If you like epic railway journeys, look no further than The Canadian. It’s a train that takes you on a 5-day adventure across the whole of Canada – showcasing incredible landscapes, moody forests and jaw-dropping mountains.
But with four different classes to choose from – Economy, Berth, Cabin and Prestige – which is the best value for money? And what class is actually worth the extra splurge?
Well, James and I managed to test out all four on our recent epic train trip so here’s what we discovered.
The Canadian: Crossing Canada by VIA Rail
Here’s the lowdown on our journey on The Canadian, from the routes and types of ticket available to exactly what’s on board and my reviews of each traveller class.
Coming up in this review
What is The Canadian?
What’s the route of The Canadian?
Can you get on and off The Canadian?
Can you book individual legs of The Canadian train journey?
Is there Wifi on The Canadian?
What seat classes are on The Canadian?
What are the communal areas on The Canadian?
How much does The Canadian cost?
How to save money on The Canadian train tickets
The Canadian: My review
Which was our favourite class?
Is The Canadian worth it?
Did we pay for our journey on The Canadian?
The best alternatives to The Canadian train
Is the Rocky Mountaineer the same as The Canadian?
What is The Canadian?
The Canadian is a long-distance train that travels between Toronto and Vancouver (and vice versa), operated by the Canadian company VIA Rail.
This is a long journey, covering almost 4,406km. It takes 5 days and is one of the most famous rail journeys in the world.
For those traversing the full route, it’s designed as a scenic experience rather than just transport, since a flight between the two cities would only take 5.5 hours – and likely cost less money! But this slow way of travelling allows passengers settle in to make themselves at home on board, and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes.
What’s the route of The Canadian?
You can travel from Toronto to Vancouver, or Vancouver to Toronto but we opted for the former.
Our full journey on board took us from Toronto in the east all the way to Vancouver in the west, crossing five provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
The journey starts in the forests and lakes of northern Ontario, takes you across the vast prairies in the middle of the country and then climbs into the Canadian Rockies via Jasper, before continuing on to Vancouver.
Can you get on and off the Canadian?
The thing that surprised most people when I told them we were getting this train is that you can’t get on and off and explore!
If you have booked the full journey, your time is mostly spent on the train. The train obviously stops along the way and you can hop off for fresh air and a quick photo at some places, but you can’t break your journey for say a night or two.
If your train is running on time, you could expect a couple of hours at Winnipeg where the crew swaps over, and also at Jasper. However, if there are delays on the track, sometimes this doesn’t work out.
Can you book individual legs of The Canadian train journey?
Yes! And that’s actually how I was able to book into four different classes on the same train, by splitting my ticket up into four legs.
However, this is not a cost effective way of doing the entire trip as you’ll always get the best price if you stay in one class. But more on that later!
What this does mean though, is if you don’t want to spend that long on the train, or don’t want to pay the full cost, you can choose to travel on a section of the route.
The stretch between Jasper and Vancouver that goes through the Canadian Rockies is really spectacular. Or you could do Winnipeg-Toronto, where you cross the Canadian Shield and can gawp at epic forests and shimmering lakes, even spotting animals like deer and bears.
Is there Wifi on board The Canadian?
For those who want to stay connected, be aware that there is no Wifi on The Canadian no matter what class you’re in. You do get a decent level of phone service in and around major cities, but there are sprints where you’ll have no connection at all.
Some call it a perk, others a pitfall!
What seat classes are on The Canadian?
There are 4 different classes on The Canadian train, from budget-friendly seats to posh private cabins with double beds – we tested them all!
Economy Class
- Reclining seat with legroom
- Power outlet
- Observation car
- Food included
- Shower facilities
In Economy Class, you get access to an economy carriage which is the 2-2 seat formation. Each seat includes lots of legroom, a leg rest, a dropdown table and power outlet. You also have the ability to recline, though your seat does not lie flat. As for storage, there’s lots of space overhead and some seats have extra storage behind them.
There are two toilets per carriage, one of which has baby changing, and a water fountain.
On the Toronto to Vancouver journey, you also get access to the Skyline car which has a dining area and on board shop. Food isn’t included in the price of your ticket, but you can buy meals and snacks on board for a fairly affordable price.
Also in the Skyline car is the incredible panoramic viewing dome, so you can make the most of your incredible surroundings.
Only economy passengers are allowed in this section of the train, but this also means that you are unable to explore the rest of the train too.
Sleeper Plus - Berth
- Bench seat
- Lie flat single bed
- Observation car
- Activity car
- Park car (at certain times)
- Meals included
- Private toilet and shower
- Alcoholic drinks
The first class that makes up ‘Sleeper Plus’ is the Berth. It’s configured with pairs of facing seats during the day – there are 3 pairs in total, so each section can accommodate 6. There’s no electrical socket here though (which feels like a bit of an oversight) so make sure you’ve got a fully charged power pack with you!
At night, the lower seats fold down into a bed, while an additional upper berth folds down from the ceiling. Each individual berth comes with a fan, a mirror, reading light and a place to stash your personal items. You are provided with a duvet, two pillows, a towel, soap and shampoo. For privacy, thick curtains can be drawn around each berth, which actually makes it really cosy.
