There's something to be said about the enduring allure of train travel.
Maybe it's the draw of an elegant, old-world mode of exploration. Perhaps it's the perspective found onboard a train—to experience the scenery in a way that you can’t with any other mode of transport. Could it be the relaxed, slower pace? The swaying of the train lulling you to sleep? How about meeting fellow passengers from all over the world? The waving of friendly townspeople as the train rolls by? The answer is simply, "yes," to all.
Join Orbridge for an adventure linking Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper, and Vancouver. Our Toronto to Vancouver and Vancouver to Toronto programs reveal the majesty of "The Great White North" with comfort and style in Prestige Class. This superior category selection allows you to savor a contemporary take on old-school, grand travel.
Few journeys are more iconic and memorable. And while there's much to be said about the appeal, there's much to be seen, too. Take a virtual trip with the personal photos from one of our staff who joined a Toronto to Vancouver summer departure and see for yourself what this bucket-list adventure is all about: beautiful landscapes, bountiful food, best-class amenities, and more! Helpful tips are interspersed throughout to give you practical advice.
Imagine climbing aboard the gleaming, stainless-steel coaches of The Canadian, operated by VIA Rail—Canada's national train operator. These cars were put into service in 1955, and have been completely restored in 1950s style, but furnished with modern amenities.
While traveling by air has its place—namely, to get from point A to point B—trains are all about the ride. It's less about speed and more about relaxing. Via Rail's premier train The Canadian spans Canada from Toronto to the Pacific along 2,775 miles.
In this train travel, there's no waiting in lines, no on/off seat-belt signs, and no hidden fees to detract from the wonderfully nostalgic, restful appeal. Porters take the bags to cabins while you get acclimated to surroundings. Guests in Prestige Class receive station lounge access before departure and upon arrival, baggage registration service, expedited handling, priority boarding, and dedicated concierge attention.
Tip: Train cabins are compact spaces and storage for luggage is limited. Guests are permitted one airline-sized, carry-on bag and one personal article per person on board. These are stored underneath the couch in the cabin. (Purses are not counted as carry-on bags.) We recommend bringing only your carry-on sized bag and a personal item for the program.
Things kick off with a celebratory toast and tasty hors d'oeuvres. Cheers!
Rolling along, the trans-continental program can be divided both geographically and scenically into three distinct parts: 1). the lakes, fir trees, and rocky outcrops of the great Canadian Shield from Toronto to Winnipeg, 2). the rolling Prairies from Winnipeg to Jasper, and 3). the Rockies from Jasper to Vancouver. It's beauty and beauty and more beauty. Take a look at these early passing views...
While traveling in Prestige Class, guests of Orbridge delight in superior accommodations, unparalleled service, and fine attention to detail. Each element of this distinction is aimed to make your odyssey unforgettable.
In your room, a double bed converts to a sitting area by day. A cabin attendant puts the bed up and down each day for you. The Prestige-level cabin at approximately 70-square feet is spacious by comparison—50% larger than the cabin for two in Sleeper Plus class.
Relax with your feet up on the modular leather L-shaped sofa and enjoy the perks. These include personal en suite toilet and shower, flat-screen TV with video selection, and a window that's 60% larger than the window in the Sleeper Plus class. Electric radiant heated cabin floors and walls maintain a comfortable and constant temperature as desired with your touch on the control panel.
Tip: As there's no Wi-Fi on The Canadian, guests sometimes wonder before the tour how they will pass the time. "Won't I get bored during long stretches of the trip?" We suggest it may be helpful to bring a book, or to download a playlist from Spotify, or secure television episodes from Netflix before boarding. Between participating in engaging onboard talks, exploring the train, admiring enchanting vistas, and mingling with friendly travelers, the time for many finds a way to fly by. Our staff member reports reading zero pages of her novel, and did not miss the usual mindless scrolling one bit.
Also, if desired, check with your provider about a mobile data package for Canada. Reception along the route varies. You'll have reception, and then not have it again when moving around settlements.
Beyond your cozy stateroom, enjoy priority dining reservations with all-inclusive sumptuous meals and bar service. Dine on multiple courses and a range of menu items as you travel across the country. Between the delicious meals and gourmet snacks, you will not be hungry! Locally sourced ingredients and Canadian wines give you a taste of the provinces right on board. Menus even recommend the ideal wine for your chosen meal.
A typical dinner aboard The Canadian offers soup or salad to start, followed by a variety of entrées. Each main course provides a meat dish, a fish option, and a vegetarian alternative. If not too full, top it all off with dessert!
With our show and tell, take a gander at some of the mouth-watering selections the masterful staff of this train produces and serves. It's a restaurant on rails!
Tip: Despite meals being served with china, silver, and linen, dress on board the train is casual. Blazers or sports coats are fine if you like to dress up, but you won't find formal dresses or tuxedos present.
