5 Best Canadian Sleeper Train Trips (2024)

Table of contents

• Top 5 Canadian Train Trips with Sleeper Accommodations
• Canadian Trains with Sleeper Cars
• Types of Sleeper Trains in Canada
• Comparison: Sleeper Train Service Levels
• Planning Your Luxury Sleeper Train Adventure
• Places to visit by Sleeper Trains
• Frequently Asked Questions

There's something special about sleeping on the train. Stretch out in your soft, plush bed in your private cabin and let the gentle rocking of the car lull you into a deep sleep. Depending on the train, your cabin will either have separate beds, or sofa that will be folded down into a luxurious bed for two at night.

At Canadian Train Vacations, we create personalized trips to Canada. Our travel experts have slept on many trains across the country. If you have any questions about Canadian train trips with sleeper accommodations, cost, destinations or options, please get in touch. We’d love to answer your questions.

Vancouver to Toronto Train Tour

Looking for a Canadian train tour with sleeper cars? Travel on VIA Rail’s The Canadian sleeper train from Toronto all the way to Jasper. This train has several sleeper options. Watch as the scenery dramatically changes across Canada. You’ll start in the Canadian Shield. Then move through the expanse of the prairies, before exploring the sky-grazing Rocky Mountains. You’ll then take the Rocky Mountaineer, the daylight train, from Banff to Vancouver.

Miles covered on train: 2,775

Days on train: 5

Nights on train: 3

Canadian Rockies Voyage by Train

Ride a Rocky Mountain sleeper train on the overnight trip from Jasper to Vancouver on VIA Rail. This is an ideal sleeper vacation for people wanting to try a sleeper train but not wanting to spend days on board. You’ll also have time to explore the Canadian Rockies and explore the Icefields Parkway.

Miles covered on train: 532

Days on train: 1

Nights on train: 1

The Canadian Prestige Journey

This is the ultimate trip for travellers wanting a luxury sleeper train across Canada. Enjoy a private modern cabin in VIA’s top-of-the-line Prestige Class on The Canadian. You’ll travel between Toronto and Vancouver, seeing all of the country’s top sites, and also have time to discover Banff and Jasper.

Miles covered on train: 2,740 miles

Days on train: 4

Nights on train: 4

Canada Coast to Coast by Train

Experience two different Canadian sleeper trains on this tour from Halifax to Vancouver. You’ll sleep on VIA’s Ocean and Canadian routes, and will also have time on the daylight train, the Rocky Mountaineer. If you only get to Canada once, this will take you from coast to coast, immersing you in the country.

Miles covered on train: 3,561 miles

Days on train: 6

Nights on train: 4

Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland

Also known as the “Snow Train,” this cozy winter trip takes you on the sleeper train between Vancouver and Jasper. As active or as relaxing a vacation as you like, add-on activities include wildlife tours, snow shoeing, wine tastings and more.

Miles covered on train: 532 miles

Days on train: 1

Nights on train: 1

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

Canadian Trains with Sleeper Cars

There are two VIA Rail routes in Canada where you can travel overnight on the train. Both these Canadian sleeper trains are available all year long. Travel across Canada between Vancouver to Toronto on the Canadian Train or visit the east coast of Canada and travel overnight on the Ocean Train from Montreal to Halifax.

The Canadian is equipped with special panoramic viewing cars to provide you with the best view of the scenery day or night.

Onboard these trains, the main level of service is Sleeper Plus Class, which has different sleeper options. On the Canadian route passengers can also upgrade to Prestige Class for a higher level of luxury.

VIA Rail’s The Canadian

Discover how big and beautiful Canada is on The Canadian. This is a great way to see the country if you’re only visiting Canada once. Travelling from Toronto to Vancouver, the Canadian carries you from the forests of Ontario, through the sweeping fields of the Prairies and past the dramatic snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Ask your Canadian Train Vacation advisor about getting off the train for four days in Jasper.

VIA Rail’s The Ocean

Onboard the Ocean Train you'll experience the East Coast of Canada. This route takes you through Quebec and the seascapes of the Canadian Maritime Province of Nova Scotia before reaching your final destination of Halifax. As you relax onboard, you'll see tiny communities along your route, representing French Canadian, Acadian, Celtic and English heritage.

Types of Sleeper Trains in Canada

Sleeper Plus Class: Semi-Private Berth

In the daytime, you get a couch like seat which faces another passenger. At night the space converts into an upper and lower bunk. The upper berth does require using a ladder. There is access to a shared shower.

Sleeper Plus Class: Sleeper Cabin for One

This small private cabin features a pull-out bed. There is a toilet and sink, but the bed covers the toilet at night. There is access to a shared shower.

Sleeper Plus Class: Sleeper Cabin for Two

These typically include bunk-style beds. With comfortable armchairs that converts to the lower bed in the evenings, travel with complete comfort and privacy. Each cabin has its own private washroom, with toilet and sink.

