The Canadian is Via Rail’s flagship train, an epic journey from Toronto to Vancouver or vice versa which passes through the northern Ontario lakelands and Saskatchewan prairies, across the Canadian Rockies and along the river valleys of interior British Columbia. The whole journey takes five days and should really be reserved for keen train travellers – in parts the scenery doesn’t change a great deal and there are more efficient ways of getting across the vast distances.
However, the section between Jasper and Vancouver is a great way to experience the excellent Via Rail service and it offers an equally scenic alternative to the Rocky Mountaineer. This famous route between the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Coast takes around 20 hours and passes through diverse and spectacular scenery. Sleeper class offers travellers a private cabin for the duration of the trip, with comfortable seating during the day that transforms in to an upper and lower berth bed overnight. There is a washroom and toilet in the cabin and shared shower facilities in each sleeper carriage. Travellers in this class can enjoy access to the Park and Skyline carriages which have a glass domed roof for extra views, and all, freshly-made meals are included. Family cabins are available (up to four passengers).