In terms of facilities, this section has separate mens and womens toilets for you to share. The women’s toilet is really spacious with a stool and a mirror which is great if you want to do your make up. There are also two shared showers with a bench to pop your things and a place to leave your wet towel.
One of the great benefits of the Berth is that you get food and non-alcoholic drinks included in the ticket price. Meals are served in the dining car and there’s a full dinner menu to choose from – starter, main and dessert, followed by tea or coffee – lunch menu and hot breakfast menu too. When you’re in here for dinner, they set up your bed for the night for you.
With a Berth, you get access to the Skyline car and you can also get access to the Park car at certain times, which has a bar, viewing dome and lounge. There’s an activity space too where they have puzzles, and they host events like bingo. Basically you get access to almost all of the train, with the exception of the Economy carriages at the front.
Sleeper Plus - Cabin
- Private cabin with seats
- Lie flat single bed or bunk beds
- Power outlet
- Private toilet
- Observation car
- Activity car
- Park car (at certain times)
- Private shower
- Alcoholic drinks
The second class that makes up ‘Sleeper Plus’ is the Cabin.
There are a few different versions of the cabin which we’ll cover, but let’s begin with the standard private cabin which is often booked for 2 people.
There are two seats which you can move around to face the view out of the window. There’s also a basin in the cabin and a private toilet too. There’s a fan and a ventilator and an electrical outlet, and various places to stash your bags and personal things.
You still have 2 shared showers in this class which is shared with the people in the other cabins.
At night, one bed flips down from the ceiling and the other flips down from the side and the chairs are removed – again they do this for you when you’re off having dinner.
Each bed has a reading light and a shelf and pocket for your personal items. You are provided with a duvet, two pillows, a towel, soap and shampoo.
As with the Berth, you get your food and non-alcoholic drinks included in the ticket price, which you have in the dining car.
And you get access to the Skyline car, the Park car at certain times (with its a bar, viewing dome and lounge) and the activity space too – essentially all of the train apart from the economy section at the front.
If you book a cabin for 3, then there are 2 seats and a bench seat during the day – the bench seat turns into the third bed at night.
If you book a cabin for 1, you may have a lower bed or an upper bed, which extends over the toilet at night.
Prestige Class
- Private cabin with sofa
- Double bed
- Power outlet
- Ensuite bathroom and shower
- Private toilet
- Observation car
- Activity car
- Park car
- Reserved seating
- Meals included
- Gourmet snacks included
- Alcohol included
- Dedicated service
Prestige Class gets you a spacious private cabin with a private shower room.
This cabin is more spacious that the Sleeper Plus cabin with a larger window. During the day it’s set up with a spacious L-shaped sofa and there’s a coffee table, TV and chiller. There’s plenty of storage and some extras like bottled water, a blanket and a guide to Canada that you can keep.
At night, a double bed flips down to cover the sofa area, and you get a bottle of sparkling wine and some crisps.
You have your own private ensuite shower and toilet in Prestige Class, so you don’t have to use shared facilities, and there are extra toiletries and towels. There’s also a heat boost button which not only boosts your hot water but warms up the floor too.
For your meals, you get some extra perks like priority reservations for your preferred meal times, and alcoholic drinks and snacks included in the price.
You have access to the Skyline car and unlimited access to the Park car, with its lounge, bar, and observation dome. There are even specific seats in the dome reserved just for Prestige passengers. Your ticket also covers unique onboard experiences, such as wine tastings and talks on local history and geography.
There is the option to book an accessible Prestige Cabin, which has a fully-accessible ensuite shower room with a transfer seat.
What are the communal areas on The Canadian?
As mentioned above, there are a few different ares of The Canadian that have shared access, depending on the ticket type that you have.
Skyline car
- Economy
- Berth
- Cabin
- Prestige
The Skyline car is the highlight when it comes to admiring the scenery. It has a glass panoramic dome-shaped roof that lets you take in the views in every direction – and especially impressive when you’re travelling through the Rockies.
It also has an area lower down with seats and tables which serves as a lounge. There’s a small onboard shop here where you can purchase snacks, food and drinks.
For economy ticket holders, you can access your own Skyline car if travelling from Toronto – Vancouver.
For everyone else, there is another Skyline car to use.
Dining car
- Economy
- Berth
- Cabin
- Prestige
The Dining car serves up freshly prepared meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a menu to choose from, with an option that is vegan and dairy free at each meal. For lunch and dinner, you’ll get a three course meal and the portions are generous.
Drinks – including water, juices, tea and coffee – are included in the price but Sleeper Plus guests will pay extra for certain soft drinks and alcohol.
Passengers in the berth and cabins will need to book a ‘sitting’ each day and arrive when called. Tables seat four and so if your party is smaller than that, you’ll often be sat with other passengers.
Prestige customers have reserved seating, though at busy times you may find yourself sat with others also.
Park car
- Economy
- Berth
- Cabin
- Prestige
The Park car is found at the back of the train and has a lounge and bar area with incredible panoramic views. It also has its own observation dome which is very similar to what you’ll find in the Skyline car.
