Toronto to Vancouver by RailItinerary

VIA Rail Canada, like other passenger railways in North America, operates on tracks owned by freight companies. 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 and any changes to the schedule will be communicated and updated as the journey continues.

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Welcome to Canada! After arrival, transfer to the Fairmont Royal York—a beautiful, historic property ideally situated steps away from Union Station and minutes from Toronto's main attractions.

This evening, relax and mingle with fellow travelers during a special welcome reception. 
Overnight: Fairmont Royal York (R)

Day 2: Toronto | Board VIA Rail's The Canadian | Hornepayne
This morning, we'll walk across the street to Toronto Union Station to embark upon the journey on rails. Delight in a special mimosa toast to celebrate the departure and an exciting week ahead.

While The Canadian travels across Ontario, venture into the Prestige Park car to embrace the constantly changing scenery and capture endless photo opportunities from the upper-level dome. Combine the passing views with equally outstanding cuisine in the train's dining car, prepared by onboard chefs using specially sourced, local ingredients from the regions through which you will pass. 

This evening, fall asleep to the steady sound of the rails, and open your blinds to greet the morning's lovely panoramic views.
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 3: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today offers scenes of boundless prairies as the train continues to Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Look forward to daily informative discussions by the travel director and concierge staff. Seek opportunities to spot wildlife, including black bears, wolves, and eagles. During the stop in Winnipeg, if time allows, guests can walk and explore the sights, including an outside visit to Forks Market. Remember that excursions off the train are contingent on the train’s progress and possible delays. Pack your sense of flexibility and ease into a relaxed mode of "cruise control" while an attentive staff caters to your needs and keeps you informed. 
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 4: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Edmonton, Alberta
Today it's all aboard for Saskatoon. Visit one of the beautiful observation cars to witness the passing landscape, stop into the Prestige Park Car to taste some of Canada's top-tier varietals with freshly made hors d’œuvres, or grab a pal and a window seat for a friendly game of cards.
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 5: Jasper | Kamloops, British Columbia 
Today is your final full day aboard the train, with planned, brief  stops in Jasper and Kamloops. Admire the dramatic and ever-changing landscape as the train navigates the Canadian Rockies and unveils a world of raw and rugged beauty. Marvel at the scenery along the Fraser River and the incredible obstacles overcome to build a railway here.

One of today's highlights will include Hell's Gate, the most slender part of the Fraser River. It is aptly named for its narrow cliff walls that create a funnel for hundreds of millions of liters of water rushing through every minute. For perspective, consider the volume of Niagara Falls—Hell's Gate is double that. Capture the soaring cliffs and churning waters of the mighty river with your camera during this memorable experience. 
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 6: Vancouver
This morning enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking in Vancouver.

Set off on a guided city tour to discover the lush gardens and notable totem poles of Stanley Park and the cobblestone streets of Gastown. Afterward take advantage of leisure time to stroll the vendor stands on Granville Island.

The remainder of the day is yours to continue exploring Vancouver or perhaps take advantage of the luxurious amenities at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

After dinner at leisure, rejoin fellow travel companions for a special farewell dessert reception to celebrate this epic cross-country adventure.
Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (B,R)

Day 7: Vancouver | Depart for U.S.
After breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to Vancouver International Airport for flights home. Guests continuing on the optional post-tour will take the ferry to Victoria. (B)

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

Guests should be comfortable boarding and disembarking trains without assistance, walking and moving between cars while the train is in motion, and navigating steep, narrow stairs to the upper level of the observation car. All hallways are narrow and have handrails, but train travel can be unpredictable and some unexpected movement may occur. Guests who enjoy the relaxed pace of train travel will delight in spending much of the program's time on the railway. At brief train stop locations, ground may be uneven and covered in loose gravel, with no sidewalks.