passenger tour canada

Country/region

• GBP £ | Afghanistan
• EUR € | Åland Islands
• GBP £ | Albania
• GBP £ | Algeria
• EUR € | Andorra
• GBP £ | Angola
• GBP £ | Anguilla
• GBP £ | Antigua & Barbuda
• GBP £ | Argentina
• GBP £ | Armenia
• GBP £ | Aruba
• GBP £ | Ascension Island
• AUD $ | Australia
• EUR € | Austria
• GBP £ | Azerbaijan
• GBP £ | Bahamas
• GBP £ | Bahrain
• GBP £ | Bangladesh
• GBP £ | Barbados
• GBP £ | Belarus
• EUR € | Belgium
• GBP £ | Belize
• GBP £ | Benin
• GBP £ | Bermuda
• GBP £ | Bhutan
• GBP £ | Bolivia
• GBP £ | Bosnia & Herzegovina
• GBP £ | Botswana
• GBP £ | Brazil
• GBP £ | British Indian Ocean Territory
• GBP £ | British Virgin Islands
• GBP £ | Brunei
• GBP £ | Bulgaria
• GBP £ | Burkina Faso
• GBP £ | Burundi
• GBP £ | Cambodia
• GBP £ | Cameroon
• GBP £ | Canada
• GBP £ | Cape Verde
• GBP £ | Caribbean Netherlands
• GBP £ | Cayman Islands
• GBP £ | Central African Republic
• GBP £ | Chad
• GBP £ | Chile
• GBP £ | China
• GBP £ | Christmas Island
• GBP £ | Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• GBP £ | Colombia
• GBP £ | Comoros
• GBP £ | Congo - Brazzaville
• GBP £ | Congo - Kinshasa
• GBP £ | Cook Islands
• GBP £ | Costa Rica
• GBP £ | Côte d’Ivoire
• GBP £ | Croatia
• GBP £ | Curaçao
• EUR € | Cyprus
• GBP £ | Czechia
• GBP £ | Denmark
• GBP £ | Djibouti
• GBP £ | Dominica
• GBP £ | Dominican Republic
• GBP £ | Ecuador
• GBP £ | Egypt
• GBP £ | El Salvador
• GBP £ | Equatorial Guinea
• GBP £ | Eritrea
• EUR € | Estonia
• GBP £ | Eswatini
• GBP £ | Ethiopia
• GBP £ | Falkland Islands
• GBP £ | Faroe Islands
• GBP £ | Fiji
• EUR € | Finland
• EUR € | France
• EUR € | French Guiana
• GBP £ | French Polynesia
• EUR € | French Southern Territories
• GBP £ | Gabon
• GBP £ | Gambia
• GBP £ | Georgia
• EUR € | Germany
• GBP £ | Ghana
• GBP £ | Gibraltar
• EUR € | Greece
• GBP £ | Greenland
• GBP £ | Grenada
• EUR € | Guadeloupe
• GBP £ | Guatemala
• GBP £ | Guernsey
• GBP £ | Guinea
• GBP £ | Guinea-Bissau
• GBP £ | Guyana
• GBP £ | Haiti
• GBP £ | Honduras
• GBP £ | Hong Kong SAR
• GBP £ | Hungary
• GBP £ | Iceland
• GBP £ | India
• GBP £ | Indonesia
• GBP £ | Iraq
• EUR € | Ireland
• GBP £ | Isle of Man
• GBP £ | Israel
• EUR € | Italy
• GBP £ | Jamaica
• GBP £ | Japan
• GBP £ | Jersey
• GBP £ | Jordan
• GBP £ | Kazakhstan
• GBP £ | Kenya
• GBP £ | Kiribati
• EUR € | Kosovo
• GBP £ | Kuwait
• GBP £ | Kyrgyzstan
• GBP £ | Laos
• EUR € | Latvia
• GBP £ | Lebanon
• GBP £ | Lesotho
• GBP £ | Liberia
• GBP £ | Libya
• GBP £ | Liechtenstein
• EUR € | Lithuania
• EUR € | Luxembourg
• GBP £ | Macao SAR
• GBP £ | Madagascar
• GBP £ | Malawi
• GBP £ | Malaysia
• GBP £ | Maldives
• GBP £ | Mali
• EUR € | Malta
• EUR € | Martinique
• GBP £ | Mauritania
• GBP £ | Mauritius
• EUR € | Mayotte
• GBP £ | Mexico
• GBP £ | Moldova
• EUR € | Monaco
• GBP £ | Mongolia
• EUR € | Montenegro
• GBP £ | Montserrat
• GBP £ | Morocco
• GBP £ | Mozambique
• GBP £ | Myanmar (Burma)
• GBP £ | Namibia
• GBP £ | Nauru
• GBP £ | Nepal
• EUR € | Netherlands
• GBP £ | New Caledonia
• GBP £ | New Zealand
• GBP £ | Nicaragua
• GBP £ | Niger
• GBP £ | Nigeria
• GBP £ | Niue
• GBP £ | Norfolk Island
• GBP £ | North Macedonia
• GBP £ | Norway
• GBP £ | Oman
• GBP £ | Pakistan
• GBP £ | Palestinian Territories
• GBP £ | Panama
• GBP £ | Papua New Guinea
• GBP £ | Paraguay
• GBP £ | Peru
• GBP £ | Philippines
• GBP £ | Pitcairn Islands
• GBP £ | Poland
• EUR € | Portugal
• GBP £ | Qatar
• EUR € | Réunion
• GBP £ | Romania
• GBP £ | Rwanda
• GBP £ | Samoa
• EUR € | San Marino
• GBP £ | São Tomé & Príncipe
• GBP £ | Saudi Arabia
• GBP £ | Senegal
• GBP £ | Serbia
• GBP £ | Seychelles
• GBP £ | Sierra Leone
• GBP £ | Singapore
• GBP £ | Sint Maarten
• EUR € | Slovakia
• EUR € | Slovenia
• GBP £ | Solomon Islands
• GBP £ | Somalia
• GBP £ | South Africa
• GBP £ | South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
• GBP £ | South Korea
• GBP £ | South Sudan
• EUR € | Spain
• GBP £ | Sri Lanka
• EUR € | St. Barthélemy
• GBP £ | St. Helena
• GBP £ | St. Kitts & Nevis
• GBP £ | St. Lucia
• EUR € | St. Martin
• EUR € | St. Pierre & Miquelon
• GBP £ | St. Vincent & Grenadines
• GBP £ | Sudan
• GBP £ | Suriname
• GBP £ | Svalbard & Jan Mayen
• GBP £ | Sweden
• GBP £ | Switzerland
• GBP £ | Taiwan
• GBP £ | Tajikistan
• GBP £ | Tanzania
• GBP £ | Thailand
• GBP £ | Timor-Leste
• GBP £ | Togo
• GBP £ | Tokelau
• GBP £ | Tonga
• GBP £ | Trinidad & Tobago
• GBP £ | Tristan da Cunha
• GBP £ | Tunisia
• GBP £ | Türkiye
• GBP £ | Turkmenistan
• GBP £ | Turks & Caicos Islands
• GBP £ | Tuvalu
• GBP £ | U.S. Outlying Islands
• GBP £ | Uganda
• GBP £ | Ukraine
• GBP £ | United Arab Emirates
• GBP £ | United Kingdom
• USD $ | United States
• GBP £ | Uruguay
• GBP £ | Uzbekistan
• GBP £ | Vanuatu
• EUR € | Vatican City
• GBP £ | Venezuela
• GBP £ | Vietnam
• GBP £ | Wallis & Futuna
• GBP £ | Western Sahara
• GBP £ | Yemen
• GBP £ | Zambia
• GBP £ | Zimbabwe

Item added to your cart

All The Little Lights | Gatefold Deluxe Limited Edition Double Sunrise Vinyl

All the little lights | single sunrise lp, all the little lights | deluxe double cd, let her go (feat. ed sheeran - anniversary edition) - official music video.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

• Most popular artists worldwide
• Trending artists worldwide

• Tourbox for artists

Search for events or artists

• Sign up Log in

• Get the app
• Moscow concerts
• Change location
• Popular Artists
• Live streams
• Deutsch Português
• Popular artists

Passenger  

• On tour: yes
• Passenger is not playing near you. View all concerts
• Moscow, Russian Federation Change location

1,153,596 fans get concert alerts for this artist.

Join Songkick to track Passenger and get concert alerts when they play near you.

Nearest concert to you

Astor Theatre

Touring outside your city

Be the first to know when they tour near Moscow, Russian Federation

Join 1,153,596 fans getting concert alerts for this artist

Upcoming concerts (5)

Fortitude Music Hall

Sydney Opera House

Palais Theatre

Similar artists with upcoming concerts

Tours most with.

Michael David Rosenberg, better known as Passenger is a British folk-rock singer/songwriter originally from Brighton & Hove who is best known for his single 'Let Her Go'.

Michael Rosenberg is a successful British musician, who began his career busking his way through England and Australia after failing to apply himself at school due to his overriding passions for music. Michael met his future writing partner, Andrew Phillips after performing at a benefit gig in aid of Burma in 2002, the pair returned to Brighton and began to write and compose music in the style of shared influences that including everything from Simon & Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac to DJ Shadow.

They soon formed a band under the name Passenger in 2003 with fellow musicians Marcus O’Dair (bass), Alon Cohen (drums) and Richard Brinklow (keyboards) who they knew through the Brighton music scene, the quintet only released one album during their time together, 2007 'Wicked Man's Rest' which gained the group moderate successes before their demise in 2009.

After deciding to continue under the same name, Michael headed to Australia and gained great exposure whilst supported established artist Lior which then allowed him to sell out his own headline tours. It took him a few years in the UK to re-establish himself, however during the summer of 2012 he opened for old friend Ed Sheeran which gained him great exposure with UK crowds before the release of his third solo album 'All The Little Lights'. This album featured mega-single 'Let Her Go' which charted at number one in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany amongst others, number two in the UK and number five in the US. It also gained Rosenberg a nomination for Best British Single at the 2014 Brit Awards.

Passenger has had a very organic, humble musical career and the successes of recent years feel deserved, almost destined to this hard working singer/songwriter who has a clear passion for his music.

Live reviews

Passenger is the man.

First of all, his music is great. Live or recorded, I like listening to passenger and so should you. The first Passenger show I went to was at Slims in San Francisco in December of 2012. I actually had no idea who he was until a week before the show when a friend of mine posted "Let Her Go" to my Facebook (then it had maybe 6 million views, tops!). I thought it was great and added him to my song kick, only to find out he was coming to town in a couple of days. I made sure he really was as good as Let Her Go made him out to be, and searched a few more youtube videos, only to find out why he suddenly went from busking in Australia to touring with Ed Sheeran. He is an incredible musician and comes across as someone you'd want to be friends with. $60 and a four of tickets later, I convinced a motley crew of friends to join me at "this place called Slims in San Francisco to see this British guy Passenger." No one knew who he was or what this place we were going to was, and the skepticism from my friends grew as we walked into a strange (yet awesome) venue that was filled but not packed with an assorted crowd of San Francisco 20+'s. Needless to say, the show was incredible. His music, louder than any arena show I've seen (even with just an acoustic guitar, his bare voice, and foot as percussion). His personality presented him as a drinking mate you might go to a show like his with. And he kept the audience on their toes with brilliant music, a few fantastic covers, and a spot on sense of humor. After the show he thanked the crowd and said he'd be at the bar for a drink if anyone wanted to join--Two years later I feel like the biggest idiot for passing on that because of class the next morning (what an idiot, right!!) Fast forward a year, and Passenger plays the same venue. We waited in a line filled with teenage girls and their boyfriends to enter a jam packed venue. Generally not my cup of tea, but it was the same great Passenger, and another fantastic show. It would be a mistake to pass up an opportunity to see him live.

Report as inappropriate

As someone having been a teenager at late 90's and early 2000's, I never thought I would love a 21st century performer as much as I loved my teenage idols. But Passenger is that one performer whose records I buy and whose music is on during my whole waking hours. What is so haunting about his music, is his sincerity and his lyrics that are personal on the one hand and addressing the issues of our generation (people born in the 80's) on the other hand. Although his studio albums are great and worth a listen, attending a live concert of Passenger is a totally different experience. I had the chance to see him live at Tivoli in Copenhagen. Onstage he tells jokes and stories behind his songs. He is honest, emotional, modest and talented. He is totally there for the public and interacts with the audience. There are lots of singalongs during his shows. He enjoys it and the audience enjoys it as well. He changes the lyrics to adjust the audience (for example in Copenhagen singing "I hate Tivoli toilets" instead of "I hate festival toilets.") But sometimes he requests silence and the audience respects it. He goes on singing slower and sadder songs full of emotion. Sometimes he goes acapella and that's when you get goose bumps or even one or two tears in your eyes. In the end he sings "Scare Away the Dark" with the audience singing along. He leaves the stage but the audience keeps singing, calling for an encore. And he comes back and performs few more songs and leaves the stage again, this time for real. Passenger, being worldwide famous now, still busks sometimes, going back from where he started. His busking is different from his stage performance but is no worse. So if you ever hear he is playing in your location, don't hesitate to go to the concert and check his Facebook page, to see if there is any busking coming up!

