Skip to main content

Vancouver to Toronto by Rail

  • October 1 – October 7, 2026
  • Pre-Tour: September 29 – October 1, 2026
$7,995

per person based on double occupancy

  • DURATION

    7 Days
  • GROUP SIZE

    27

overview

Embark upon a once-in-a-lifetime rail odyssey across Canada's five provinces, gliding through rolling prairies, rugged lake country and the snowy peaks of the magnificent Rockies. This five-star journey features hotel stays at luxurious, historic rail properties bookending four amazing days and nights in Prestige Class aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian. This nostalgic rail experience harkens the golden age of train travel.

tour map

tour highlights

– Unwind and unplug. Enjoy the serenity of traveling by rail with time to truly disconnect from the outside world.

– Relax in comfort. Your private Prestige Class stateroom provides 50% more living space compared to other cabin categories. Features include: a picture window that's 60% larger than standard cabin windows, a leather couch by day that transforms into a comfortable double bed with luxury linens by night, heated floors and walls, private en suite bathroom with shower, and nightly turndown service.

– Embrace the countryside. Crossing five provinces, admire the diverse and picturesque landscapes each creating a colorful changing tapestry day after day.

– Indulge on board. Three-course lunches and dinners are prepared by onboard chefs using a selection of local and regional ingredients. Prestige Class amenities also include priority seating in the dining car, dedicated concierge service and complimentary snacks and beverages in the Park Car 24-hours a day.

– Enjoy the atmosphere. Whether joining an onboard lecture or presentation, gathering for a wine tasting, playing board or card games, or simply watching the outside panoramas pass by, each day offers a variety of optional activities aimed to define the leisurely pace of the journey.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Day 2: Vancouver | Board VIA Rail’s The Canadian
Day 3: Kamloops | Jasper, Alberta | Edmonton
Day 4: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Winnipeg, Manitoba
Day 5: Hornepayne, Ontario
Day 6: Toronto
Day 7: Toronto | Depart for U.S.

full itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

VIA Rail Canada operates on tracks owned by freight companies, like other passenger railways in North America. While VIA Rail strives for on-time departures and arrivals, increased freight traffic on the railway will often cause delays. These delays could result in delayed departure from Toronto, delayed arrival in to Vancouver, and shortened / limited time off of the train. The majority of your time on this tour will be spent aboard the train. Simply unplug and embrace the journey. Onboard services are guaranteed. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated and updated throughout the journey.

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Thursday, October 1, 2026 (R)

Upon arrival to Vancouver International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.

As with many Fairmont properties, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver carries a rich historical legacy, having welcomed dignitaries and celebrities since its opening in 1939.

After settling into your room enjoy leisure time to capture the sights and sounds of this bustling metropolis or perhaps indulge in the luxurious amenities at the hotel.

This evening relax and mingle with fellow travelers during a special welcome reception.

Day 2: Vancouver | Board VIA Rail’s The Canadian

Friday, October 2, 2026 (B,D)

After breakfast set off on a guided city tour including free time to explore Granville Island.

Later transfer to Pacific Central Station to embark upon The Canadian. Celebrate the departure with a mimosa or orange juice, and toast to the exciting week ahead.

Venture into the Prestige Park car to marvel at the rugged beauty of Eastern Ontario unfolding beyond the windows. Dense forests and pristine lakes provide for endless photography opportunities.

Settle into your luxurious Prestige Class accommodations—a category that redefines train travel through private cabins, panoramic windows and personalized service.

On board, fine dining is a priority. Delight in gourmet meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients served in an elegant dining car.

As you retire for the evening let the rhythmic sound of the rails welcome you to a comfortable night's sleep.

Day 3: Kamloops | Jasper, Alberta | Edmonton

Saturday, October 3, 2026 (B,L,D)

Navigating through the Canadian Rockies marvel at the scenery along the Fraser River and the incredible obstacles overcome to build a railway here.

One of today's viewing highlights and photography opportunities is Hell's Gate, the most narrow (and very treacherous) part of the Fraser River. An impressive display of power, its narrow cliff walls create a funnel for hundreds of millions of liters of water rushing through every minute—double the volume of Niagara Falls.

Later today perhaps gather for a game of cards in the Prestige Park car or admire the scenery from a comfortable chair in the Skyline car.

Day 4: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Winnipeg, Manitoba

Sunday, October 4, 2026 (B,L,D)

Observe the shift in topography as you glide between the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Ideally by this point in the journey you have reached a restful feeling of true relaxation—being able to disconnect from devices allowing for more opportunity to connect with each other. Memorable conversations are shared over meals and conviviality abounds in the train's social atmosphere.

Day 5: Hornepayne, Ontario

Monday, October 5, 2026 (B,L,D)

This morning wake to boundless landscapes as the journey continues to Ontario. Spot for wildlife during breakfast and take advantage of informative discussions led by your Orbridge Travel Director and the on-board staff.

There will be ample time today for introspection, getting lost in a great book or gathering in the Prestige Park car to sample some of Canada's top-tier varietals and freshly made hors d’œuvres.

Day 6: Toronto

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 (B,L,R)

Today enjoy lunch on board before disembarking in Toronto. Your hotel accommodations are conveniently located across the street from Union Station. The afternoon is yours for city sightseeing or relaxing at the property.