Prestige passengers have full access to the Park car whenever they like; though in the off peak season, berth and cabin passengers are able to use the space to. However, Prestige guests will have reserved seating at the front of the observation car.
In the peak season – between mid April and mid November – Sleeper Plus passengers are limited to this area between 5-11pm.
This is as capacity for Prestige often doubles in the peak period, with two carriages rather than just one, meaning this area could get too busy if everyone had access.
How much does The Canadian cost?
These are the prices for the whole journey, from Toronto to Vancouver and they are based on the costs when I was booking at the end of 2025.
Class | Price (from) |
|---|---|
Economy | £311pp |
Berth | £535pp |
Cabin | £1009pp for 2-person cabin £1332pp for 1-person cabin |
Prestige | £3658pp |
You can also book separate legs of the train, which we did though we wouldn’t recommend it as you do end up paying more overall versus paying for one class for the whole journey.
However, if you do fancy experiencing Prestige, splitting your ticket like this is a way to make it more affordable! We booked ours from Edmonton to Vancouver which cost £1378 each (eek!) but did mean we got 2 nights stay when other 1 night stints cost even more!
Floorplans of Each Class
How to save money on The Canadian train tickets
Booking early and being flexible with dates can make a big difference to the price.
Also, after speaking with our fellow passengers, we discovered that many of them booked in a VIA Rail sale which saved them a good chunk of money. In fact, one passenger shared that by booking in their Canadian Thanksgiving sale, they got the berth for just £350!
So definitely sign up for the VIA Rail newsletter to make sure you don’t miss the next.
My Review of The Canadian Train
I experienced The Canadian train in February 2026 and was lucky enough to book the journey in Economy, Berth, Cabin and Prestige. Yes, I tested out all four!
And whilst doing so, I made this YouTube video which hopefully will share everything you need to know, as well as what I thought of every single class.
If you don’t fancy watching an hour long video (how dare you! 😉) here’s the general gist of what I think about each class but in truth, you won’t get the full picture without watching!
Economy
Economy is best for journeys of one night or less, or for people who can genuinely sleep absolutely anywhere. The seats are surprisingly spacious and comfortable, but after a couple of days I think the lack of privacy, showers and proper sleep would start to wear you down.
Berth
Berth is, in my opinion, the sweet spot. You get the same food, activities, views and social atmosphere as the more expensive classes, but at a much more reasonable price. If you’re someone who plans to spend most of your time in the communal cars rather than hiding away in your room, this is the one I’d recommend.
Cabin
The cabin is for people who prioritise privacy above all else. Having your own sink and toilet is lovely, and it is definitely quieter than the berth section, but personally I didn’t think the jump in price quite justified the experience.
Prestige
Prestige is for people who don’t want to compromise on comfort or space for the sake of a train adventure. The room is gorgeous, the service is exceptional and having drinks included whenever you fancy one does make the whole experience feel very luxurious – but you absolutely pay for that privilege. This is a totally unrealistic option for most.
Which was our favourite class?
I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that my winner was the berth because I genuinely think it’s the best value-for-money way to experience The Canadian. You’re still getting all the magic of the journey without the eye-watering Prestige price tag.
James, however, was firmly team Prestige. His argument? Unlimited drinks, beautiful rooms and impeccable service. Which honestly? I get, but I’m gonna have to put some serious graft in if I ever want to experience that again!!
Is the Canadian worth it?
If, like me, you love the romance of travelling by train, and you enjoy the journey as much as the destination, then The Canadian definitely delivers.
It’s not the cheapest or quickest way to cross the country – but it’s definitely a bucket list trip.
And if you’re not all about a train ride that lasts for days, then I really recommend doing a section of it. The ticket is a lot cheaper and you can see some epic views, like the Jasper-Vancouver part which is stunning.
Did we pay for our journey on The Canadian?
Yes! We booked and paid ourselves so that we could share a fully honest account which will hopefully help you decide.
If this has helped you decide then we are chuffed, and you can help support us in return by reading some other articles on the site, following us on Instagram, Tiktok or YouTube, or if you’re feeling really flash, even buying us a coffee or joining our Patreon! Thanks!
The Best Alternatives to The Canadian Train
The Canadian is the only train that will take you entirely across the whole country of Canada.
There are some other routes operated by company the owns The Canadian – VIA, which include:
- The Atlantic Route – between Montreal and Halifax
- The Ontario – Quebec route – between Quebec City and Windsor
- Scenic Adventure routes – various scenic routes to places like Churchill, Sudbury, Jonquière and Prince Rupert.
Is the Rocky Mountaineer the same as The Canadian?
There is another popular train that goes long-distance across Canada, which is called the Rocky Mountaineer.
When I told people I was taking a train across Canada, they all assumed I was talking about the Rocky Mountaineer. I kept having to explain that doesn’t actually go the whole way across the country – and you can’t sleep overnight on it either!
The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train that goes through the Canadian Rockies, known for its glass-domed coaches and fancy service. You don’t sleep onboard, but you can book packages where you stay overnight at various stopping off points, and then resume your journey.