Passenger started out from busking on the streets of United Kigndom to giant stages on Euroope Summer Festivals, but he can keep the busking feel up until now. The band of one only man, Mike Rosenberg - artistic name Passenger - was the last one to perform yesterday on Central Park Summerstage, and was the perfect closing. The place was packed with people from everywhere, and the excitement was visible. Mike, whose success comes from hit single Let Her Go, was trully overwhelmed for playing at Central Park, since this was something his favorite artists Simon & Garfunkel did - and their live at Central Park was his favorite record when he was a kid. Always changing between slow, sad songs (miserable songs, as he says) to more upbeat songs, the crowd would go from complete silence to cheering, clapping, and singing along with all their might. As a rising star and honest-like artist, Passenger revealed the inspiration behind Riding to New York, a song from his latest album, Whispers, which he sung partially acapella. The song comes from his own struggle with cigarrette addiction, and how he met a man with lung cancer who was heading to New York. Also, he called Stu Larsen - another rising star and Passenger's friend - on stage to duet on Heart's on Fire. Those two powerful voices have made the song even more heart-melting. Another highlighted moment was when he was about to play a song and some random guy screamed "Rolling Stone", another of his latest works, to each he agreed and played. Mixing his old and new work on the setlist, all kinds of Passenger fans were surely satisfied when they left Central Park. When attending a Passenger concert, expect to fully mess up with your emotions - all of them - and interact with him as if he was not a famous artist, but some random musician busking in Central Park for free.

Wow. Thats is the first word I think of when I think back to the Passenger concert last night. To start it off the opening acts where absolutely amazing! Stu Larsen and The Once were incredibly talented and not to mention nice. My friend and I met both groups after the show and they were so gracious when we praised their skills. I will be looking forward to when they blow up and get the popularity they deserve. Back to Michael, or Passenger as he goes by on stage. He was super funny and very personal with us. Being the first stop on this tour was kind of like forming a bond with the performers and how we acted was sure to reflect on the rest of the tour. If we were lacking and unresponsive then thats what they would be expecting. We were far from that. He would make jokes to get us to interact and even took a song request. He warned us that he was a bit rusty with "Table for One" but naturally he rocked it. He told us a very personal story about his song "Riding to New York" that nearly had us in tears. He would have us sing parts of the song and joked about how he knows that when artists ask you to sing you want to grumble and say no but he pleaded so we joined him in singing "Let Her Go" which he wrote in 45 minutes.

I look forward to seeing him perform again and would not hesitate to buy tickets. The performers were amazing, the crowd was amazing, basically everything was amazing. Everyone there was there to see him and I doubt that they would have anything bad to say either.

Hi Mike, I don't know if you or someone else is gonna read this but it's worth the shot.

I wanted to tell you that I went to your concert in Nimes last tonight, where you were feeling bad and I appreciate so much that you went on stage even in your conditions. I am usually the person who relates to music to face their emotions and life experiences and after my grandfather died on the 27 of december lastyear (2018), your music has helped me to grief it.I even cried like 4 times in your concert tonight. I was standing really close, I dont know if you saw me.

So thank you. This is just a little reminder that even though sometimes we feel like we don't do much, our little gestures (like you struggling to play with your naussea) can have a huge impact on some people. Once again, thank you for helping me cope with the lost of a loved one.Btw, I'm from Argentina but I'm studying in England. As soon as I heard you were playing here I bought a ticket to visit my brother in Lyon and came to spend 2 days here just to see you play live. So keep in mind that your fan base is worldwide.

Keep on doing what you love, because you are definitely doing good to others. Hope you feel better.

utterly brilliant. mike is such a fantastic showman, the band were great, he engaged the audience so well, was very funny and told fantastic stories about the origins of his songs. most importantly of course, his music live was completely faultless. as a busker it is to be expected that his live shows would exceed that of artists who are entirely studio based and that is absolutely accurate. his stage presence, live music and ability to engage and audience of 5,000 for and hour and a half, both getting them up onvtheir feet singing and keeping them completely silent, was spellbounding. with minimal lighting, special effects and even backing musicians his performance was utterly captivating. for me it was the best concert i have ever been to. if you get the chance i would absolutely recommend you go and see him. personally i don't feel that venue size makes a huge amount of difference. i saw him at the eventim apollo which is really quite big and yet his music can be scaled right down and work perfectly in a much smaller venue. a hugely versatile, talented and inspirational performer.

Basically the best concert I have ever attended.

I am a huge passenger fan, and I am familiar with every song. So this might make my opinion a bit biased.

Still, the concert was nicely balanced , the mix between depressing songs and up tempo was okay, personally would have enjoyed more misery. The addition of the simon and garfunkel cover was really nice, but I felt that the paul simon cover was kinda out of place and I would rather have seen a song from passenger.

Also the fact that Ed came was really cool. Personally 2 songs with him and maybe a bit of dialogue would have been awesome, but this was awesome too

Furthermore the way Passenger thanked the audience and his sincerity while doing so felt super nice. Also the stories he told we either funny, inspiring,beautiful or all of the above.

The audio could have been better, if he sang louder than acoustic his voice could sound quite too loud and it would lose a bit of the passenger feel.

This was definitely the best concert for me and this will be in my memory for ever

I saw Passenger perform a few days ago, but instill can't get that concert out of my head!! I saw him during his Whispers tour while in Minneapolis at First Ave. The music was absolutely amazing! Huge thumbs up for Passenger for an outsanding performance that was just him and his guitar and still somehow got the crowd to sing and dance along. His songs ranged from the thoughtful "Riding to New York" to the laugh out loud "I Hate" and to the inspiring "Scare Away the Dark." But not only was the music exceptional, but also his ability to entertain the crowd. There was never a dull moment as he was constantly engaging with the audience, telling stories,making jokes, and encouraging us to sing along. Passenger has a lovely charm that makes banter between the audience and him something to enjoy. Overall, that was my most well spent money ever. I will always remember this concert as an amazing event, and I will always be on the look out for when he comes back to a venue near me. Bravo, Passeneger, for a truly amazing experience.

There are few times you can go to a show in general where the audience is quiet and appreciative of the artist playing. Passenger took the audience in his hand from the beginning. The show was sold out, in a 3,000+ venue, so I went in with low expectations of being able to hear and appreciate the music for what it is. Passenger stopped several times before playing asking the audience to be quiet and they listened. It was quite an amazing experience. As someone who attends many shows, there's nothing that irks me more than people talking over performances. Passenger took full advantage of being able to get the audience quiet. During the silence he would go into backstories in his songs, some of which were truly meaningful, emotional at times, and a great addition to the show... instead of having an artist just play songs back to back without much in-between. It was an amazing experience to witness ONE man holding the full attention of a room of 3,500 people. I would highly recommend seeing Passenger in any setting!

I'm not sure words could truly describe how good Passenger was last night in Norwich. The warm up band "The Once" gave me shivers and were a great start to the night. And then passenger came on and blew me away. Admittedly and somewhat embarrassingly I was not expecting him to have such a presence. But on stage by himself and a guitar, he blew me away. The voice on that guy is incredible. But that isn't all that makes a great gig. His stage presence was fantastic and he had the crowd mesmerised. He was funny, anecdotal and charming. After telling the story behind the song "Riding to New York", you could here a pin drop when he played it - it was beautiful. He had the crowd hanging of his every word, which was amazing considering he was on stage by himself. I've seen the likes of London Grammar, elbow, AM, Jake Bugg, Foo fighters, but this was by far the best gig I have been to.

Photos (15)

Posters (49)

Past concerts

Orpheum Theatre

Crystal Ballroom

Fox Theater

View all past concerts

Passenger tour dates and tickets 2024-2025 near you

Want to see Passenger in concert? Find information on all of Passenger’s upcoming concerts, tour dates and ticket information for 2024-2025.

Passenger is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 5 concerts across 1 country in 2024-2025. View all concerts.

Next 3 concerts:

• Perth, WA, Australia
• Brisbane, QLD, Australia
• Sydney, NSW, Australia

Next concert:

Popularity ranking:

• Carly Rae Jepsen (278)
• Passenger (279)
• Empire of the Sun (280)

Concerts played in 2024:

Touring history

Most played:

• London (48)
• Sydney (24)
• Brighton (24)
• Manchester (19)
• Brisbane (18)

Appears most with:

• Ed Sheeran (86)
• Stu Larsen (78)
• Gregory Alan Isakov (37)
• The Once (CA) (21)
• John Butler Trio (15)

Distance travelled:

Similar artists

• Most popular charts
• Campaigns for promoters
• API information
• Brand guidelines
• Community guidelines
• Terms of use
• Privacy policy
• Cookies settings
• Cookies policy

Get your tour dates seen everywhere.

Information

Venue: orpheum.

Live Nation presents Passenger: All the Little Lights Anniversary Tour

Life changes forever in a moment. However, that doesn’t mean it happens overnight. Thousands of days, hundreds of months, and dozens of years often precede such a pivotal change. Just ask Passenger. It took years of busking, writing, recording and touring to prepare him for 2013’s All The Little Lights, the multiplatinum selling record that plays host to the global phenomenon “Let Her Go.”

To say “life changed” for the UK-born singer/songwriter Mike Rosenberg is a massive understatement…

In the 10 years since releasing this seminal record, there have been a further nine studio albums and countless sold-out tours around the world — all a testament to Rosenberg’s relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft.

Now, Mike readies the release of All The Little Lights (Anniversary Edition), which sees the whole album entirely re-recorded and completely re-imagined as he infuses these songs with another decade of experience and wisdom, and calls upon Foy Vance, Gabrielle Aplin, Nina Nesbitt, and longtime friend and touring buddy, Ed Sheeran, for special collaborations.

Bring your next event to life with Vancouver Civic Theatres

• Cart 0">{{ vm.cartCount }}
• Email preferences
• Allied Music Centre

Massey Hall

• TD Music Hall
• Roy Thomson Hall
• The Corporation

{{ message.message }}

• Events & Tickets
• Box Office & Venue Info
• Rentals & Private Events - Massey Hall
• Live at Massey Hall
• Classic Albums Live

Keep in touch

Receive News, Updates & More!

• On Facebook
• On Instagram

Onsale Times

Live Nation presents Life changes forever in a moment. However, that doesn’t mean it happens overnight. Thousands of days, hundreds of months, and dozens of years often precede such a pivotal change. Just ask Passenger . It took years of busking, writing, recording and touring to prepare him for 2013’s All The Little Lights , the multiplatinum selling record that plays host to the global phenomenon “Let Her Go.” In the 10 years since releasing this seminal record, there have been a further nine studio albums and countless sold-out tours around the world — all a testament to Rosenberg’s relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft. Now, Mike readies the release of All The Little Lights (Anniversary Edition), which sees the whole album entirely re-recorded and completely re-imagined as he infuses these songs with another decade of experience and wisdom, and calls upon Foy Vance, Gabrielle Aplin, Nina Nesbitt, and longtime friend and touring buddy, Ed Sheeran, for special collaborations. This is much more than a trip down memory lane. Mike preserves all the spirit and soul of the original whilst breathing new life into these well-loved Passenger staples. Musically richer, vocally stronger and shimmering with a bold beauty - All The Little Lights now shines brighter than ever.

Related Links

• Join Friends First
• Massey Hall Box Office Info
• Massey Hall Seating Plan

Venue Address

178 Victoria Street Toronto, ON M5B 1T7

Venue Phone

416-872-4255

Social Media

• New Releases
• Tour Announcements
• CBS All Access
• Music Reviews
• Movie Reviews
• Live Show Reviews
• IndieStream
• Substream Records
• Internships at Substream Magazine
• College Ambassador Program
• Privacy Policy

Select Page

Passenger announces ‘All the Little Lights’ North American anniversary tour

Posted by Logan White | Jan 16, 2024 | Featured , Music , News , Tour Announcements | 0 |

Today, critically acclaimed artist Passenger (Mike Rosenberg) has announced that he will be returning to North America later this year to celebrate the anniversary of his seminal album, All the Little Lights .

It was a life-changing album for Rosenberg that in 2012 elevates the UK singer/songwriter from a touring street performer to internationally renowned, platinum-selling artist.

Passenger will kick off the headlining tour on August 22nd in Toronto and make stops in Montreal, Boston, New York City, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and wrapping up in Vancouver on September 10th. The run also includes two special dates at Red Rocks in Denver supporting Gregory Alan Isakov, in addition to his own headline show.

Pre-sale starts on Wednesday, January 17th at 10am local time, with general on-sale on Friday, January 19th at 10am local time here . All dates are below.

All The Little Lights (Anniversary Edition) was released in October and became Passenger’s seventh Top 10 album in the UK. Entirely re-recorded and completely re-imagined, Mike Rosenberg (aka Passenger) infuses this new set with another decade of experience and wisdom as he calls on friends like Foy Vance, Gabrielle Aplin and Nina Nesbitt for special collaborations. Through it all, he preserves all the spirit and soul of the original while breathing new life into these well-loved Passenger staples.  With the album’s release came a brand-new video for the re-recording of “Let Her Go” featuring Passenger’s longtime friend and tour mate, Ed Sheeran.  The original global smash single went #1 in 19 countries, and today it has over 6 billion combined streams, is the #2 most Shazamed song of all time, and remains the 16th most viewed video on YouTube of all time. The new version of the video boasts more than 150 million views across platforms.

Tour dates:

Thur, Aug 22   Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall

Sat, Aug 24     Montreal, QB @ Olympia

Sun, Aug 25    Boston, MA @ House of Blues

Tue, Aug 27    New York, NY @ The Beacon

Thur, Aug 29   Chicago, IL @ The Riviera Theatre

Fri, Aug 30      Nashville, TN @ The Ryman Auditorium

Sun, Sept 1     Denver, CO @ Red Rocks (supporting Gregory Alan Isakov)

Mon, Sept 2    Denver, CO @ Red Rocks (supporting Gregory Alan Isakov)

Wed, Sept 4    Denver, CO @ The Ogden

Fri, Sept 6       Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern

Sat, Sept 7      San Francisco, CA @ The Fox Theatre

Mon, Sept 9    Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom

Tue, Sept 10   Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theatre

About The Author

Logan White

Logan loves talking about music and when he's not doing that, he's probably watching Netflix, watching his cats do cat things, or sleeping.

Related Posts

Cold Hart, BONES share acoustic single “Light Headed”

Feb 28, 2024

Between You & Me announce new EP + share single “In the Middle”

Feb 21, 2024

PREMIERE: GDLK and Madeleine Wood bring us into their world in new single/video, “Carolina”

Jan 9, 2019

Lauv has a lot of “Feelings” on his new single

Sep 19, 2019

Substream Music Distribution Service

        CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Today’s Headlines

Recent Reviews

• REVIEW: With ‘One Thing At a Time’ Morgan Wallen is ready to be country music’s next Garth Brooks Score: 90%
• REVIEW: Chris Janson Keeps It Simple On “All I Need Is You” Score: 95%
• NYFF Review: ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ Is An Adaptation Fit To Hold the Weight of A Heavy Crown Score: 93%
• TIFF Review: ‘Dashcam’ Provides A Rabid Found Footage Experience With Obstacles In Front and Behind the Camera Score: 40%
• TIFF Review: ‘Silent Night’ Is A Tenebrious Christmas Comedy That Stands At the Edge of World’s End Score: 70%

Passenger Verified

Concerts and tour dates, passenger merch.

Live Photos of Passenger

Latest Post

Fan Reviews

Fans Also Follow

About passenger.

September 27, 2024

Winnipeg 17° C , Clear

Full Forecast

• Advertising Contact
• Send a Letter to the Editor
• Staff biographies
• Submit a News Tip
• Subscribe to Newsletters
• Notifications
• Create Account
• Compact View
• About the E-Edition
• Winnipeg Free Press
• Community Review East
• Community Review West
• All Arts & Life
• Celebrities
• Environment
• Food & Drink
• Life & Style
• Science & Technology
• All Business
• Agriculture
• Personal Finance
• Manitoba’s Top Employers
• All Opinion
• Editorial Cartoon
• Letters to the Editor
• Auto Racing
• Blue Bombers
• High School
• Horse Racing
• Winnipeg Jets
• Manitoba Open
• Reader Bridge
• Free Press 101: How we practise journalism
• Advertising
• Carrier Positions & Retailer Requests
• FP Newspapers Inc.
• Internships
• Job Opportunities
• Local Journalism Initiative
• Retail Locations
• Staff Biographies
• Terms and Conditions
• Canada Sports Betting
• Online Casinos Canada
• Ontario Betting
• Responsible Gaming
• All Free Press Community Review News
• East Edition
• West Edition
• Classifieds
• All FP Features
• Business Hub
• Drink & Dine
• Health & Wellness
• Whiskers & Wings
• Sponsored Articles
• Property Listings
• Featured News
• Renovation and design
• Resale homes
• Newsletters
• Niigaan and the Lone Ranger
• Photo and Book store
• Become a Patron
• Privacy Policy

© 2024 Winnipeg Free Press

Quick Links

• Publications
• Sponsored Content
• Employee Code of Conduct Policy
• Supplier Code of Conduct Policy
• Report on Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains

Ways to support us

• Pay it Forward program
• Support Faith coverage
• Support Arts coverage

Replica E-Edition

Arts & Life

• Manitoba Moose
• Photo Galleries

Canstar Community news

• All Betting
• Ontario Sports Betting
• Online Casinos Ontario
• Sports Betting Picks

Notification Settings

This browser doesn't support push notifications at the moment. Check browsers features, update your browser or try to use one from the list of recommended to manage your notifications settings:

• Firefox (27+)
• Google Chrome (30+)
• Safari ( MacOS 13+ with browser 16.1+ and iOS 16.4+ ) / Note make sure Push API support enabled under Settings > Safari > Advanced > Experimental Features
• Microsoft Edge

If you wish to manage your notification settings from this browser you will need to update your browser's settings for this site. Just click button below and allow notifications for this site

Note Safari 16.4+ working on iOS devices also need this site app to be installed at device's Home Screen for Push Notifications to work

Notifications are blocked for this site. If you wish to manage your notification settings from this browser you will need to update your browser's settings. Usually you'd need to click on site options icon to the left of address bar and change notifications preferences/permissions from there

Breaking News

Urgent and important stories

Recommended Reads

Noteworthy news and features

Advertisement

Learn more about Free Press Advertising solutions

‘New chapter’: tooting horn for Via revamp

Dozens of locomotives, hundreds of passenger cars anticipated to boost rail travel profile.

Advertise with us

Mario Péloquin may have his work cut out for him.

Read this article for free:

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Monthly Digital Subscription

$19 $0 for the first 4 weeks *

• Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
• Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
• Access News Break, our award-winning app
• Play interactive puzzles

*No charge for 4 weeks then billed as $19 every four weeks (new subscribers and qualified returning subscribers only). Cancel anytime.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

The CEO of Via Rail Canada Inc. is on a mission to convert as many people as he can — especially the business community — to become champions of passenger rail.

On Friday, Péloquin spoke to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, part of a cross-country barnstorming tour prior to an anticipated massive transformation of Canadian passenger rail service.

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press

VIA Rail president and CEO Mario Péloquin speaks Friday at a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce breakfast event Friday in Winnipeg.

A request for proposal is expected to be issued in the next few weeks for the acquisition of 42 new locomotives and 316 passenger cars in nine different configurations.

The multibillion-dollar makeover was confirmed by the federal government earlier this summer. It has been in the works for several years and will effectively replace Via’s entire fleet.

(Replacements trains for the Quebec City to Windsor, Ont., corridor are already in service and scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2025.)

Péloquin could not say Friday what the time frame will be for the new equipment to arrive, but he’s keen to let the nation know how it will make rail travel in Canada that much more enjoyable.

“Via Rail has been very modest over the years,” he said.

“We have not been very visible. But we are increasing our visibility and explaining what we are doing. The more people know we are taking great steps to make it a much better company, the better it will be.”

He acknowledged Via Rail — an independent federal Crown corporation — is an essential service, providing transportation to remote regions such as the communities along the Bay Line in northern Manitoba, where rail is the only available land transportation.

However, he said, Via is not a money maker.

Among other things, Péloquin emphasized the special experience of train travel that can remove the passenger from the hectic pace of other transportation modes available. “The train is having a moment and seeing a new relevance. Today, we have the chance to build on that momentum and open a new chapter.”

But it will be a challenging undertaking, with air travel now the dominant choice for the public at large.

As a comparison, the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport logs more than four million passengers per year, while Via Rail Union Station in Winnipeg averages 14,000 passengers every year. (Via recorded more than four million passengers nationally in its 2023 ridership numbers.)

“Unfortunately, we had to reduce service starting 25 years ago, but we are seeing an uptick,” Péloquin said. “It is growing.”

Via’s service to Churchill, which it runs on Arctic Gateway Group’s rail line, is not going to make or break its national network, but Péloquin said there has been a marked improvement recently under AGG’s ownership.

“The new leadership at AGG is very keen on improving everything and collaborating, instead of having a confrontational relationship,” he said. “They are fantastic.”

The Warm-Up

Winnipeg Jets Game Days

On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.

The $200 million of investment in Manitoba track and infrastructure repair has made a big difference in operating Via’s trains to Churchill (they run three times per week), he added.

Via is mindful of the critical role it plays as the sole ground transportation system for many communities in northern Manitoba, Péloquin said. However, there are times during particularly busy tourist seasons in Churchill, where the trains are full with no seats available for local travellers.

“That train is not full all the time, but sometimes tour operators sell the whole train,” he said.

“We need to see what we can do to make sure people in remote communities who need to travel for groceries or medical appointment can actually get there.”

[email protected]

Martin Cash Reporter

Martin Cash is a business reporter/columnist who’s been on that beat for the Free Press since 1989. He’s a graduate of the University of Toronto and studied journalism at Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan University). Read more about Martin .

Every piece of reporting Martin produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press ’s history and mandate , and learn how our newsroom operates .

Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber .

Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Performances

• 2024/25 Season
• Silent Screen & Body of Work & Rhapsody
• The Nutcracker
• On Tour: Ottawa
• The Four Seasons & Morpheus’ Dream & The Leaves Are Fading
• Adieu: A Celebration of Guillaume Côté
• Anna Karenina
• On Tour: London England
• On Tour: Paris France
• Latest News

Plan Your Visit

• Your Ballet Experience
• Ballet Talks
• Accessibility Commitment
• Privacy Policy

Your Impact

Become a member.

• Friends Corps
• Patrons Council
• Leadership Giving
• American Friends
• Donor and Membership FAQ

Already a Member

• Donor Events
• Community of Support

Leave a Legacy

• Celia Franca Society
• For Lawyers and Advisors

Corporate Partnerships

• Corporate Matching Gifts
• Corporate Partners

Ways to Subscribe

• Glorious Classics
• Visionary Creations
• Thursday Matinee
• Family Time
• Workshops and Intensives
• Meet the Faculty
• Frequently Asked Questions

Education & Community

Education & community engagement.

• Share the Magic
• Relaxed Performances
• Student Matinees and SHSM
• Class on Stage
• Culture Days

Creative Action

• Choreographic Workshop
• Micro-Commissions
• Citadel Dance Exchange
• Leadership and Artistic Staff
• Board of Directors

Our History

• About The National Ballet of Canada
• Leaders in Our History
• Mission Statement
• Equity Diversity and Inclusion
• Code of Conduct and Ethics
• Annual Reports

Join Our Team

• Make a Donation
• Make a Monthly Gift
• Make a US Gift

Media Release

The National Ballet of Canada Tours to London and Paris in October 2024

First european appearance since the pandemic.

TORONTO, ON, September 26, 2024 – Hope Muir , Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, shared today that the company will return to Europe this October for the first time since the pandemic. Previously announced with the 2024/25 season, the back-to-back tours will bring the company to the revered Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London and the legendary Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. Muir has curated an all-Canadian programme featuring works by acclaimed choreographers Crystal Pite , James Kudelka , Emma Portner and William Yong .    

“I am thrilled that the National Ballet will return to London and Paris this October with this compelling programme, which not only highlights the breadth of choreographic talent in Canada but also serves as the perfect vehicle to showcase the versatility of our artists,” said Muir.  

London Tour, Sadler’s Wells  October 2 – 6

In the National Ballet’s first appearance in London at Sadler’s Wells since 2013, the company will perform Pite’s sublime work Angels’ Atlas , hailed as “mind-blowing” (CP24) with its mesmerizing light design and evocation of the human condition, alongside Kudelka’s exquisite Passion and Portner’s duet islands .   

Paris Tour, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées October 12 – 15  

In addition to Angels’ Atlas and Passion , the National Ballet will bring William Yong ’s UtopiVerse to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. The futuristic ballet made its world premiere in Toronto in June. This will mark the company’s first appearance in Paris since 2017.   

Crystal Pite created  Angels’ Atlas   for the National Ballet in 2020 to rapturous reviews. Audiences and critics were blown away by the moving and visually stunning work. Unfolding against a morphing wall of light, the Globe and Mail called Angels’ Atlas   “a glimpse into the infinite” and the Toronto Star added “human yearning is evoked powerfully onstage”. Set to original music by Owen Belton and choral pieces by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Morten Lauridsen ,  Angels’ Atlas   is a profound work from one of the world’s leading contemporary choreographers.  

Celebrated Canadian choreographer James Kudelka explores relationships of love in Passion . Two couples, each stylistically unique – one classical, the other contemporary – weave within the Corps de Ballet, evoking complex relationships of passion. A love story whose meticulous structure mirrors the music, Passion is set to the first movement of Ludwig van Beethoven ’s Concerto for Piano in D, Op. 61a .  

A sculptural duet for two women, Emma Porter ’s islands was hailed a triumph both at its world premiere by Norwegian National Ballet in 2020 and its North American premiere at the National Ballet in 2023. An acclaimed work from a genre-breaking choreographer, islands is set to an eclectic compilation of music by contemporary artists as well as original music by Forest Swords , bringing together hip hop, dub, guitar loops and electronic sampling for a rhythmic, avant-garde sound.  

Toronto-based choreographer William Yong ’s first commission for The National Ballet of Canada, UtopiVerse , showcases the versatility of the National Ballet artists, integrating Yong’s multi-disciplinary experience in this futuristic ballet. UtopiVerse received its world premiere in March 2024 and was hailed “a fascinating fusion of movement and visual spectacle” (Critics at Large).  

About the London Tour

About the Paris Tour   

Season Sponsor: BMO Financial Group     Passion is generously supported by The Gail Hutchison Fund.   

Lead philanthropic support for islands is provided by The Catherine & Maxwell Meighen Foundation.    

