

All passengers in this class have access to the dining/activity cars. There is a place to buy food onboard the economy section, but it’s an additional cost. However, economy passengers don’t have access to the dining/activity carts. An economy ticket will get you a regular seat on the train. Your accommodation on the train depends on the ticket class you have. What to Expect On the Train Ride Across Canada Accommodation on the train

I loved my experience on both trains, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the Canadian train route. The food is excellent (yay seafood!), and the scenery is stunning-especially the section closer to Halifax that goes along the water. It’s a newer train, but the rooms felt smaller. The train they use for the Ocean route is slightly different from the Canadian. This train route only takes 23 hours, which doesn’t give you as much time to get to know the staff and other guests compared to The Canadian. It starts at either Montreal’s Central station or Halifax, and has many stops throughout Quebec and New Brunswick. The train journey between Montreal and Halifax is called The Ocean. The bright green endless canola fields are gorgeous in the summertime. The train journey across Canada was my first time seeing Saskatchewan, and I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the landscapes were. Passing through the Canadian RockiesĪfter leaving Alberta, you enter Saskatchewan. The views are breathtaking along the way, passing through some of the most beautiful places in Alberta. At Pacific Station in Vancouverĭuring the train ride from Vancouver to Toronto, you will pass through the Canadian Rockies with stops in Kamloops, Jasper, and Edmonton – Alberta’s capital city. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, especially with so many options for weekend trips from Vancouver.Ĭheck here for the best rates on accommodation in Vancouver. Vancouver is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities, sitting at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. If you’re looking for a nice place to stay in Toronto, check out my post about the best boutique hotels in Toronto. Toronto was my home for years, and I never get bored of exploring the city with so many things to do. Toronto and Vancouver are both lovely cities to explore while traveling in Canada. The train that brings people between Vancouver and Toronto (or vice versa) is The Canadian. It starts in Toronto at Union Station or in Vancouver at Pacific Station. Before I knew it, I was off on a VIA Train across Canada! VIA Rail was surprised at how quickly I wanted to redeem my prize, but they kindly accommodated me. I couldn’t believe it the timing was perfect.Įven though I had two years to use the tickets, I wanted to go almost immediately. Then I got a call from VIA Rail Canada, who told me that I had won their 40th-anniversary contest! The prize was two round-trip tickets for VIA Rail across Canada train tickets. John’s, and was trying to figure out the cheapest way to get across the country by land as I was on a tight budget. I wanted to spend the summer going across the country to my hometown, St. I was mid-way through my trip around the world in Vancouver for a family wedding.

Then, the most fortunate turn of events happened to me. I always dreamed of a rail trip across Canada, but I could never justify it on my budget. How I took the Train across Canada Twice (for free) In this guide, I’ll lay out everything you need to know about the cross Canada train, including routes, prices, and why this experience should be on your Canada bucket list. If you’re planning a trip to Canada, taking the train is a wonderful way to get around the country and see all the incredible landscapes. This scenic journey will take you through the Atlantic Coast, Ontario’s great lakes, the Prairies, and the stunning Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Colombia. Taking the passenger train across Canada is the best way to travel through this beautiful country. This allows me to keep the site up to date and expand on resources. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
