Embark on a cross-country Canadian expedition, traveling from coastal Vancouver to cultural Montreal on a scenic journey featuring VIA Rail trains

Your memorable journey through Canada begins today in the West Coast city of Vancouver. As you arrive, make your own way to your hotel and check in for the night before getting to know this cultural melting pot at your own pace. With accommodations in the heart of the city, you are close to many of Vancouver's attractions, shops and restaurants.

You might like to get your bearings in Downtown Vancouver, or you could head to one of the fantastic museums, such as the Museum of Anthropology. You can also opt to add a 24-hour Hop-on/Hop-off bus pass to get an in-depth look at Vancouver's sites with the freedom to "hop off" at any sites that pique your interest. Overnight Vancouver.

Please note: There is so much to see and do in this iconic city. Speak with a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights and sightseeing experiences in Vancouver, including a city or food tour, a day trip out to Victoria, or a whale-watching cruise.

Waking in Vancouver this morning, the first half of your day is at leisure to continue taking in all this waterfront city has to offer. You might like to explore a museum, such as the Vancouver Art Gallery, or visit Stanley Park to wander along the leafy paths or admire the ocean from the seawall.

Early this afternoon, transfer on your own to the train station to join VIA Rail's Canadian on its four-night journey to Toronto. Settle into your Sleeper Plus Berth*, with couch-style seating by day and curtained upper and lower beds by night, and prepare for your journey east. As a Sleeper Plus passenger, your non-alcoholic drinks and meals are included for the duration of your time onboard, and you can enjoy dinner in the Dining Car this evening. Overnight train.

*Please note: Upgrades to Sleeper Plus Cabins and Prestige Cabins are available. Speak with a Rail Specialist for details.

A relaxing day filled with remarkable scenery stretches ahead as the Canadian makes its way through the province of Alberta today. After enjoying breakfast in the Dining Car, you could return to your seat to watch the passing scenery or find a spot in the Sightseer Lounge for a more expansive view.

Today's route is one of the most scenic of the entire trip, as the train follows the Fraser and North Thompson Rivers through the Canadian Rockies. Keep watch for wildlife, including bear and moose, and snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance. Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson - the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies - are also visible before the Canadian passes through Jasper and continues its eastward journey, passing through the cosmopolitan city of Edmonton later today. Lunch and dinner are also available in the Dining Car, and as a Sleeper Plus traveler, you have access to the Park Car, including the Bullet Lounge, in the evenings. Overnight train.

As the train continues toward Toronto this morning, you can admire scenery that is markedly different from yesterday's dramatic peaks and forests. The western provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are commonly known as "The Prairies" and are awash with sights of plains, hills, lakes and rivers.

Spend the day enjoying the views of Canada's ever-changing landscape from the lounges onboard the train or the comfort of your Sleeper Plus accommodations. With a population smaller than Dallas in an area similar in size to Texas, Saskatchewan is perfect for sitting back and watching the world go by. Look for wildlife, such as deer, as the train crosses the southern plains, and then later, the Canadian crosses into Manitoba, a province with more than 100,000 lakes stretching up to the shores of the Hudson Bay. Its capital is Winnipeg, considered the geographic capital of Canada, and the train pulls through this fascinating and cultural city tonight before continuing east. Overnight train.

The vistas change once again today, as the train crosses the rocky ground of northwestern Ontario, a landscape dotted with lakes and thick forests of ancient trees. While Ontario might be the most populous of Canada's provinces, the remote areas you travel through today are raw Canadian wilderness, with moose, lynx and black bears prowling its dense woodlands.

Enjoy breakfast in the Dining Car, and then you can relax with ever-changing views. After lunch on board, the Canadian changes direction, continuing its journey in a southeasterly direction toward the Great Lakes. Spend some time admiring the scenery from your seat or venture to the Skyline Car to witness the changes from its domed-glass windows. As dinner is served this evening, the Canadian continues its epic journey toward its destination. Overnight train.