Philanthropic support for Angels’ Atlas is generously provided by An Anonymous Donor, Rosamond Ivey, Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin, The Producers’ Circle (2020) , The Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada and The Gail Hutchison Fund.      

Lead philanthropic support for UtopiVerse is provided by The Catherine & Maxwell Meighen Foundation, The Hal Jackman Foundation and The Hal Jackman Foundation Fund, and an Anonymous donor with additional support from The Producers’ Circle (2024) .     

The National Ballet of Canada’s tour to Paris is presented by Productions Internationales Albert Sarfati as part of the TranscenDanses series, in collaboration with the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.  

This tour is also made possible in part by grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, The Circulation and Touring component of the Arts Abroad Program and from the Ontario Arts Council's Touring and Circulation Projects program and the Government of Ontario.  

Artists of the Ballet in  Angels Atlas . Photo by Karolina Kuras.

The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council; the Government of Canada – Department of Canadian Heritage with the Honourable  Pascale St-Onge , Minister of Canadian Heritage; and the Government of Ontario with the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Minister of Sport .  

For more information, please contact:

Touchwood PR   Andréa Grau, Founder and Owner Keira Hunt, Publicity and Promotions Manager Chelsea Cabello, Senior Publicist [email protected]  

The National Ballet of Canada Catherine Chang, Associate Director of Communications & Content Strategy Kate Dresser​, Communications Manager [email protected]

Be the first to hear the latest news and watch new video!

Sign Up for Ballet News

The 11 Best Canadian Train Trips

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Canada is second only to Russia when it comes to land mass, which means seeing the country's vast wilderness can be overwhelming. Luckily, Canadian train trips criss-cross most of it, and these rail journeys allow you to take in some of the world's most spectacular scenery, stress-free. Just imagine: the nation's vistas unfolding before you slowly (or swiftly, depending on your chariot) while you remain in the comfort of your seat. On top of that, some of the Canada's most remote—and beautiful—spots lack road access, so a train ride may also be the only way to visit. All the more reason to climb on board .

Read on to learn more about 11 of the most beautiful Canadian train trips you can take across the Great White North, as well as some recommendations for where to stay at the beginning or at the end of your railroad adventure. (And for more fabulous train rides, check out the results of Condé Nast Traveler 's Readers' Choice Awards 2023 to see which trains our readers voted the best in the world .)

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Via Rail’s Winnipeg to Churchill

This 1,054-mile trip north feels more interplanetary than provincial, whisking you from urban Winnipeg to the tundras of Churchill , known as the polar bear capital of the world. Accessible by plane or train only, it’s also prime turf for beluga whale-watching , and possibly the world’s best perch to view the northern lights. Landscapes en route are breathtaking, with stops including tiny river towns The Pas, Thompson, and Weir River. Splurge on Via’s Sleeper Plus class for access to a bed and shower.

Where to stay: In Winnipeg, check into the impressive and century-old Fort Garry Hotel , a prime example of twentieth-century châteauesque architecture, including prominent cornices and a steep sloping copper roof. In case you needed a bit more of that old-world feel to your trip.

Ontario Northland’s Polar Bear Express, Cochrane to Moosonee

Ontario is larger than France and Spain combined, but most visitors stick to its big southern cities. Embarking from tiny Cochrane—nearly 500 miles north of Toronto —the Polar Bear Express chugs five hours further north to Moosonee, so remote it lacks road access. The route mimics a path fur traders favored centuries ago, through a primeval landscape of thick forests and winding rivers. Note that reaching Cochrane involves a flight to northeastern Timmins and an overnight bus ride.

Where to stay: Break up your adventure with a night at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa in Timmins, Ontario. The place is all about rural and cozy vibes, letting you bask in the natural beauty of nearby Gillies Lake Park and Hollinger Park.

Agawa Canyon Tour Train, Ontario

It’s only accessible by trail or rail, which makes Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park near Sault Sainte-Marie such a thrill to visit. Hop on and off this 90-minute ride as you pass four dramatic waterfalls and a trail system that overflows with pristine natural beauty. Bonus: Beavers, the most Canadian of critters, traipse through here frequently.

Where to stay: Since this tour train takes just an hour and a half, you'll need a place to rest your head in Sault Sainte-Marie before continuing your journey. Luckily, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront is near the station, and offers cool views of Saint Mary's River and the United States beyond.

Royal Canadian Rockies Experience, Banff to Calgary, Alberta

Canada’s glitziest train ride is also one of its most cinematic, passing through splendid Banff and Lake Louise, along with jaw-dropping sights like Alberta’s Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a World Heritage Site where Indigenous people hunted ruminants by enticing them to leap off a cliff. Still eager to see more? At the end of the line, you can book a helicopter trip over the Rockies for a bird's eye view.

Where to stay: In Banff, you shouldn't miss the Fairmont Banff Springs . This Scottish Baronial fortress grants you a million-dollar view of those majestic snow-dusted mountain tops, which makes the moniker “the Castle in the Rockies” all the more fitting.

Via Rail’s The Canadian, Toronto to Vancouver

A single train journey can’t capture Canada’s magnificence, but this four-night/three-day adventure from Toronto to Vancouver comes close. You’ll take in prairies, lakes, peaks, valleys, hamlets, waterfalls, and, if you’re lucky, cameos by local wildlife like deer, elk, and bears. If you can, book a seat in Prestige Class—think concierge, superb meals, private lounges—for one of the most comfortable train trips you’ll ever take.

Where to stay: Once you're in Vancouver, keep the plush and casually fabulous energy going with a night or two at the dreamy Shangri-La Vancouver , where those who appreciate the subtleties of luxury travel won't be disappointed.

White Pass and Yukon Route, Yukon

Even today, building a railway through the mountains, glaciers, and gorges of Gold Rush country remains an impressive feat, let alone in 1898, when this route was first built. Survey views of the Yukon, BC, and Alaska , as your train rises a gut-churning 3,000 feet in just 20 miles to the summit of White Pass. Touring such treacherous terrain will leave you appreciating how the railway helped knit a nascent Canada together.

Where to stay: There aren't many hotel options in Skagway, Alaska, where this train journey begins. That said, there are a handful of cruises that call at this Alaskan port town, including options aboard Celebrity Cruises , so you can make this a two-for-one adventure.

Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West, Western Canada

If there’s one Canadian train ride that should make your bucket list, it’s the journey on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff . The whole ride is scenic, offering glimpses into the Great White North’s wildlife as well as its important Indigenous history. Thoughtful guides and storytellers onboard talk you through the locales and vistas from the comfort of your plush leather seats underneath the train cars’ glass-domed roofs. Meals here are delicious too, no matter which class of service you’re in, whether it’s SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf (though the latter’s linen-covered tables are a classy touch).

Where to stay: The Rocky Mountaineer is often spoken about in the same breath as other famous luxury train rides across the world: the Orient Express , Seven Stars Kyushu , or the Royal Scotsman . But unlike those, this isn’t a sleeper train. It travels exclusively by daylight, making the most of the scenery. At night, guests check into a hotel along the route—so your comfort throughout the journey is assured.

Train de Charlevoix, Quebec

Inaugurated in 1889, when it connected Quebec City to remote Charlevoix, this train line cruises along a glorious section of St. Lawrence coastline. Much of the scenery en route seems unchanged a century and a half later, with the mighty river on one side and lush landscapes on the other. Stops include enchanting coastal villages like Baie-St-Paul; consider splitting the journey over two days to explore. The route runs June through October.

Where to stay: Before you climb onboard the train in Quebec City, prep for your journey in old Basse-Ville (meaning “lower city”) at the boutique hotel Monsieur Jean , which offers bright and breezy digs melded with friendly Quebecois hospitality.

Via Rail, Jasper, Alberta to Prince Rupert, BC

The windows-only Dome Car on this nature-filled route offers 360-degree views of the regal Canadian Rockies. During the seven-hour train ride, you’ll also get an ocean’s worth of lakes, including beautiful Yellowhead, Lucerne, and Moose. Have more time? The train heads to coastal Prince Rupert the next morning, where whale-watching and grizzly-bear-viewing are highlights. Bonus: At the Alberta-British Columbia border, the train crosses the Continental Divide.

Where to stay: Once you're on Kaien Island and the train pulls into the port city of Prince Rupert, head for the Crest Hotel , where you can wake up to beautiful waterfront views of—what else?—Prince Rupert Harbour.

Rocky Mountaineer's Journey Through the Clouds, British Columbia and Alberta

The Canadian Rockies’ tallest peak, majestic Mount Robson, is the star of this ten-day journey from Vancouver to Calgary. But it’s hard to pick a highlight when your trip spans sights like British Columbia’s astonishing Hell’s Gate—twice the width of Niagara Falls—and Moose Lake, home to plenty of its namesake. You’ll also get a glimpse of the gargantuan Albreda Glacier, a landscape dating back eons.

Where to stay: When in Canada, you can't go wrong with a Fairmont, and the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary is a true beaut. Plus, it's sandwiched between the city's downtown and the Calgary Design District, so you'll have plenty of sightseeing options when you get off the train.

Via Rail’s The Ocean, Montreal to Halifax

Climbing north into remotest Quebec and east into New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this aptly-named, 836-mile trip lets the wide-open spaces and clear-blue waters unfold like aqua-tinted postcards. Bonus: The Ocean is the oldest continuously running named passenger train in North America, rolling along since 1904.

Where to stay: In Montreal you've got the pick of the litter, but the stately yet modern Hotel Birks Montreal and the classically luxurious Four Seasons Montreal take the cake. Meanwhile, in Halifax, you've got the super sleek Muir, Autograph Collection in the downtown waterfront area, and the richly cozy The Pebble Bed & Breakfast in the South End for an inn-in-the-city experience.

Recommended

The Surf Lodge Montauk

Seven Beach Lane

North America Travel Guide

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Passenger killed when gunman hijacks city bus, leads police on chase through Los Angeles

A bus passes by a news camera in front of a Los Angeles MTA bus depot near the site where overnight a bus was hijacked by an armed subject with passengers on board on Sept 25 in Los Angeles. Ryan Sun/The Associated Press

A passenger was killed after a gunman hijacked a city bus in Los Angeles early Wednesday, leading to a slow police chase through downtown before the suspect was eventually arrested, authorities said.

The armed man boarded the Metro bus with the driver and two passengers aboard shortly before 1 a.m. in South Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Officers approached the bus as it slowly rolled away. A cavalcade of police vehicles followed it as the driver drove at gunpoint for the next hour. A flashing sign on the front of the bus read: “Emergency. 911 Call Police.”

Police deployed spike strips, which punctured one of the tires. After traveling more than 7 miles (11 kilometers), the bus eventually came to a stop at a downtown intersection near the city’s Arts District, and the suspect surrendered, officials said.

Police and emergency vehicles are on the scene following a hijacking on a commuter bus in Los Angeles early on Sept. 25. The Associated Press

TV news footage showed a series of small explosions around the bus stopped in the neighborhood of lofts and warehouses, then police storming aboard with shields. The bus driver climbed out of window and ran to safety behind an armored vehicle while officers moved in.

A man was found inside the bus with gunshot wounds, but details about what led up to the shooting were not immediately available. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, officials said.

The driver and the second passenger were treated by paramedics at the scene and released. In a statement, Metro said the bus driver was OK and receiving the support he needs.

Police praised the driver for keeping calm.

“This operator continued to operate the bus in as safe a manner as he could under the circumstances, with the police trailing him for an hour before the spike strips finally took effect,” Deputy Chief Donald Graham told reporters.

The killing is the latest in a series of violent incidents, including stabbings and shootings on buses and trains as Los Angeles seeks to expand the transit system ahead of hosting the Olympics in 2028. In May, Mayor Karen Bass called for increased security on transit routes — a message she reiterated on Wednesday.

“Every Angeleno has the right to go about their lives safely — especially on our public transportation systems and I will be urgently working with the members of the Metro Board as well as our Chair and Metro CEO to enhance the safety strategies that we implemented earlier this year,” the mayor said in a statement.

Janice Hahn, an LA County supervisor and chair of the Metro board, said transit officials must figure out how to prevent people from bringing weapons onto buses and trains.

In March, a man who indicated he had a gun hijacked a Metro bus in downtown LA and then grabbed the wheel, causing the bus to collide with several vehicles and crash into a hotel.

Report an editorial error

Report a technical issue

Follow related authors and topics

• Crime and Criminology

Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following .

Interact with The Globe

The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in canada.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
• Privacy & cookies
•   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia.

Canadian long-distance trains are run by VIA Rail Canada, www.viarail.ca .  They're a great way to see the country, whether you travel on the inter-city trains between Toronto, Montréal and Québec, the Océan from Montréal to Halifax or Canada's classic trans-continental train, The Canadian from Toronto to Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper & Vancouver.  As well as VIA Rail, there's the excellent Rocky Mountaineer through the Rockies between Vancouver & Banff, Calgary or Jasper.  This page explains routes, timetables, prices & what the trains are like.

Train times, fares & tickets

On other pages

Interactive map:   click a route, useful country information, toronto - winnipeg - vancouver.

The greatest train in Canada and one of the world's great train journeys, VIA Rail's Canadian runs 2 or 3 times a week, linking Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper National Park in the Rockies & Vancouver.  See schedule, fares, how to buy tickets & a guide to the train & journey .

Back to top

Montreal - Halifax

Three times a week, a train runs the 836 miles between Montreal and Halifax Nova Scotia.  See the Montreal to Halifax page for train times, fares, info, and an illustrated account of the journey .

Toronto - Ottawa - Montreal - Quebec

There's no need to fly.  Comfortable VIA Rail inter-city trains link Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec, centre to centre with no airport hassle.  If your budget permits, upgrade to VIA's Business Class with complimentary hot meal and wine, attentive steward service and access to VIA Rail's Business Lounges at major stations.  It impressed me, it's as good as anything we have here in Europe.  Since October 2019 only credit cards have been accepted as payment on board, not cash.

Toronto to Montréal by train in 5h10

VIA Rail's fast inter-city trains link Toronto, Ottawa & Montréal.  Montréal to Toronto takes around 5h10 city centre to city centre.  Use the times below as a guide and check current train times at www.viarail.ca .  See the photos .  Watch the video .

Montréal to Québec by train in 3h15

From Montréal to Québec, air-conditioned trains run several times daily, taking around 3h15.  Check current times, fares & book online at www.viarail.ca .

Montreal to Ottawa & Toronto to Ottawa, www.viarail.ca

Montreal to Ottawa takes 1h50.  Toronto to Ottawa takes about 4h20.

How much does it cost?

Montréal to Toronto starts at around Can$ 61 if you book in advance, fares vary like air fares. 

Montreal to Quebec starts at around Can$ 48 if you book in advance, fares vary like air fares.

How to buy tickets

Option 1, buy at www.viarail.ca

Booking opens 11 months (331 days) in advance.  You print your own tickets.

Payment problems on viarail.ca?

There are recent reports of VIA's payment system refusing non-Canadian cards.

One theory is that they have a standard for card verification higher than most foreign cards.

Option 2, buy at Omio.com or 12go.com

You can easily buy economy or business class tickets at Omio.com in multiple currencies & languages, with no payment problems.

You can also buy tickets at 12go.com , also in multiple currencies & languages.

To buy tickets by phone , call VIA Rail on 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245).

Toronto Union Station

Union Station sits in the centre of Toronto in the shadow of the CN Tower, just across the road from the wonderful and highly-recommended Royal York Hotel .  One of the world's classic railway stations, the current structure was built 1914-1920, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Station_(Toronto) .

Via Rail's Inter-city trains.  See the video

Montreal central station, watch the video :  toronto to montreal, toronto to niagara falls, take a day trip by train to niagara falls.

You can easily take the train from Toronto to Niagara Falls (Ontario) either as a day trip, longer trip or as a stopover en route to New York.  The Canadian side of the Falls gives great views of the Falls themselves and features both a boat ride (the Hornblower cruise, www.niagaracruises.com ) and a walk behind the Falls, www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/journey-behind-the-falls.html .  For trains between Niagara Falls and New York, see the section below .

Option 1, by once-daily VIA Rail train from Ca$28

A daily direct VIA Rail train called the Maple Leaf links Toronto Union Station and Niagara Falls Ontario on its way to & from New York.  It's ideal for a day trip, and uses comfortable Amtrak Amfleet cars with coach class, a small business class section and a cafe car, even though it is operated by VIA Rail Canada on the section between Toronto and Niagara - an Amtrak crew take over at Niagara.

Outward:   Toronto Union Station depart 08:20 every day, Niagara Falls Ontario VIA station arrive 10:20. 

Inbound:   Niagara Falls Ontario VIA station depart 17:45, Toronto Union arrive 19:43.

Fares from around $28 each way including taxes.

Buy tickets at www.viarail.ca , or buy at Omio.com or 12go.com in multiple currencies & languages . 

Reservation is compulsory but it's usually possible to get tickets on the day.

Option 2, by GO Transit direct train from Ca$21

GO Transit operates three daily trains from Toronto to Niagara Falls (Canada) every day, including a useful morning one.  The trains are distinctive green & white double-deck GO Transit trains, see the photos below.

Departures from Toronto :  Weekdays at 09:52, 17:12, 22:40.  Saturdays at 09:03, 13:03, 18:21.  Sundays at 09:03,

Departures from Niagara Falls Canada :  Weekdays at 06:32, 13:10, 21:10.  Saturdays at 12:05, 16:05, 21:05.  Sundays at 12:05, 16:05, 20:05.

Journey time 2h15.

Fares start at Ca$21.15 each way.

If the timing of these few direct trains doesn't suit you, use the hourly train+bus combo shown in option 3 below.

Check times & buy tickets at www.viarail.ca or www.gotransit.com .

When using www.viarail.ca , the direct GO Transit trains are shown in the search results with as green GO logo.  The train+bus combo departures (option 3 below) are shown with a grey train & bus icon.

Option 3:  By GO Transit train/bus combo from Ca$21 each way

Roughly every hour through the day, distinctive double-decker GO trains link Toronto Union Station with Burlington station, from where a connecting bus runs to Niagara Falls Bus Terminal (located directly across the road from Niagara Falls Ontario rail station).  Total journey time 2h47 - roughly 1h05 train and 1h30 bus.  This is a simple turn-up-and-go service, no reservation is necessary, it cannot sell out, just buy a ticket for Ca$18 at the station (or bus terminal) immediately before departure.  As it needs no pre-planning it's ideal for the return part of a day trip from Toronto, as you don't need to commit to a specific time to come back. 

You can check bus-rail times at either www.viarail.ca or www.gotransit.com .  When using www.viarail.ca , the train+bus combo departures are shown in the search results with a grey train & bus icon.  Any direct GO Transit trains (option 2 above) will be shown with as green GO logo.

Where are the station & bus terminal?  See map showing station, bus terminal & Falls

Niagara Falls (Ontario) Station & Niagara Falls Bus Terminal are just across the road from each other in the old downtown area.  The falls themselves (and all the tourist attractions) are a mile or two to the south, a taxi to the Falls costs around Ca$14 + tip and take 5-10 minutes.  You'll find plenty of taxis waiting at the station and bus terminal.  The station is sometimes called the GO Station, but it's the same one used by VIA Rail.   Map showing location of Niagara Falls VIA Rail station, Bus Terminal & the Falls .

Visiting the Falls

Vancouver to victoria & seattle, vancouver to victoria by bus & ferry.

If you're going to Vancouver, don't miss a trip to the British Columbia provincial capital Victoria, on Vancouver Island.  Regular buses link Vancouver with Victoria in about 3½ hours, going on board a ferry to reach the Island.

See bcfconnector.com for times, fares & online booking.

Vancouver to Seattle by train

Two daily articulated Spanish-designed Talgo trains link Seattle with Vancouver, one morning, one evening.  For details, see www.amtrakcascades.com   or www.amtrak.com . 

You can also travel between Vancouver and Seattle via Victoria, using bus to Victoria ( bcfconnector.com ) , then the fast ferry to Seattle ( www.clippervacations.com ).

Victoria to Seattle by fast ferry

There is an excellent daily fast catamaran service between Victoria and Seattle, see www.clippervacations.com .

Vancouver Island train service:  Victoria-Nanaimo-Courtenay The Malahat

Railcar service.  This used to run every day on the 225 km route, leaving Victoria 08:00 Mon-Sat, 10:00 Sundays, returning in the afternoon.  Unfortunately, this service has been suspended for some years now due to the condition of the track.

New York to Toronto & Montreal

Two excellent trains link New York with Montreal & Toronto every day, with inexpensive fares, comfortable reclining seats, a café car & great scenery along the Hudson River Valley.  It's a day well spent, highly recommended.  The Adirondack from New York to Montreal is run by Amtrak, the Maple Leaf from New York to Toronto is run by Amtrak whilst in the USA then by VIA Rail when in Canada.  Watch the video .  Map showing location of Niagara Falls VIA Rail & Amtrak stations & the Falls .

Update summer 2024:   The Adirondack will not run from 20 May to 9 September 2024, due to trackwork.

New York-Montreal starts at $70 in coach class. 

New York to Toronto starts at $134 in coach class or $169 in business class.

Buy tickets at www.amtrak.com or www.viarail.ca

You print your own ticket or (if booked with Amtrak) you can show it on the Amtrak app on your phone.

Tip:   The booking systems show the Maple Leaf as two separate trains either side of the Canadian border with two different train numbers.  But rest assured that it is indeed one direct train, run by Amtrak in the USA and taken over by VIA Rail when in Canada.  You get off at the border to go through border formalities, see the border controls paragraph below. 

What are the trains like?

The New York-Toronto Maple Leaf has two coach class cars with extra-legroom long-distance reclining seats which are prioritised for passengers to/from Canada, two coach class cars with regular seats & a cafe-car with a tables area, serving counter and 17 business class seats - see the photos below.  The café car accepts USD & credit cards but not CAD whilst in the USA.  Business class offers leather seats arranged 2+1 across the car width and complimentary tea, coffee or soft drinks from the cafe car, although leg room is no more generous than in the long-distance coach class cars where it is already excellent.

The New York-Montreal Adirondack has coach class seats with extra-legroom long-distance reclining seats & a cafe car.  The café car accepts USD & credit cards but not CAD whilst in the USA.

Luggage arrangements

These trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train.  There are floor-standing racks and spacious racks above all seats.  Luggage limits are far more generous than for planes, you can take one personal bag and two large bags with you, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

Border control arrangements

Northbound :  When leaving from New York Penn Station Moynihan Train Hall, you must first go to the Canada check-in desk, open an hour or two before departure.  Staff at that desk will check your ticket and passport and ask how many bags you’re taking.  They'll give you a luggage tag for each of your bags plus a boarding pass that says you've been checked in for Canada.  Lines then form for the train, one for domestic passengers and one for international passengers, the latter are allowed to board first, waved forward to the two extra-legroom long-distance coach class cars at the front of the train.  Approaching the border, the train calls at Niagara Falls USA, then rumbles slowly across the bridge over the Niagara River to Niagara Falls Canada station.  Here, all passengers get off with their luggage, enter the station building and file through Canadian border control (which is pretty painless) and re-board the train.  There's usually plenty of time for this.

Southbound:   Leaving from Montreal or Toronto, passengers bound for the USA are given numbered luggage tags for their bags whilst waiting to board, there's then a brief ticket & ID check on the platform.  At Niagara Falls USA passengers get off with their luggage, go through US border controls and re-board the train.

What's the journey like?

The most important tip of all is to get a seat on the left hand side of the train going north out of New York, right hand side going south from Canada , so you are on the side with all the Hudson River views.  These trains are all-reserved, meaning the number of passengers cannot exceed the number of seats, but you don't get a specific assigned seat.  If a group of you want to sit together, or you want seats on the left hand side, it pays to queue up early and get on first.

Historically, trains heading along the Hudson River towards Albany would have left from New York's wonderful Grand Central Station, but a connecting line opened in the early 1990s allows all Amtrak trains to use Penn Station.  The train leaves Penn station heading northwest, but shortly afterwards it turns northeast on what was originally a freight line in tunnels under the west side of Manhattan.  It emerges into daylight alongside the Hudson River, joining the line that came out of Grand Central.

Both the Maple Leaf & Adirondack then travel along the scenic Hudson River Valley with the rails often right next to the river, passing West Point Military Academy, Bannerman's Island, Storm King Mountain and other sights.  You'll even see the occasional historic lighthouse in mid-Hudson!

At Albany Rensselaer station the locomotive is changed from an electro-diesel (which can operate on electric power in the Penn Station tunnels) to a regular diesel, both Maple Leaf and Adirondack stop here long enough for you to stretch your legs on the platform. 

After leaving Albany, the Maple Leaf turns west and crosses the Hudson on a vast steel bridge with great views of the city of Albany on the left hand side on the far bank.  It then leaves the Hudson behind and starts following the Mohawk River.  Look out for the vast derelict Buffalo Central Terminal , a railroad station operational from 1929-1979, on the right hand side just before the train  reaches the current Buffalo Exchange Street station.  After calling at Niagara Falls USA, the train rumbles slowly across the bridge over the Niagara River separating the United States from Canada.  You can't see the falls themselves from the train, but can see the spray in the distance.  The train then rounds Lake Ontario into Toronto.

After leaving Albany, the Adirondack heads north through the scenic Adirondack Mountains which give the train its name.  You'll get views of Lake Champlain on the right of the train going north to Montreal, left heading south from Montreal.

Watch the video:  New York to Toronto

The rocky mountaineer.

Rocky Mountaineer trains run regularly from mid-April to mid-October on the following routes:

Other trains in Canada

Jasper - prince george - prince rupert:  the skeena.

Runs 3 times a week, departing Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays from both Jasper & Prince Rupert. 

It's an amazingly scenic 2-day journey, the train stopping overnight at Prince George so you see it all in daylight (you will need to book a hotel separately, it's not included in the fare).  Economy class seating is available all year round, 'Touring' class seating is available mid-June to late September.  There's a 'Park' lounge-observation-dome car attached at the rear, for all passengers off-season, only for Touring class passengers in peak season (June-Sept).  For times, fares & online booking, see www.viarail.ca .

Winnipeg to Churchill:  The Hudson Bay

Runs 3 times a week, to the land where the polar bears live.  See www.viarail.ca .

Toronto-North Cochrane-Moosonee (Ontario  Northland)

Long-distance train service due north out of Toronto, run by Ontario Northland, see ontarionorthland.ca .  Their Toronto to Cochrane route closed from 28 September 2012 with replacement by bus, some Cochrane to Moosonee train service seems to hvae continued.  Please check the current situation at ontarionorthland.ca .

