The Canadian
Photo: Buchanan-Hermit, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Canadian (French: Le Canadien) is a 4466 km passenger train route operated by VIA Rail Canada running between Toronto and Vancouver, with numerous intermediate stops including Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper and Kamloops. The trip, which takes four days and nights, is the longest passenger train route in North America, and the second-longest in the world, and covers several distinct landscapes.
It runs from the bustling Pacific city of Vancouver, into the lush Fraser Valley of British Columbia, across the Rocky Mountains, through the massive Canadian Shield, passing the open expanse of the prairies and Ontario's Lake Country, through the sprawling suburbs of the Greater Toronto area, before ending in Toronto's financial district.
Between Jasper and Vancouver, VIA Rail Canada is not the only passenger train operator. See Rocky Mountaineer.
The Canadian is the western of at least three three train routes needed to cross between Canada's Atlantic and Pacific coasts. See across Canada by train for further information.
UnderstandThis train is very slow and can be quite late (sometimes by as much as 12 hours) or early (up to 2 hours).
Getting onPeak season runs from early May to mid-October. Prices are higher during this season (full comparison in the Sleep section of this article), and generally seats are harder to find on sale.
RouteThis description may not reflect what is visible on the train, some areas will inevitably be covered by darkness as the train passes through them. Westbound travellers should read the travel guide in reverse.
On boardSleeping cars, which make up the bulk of the train during the peak season, come in two different configurations: Manour and Château. The Château cars are usually used on other trains and are less common on the Canadian
Eat and drinkThroughout the year, sleeping car passenger receive free three course meals in the dining car. Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are available in the Park and Skyline cars.
SleepThe most expensive option by far, a double bed that converts into an L shaped coach during the day, and a private washroom and shower.
Baggage5 x 9 in).
Get offWhile many international travellers (and indeed many Canadians) opt for the full distance, a decent number of people get off and on along the way, particularly in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Jasper.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "The Canadian" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Buchanan-Hermit, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons