Canada's Scenic, Round-Trip Train Ride Takes You On A Journey From Toronto To Vancouver

If you've ever traveled to Canada, you know just how vast it is. It is the second-largest country in the world, after all. Driving coast-to-coast across Canada can be daunting, and flying can be pricey. What if we told you that Canada is one of the absolute best places to travel by train, and there is a scenic, round-trip ride that takes you on a journey from Toronto to Vancouver, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the epic views.

While there are many must-visit spots in Toronto for tourists, such as the Evergreen Brick Works, Kensington Market, and the instantly-recognizable CN Tower, leaving the big cities and experiencing Canada by rail is especially spectacular. VIA Rail whisks travelers aboard their flagship train, The Canadian, from Toronto, Ontario to the West Coast province of British Columbia, finishing off the trip in vibrant Vancouver, where you don't need to hike to take in all the beautiful scenery this city has to offer. The Canadian also has the option to do this trip in reverse by starting in Vancouver and ending in Toronto. 

Whichever direction you choose to take the four-day/four-night journey, one look out The Canadian's picture windows at the stunning scenery surrounding you will solidify why visiting Canada should be on everyone's travel bucket list. The route travels over 2,700 miles and takes guests through breathtaking landscapes. The scenery changes from the sparkling calm lakes in Northern Ontario, to the flat and sprawling Prairies. Then, when the towering Rockies come into view, you won't be able to peel your eyes away from the beauty outside.

Starting from downtown Toronto's Union Station, the first portion of the route takes you north through the towns of Washago and Parry Sound, before making your way towards Sudbury. As the train makes its way through the impressive Canadian Shield, an expansive natural Precambian rock barrier, guests will look out their windows to see rocky terrain and piles of logs, thanks to Canada's thriving forest industry in Northern Ontario. As the train glides past Long Lake and Lake Nipigon, you'll make your way through the small northern towns of Capreol, Gogama, Hornepayne, Longlac, and Armstrong before reaching Sioux Lookout.

Leaving Sioux Lookout, you'll make your way into the dense forest and through Whiteshell Provincial Park as the train crosses over into Manitoba before reaching Winnipeg, which was once a major trading hub during the Canadian fur trade boom. From Winnipeg, the train continues over the Saskatchewan border before reaching Saskatoon, the midpoint of the transcontinental journey aboard The Canadian.

From Saskatoon, The Canadian makes its way into Alberta, Canada's oil country. In Wainwright, you'll see the oil pumpjacks and be amazed at the 147-mile mark as you feast your eyes on the massive Battle River Valley before making your way to Edmonton. From Alberta's capital, the train makes its way through Edson where you'll catch your first views of the majestic Rockies and stop in Jasper. As the train snakes along the rails, you'll be able to see Mount Robson, the highest peak within the Rockies, before reaching Pyramid Creek Falls and finally pulling into Kamloops, British Columbia. Coming closer to your final destination, the forests transform into river canyons and rock formations before reaching the Pacific Coast and the city of Vancouver.

Guests can enjoy time in each of VIA Rail's cozy business lounges in both Toronto and Vancouver train stations, which makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a hot drink while relaxing as you wait for your train to depart. There are three classes of cabins on The Canadian: Economy, Sleeper Plus, and the Prestige Sleeper Cabin. Each class grants travelers access to the glass-domed viewing cars, as well as meals that are whipped up by the on-board chef — included in the price of the Sleeper Plus and Prestige cabins. Economy Class passengers can order from an a la carte menu.

At the back of the train in the Bullet Lounge, large windows offer the perfect opportunity to snag some incredible photos. For an even better view, the domed Park Car gets passengers up close and personal with the magnificent scenery with windows that extend into the ceiling. The Mural Lounge, cozy and inviting, allows riders and concierge to mingle and share stories of their travels before reaching the next stop.

The Canadian departs twice a week and prices vary depending on the length of journey, the time of year, and the ticket class. Round-trip costs start at approximately $1,170 per person in Economy, however if you wish to do a one-way trip between Toronto and Vancouver, the price can be as low as $370 per person. Prestige Class can cost up to $5,000 during the summer one-way. Whether you choose to enjoy the colorful fall foliage, or experience Canada's snowy winter months, taking a trip on The Canadian is sure to provide scenic views no matter the time of year you embark on this journey of a lifetime. For another bucket list-worthy train ride, New Zealand has one of the best in the world.