Railpasses for Canada

CanRail passes for unlimited travel on VIA Rail in Economy Class seats were discontinued during the pandemic and have not reappeared, check with VIA at www.viarail.ca .

Even when a pass existed, you still needed to make reservations, you could not hop on and off without reserving.  And it was for seats, not sleepers.  You could make reservations online at www.viarail.ca , but you could only use your pass where an Economy or Escape fare was available, if these were sold out and the only fare available was an Economy Plus fare, you couldn't use the pass.  Although if you bought an 'Extra' type pass, you could also book Economy Plus tickets starting from the day before departure.

Europe to Canada by ship

Southampton - new york - toronto  or montreal via cunard's queen mary 2.

There are no regular direct passenger ships from the UK to Canada.  However, Cunard's superb Queen Mary 2 sails from Southampton to New York roughly once a month between April & November taking 7 nights, see the Queen Mary 2 page for details .  Once in New York, there are excellent daily trains to Toronto and Montreal, see the USA to Canada section above .

Tours across Canada by train

Custom-made tours with railbookers.

Train travel specialists Railbookers can arrange custom-made holidays to Canada including flights, hotels and a trip on the Canadian right across Canada.  They know their stuff, look after their clients well and get a lot of repeat business.

Buy Lonely Planet from Amazon.co.uk (UK) or Amazon.com (USA)

Buy Rough Guide from Amazon.co.uk (UK) or Amazon.com (USA)

Alternatively, download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

The Trans-Canada Rail Guide

Trailblazer's Trans-Canada Rail Guide is well worth buying if you're planning a trans-Canada train trip. 

It will help you plan your journey, has city information for all the major cities served by VIA & Rocky Mountaineer, and best of all it includes mile-by-mile lineside route guides showing what to see from the train on all the main VIA Rail & Rocky Mountaineer services. 

Buy online from Amazon.co.uk .

If you live in the USA, buy from Amazon.com .

Recommended hotels

In toronto:  fairmont royal york.

The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is Toronto's most famous place to stay and one of the world's classic grand hotels with over 1,000 rooms.  It started life as a railway hotel, opened by the Canadian Pacific Railway in June 1929 - at that time the tallest building in the British Empire.  Today it's easily the most convenient, comfortable and historic place to stay before or after catching a train, being directly across the road from Toronto Union Station.  I've stayed there several times now!  There's more historical information about the hotel at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairmont_Royal_York .

In Vancouver:  Fairmont Vancouver Hotel

In the centre of downtown Vancouver, next to Christ Church Cathedral and only a few blocks from the Waterfront, the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel is a former railway hotel.  It was started by Canadian National Railways but completed in partnership with rival Canadian Pacific, opened in 1939 by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.  It's another iconic Canadian chateau-style hotel, a true Vancouver landmark.  And if your budget will stretch, Fairmont won't disappoint.  If you want something a bit cheaper, try the St Regis Hotel , also excellently located downtown and also a historic Vancouver landmark, opened in 1913.

Backpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to Canada

1) check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com, 2) use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines.

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think, see www.loungepass.com

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from buy from Amazon.com .

Back to home page

• Photo Gallery
• Testimonials & Reviews
• News & Blog Posts
• Work With Us
• – Rocky Mountaineer Train Information –
• Rocky Mountaineer: Journey Through The Clouds
• Rocky Mountaineer: First Passage to the West
• Rocky Mountaineer – Rainforest to Gold Rush
• – VIA Rail Train Information –
• VIA Rail ‘The Canadian’ Train
• Hotel Information
• Rocky Mountaineer Trains
• VIA Rail Trains
• Private Tours
• Custom Tours
• Tour Add-Ons
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Current Travel Updates
• Travel Insurance
• 4 Day Tour: Rockies Passage
• 5 Day Tour: Rockies Passage Plus
• 6 Day Tour: Rockies Essentials
• 7 Day Tour: Lake Louise Explorer
• 7 Day Tour: Rockies Nostalgic
• 7 Day Return Tour: Lake Louise Escape
• 8 Day Tour: Rockies Adventurer
• 9 Day Return Tour: Rockies Circle Essentials
• 9 Day Return Tour: Train Lover’s Dream
• 10 Day Tour: Rockies Relaxer
• 12 Day Return Tour: Rockies Circle Adventurer
• 13 Day Tour: Rockies Glaciers & Gardens
• – View All –
• 7 Day Canadian Nostalgic: Vancouver to Toronto
• 7 Day Canadian Nostalgic: Toronto to Vancouver
• 7 Day Canadian Prestige: Vancouver to Toronto
• 7 Day Canadian Prestige: Toronto to Vancouver
• 12 Day Canadian Adventurer: Vancouver to Toronto
• 12 Day Canadian Adventurer: Toronto to Vancouver
• 16 Day Canadian Trip of a Lifetime: Vancouver to Halifax
• 16 Day Canadian Trip of a Lifetime: Halifax to Vancouver
• Canadian Rockies Winter Tours
• Eastern Canada Tours
• Rockies Golf Tours
• Southwest USA Tours
• – Rocky Mountaineer Train Tickets –
• Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver to Banff Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver to Jasper Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Banff to Vancouver Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Jasper to Vancouver Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Jasper, Whistler, Vancouver Train
• Submit Booking Request
• Request a Quote

Cross Canada Train

A   transformative   experience:   luxury   train   tours   across   canada.

Climbing aboard VIA Rail’s classic trains is like stepping into a golden past. Departing from the Pacific Ocean on Canada’s West Coast in Vancouver, you will travel through mountains, forests, over rivers and prairies, and along lakes across Canada to Toronto aboard our iconic The Canadian train. Continue your journey with VIA Rail on the Corridor train to historic Montreal, or even take the Ocean train along the rugged shores of the Maritime provinces and reach the Atlantic Ocean in Halifax. These trains will make the natural beauty and history of Canada real to you. Great for train enthusiasts, adventure seekers, families, and those celebrating milestone moments, travel aboard VIA Rail will deliver opportunities to see untamed wildlife, Canada’s exquisite natural wonders, hand-crafted local cuisine, and meet new friends on the train.

Have   a   Romantic   Cross   Canada   Train   Trip   for   Two

When our guests book overnight train trips, we provide rooms aboard VIA Rail’s Sleeper Plus class Cabins for Two. During the day, you’ll enjoy the scenery from the privacy of your private cabin while reclining on a seat or couch; at night, your bed will be rolled out and you’ll be rocked asleep by the gentle sway of the train. You’ll have access to a private wash closet – bathroom – sink, vanity, closet, and electrical outlets within your cabin; each railcar shares a shower room. Solo travelers have extra room in their private cabin for two to enjoy additional space to enjoy the luxury of Across Canada rail travel.

During the day you are free to wander through the train and utilize its many cars. You take meals in the dining car as you enjoy the rolling scenery, you might spend some time in the lounge listening to live music, or you might have a drink at the bar or make your way to the dome section in the Skyline car where you will be able to experience the uninterrupted landscape beneath the glass dome. Meals are included and made fresh on board meaning you always have several options to choose from and accommodations can be made for allergies or dietary restrictions.

Enhance   your   Ride   on   The   Canadian   train   with   a   Prestige   Upgrade

Guests traveling aboard The Canadian train who want to make their experience aboard VIA Rail even more special have the opportunity to upgrade to Prestige class. In Prestige, you will enjoy an upgraded, luxurious cabin, complete with a private washroom and shower, a flatscreen TV, an L-shaped couch by day and a two-person Murphy bed by night, complete with an extra-large window to enjoy the breathtaking sights of Canada’s diverse beauty. Personalized concierge service is available to you for the entirety of your trip, fresh meals will be prepared for you on board, and all drinks are complimentary. You will also enjoy access to the Prestige Park Car where you can take advantage of wine tastings and interactive talks on local history, geography and culture.

Travel with Canada Rail Vacations aboard VIA Rail can take you across mountain ranges, through rushing river gorges, across many kilometres of prairies and lakes, and through eight Canadian provinces. You’ll see British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. You’ll travel through Vancouver, Jasper, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax on your journey of a lifetime!

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

Complete Guide to Taking the Train Across Canada

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on Published: February 10, 2022  - Last updated: July 5, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back .

Wondering about taking the train across Canada? I’ve done it twice in each direction, and it truly is one of my favorite adventures of all time.

Taking the passenger train across Canada is the best way to travel through my beautiful country.

This scenic journey will take you through the Atlantic Coast, Ontario’s great lakes, the Prairies, and the stunning Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Colombia.

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, taking the train is a wonderful way to get around the country and see all the incredible landscapes.

In this guide, I’ll lay out everything you need to know about the cross-Canada train, including routes, prices, and why this experience should be on your Canada bucket list.

How I took the Train across Canada Twice (for free)

I always dreamed of a rail trip across Canada, but I could never justify it on my budget. Then, the most fortunate turn of events happened to me.

I was mid-way through my trip around the world in Vancouver for a family wedding. I wanted to spend the summer going across the country to my hometown, St. John’s , and was trying to figure out the cheapest way to get across the country by land as I was on a tight budget.

Then I got a call from VIA Rail Canada, who told me that I had won their 40th-anniversary contest! The prize was two round-trip tickets for VIA Rail across Canada train tickets. I couldn’t believe it; the timing was perfect.

Even though I had two years to use the tickets, I wanted to go almost immediately. VIA Rail was surprised at how quickly I wanted to redeem my prize, but they kindly accommodated me. Before I knew it, I was off on a VIA Train across Canada!

Canada Train Routes

You have to take two different routes to get across Canada by train.

The Canadian , the Vancouver to Toronto train (or visa versa), and the Ocean , the Montreal to Halifax train.

You can take a regular VIA Rail commuter train to get between Toronto and Montreal. They aren’t as nice but run every day, and it only takes about five hours. By Canada distances, five hours is basically next-door.

The Canadian Train from Vancouver to Toronto

The train that brings people between Vancouver and Toronto (or vice versa) is The Canadian. It starts in Toronto at Union Station or in Vancouver at Pacific Station.

Toronto and Vancouver are both lovely cities to explore while traveling in Canada .

Toronto was my home for years, and I never get bored of exploring the city with so many things to do.

If you’re looking for a nice place to stay in Toronto, check out my post about the best boutique hotels in Toronto.

Vancouver is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities, sitting at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains . It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, especially with so many options for weekend trips from Vancouver.

Check here for the best rates on accommodation in Vancouver.

During the train ride from Vancouver to Toronto, you will pass through the Canadian Rockies with stops in Kamloops, Jasper, and Edmonton – Alberta’s capital city.

The views are breathtaking along the way, passing through some of the most beautiful places in Alberta.

After leaving Alberta, you enter Saskatchewan. The train journey across Canada was my first time seeing Saskatchewan, and I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the landscapes were. The bright green endless canola fields are gorgeous in the summertime. 

From there, the Canadian train stops in Winnipeg, Sioux Lookout, and a long but beautiful journey through Northern Ontario with a stop in Sudbury before arriving in Toronto.

I loved this train route, especially the part between Vancouver and Edmonton.  

In Edmonton, they add on an extra panoramic window train cart with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, so you get the most stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

The Ocean Train from Montreal to Halifax

The train journey between Montreal and Halifax is called The Ocean. It starts at either Montreal’s Central station or Halifax, and has many stops throughout Quebec and New Brunswick.

This train route only takes 23 hours, which doesn’t give you as much time to get to know the staff and other guests compared to The Canadian .

The train they use for the Ocean route is slightly different from the Canadian. It’s a newer train, but the rooms felt smaller.

The food is excellent (yay seafood!), and the scenery is stunning—especially the section closer to Halifax that goes along the water.

I loved my experience on both trains, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the Canadian train route.

What to Expect On the Train Ride Across Canada

Accommodation on the train.

Your accommodation on the train depends on the ticket class you have. There are three tiers:

Economy.  An economy ticket will get you a regular seat on the train. However, economy passengers don’t have access to the dining/activity carts. There is a place to buy food onboard the economy section, but it’s an additional cost.

Sleeper class. All passengers in this class have access to the dining/activity cars. Plus, meals come with the sleeper class ticket, which is great because the food on the train is amazing. There are various bed options in sleeper class:

The best (and most expensive) option within the sleeper class is the one or two-bed private cabin with a bathroom.

The other sleeper class options are only semi-private. One of them is a bench seat that folds out into a bed, with a curtain to close at night. The bathroom is shared.

I also saw semi-private rooms with a similar bench/bed combo, but with a toilet inside with a lid that goes over it to turn it into another seat. Sleeping/sitting next to a toilet all day didn’t appeal to me, so I’d probably go with one of the other options.

Prestige Class: The ultimate class. The private cabins used to be first-class, but recently VIA Rail has made upgrades with new prestige carts. This is the luxury train across Canada!

The prestige rooms are soundproof, which is a massive plus because it can be noisy on the train. Inside the rooms, there is an l-shaped couch that folds out into a double bed, a large flat-screen TV, and massive windows to take in the views. And the best part – the rooms come with unlimited alcohol.

The catch? The VIA rail Prestige class price is around $10,000, and they are only available on the Toronto to Vancouver route. Unfortunately the prestige cart didn’t come as part of my prize, but VIA Rail was kind enough to let me see inside one of the prestige carts.