In addition to stimulating appetites, our program also nourishes your mind. As you delight in the vastness and diversity of Canada by gradually traversing across five provinces, an Orbridge Travel Director gives informative discussions covering the ecology, geography, history, and culture of Canada. What's a flanger sign? Which provinces make up the Cordillera region? Why are beavers' teeth orange, and how are they one of the few animals that modify their environment? What's the Canadian connection to the honey-loving character Winnie-the-Pooh? Inquiring minds want to know!
Did you know? On this departure, guests learned that canola is grown by 43,000 Canadian farmers who produce almost 20 million tons annually. That makes Canada the world leader in canola exports. Each year, acres of Canadian farmland turn a brilliant yellow as canola comes into bloom. The crop is primarily grown in the western provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Admire the prairie landscape's tall grain elevators and undulating fields as the train moves ever westward.
As depicted, this Toronto to Vancouver trek is punctuated by stunning, changing scenery—from the stark beauty of the Canadian Shield, to the immense skies of the heartland of Canada and its Prairies, and then the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Well before we reach the Rockies, the crew also changes, in Winnipeg. Meet friendly members of both crews below in action!
Tip: Along the route, the train pauses for breaks to stretch your legs at important stops such as Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Jasper. But know beforehand that VIA Rail, like other passenger railways in North America, operates on tracks owned by freight companies. This means passenger trains such as The Canadian must "give way" or yield to freight trains, and this frequently results in delays and limited/shortened time off the train. Onboard services are unaffected and guaranteed. For this tour, pack a sense of flexibility, take your foot off the mental accelerator, and slip into the ease of "cruise control" for the most fulfilling time.
On this particular departure, the evening before nearing Jasper and mountainous scenery, a helpful crew member pointed out that the timing would occur during the "blue hour." This simply refers to the time of day after sunset and before sunrise when the atmosphere has a deep, blue color. With a bed-side view like this, our staffer couldn't resist setting an alarm to see it!
Photography through train windows can be tricky. At times, there will be moisture, as above, or smudges, glare, and reflections. Since you aren't confined to a seat, you have the freedom to roam around and gain different perspectives while in route.
Tips: To reduce glare, try getting your lens as close to the window without touching it to the glass. During daylight hours, shoot with the sun behind you to minimize reflections and grime. Keep your camera as steady as possible. While in the Park Car's scenic dome section, try photographing through the back window. As this car brings up the rear of The Canadian, you have the opportunity to acquire images of the tracks behind the train and the train rounding corners. Finally, take a lot of images if you enjoy doing so. Sometimes travel photography success is being in the right place at the right time.
As you depart Alberta, next comes the westernmost Canadian province of British Columbia, known for its own spectacular scenery (even through raindrops!) and for the city of Vancouver. The Rockies run the length of the province, flanked by a series of companion ranges. Pass by Mount Robson, Valemount, Pyramid Falls, Blue River, and Clearwater before reaching Kamloops.
Did you know? The name "Kamloops" comes from the Secwepemc people, who called it "meeting of the waters." The North Thompson meets its sister river, the South Thompson, and flows into the long and narrow Kamloops Lake.
Tip: At stops to stretch your legs, if the train will be receiving service—such as in Winnipeg and Jasper—the platform is closed while the train is maintained, and you are only allowed to re-board when boarding starts. That's good to know before getting off the train if you'd rather stay put. The crew of VIA Rail will keep you in the know.
The next morning, following the last breakfast onboard, The Canadian approaches Vancouver. It stops, and then reverses slowly into Vancouver-Pacific Central Station...
After disembarking, the train adventure may be done, but more is planned with your Orbridge itinerary. Board a motor coach with the group and enjoy a guided city tour of diverse Vancouver. See Chinatown, the marketplace of Granville Island, and Stanley Park—a magnificent oasis in the midst of a bustling landscape. It is the city's first, largest, and most beloved urban park.
Tip: While shopping in Canada, both coins and paper money are used, of course, but this is also one of the most credit-card friendly countries in the world. Check to determine if your credit card will waive foreign transaction fees while traveling abroad. Did you know? There are currently five Canadian coins in circulation, with the one-dollar coin called a "Loonie," and a two-dollar coin called a "Toonie."
On the evening of this last full day in Canada, rejoin fellow travelers for a special farewell wine and dessert reception at the hotel to toast a grand finale. Reminisce the highlights of a wonderful time spent together.
If you're ready to ride the rails, join Orbridge for an adventure linking Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper, and Vancouver. Our Toronto to Vancouver and Vancouver to Toronto programs with VIA Rail in Prestige Class combine beautiful landscapes, bountiful food, and best-class amenities with the exceptional comfort, ease, and nostalgia of train travel. For more information, including pre- and post- tour options to extend your time in Canada, visit us online or call (866) 639-0079.
Credits:
Kristy Hill