking you from the east, across the prairie lands of central Canada, through the Rockies and out to Vancouver on the Pacific Coast. Or of course, back in the other direction. The trains are exceptionally comfortable and it is a brilliant way to really make your holiday about the journey and not necessarily the destination. Plus, sleeping on the train is an added adventure! -
The Corridor - Québec and Ontario
Connecting all the great cities of Québec and Ontario, this service is a fantastic way to city-hop and to take in as much of these fascinating provinces as possible. Cities include Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Kingston and even Niagara Falls. Chat to us to create a package taking in all the sights you’d like to see. -
The Ocean - Montreal to Halifax
This stunning one night, one day journey travels from Montreal to Halifax through the province of Québec and out to Atlantic Canada before arriving in Nova Scotia’s capital. You'll sleep on board the train.
On Board
Cabins and meals
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Prestige - Complete luxury
Prestige class is only available on The Canadian route and spaces are limited, but it is the most luxurious way to travel with VIA Rail. You'll be treated to a private cabin with en-suite which has a comfortable double bed by night which converts into a smart seating and TV area by day. The cabin has an en-suite shower room, ensuring total privacy. Prestige passengers can benefit from both lounge and scenic cars and delicious dining. -
Sleeper Plus - Comfortable cabins
Sleeper Plus gives you a comfortable bed in a one, two or four berth cabin with a shower. On The Canadian, passengers can access the domed views of the Panorama and Skyline cars, the bars and lounges of the Park car, plus the restaurant-style meals of the Dining car. Sleeper Plus passengers on The Ocean route have access to the Dining car, Services car and Park car. -
Economy - Comfortable and affordable
In Economy, you'll sleep in your comfortable chair which reclines. On The Canadian route, you'll have access to a vestibule and two restrooms in the Economy Car. You'll also be able to access the panoramic Skyline car with a choice of affordable meals in the dining area. Economy passengers on The Ocean have access to the Renaissance sleeping car, the dining car and the services car which offers a place to relax and watch TV.
Top tips
Good to know
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Top tips for VIA Rail travel
Our top tips for getting the most out of your VIA Rail journey:
• Book early for private cabins, especially the Prestige Sleeper Cabins. They are only available on selected routes and are very popular.
• Your luggage allowance on board depends on your class of travel, so always check with one of our agents upon booking.
• Always be at the station a minimum of one hour prior to departure if checking in luggage, and 30 minutes prior if you’re just travelling with a carry-on.
VIA Rail's Routes
Explore the different VIA Rail routes to see which cities are linked
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Show Map
The Canadian
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Show Map
The Corridor & Ocean
See VIA Rail's routes for yourself
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Watch Video
The Canadian
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Watch Video
The Ocean
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Have you seen Canada?
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Watch Video
Service onboard
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Watch Video
Service at the station
VIA Rail Holidays in Canada
VIA Rail is Canada's national rail provider. With over 12,500km of tracks covering the length of the country, there are very few places that can't be reached. Whether you are linking stopovers on a multi-city break in eastern Canada or dreaming of a trans-Canada expedition, VIA Rail is a cost-effective and relaxing way to travel. For the ultimate adventure, take the 5-day sleeper train across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver aboard The Canadian train. The real bonus of VIA Rail is that it is completely customisable to you, with a selection of different service levels to suit all adventurers.
If you’re travelling on a budget, you’ll find their economy class reclining seats perfectly comfortable and convenient. For a touch of luxury, you can choose between bunk bed sleeper berths and private cabins. For truly indulgent travel, pick the Prestige Class with a private double cabin, en-suite shower room and concierge service. The beauty is that even in economy class, there is still a choice of lounges and glass-domed Skyline carriages you can access for those views. In higher classes, you can make use of the 360° Panorama Car and the stylish dining car for chef-served meals. Services and cars depend on your route, so call us to check.
Canada Know-How
Useful information for VIA Rail travellers
From baggage allowances to train cars, find everything you need to know about VIA Rail trains
Arriving
If you are travelling in Economy Class with hand-baggage, you only need to arrive at the station around 30 minutes beforehand. However, for Sleeper, Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class, and for any checked baggage, allow 90 minutes before departure. Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class may have their own Business Lounge at the station.
Baggage
The baggage allowances vary depending on your route and service class, so make sure you call us to check.
Dining
The Canadian route has a smart dining car for Sleeper and Prestige guests. For other routes and Economy, you can purchase yummy hot food and snacks.
WiFi
Free WiFi is available on certain routes, like The Ocean, and VIA has a range of digital onboard entertainment to choose from.
Booking
Book early for private cabins, especially the Prestige cabins. They are very popular and sell out quickly.
Choosing the one
We know that between the different routes and different service classes, VIA Rail trips can sometimes get confusing. Just give our experts a call and we’ll happily advise you on which routes go where, which service levels are available on each route and which will suit your needs the best. We’ll also help figure out your luggage for your journey.