My prize was the two-person cabin which felt prestigious for a backpacker. It had a set of bunk beds, a sink, and a separate room with a toilet (showers are outside of the room). It’s a tight fit with two people, but I found it perfect when coming back as one person.

Another perk of prestige class is having access to an exclusive lounge. This cart is much nicer than any of the other viewing carts on the train.

After 4 pm, they allow all the other sleeper class passengers access to the prestige car. However, there are limited seats, so it’s a good idea to get there at 4 pm or even a few minutes before if you want to guarantee a seat.

The best part about the cart is that it’s at the back of the train, so you get views like this.

Amazing Scenery

The scenery is the best part of a Canada train trip. Getting to see the changing landscapes from coast to coast is an unforgettable experience. I feel lucky to come from such a beautiful and diverse country.

Some of my highlights on the train ride across Canada were passing through Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, Fraser Canyon in British Colombia, the Canola fields of Saskatchewan, the never-ending lakes and trees of Northern Ontario , and along the ocean near Halifax. All of the sunsets on the train were magical.

The best part about taking the train both ways across Canada is that you get to see parts of the country where it may have been dark before. 

For example, coming back on the Toronto to Vancouver train, we passed a beautiful stretch near the border of Manitoba and Winnipeg, which I hadn’t seen before.

The most beautiful part of the train ride is between Vancouver and Jasper. If you can only do one section of the train, this is what I’d recommend.

Incredible Food

Dining on the train tour across Canada was one of my favorite parts of the experience.  I wasn’t expecting much, but the food was incredible.  They serve you three meals a day and do not skip out on quantity or quality.

At each meal, you get a menu with four options. Some examples of the entrees we ate included veal, braised lamb, duck, and salmon, and they always have one vegetarian option on the menu.

They tailor the menu to the region you’re traveling through in Canada, adding to the experience. Expect great beef through Alberta and fantastic seafood on the East Coast.

Dessert comes with lunch and supper, which almost felt cruel because the desserts are SO GOOD. Like millions of decadent calorie good. Train calories don’t count, right?

They also provide snacks on the activity cart 24 hours a day, including fruit, pastries, juice, and water. You likely won’t get hungry between meals because the food is filling, and being on the train is a pretty sedentary activity. I actually gained several pounds on the train!

Activities on the train across Canada East to West

The staff at VIA Rail are fantastic. They go above and beyond to make sure you have a great experience.

There are two activity carts on the train where the staff will do onboard activities, many of which are alcohol-related.

When you depart from Vancouver, Toronto, and Jasper, the staff organize a champagne departure toast (Pro tip: you can get seconds or thirds. Just ask).

They also have daily beer and or wine tastings where you can get a chance to sample local brews. There is also a paid bar on the train, but it’s not the cheapest. A beer is $10 CAD.

In the activity carts, there are board games and cards to play. Sometimes they play movies or host trivia and bingo games with prizes of Canadian souvenirs. Not going to lie; I got pretty into bingo on the train.

Sometimes they have live entertainment on the train in the activity carts. If you are an artist, you can apply to VIA Rail as a performer.

If you get accepted, you’ll get free accommodation and food in exchange for performing a few sessions on the train. What a great opportunity for traveling artists!

Admiring the beautiful scenery along the train ride is the best way to spend time. One thing I loved about the train ride is that the staff will come on the intercom and give visitors information about any points of interest you pass through.

They even slow down for scenic spots, like Pyramid falls in Alberta

Wi-Fi on the Canada train

There is no Wi-Fi on the Canadian train, and there are many points where your cell phone reception won’t work.

During the stretch through Northern Ontario, I didn’t have any signal for about 24 hours. You will have plenty to see and do during the day, but it’s a good idea to bring some entertainment for nighttime after dinner.

I recommend a Kindle E-reader  with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription, which gives you access to 1 million titles for just $9.99 a month. As a frequent traveler, I love having the Kindle unlimited subscription since it gives me access to so many books for less than the cost of one.

There was Wi-Fi advertised on the Montreal to Halifax train, but I couldn’t get it to work for me. Nevertheless, the train is the perfect way to detox from life – so make sure to bring a good book and enjoy the ride!

How long does it take traveling across Canada by train?

To go from Vancouver to Halifax, you can expect to be on the train for five to six days.

The Vancouver to Toronto train is three nights/four days, and the train from Montreal to Halifax is one full day (24 hours). The commuter train between Montreal and Toronto takes about five hours.

Delays on the train are common because the Canadian National Railway owns the railway tracks, and VIA Rail rents the use of them.

Since there is only one track, CN Railway has the right of way, and therefore VIA Rail has to stop to get out of the way when a freight train is coming.

They don’t know how much freight traffic there will be, so delays are common. On my first trip across the train from Vancouver to Toronto, we were 12 hours delayed by the scheduled time.

However, in November 2018, they updated the schedule to more accurately reflect how long it will take.

When I came back on the train from Toronto to Vancouver the new times were in effect, and we were right on schedule. Just prepare yourself to frequently stop because of freight traffic and that a delay can still occur. VIA Rail Canada doesn’t advise booking any onward travel the same day as scheduled to arrive.

You can view the most recent train schedule times on the VIA Rail Website.

Can you get off at stops?

Presuming the train is on schedule, they allow you to get off at some stops. Unfortunately, because we got so delayed on the train from Vancouver to Toronto, we only had time for quick 10-minute stops.

However, coming back West from Toronto to Vancouver, we had longer stops. The two main stops on the train ride from Toronto to Vancouver are a two-hour stop in Winnipeg and a three-hour stop in Jasper.

Both train stops are in great locations for exploring. The train stop in Winnipeg is centrally located, and they even make arrangements with a tour guide that will meet you at the station for a sightseeing tour of the downtown area for an additional $10.

Jasper is a small town, and the train station is right off the main strip, so you will have time to explore the charming downtown area of Jasper .

You can even head into some nearby trails in Jasper National Park if you feel like a hike. If you can, I suggest getting off at Jasper and spending a few nights . It’s one of my favorite places in the world.

Best time to take a train ride through Canada

The train across Canada runs year-round, and there’s no “perfect” time to take it. All the seasons have pros and cons.

I love summer, so taking the train in June/August was perfect for me. I loved the sunny days and long nights, allowing lots of time to soak in the scenery.

On the other hand, taking the train during winter would be a pretty magical experience. Imagine seeing the snow-covered mountains while being warm and cozy inside the train. But you’d need to bring warm winter clothes with you!

Then you have autumn when the leaves are changing color. One of the staff members told me this was their favorite time to be on the train, and I can imagine why.

One of the best parts about Canada is that we experience all four seasons, so pick your favorite one and take the train then!

Cross Canada Train Ride Cost

Taking the train in Canada is not the cheapest thing to do, but there are ways to make it work even on a budget.

The sleeper train across Canada cost varies significantly between economy, sleeper, and prestige class. Economy is the cheapest but has the fewest amenities.

I haven’t taken the train in economy class, so I can’t speak too much about it, but I know others who have said they enjoyed the experience. You get the same scenery, and it’s easier to meet people since you’re all on the same cart.

Check the VIA Rail website for the most recent prices. They frequently have sales, so it’s good to keep your eyes out (and for contests)! Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to buy train tickets.

Downsides of Cross Canada train trips

While taking a train across Canada is a magical experience, there are some downsides.

It isn’t a quick way to travel across Canada. If you’ve got limited vacation time and want to see a lot of the country, flying may be a better option.

The reality is that Canada is a massive country, and it takes a long time to get between places. The train is also prone to delays, so if you’ve got a tight schedule, it may not be the best option.

My biggest pet peeve with the train is that it doesn’t truly go across Canada because Newfoundland isn’t part of the train route. This is no fault to VIA Rail, the Toronto to Newfoundland train stopped working years ago due to a foolish decision by the government.

If you want to experience all of Canada, then you’ll have to include Newfoundland on your itinerary because it’s unlike anywhere else in the country.

The best way to visit Newfoundland after taking the train cross Canada is to rent a car in Halifax, spend a few nights , and then go on an East Coast Canada road trip.

From Halifax, you can drive to Cape Breton Island (which is home to one of Canada’s most scenic road trip s). And from Sydney, Cape Breton , there is a ferry that goes to Newfoundland.

The shorter ferry option is to go to Port Aux Basque, which is on the West coast of Newfoundland. This is a great place to start your trip if you want to visit Gros Morne National Park , just three hours away. From there, you can drive through Central Newfoundland all the way to St. John’s.

Tips for a Train Trip Across Canada

• Book on Tuesday. VIA Rail has the cheapest offers posted on Tuesdays, so wait to book then. They also run promotions frequently, so keep an eye out for deals.
• Pack light! The cabins are cozy so there won’t be much room for extra luggage. We shared a two-bed cabin with a 75L backpacking bag each and managed, but there wasn’t much additional space.
• Expect delays. Although the train times are updated, delays are still prevalent due to the unpredictably on the freight trains.
• Don’t book onward travel for the same day of arrival in case of delays . Instead, spend a couple of days exploring these amazing Canadian cities
• Be prepared to disconnect. The train does not come equipped with Wi-Fi, and there are large parts of the journey where your cell phone won’t work. Embrace this time and enjoy the views!

Facts about Canada

Canada has two official languages – English and French. English is widely spoken throughout the country, but French is the main language in Quebec. 

Visa requirements: Many countries, including the United States and those within the EU, can enter Canada for six months without a visa.

Consult the Government of Canada website to see what your country’s requirements are. An electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)  is required for all visa-free travelers except Americans. It cost $7, and you can apply online.

Staying Connected – Canada has some of the worst cellular data rates in the world. The cheapest plans are with low-cost carriers like Sprint, but the service will be spotty outside of major cities. Bell, Rogers, and Telus/Koodo are the three main carriers that provide coverage across the country. The easiest and cheapest way to get data in Canada is to get an eSIM from one of these providers.

Arriving in Canada

Flying:  Canada has 17 international airports, with the biggest being Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).

If you are flying from another country you will likely land in one of these airports and connect to the other provinces via a regional flight, although sometimes you can get a direct international flight.

Land:  Canada shares the world’s largest unmanned border with the United States. There are several points of entry in each province. Road-tripping is one of the best ways to visit Canada.

By Boat:  Canada is connected to both the Atlantic and Pacific ocean as well as some of the biggest lakes in the world. Thousands of cruises come here every year. There are port authorities in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and British Colombia. 

Safety and solo travel in Canada

One of the best parts about traveling to Canada, especially for solo female travelers, is that it is incredibly safe! Canada ranks six on the Global Peace Index , making it one of the safest countries in the world to visit.

Canadians have a reputation for being some of the friendliest people in the world, and I like to believe this is true (I’ve also been told it is by many people).

We LOVE to help people, so if you’re lost or have a question, don’t be afraid to ask. Locals are friendly and love to chat. If you ask a local a question in Newfoundland, you’ll probably end up having your ear talked off and then be invited in for a cup of tea (which is perfectly safe to do).

It’s easy to meet people in Canada, making it a great country for solo travelers. 

Other Canadian Train Trips

There is another Canadian train trip you can take called the Rocky Mountaineer.

It’s a separate train with three rail routes through the Rocky Mountains in British Colombia and Alberta, including stops in Banff National Park , Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park. I haven’t had a chance to take this train yet, but it’s definitely on my bucket list.

How long does a trip across Canada by train?

What is the best train trip in canada.

The Canadian train, which goes from Vancouver to Toronto, is the best way to travel across Canada. You’ll get a taste of all the diverse landscapes in Canada, from the rocky mountains of the west to the great lakes of Ontario.

Is there a train that goes across Canada?

Does via rail go across Canada? Almost! There is a train that goes from Vancouver to Toronto and a train from Montreal to Halifax, but there is no train to Newfoundland from Toronto.

I loved my experience taking the cross Canada train. I can’t thank VIA Rail enough for this incredible opportunity; it made my entire year! It’s one of the best ways to see the diverse landscapes of this country without having to worry about driving.

Have you taken the train in Canada before? Or do you have a similar train route in your own home country? Let me know in the comments below!

Like it? Pin it for later!

Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your article Lora was very helpful. We are looking forward to a train trip Toronto to Vancouver in the near future we spend three months in Pv. ourselves January, February, and March.

I helped too much to understand a little about the Canadian Rail system. thanks!

Where do you find the promotions? On what website?

The VIA Rail website

Hi Lora, Great descriptions of the VIA, got a good visual. Do you happen to know how I get get current info on the Canadian VIA? Such as, do they have the activity Cart with the COVID precautions? Your article may have changed my mind and I just might just take this adventure in the fall.

Hi Carolyn,

I’m glad you liked the article! On the VIA Rail website, they list the current COVID precautions: https://www.viarail.ca/en/plan/preventives-mesures-covid-19

I don’t see anything specific about the activity cart, so I would imagine it’s still happening with masks – but since I haven’t taken the train during COIVD, I can’t be 100% sure that’s correct!

[…] cars. For those who were waiting for the perfect picture, this is just the place to take it. Click here to learn more about this […]

[…] you’re travelling across Canada, check out this awesome train across Canada […]

Hey Lora Thanks for the insight on your train experience. Beautiful pictures. And helpful information. Ive took the train a few times to the east coast. But never saw the west as would be different for me. I’ve always loved the idea of being on a train. Hope to do this adventure soon

Glad you found it helpful! I hope you can do the train journey soon, it’s amazing!