Your final morning on the Canadian begins with breakfast as the train travels south toward Toronto. The views change from the mountains and prairies of the past few days to more familiar suburban scenes as you make your way around Lake Simcoe into the Greater Toronto area.

Brunch is served before arriving mid-afternoon at Toronto's Union Station, Canada's largest train station. After disembarking, transfer independently to your centrally located hotel, and then the day is yours to explore this exciting city however you please.

Stop by the iconic markets, such as St. Lawrence Market for a famous peameal bacon sandwich, or Kensington Market for its street food, vibrant murals and shop fronts. Other local favorites include Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Toronto. You might also like to stroll along the waterfront to admire the city's skyline before exploring Toronto's incredible restaurants, which represent flavors from around the globe. Overnight Toronto.

One of the great natural wonders of the world awaits you today as you venture to Niagara Falls on a full-day motorcoach tour. Travel along the Niagara Parkway, winding along the Niagara Gorge through the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Don an included rain slicker and enjoy an exciting boat ride to Horseshoe Falls aboard the famous Hornblower*.

The excursion continues as you enjoy lunch with a view of the majestic Niagara Falls at a local restaurant. Then, journey along the scenic Niagara Parkway, with stops at the Floral Clock, the Botanical Gardens, Queenston Heights and the Niagara Gorge, as well as free time in the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

You return to Toronto early this evening with free time to unwind. Overnight Toronto.

*Please note: During the winter months, the Niagara Falls excursion includes the Journey Behind the Falls experience in place of the Hornblower cruise.

With a leisurely start in Toronto, you might like to grab a bagel or a beaver tail - a fried dough treat with delicious toppings - and stroll through one of the parks. You could also spend some time seeking out Toronto's abundant street art, including Graffiti Alley, which is one of the most famous collections.

Later in the morning, make your own way to Toronto's railway station to board VIA Rail's Corridor Service to Montreal. Known as Canada's cultural capital, Montreal is a melting pot representing more than 120 communities worldwide. As the train arrives, transfer to your hotel independently, and then you have the rest of the evening to begin exploring. With so many global influences, the city has an excellent selection of restaurants that you can discover for dinner tonight. Overnight Montreal

Get to know the city of Montreal today with a half-day sightseeing coach tour. Your fully narrated journey takes you through Old Montreal and to more than 200 city highlights, including the Notre-Dame Basilica, Olympic Park and the McGill University campus. Before the tour concludes, the coach stops at an observation point at Mont Royal, which provides an incredible view of the city.

Following your tour, you are free to continue exploring this dynamic city at your own pace, perhaps by revisiting one of the sites from your tour for a better look. If you wish to visit the inside of the Notre-Dame Basilica, we recommend booking admission in advance. Alternatively, you could head to the famous Jean-Talon Market to wander the stalls and get an authentic taste of French Canada's flavors. Overnight Montreal.

Canada is a beautiful nation of intriguing cities and ever-changing terrain, both of which were yours to discover on this cross-country journey. After staying the night in Vancouver, VIA Rail's Canadian opened your eyes to a patchwork quilt of mountains, forests, lakes and renowned locations as you traveled toward Toronto. Wrapping up your vacation with a visit to Niagara Falls and a rail journey to Montreal, this tour has been a memorable way to see six unique provinces.

Your trip comes to a close this morning upon checking out of your hotel. You are free to transfer to the airport to begin your journey home, or if there is more you would like to discover, speak with a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights in Montreal.

Moderate Accommodations
Hotels include the Delta Hotel Vancouver Downtown, Chelsea Hotel, and Delta Montreal. VIA Rail accommodations on the Canadian are in Sleeper Plus Class in a semi-private berth. Meals are included onboard the train along with access to lounges. VIA Rail accommodations on the Corridor Service are in Economy Class and include a seat with picture window. Light meals, snacks, and beverages are available for purchase.

