Toronto to Vancouver by RailItinerary

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 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Upon arrival to Toronto Pearson International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.

The Fairmont Royal York carries a rich history, having welcomed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries since its opening in 1929. This iconic property is ideally situated steps away from Toronto Union Station and minutes from Toronto's main attractions.

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

Day 2: Toronto | Board VIA Rail's The Canadian | Hornepayne
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
After breakast and check-out gather for the quick walk to Union 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.
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 3: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Thursday, August 21, 2025
This morning wake to boundless prairie landscape as the journey continues to Winnipeg. Spot for wildlife during breakfast and take advantage of informative discussions led by your Orbridge Travel Director and the on-board staff.

Briefly stopping in Winnipeg walk and explore the sights, including an outside visit to Forks Market (if time allows). Friendly reminder that excursions off the train are contingent on the train's travel schedule. The staff remains dedicated to keeping you informed of excursion options and scheduling.

Back on board perhaps gather for a game of cards in the Prestige Park car or admire the scenery from a comfortable chair in the Skyline car.
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 4: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Edmonton, Alberta
Friday, August 22, 2025
Observe the shift in topography as you glide between the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta.

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.

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.
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 5: Jasper | Kamloops, British Columbia 
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Embrace your final day aboard the train and enjoy brief stops in Jasper and Kamloops. 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.
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 6: Vancouver
Sunday, August 24, 2025
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.
Monday, August 25, 2025
Following 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.