Travel across Canada by train!

Sarah Marlatt
Nov 9, 2018
4 min read

Did you know that it is possible to travel across Canada by train!

Thanks to Via Rail it is!

You can plan it yourself or they have travel agents to help guide you during the booking process.

My Personal Experience with Via Rail

Years ago when I was a kid, can't remember the age exactly. My family planned a trip to Churchill, Manitoba a small village along the Hudson Bay. The only way to access the village was by plane or train. Train being the most realistic option as it's not big planes that fly in to Churchill. We took a Via Rail train from Thompson, Manitoba to Churchill. This route you will see below under Adventure routes.

From what I remember from the train ride, the scenery was cool as you are in places typically only accessible by train. (Bit off the beaten track) It was a long train ride overnight. I met lots of different people from all over. It was an interesting experience and one I would like to do again.

*Prices below vary starting at Via Rail's Escape which is an economy seat but lower price*

Ontario and Quebec

'Take some time for yourself on a spacious and connected train linking the big cities on the Quebec-Windsor Corridor. The perfect choice if you want to avoid traffic or driving in bad weather!'

There are many routes available from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal to a variety of places. For more information on travelling around Ontario and Quebec visit Via Rail's website www.viarail.ca .

The Great Western Way

Toronto to Vancouver

The Canadian Route

'Leave the city centre behind and glide through gentle prairie fields, rugged lake country and picturesque towns to the snowy peaks of the majestic Rockies.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

Journey to and from, Toronto, Sudbury Junction Ontario, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, Kamloops and Vancouver.

Distance: 4,466 Km

Length of Trip: 4 Nights/ 3 Days

Coach class available: Prestige, Sleeper Plus and Economy Class.

Prices available upon booking.

Vancouver to Edmonton

'Come aboard to travel the Rockies and experience them like never before as you make your way to Edmonton. You'll discover a paradise for hikers, skiers, snowboarders and nature lovers and see landscapes that will astound and amaze.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

Journey to and from, Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper and Edmonton.

Sleeper plus and Economy class available on this journey.

Prices starting at $169 CAD

Toronto to Winnipeg

'Breathtaking forests, rivers and fauna. That's what this route is all about. In addition, you'll start and end your expedition in two of the country's most beautiful stations, historic Union stations in Toronto and the one from Winnipeg.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

Journey to and from Toronto, Sudbury Junction Ontario, Sioux Lookout, and Winnipeg.

Economy and Sleeper class available on this journey.

Prices starting at $204 CAD

Toronto to Edmonton

'Admire the diversity of Canada's celebrated geography, starting in a bustling world-class metropolis, through the incredible lakes and forests of Ontario and the imposing Prairies, to Edmonton and its myriad tourist attractions and wonders of the West.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

Journey to and from Toronto, Sudbury Junction Ontario, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Edmonton.

Economy and Sleeper class available on this journey.

Prices starting at $304 CAD

The Maritime Way

Montreal to Halifax

The Ocean Route

'Stretch out in your cozy quarters. Enjoy the moment with friends and family. Lose track of time… and cross the Maritimes in a single day.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

Journey to and from Halifax, Truro, Amherst, Moncton, Miramichi, Bathurst, Campbellton, Matapedia, Mont-Joli, Rimouski, Riviere-Du-Loup, Sainte-Foy, Quebec City and Montreal

Distance: 1,346km

Length of trip: 1 night/ 1 day trip

Coach class available: Sleeper Plus and Economy Class available.

Prices available upon booking.

Montreal to Moncton

'Discover New Brunswick through Chaleur Bay in the comfort of the train and end up in the unique city of Moncton.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

Journey to and from Moncton, Miramichi, Bathurst, Campbellton, Matapedia, Mont-Joli, Rimouski, Riviere-Du-Loup, Sainte-Foy, Quebec city and Montreal.

Sleeper plus and Economy available on this journey.

Prices starting at $104 CAD

Montreal to Bathurst

'A journey that will delight those who are eager to discover the unique ambiance of Chaleur Bay and the Nepisiguit River, a striking location that will delight fly fishing enthusiasts.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

Journey to and from Bathurst, Campbellton, Matapedia, Mont-Joli, Rimouski, Riviere-Du-Loup, Sainte-Foy, Quebec City and Montreal.

Sleeper plus and Economy available on this journey.

Prices starting at $80 CAD

Halifax to Moncton

'Immerse yourself in Eastern Canada's culture and discover historic locations with this excursion of a lifetime through the heart of the Maritimes.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

Journey to and from Halifax, Truro, Amherst, and Moncton. Sleeper plus and Economy available on this journey.

Prices starting at $51 CAD

The Adventure Routes

Winnipeg to Churchill

'Marvel at the magnificence of this subarctic region. No matter what time of the year you travel, there’s always something to admire. From the Northern Lights in winter, to polar bears in the fall, to belugas in the summer.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

Journey to and from Winnipeg, The Pas, Pukatawagan, Thompson, and Churchill.

Distance: 1697 km of magnificent landscapes

Length of trip: 2 days/ 2 nights

Coach class available: Economy class and Sleeper Plus

Prices starting at $207 CAD

Jasper to Prince Rupert

'A journey that will take you along majestic rivers as you travel to the spectacular Pacific Coast in British Columbia. Experience the impressive panorama of Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

A short journey to and from Jasper, Prince George and Prince Rupert.

Distance: 1160 km

Coach classes available: Economy Class and Touring Class

Prices starting at $138 CAD

Sudbury to White River

'Nature enthusiasts will get their share of thrills on this journey that will provide a view of breathtaking landscapes, scenic forests, and awe-inspiring rivers. And best of all, you can experience it all from your comfortable cabin.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

A short journey directly to and from Sudbury to White River.

Distance: 480 km

Duration: 8hrs 50min

Coach Class available: Economy Class

Prices starting at $65 CAD

Montreal to Senneterre

'From the bustling metropolis with a European flair to the natural splendour of Abitibi, you’ll get to experience a whole new side of La Belle Province as you make your way through beautiful sceneries.'

(www.viarail.ca)

Trip details:

A short journey to and from Montreal, Hervey, and Senneterre.

Distance: 717 km

Duration: 11hrs 25min

Coach Class available: Economy Class

Prices starting at $87 CAD

Montreal to Jonquiere

'Those who love to experience the great outdoors will get their fill of nature with a journey through a land surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and hundreds of lakes. This is the perfect opportunity to discover a new fishing spot or hiking trail!'

(www.viarail.ca)