Superior Accommodations
Hotels include the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel, the Hotel Le Germain Toronto, and Marriott Chateau Champlain. VIA Rail accommodations on the Canadian are in Sleeper Plus Class in a private cabin. Meals are included onboard the train along with access to lounges. VIA Rail accommodations on the Corridor Service are in Business Class and include a seat with picture window, access to the in-station Panorama Lounge, priority boarding, and a delicious meal including wine. 

Deluxe Accommodations
Hotels include The Fairmont Waterfront, The Fairmont Royal York, and The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. VIA Rail accommodations on the Canadian are in Sleeper Plus Class in a private cabin. Meals are included onboard the train along with access to lounges. VIA Rail accommodations on the Corridor Service are in Business Class and include a seat with picture window, access to the in-station Panorama Lounge, priority boarding, and a delicious meal including wine. 

Prestige Class
Hotels include The Fairmont Waterfront, The Fairmont Royal York, and Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth with accommodations in upgraded rooms. Onboard VIA Rail's Canadian, each Prestige Cabin has a modular leather L-shaped couch by day and a Murphy bed for two by night facing the window with electric radiant heated cabin floors and walls that maintain a comfortable and constant temperature. Highlights of Prestige Class include personalized dedicated service by a Prestige Concierge; a spacious cabin, large windows, and a private washroom with shower; flat-screen TV with video selection; complimentary minibar stocked with a selection of beverages; exclusive access to the Park Car (select hours) with its lounges and 360-degree panoramic views and more.
Accommodations on VIA Rail's Corridor Service are in Business Class and include a seat with picture window, access to the in-station Panorama Lounge, priority boarding, and a delicious meal including wine. 

Additional departure dates available, please speak with a rail specialist for details.

Taxes are not included on rail portions and are subject to change. Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls will not be available December 25, 26 and January 1. *Select Thursday Departures in December, as well as Mondays January - March will not include the Heart of Montreal Motorcoach Tour. Cabins purchased on VIA rail for a single traveler are Cabins for 1. For upgrade options, ask your rail specialist for details. Additional departure dates available, please speak with a rail specialist for details.

On The Canadian, we experience an epic journey through Canada, highlighting constantly changing landscapes and dramatic scenery. The train ventures between coastal Vancouver, the stunning Rocky Mountains and the modern city of Toronto on a 2,775-mile route, providing travellers with up to four nights of classic overnight rail travel.

The Canadian is a truly iconic train and transports us across the country in the comfort of restored carriages. Enjoy freshly prepared meals while onboard and beautiful, ever-changing views from the panoramic windows of the Sightseer's Lounge. Sleeper Plus travellers have access to the Park Car, including the Bullet Lounge, in the evenings, whereas Prestige Class guests have all-day access to the Park Car, including reserved seats in the dome area. We travel in semi-private curtained berths in Sleeper Plus Class on The Canadian; however, upgrades to private Sleeper Plus cabins with private restrooms and shared shower facilities and luxurious private cabins in Prestige Class, complete with en suite bathrooms, are available on request.

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A convenient option for leisure travelers and commuters alike, VIA Rail's Corridor Service is an easy way to experience the cities which line Canada's inner corridor. This rail line extends between Windsor, located just minutes from Detroit, MI, via the Detroit Windsor Tunnel, and historic Quebec City. One of the most popular sections of the route runs between Toronto and Montreal. Over 370 Corridor Service trains depart weekly. 

The Canadian is a truly iconic train and transports us in restored carriages across the country in comfort. Enjoy freshly prepared meals while on board and spend relaxed daytime hours lounging in the armchairs of the Bullet Lounge, where panoramic windows immerse us in beautiful, everchanging landscapes. We travel in comfortable curtained berths on The Canadian. Upgrading to Prestige Class is available on request.

• Upgrade your accommodations or class of service on the train
• Upgrade your room category at select hotels
• Add private transfers

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.