Canadian Snow Train

 With more than 2,700 miles of pure Canadian splendor ahead, your journey begins today in Vancouver. This oceanside gem is situated on Canada's West Coast, nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by coastal rainforest. The seasons are mild here, offering a gentle introduction to wintertime in Canada.

As you arrive, transfer on your own to your centrally located hotel, then the remainder of the day is yours to get to know this unique city. Spend your free time exploring one of the many parks, such as the famous Stanley Park, or venture to one of the eclectic local neighborhoods, such as Gastown or Chinatown. The city's restaurants offer flavors for every taste when it comes time for dinner.

Also included with your stay is a 24-hour Hop-on/Hop-off pass, which explores Vancouver on a sightseeing bus, stopping at 14 stops near top sites and attractions throughout the city. Overnight Vancouver.

Please note: If you wish to see more of Vancouver, speak to a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights or sightseeing options.

 The morning is yours to have breakfast locally and wrap up any sightseeing you may wish to accomplish in Vancouver. Later, make your own way to Vancouver's Pacific Central Station, where your train, VIA Rail's Canadian, awaits boarding. Arrive at the rail station approximately one hour before boarding, and head to the priority check-in area for Sleeper Plus passengers.

Once on this classic overnight train, settle into your cabin, which features comfortable seating by day and upper and lower berths at night. All of your meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included during your time on the Canadian, and a Sleeper Plus traveler, you also enjoy use of the Skyline Car. Furthermore, the Park Car's facilities are available during specified hours.

Enjoy dinner in the Dining Car this evening as the city lights fade into the distance and the natural scenery of Western Canada comes into view. Overnight train.

• Dinner

 Waking on the Canadian, the views are markedly different than those of last night. Look out over towering peaks cloaked in snow, thick evergreen forests and brilliantly hued bodies of water that so define the Canadian Rockies. You could soak up these wonders from your private picture window in your cabin or enjoy the changing scenery from the Dining Car while having breakfast.

The train follows winding mountain tracks through tunnels and across bridges, with amazing vistas awaiting around each bend. The Canadian arrives in Jasper around midday and then proceeds east through this breathtaking landscape frosted with winter white. Weaving along one of the most scenic stretches of track on the Canadian's course, today is the ideal time to make your way up to the domed-glass Skyline Car.

As you depart the Rockies and cross further into Alberta, the scenery changes, with remote settlements and icy lakes dotting the landscape. The Canadian passes through Edmonton this evening, and dinner is served in the Dining Car. Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Views of Saskatchewan's vast prairies punctuate the scenery as you enjoy breakfast this morning. The seemingly endless grasslands of the Great Plains stretch as far as the eye can see as the Canadian rolls on.

With a population similar to that of Montana and an area slightly smaller than that of Texas, Saskatchewan is ideal for sitting back and watching the world go by. Travel through the southern plains of Saskatchewan, home to deer, eagles, and, in select areas, pronghorn, moose and bison, which may be easier to spot against the white snowy fields. Lunch and dinner are also served on board as you continue east.

Later, the train crosses into Manitoba, a province with more than 100,000 lakes stretching up to the shores of Hudson Bay. Its capital is Winnipeg, and the train passes through this fascinating city, home to more than 50 ethnic communities, tonight. Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Over breakfast on the VIA Rail's Canadian this morning, cross the rocky ground of northwestern Ontario, a landscape pocked with scenic lakes and thick forests of ancient trees. Traveling amidst this scenery during the snowy seasons is truly enchanting, as the blanket of white casts an otherworldly feel. While Ontario might be the most populous of Canada's provinces, the remote areas of today's route are raw Canadian wilderness. Keep watch as the train passes through, and you may be lucky enough to spot wildlife against the pristine backdrop.

After lunch on board, the Canadian changes direction, continuing its journey in a southeasterly direction toward the Great Lakes. You might like to spend some time in the observation car or lounge in your cabin before dinner as the train continues through this evocative scenery en route to Toronto. Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your final morning on the Canadian begins with breakfast as the train travels south toward Toronto. The views change from the mountains and prairies of the past few days to more familiar suburban scenes as the train makes its way around Lake Simcoe into the Greater Toronto area.

Brunch is served before arriving mid-afternoon at Toronto's Union Station. On arrival, make your own way to your centrally located hotel to check in for the night, and then you are free to start exploring the dynamic cityscape of Canada's most populous city.

You might like to head into the city center to explore the shops and museums, such as the Royal Ontario Museum, or you could find dinner at one of Toronto's more than 9,300 restaurants that reflect the tastes, cultures and ingredients of the world. From upscale dishes to comfort food, you will find dining experiences to satisfy any craving. Overnight Toronto

• Breakfast, Brunch

Having experienced the mild weather of the West Coast and traveled across five provinces into an untamed winter wonderland of frosted mountains, lakes and forests, your journey through Canada comes to a close this morning. Five provinces were revealed as you traveled aboard VIA Rail's Canadian on a nostalgic overnight rail journey, with comfortable accommodations, a cozy environment and the best views of the ever-changing scenery.

A transfer is included to Toronto's airport for your return flight home; however, if you wish to extend your stay in Canada, speak to a Rail Specialist about adding extra nights or touring options in Toronto.