Thanks for sharing this great travel story.

Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed!

[…] national parks. If you're doing a road trip along the world-famous Icefields Parkway or taking the train across Canada, it makes for a perfect […]

Hi Lora, It’s a great read! Couple years ago I wanted to do the same trip, but I couldn’t! Hopefully one day I will, it looks so amazing!!!

I tried to pin this post, however when I click on the Pinterest button, the 2 pin images you share for pinning aren’t working. I mean I don’t see them as ones I can pin, I can only pin some other images that are not optimized for Pinterest. Have you had this problem yourself?

Thanks so much, I hope you can do the train trip someday! I just checked the post and when I clicked the Pinterest button it brought up all the images, including the pins. It may be because the page wasn’t fully loaded when you tried, as the pins are at the bottom so this would be the last thing to load. But if you scroll down to them you should be able to pin from there!

I have yet to go cross Canada by rail(Looking at doing it 2020), but I have done several long distance Amtrak routes. I have done Boston-Sacramento I have also done Seattle-Hartford CT

Those must have been amazing! Definitely recommend doing Canada!

Sounds marvelous, overnight train travel seems so luxurious. I am happy to hear that the food was great and I love the panoramic viewing carts! I fear only getting to see the scenery passing by and not having the chance to get out and hike through it or spend more time in it would be too much of a tease for me to handle but there is only one way to find out. Thanks for the informative post and glad to hear you enjoyed your trip so much! (P.S. Why are so many train stations called Union Station?)

Glad you enjoyed the post! You could always book separate train tickets so you have time to go out and explore. For example, take the train from Vancouver to Jasper, stay for a few days to explore the mountains, and then take another train from Jasper to Toronto. I’m the same way, I have to get out and explore the area. Especially in the rocky mountains, it’s just stunning and there’s so much great hiking there!

Hello Lora, Happy to found this awesome and informative blog. This is the best touring post of outdoor activity. The natural beauty is fine and the internal bus environment is not bad. It is very interesting, there have a separate sink and toilet facility. thanks again share with me more.

What an amazing opportunity! It sounds like an awesome trip. One I’ve always wanted to do (at least the Edmonton-Vancouver route) but the price has always stopped me (as you mentioned is a problem). It’s nice hearing about a trip from someone who actually did it, rather than just reading about it on the via rail website.

So glad it was helpful! The Edmonton-Vancouver route is definitely the best part about the trip if you do decide to do it! I think that part goes on promotion with via rail sometimes too so hopefully you could get it at a decent price!

The Canadian Pacific Railway

The historic Canadian Pacific Railway is more than 130 years old. This iconic train line traverses the Canadian Rockies and sweeping prairie fields. Built between 1881 and 1886, the railway connects Canada from coast to coast.

Table of contents

Canadian pacific railway history and timeline, quick facts about the canadian pacific railway, canadian pacific railway routes and maps, train experiences on the canadian pacific railway, popular canadian pacific railway hotels, places to visit along the canadian pacific railway, popular canadian pacific railway tours, frequently asked questions.

Today, there are several ways to experience Canadian Pacific Railway routes . Travel through Canada's varied landscapes, enjoy gourmet meals and watch for wildlife. It's a once-in-a-lifetime train journey that's as unspoiled and timeless as it was in 1886.

Since 1996, Canadian Train Vacations have been sending travellers on memorable train trips. We specialize in train tours in Canada and only in Canada. We work with you to create the perfect itinerary, where you decide on tours, hotels, train service, and more. Schedule a call with one of our travel experts and let us help you plan your Canadian Pacific Railway vacation.

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

• Canada's growth was guided by these steel tracks laid almost a century and a half ago. Moments in Canadian Pacific Railroad history include: 
• 1871 : British Columbia enters Confederation and requests a transcontinental railway. It would not be cheap, but Prime Minister John A. Macdonald sees the value in connecting the nation from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 
• 1873 : Production stalls after Alexander Mackenzie takes power. He believes the railway is a waste of money, but BC threatens to succeed if it's not built. 
• 1873-1878 : This time is known as the 'Battle of the Routes'. There were arguments over what the best route would be through the mountainous terrain of Alberta and British Columbia. 
• 1878 : John A. Macdonald is back in power, and the Canadian Pacific Railway is now a top priority for the country. 
• 1882 : William Van Horne is appointed as the leader of the CPR project. He would complete the project in five years — much faster than planned. 
• 1885 : This massive cross-country construction project was completed. The historic Last Spike was driven in by Donald Smith.
• This route was not easy to build. Railway workers had to face many hardships. Obstacles included forest fires, grizzly bears and swathes of seemingly impenetrable forests. 
• Several elegant hotels were built, including Banff Springs Hotel and the Jasper Park Lodge, along the railway route during the late 19th and early 20th century to promote tourism. 
• The railway played an important part in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. It allowed soldiers to get from Ontario and Quebec to the Prairies in only ten days. 
• The railway was also to thank for the discovery of natural gas in Alberta. In 1886, gas was found when construction crews were digging a well to get water for the steam locomotives in Alderson, Alberta. 

Glide down the rails on a Canadian Pacific Railway train and travel along the same route as the early settlers of Canada. Our Canadian Pacific rail maps show you where you can go. 

Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver to the Rockies 

The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train running between British Columbia and Alberta. From Vancouver, the train follows three different routes. It stops at the towns in the Rockies: Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise. Journeys include an overnight stay in Kamloops, Quesnel or Whistler, depending on the route. 

Rocky Mountaineer runs from mid-April to mid-October . 

Explore: Rocky Mountaineer Train Trips

#1 Travel tip: Enrich your vacation with themed reading

There are many great non-fiction books and novels about the Canadian Railway. Pierre Berton's The National Dream is an option for history buffs, while Suzanne Mayr's The Sleeping Car Porter is perfect for fans of literary fiction.

The Canadian Train, Vancouver to Toronto 

The Canadian train was the flagship of the Canadian Pacific Rail line when it began service in 1955. The train operates between Toronto and Vancouver, making stops at major cities and small towns. Travellers can enjoy the entire four-night train ride or choose a section of this route. Jasper and Winnipeg are popular stops. 

The Canadian train runs year-round .

These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure. 

Rocky Mountaineer, daylight train 

The Rocky Mountaineer Train offers a luxury sightseeing experience through the Canadian Rockies. Since the train only moves during daylight, you won't miss any scenery. The train has glass-dome coaches, an outdoor viewing area, and large windows.

VIA Rail Train 

VIA Rail is Canada's national passenger rail service. There are different train routes, including The Canadian, The Ocean, and The Corridor. You can travel from the west coast to the east coast on VIA Rail and pass through the prairie provinces. Some trains have overnight sleeper cabins.

Sleeper Train

The Canadian (Toronto <> Vancouver) is one of the VIA Rail routes with sleeper class. In Sleeper Plus Class, you can fall asleep easily in your own berth or private cabin. The Canadian train has a variety of services, including meals served in the dining car. Some Sleeper trains have panoramic viewing cars and lounge areas, so you can enjoy the views as you travel across the country.

Explore: Canadian Train Trips with Sleeper Accommodation  

Fairmont Banff Springs 

Built in 1888, the Banff Springs hotel was one of the grand Canadian Pacific railway hotels. This hotel helped put the Canadian Rockies on the map as a tourist destination. The elegant building, which has the grandeur of a castle, sits above Bow Falls and is only a short walk away from the resort town of Banff.

Banff Springs Golf Course : This luxury golf course is within one of the most spectacular locations in the world. Designed by Canadian architect Stanley Thompson, the golf course exists in harmony with the natural contours of the mountains. With such dazzling views of snow-capped peaks all around you, it might be hard to concentrate on the game! 

Dining : The hotel has several excellent dining options with incredible views. Options include 1888 Chop House and Waldhaus Restaurant. 

Luxury amenities : 

• A fitness centre with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. 
• Massage services, ideal for post-hiking sore muscles. 
• Tennis courts, bowling, a skating rink, ski storage and a games room. 
• Coffee makers, hair dryers and stunning views in every room. 

#2 Travel tip: Stay at a historic proporty

In addition to riding along the original tracks, you can stay at an iconic railway hotel, such as the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Fairmont Royal York.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge 

The elegant Jasper Park Lodge opened in 1922 as a challenger to the Banff Springs Hotel. The lodge has hosted many celebrities — including Marilyn Monroe and Bing Crosby — and is also well-loved by the Royal Family. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited in 1939, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip in 2005.

Jasper Park Golf Course : Stanley Thompson also designed the Jasper Park Golf Course. It is a challenging 18-hole par 71 course that meanders alongside glacial lakes through a wildlife corridor where elk and caribou roam. Considered Canada's number one Golf Resort, it's a must-play course for any golf enthusiast. 

Dining : There are several restaurants, including Nook Smokehouse, Oka Sushi and ORSO Trattoria. 

• The Fairmont Jasper Park Spa, where you can rejuvenate. 
• A ski shuttle takes you straight to the slopes. 
• An outdoor pool, perfect for those hot summer days. 
• An arcade and games room. 
• Ice skating, mountain biking, horse riding, snowshoeing and other activities.

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

Since Canada was built along the country's rail system, most major cities and remote communities are accessible by train. 

Vancouver, British Columbia 

Endless mountain and ocean views. That's what you can expect from the west coast city of Vancouver. The city has a mild climate, making it the perfect year-round destination. You can go hiking in old-growth forests and cycling along the sea wall. During the winter, visit one of the three local ski hills that lie a short distance from the city centre.

Jasper, Alberta 

Jasper is a charming small town within the Canadian Rockies' largest national park. There are many ways to explore the 11,000 square kilometres of Jasper National Park. You can try ice climbing, alpine hiking, or rafting. For a more laid-back experience, enjoy a wildlife viewing tour or spa treatment.

Banff, Alberta

Established in 1885, the townsite of Banff is the hub of Banff National Park. Banff is a lively mountain town with plenty of restaurants, shops, nightlife venues and museums. Nearby, there are lakes, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks to explore. 

Whistler, British Columbia 

Whistler is a resort town in the Coast Mountains, a two-hour drive from Vancouver. Whistler's incredible alpine terrain provides excellent winter and summer sports opportunities. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains is open throughout the year. Whistler has world-class restaurants, spas and golf courses, too. 

Lake Louise, Alberta 

In the heart of the Rockies lies the hamlet of Lake Louise. Millions of visitors come to the area to see the turquoise lake (of the same name) and the Victoria Glacier. When temperatures drop, the lake freezes and creates a beautiful ice rink. 

Winnipeg, Manitoba 

Winnipeg, a sophisticated metropolis rising out of the prairies, will surprise you. It has a thriving dining scene, excellent museums, theatre, comedy and music. Major tourist attractions include the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and The Forks National Historic Site.

Toronto, Ontario 

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the capital of Ontario. It's one of the world's most multicultural cities, with over 200 ethnicities represented. You can see famous landmarks, including the CN Tower and Casa Loma, cruise past the Toronto Islands, and stroll through the vibrant neighbourhoods.

Canada Coast to Coast  

Five rail journeys are in this itinerary, making it the ultimate trans-Canada vacation! Spend 19 days travelling from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast, and stop to enjoy authentic local experiences along the way. 

Miles covered on train : 3,240 

Days on train : 5 

Nights on train : 4 

Essential Rockies by Rail  

Our Essential Rockies itinerary is perfect for those with limited vacation time. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer from the city of Vancouver to beautiful Lake Louise, and spend time in the mountain town of Banff. 

Miles covered on train : 594 

Days on train : 2 

Nights on train : N/A 

Across Canada by Train  

Follow the Canadian Pacific Railway across Canada on this 13-day train tour. This is one of our Canadian Pacific Railway vacations that features both a VIA Rail sleeper train and a Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing train. 

Miles covered on train : 2,458 

Nights on train : 3

Download a brochure

Get inspired with sample itineraries, train information, route maps, and travel advice from our local experts.

What Our Customers Say

The trip was amazing.

It's difficult to know where to start. The trip was amazing! The hosts on the Rocky Mountaineer, both upstairs and downstairs in the dining room, were wonderful! Very attentive and...   read more

Milly and Tom

Your knowledge and guidance was invaluable

The Rocky Mountaineer was SPECTACULAR! We couldn't have been more pleased with everything and everyone associated with the Mountaineer. We are so delighted we selected the Silver S...   read more

Ron and Joan

The trip was just what we wanted

The trip was just what we wanted. The perfect blend of leisure and activity time, all in a fantastic setting. The dog sledding was a highlight for us. Fresh Tracks were VERY helpfu...   read more

Why book with Canadian Train Vacations?

We take care of all the details

You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.

Independent travel with expert support

Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

Why was the Canadian Pacific Railway built?

Who built the canadian pacific railway, what did the canadian pacific railway symbolize, where does the canadian pacific railway start and end, how long is the canadian pacific railway, how much does it cost to ride the canadian pacific railway.

About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and...   Read more

Explore More Tours

Explore VIA Rail

Rocky Mountaineer trips

Tours for Seniors

Explore Rockies trains

East Coast train tours

West Coast train trips

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

Or call us toll free

Current promotions

Sign up for special offers, monthly Canadian Insider tips, and vacation inspiration.

By submitting this form, you agree to our collection and use of your personal data as detailed in our Privacy Policy . Your information will be used to process your request and improve our services.