After dinner at leisure rejoin fellow travel companions for a special farewell dessert reception to celebrate this epic cross-country adventure.

Day 7: Toronto | Depart for U.S.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (B)

Following breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to Toronto Pearson International Airport for flights home.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Inclusions

  • 1 night at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and 1 night at Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, both famous, luxury Canadian Railway hotels
  • 4 nights accommodations in Prestige Class onboard VIA Rail's The Canadian
  • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners (snacks and bar orders are included while aboard The Canadian)
  • Special welcome and farewell receptions
  • Admission to all activities and tours as described in the 7-day itinerary
  • Full guiding services of an Orbridge Travel Director
  • Onboard concierge services
  • Private motor coach transportation for the Vancouver sightseeing tour
  • Gratuities for Orbridge Travel Director, drivers, porters, VIA Rail attendants and wait staff for included meals
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

rates

Category Rate*
Prestige Class: $7,995
Prestige Class Single: $13,495

*Special group rate; limited offer. Rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Unless noted otherwise, airfare not included.

optional pre-tour

Victoria

Enjoy two nights in delightful Victoria—British Columbia’s picture-perfect capital. This colorful pedestrian-friendly city is an ideal spot for whale watching, biking, shopping, and sampling from the wide variety of cafés and restaurants that line bustling Government Street.

Activity Level: 2

Full Itinerary

B = Breakfast

Day +1: Arrive in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Settle into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Explore some of Victoria's most beautiful downtown sites including: Christ Church Cathedral with its gothic stone architecture, magnificent stained glass windows and Helmuth Wolff organ; Craigdarroch Castle, a stunning Victorian mansion; Bastion Square, site of the original Fort Victoria, with its spectacular views of the local harbor; or the renowned Royal British Columbia.

Day +2: Victoria

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (B)

Join your guide for an easy half-day walking tour of Victoria featuring a light tasting of delicious local specialties including chocolate, cheese, tea and other treats. Gain insight into the area's history while strolling the inner harbor, Fort Victoria, Market Square and Chinatown.

The afternoon is open for additional opportunities to explore more of this charming city. Enjoy a walking tour of the downtown to appreciate its history and culture or a whale-watching cruise to see the wildlife-filled waters off the coast. Take time for a carriage ride, English-style high tea, or a stroll through some of Beacon Hill Park's 200 acres. There is an endless array of ways to fill your day. You may even choose to end the day with a renowned haunted Victoria tour or a visit to one of the many craft breweries in town. Your local guide or hotel concierge can help set up a day perfect for you.

Day +3: Victoria | Vancouver | Main Program Begins

Thursday, October 1, 2026 (B)

Following breakfast explore world-famous Butchart Gardens—a national historic site of Canada replete with lush greens and colorful blooms. Blossoming for more than 100 years, it offers 55 acres of gardens with 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners who create a wonderland of beauty everywhere you look.

Afterward take a 20-minute ride to the ferry terminal to cruise over to mainland Vancouver—a passage providing unlimited scenery with the likelihood of spotting various marine wildlife. 

After arriving in Vancouver for the main program join fellow travelers at the hotel for a welcome reception.

Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Inclusions

  • 2 nights at the Fairmont Empress (or similar) with breakfast each morning
  • Guided panoramic city tour plus a walking food tasting tour
  • Admission to Butchart Gardens
  • A 1.5 hour ferry cruise from Victoria to Vancouver across the Strait of Georgia
  • Guiding services of an Orbridge Travel Director plus guide gratuities
  • Airport transfer for guests arriving during the suggested times

Rates

Category Rate*
Double: $1,495
Single: $1,995

*Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Unless noted otherwise, airfare not included.

Travel Insurance

Orbridge strongly recommends that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. It is best to look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. Depending on the insurance provider, some coverage can be linked to timing of initial payment. Check your options carefully. If you are on an international departure, you should purchase travel insurance that—at a minimum—provides emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. Information regarding an insurance program will be sent to you directly from your alumni association. You also may wish to visit your alumni association’s travel website at my.travelinsure.com/emory for more information.


Booking Flights

Our air partners can make flight arrangements for guests. In the event of flight delays and/or schedule changes, they will provide guests with personalized assistance. To book flight reservations with our air partners, contact (206) 319-5011 and select the option for your destination to discuss flight details with our air colleagues. Upon ticketing, a fee will be charged.

your guide(s)

Orbridge Travel Director

Every departure is accompanied by one of our premier Travel Directors, all of whom have extensive knowledge and experience as guides.

Enriched by their accompaniment and enthusiasm, enjoy the cultures and locations you explore with added confidence, understanding, and appreciation.

guest feedback

FAQS

Orbridge looks forward to welcoming you on tour. Find frequently asked questions below to help you prepare for your travels.

NOTE: For guests confirmed on this tour, important Program Documents will be sent to the email address provided during the reservation process approximately four to five months prior to your departure date. Final Documents will be emailed and shipped via FedEx approximately two weeks prior to your departure date.

If you have questions about those documents or have questions not addressed below, contact Orbridge Guest Services at (206) 855-6929 or via email at guestservices@orbridge.com.

ABOUT THE TOUR

ABOUT MY RESERVATION