Prestige Class: Sleeper Cabin Suite

The Prestige Sleeper cabin is 50% larger than the cabin for two in Sleeper Plus class. It features an extra-large window and has its own private washroom with shower. A modular leather L-shaped couch transforms at night into a Murphy bed for two facing the window.

Comparison: Sleeper Train Service Levels

Sleeper Plus Class

• Three different styles: berths (lower or upper), a cabin for one or a cabin for two. Two cabins for two can be joined to create larger units for four.
• Typically include bunk-style beds. With a comfortable armchair that converts to a bed in the evenings.
• Cabins have a private toilet. The cabin for one has a toilet hidden under a chair, while the cabin for two has a separate toilet.
• On the Canadian Train, sleeper plus passengers have access to a shared in-car shower.
• Meals in the dining car are included, and complimentary fruits and cookies in the lounge cars between meals
• . Priority boarding and access to the station lounges in Vancouver/Toronto.
  Access to the Panorama and Skyline on the Canadian Train.

Prestige Class

• Luxury sleeper train across Canada, only available on VIA Rail’s Canadian Train from Toronto to Vancouver.
• All-inclusive service: all meals, pre-dining appetizers, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• An exclusive concierge service tends to your every need and provides a turndown service every night.
• Reserved seating in the Panorama and Prestige Park Cars.
• The Prestige Sleeper cabin is 50 per cent larger than the cabin for two in Sleeper Plus class, with an extra-large window.
• Private washroom with shower.
• A modular leather L-shaped couch transforms into a Murphy bed for two facing the window.

The best time to embark on a luxury sleeper train across Canada depends on what you hope to experience. Spring and summer offer vibrant landscapes, with lush greenery and blooming flowers, while autumn showcases Canada's famous foliage in stunning shades of red and gold. Winter, though colder, provides a serene and snowy backdrop that transforms the scenery into a winter wonderland. Consider the pros and cons of each season in terms of scenery and passenger volume. Summer tends to be busier, while fall and winter offer a quieter, more intimate travel experience.

The available activities and excursions will also depend on the season. If you want to do something like dog-sledding in the Rockies (December through March) or whale watching on the West Coast (best in May through September), you’ll have to plan accordingly.

Packing for a luxury sleeper train trip in Canada requires some thoughtful preparation. Here’s a tailored packing list to ensure you have everything you need:

• Comfortable Clothing: Bring casual, comfortable attire for daytime wear. The trains in Canada are fairly casual though some people do change for supper.
• Layered Clothing: The weather can change quickly, especially when traveling through the Canadian Rockies. Pack layers to adjust to different temperatures.
• Personal Toiletries: While Prestige class cabins provide essentials, your favorite toiletries can add a personal touch of comfort.
• Entertainment: Bring books, magazines, or download movies and music for downtime in your cabin.
• Camera: The scenic vistas you'll encounter are worth capturing, so a good camera is a must.
  Travel Documents: Ensure you have your tickets, identification, and any other necessary travel documents handy.

Places to visit by Sleeper Trains

Canada was built along the historic Canadian Rail system, so it makes sense that many major Canadian cities are easily accessible by train. With train stations often centrally located within these cosmopolitan cities or remote towns, it is easy to explore the best of Canada by train.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a delightfully liveable city throughout the year, but it really shines in the summertime. You'll have the best of both worlds — the culture, dining and shopping of a world class metropolis and mountains and hiking trails right on the doorstep. The climate of Vancouver is also ideal in the summer — not too cold, but also not scorching hot. It's just the right temperature to treat yourself to some ice cream as you wander around the city.

Jasper

This small mountain town at the centre of Jasper National Park offers visitors a laid-back mountain experience – with lots of options for adventure, discovery or relaxation. While we recommend visiting any time of year, it’s truly magical in winter, which is why it is part of our Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland sleeper train vacation.

Banff

The town of Banff, established in 1885, is the hub of Banff National Park. A lively mountain town with great restaurants, Banff is a welcome change of pace. Enjoy strolling Banff Avenue or try one of the numerous outdoor adventures offered in this outdoor playground. Banff was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for the mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls.

Lake Louise

The quaint hamlet in the heart of the Rockies is named after the nearby lake. Known for its sparkling turquoise blue waters and impressive glacier-clad peaks, Lake Louise offers a surreal paddling experience in the warm summer months and one of the most scenic skating rinks in the world in winter. It’s a must-do on any of our train packages to the Rockies.

Montreal

The French-speaking city of Montréal is located on island in the Saint Lawrence River and named after Mt. Royal. Its 19 boroughs, many of which were once independent cities, include neighbourhoods such as French colonial Vieux-Montréal – with imposing Notre-Dame Basilica at its center – to industrial Sud-Ouest and artist-friendly Plateau. Speak to your Canadian Train Vacations travel advisor about adding a few days in the city to your trip to Eastern Canada.

Quebec

The tiny cobblestone streets, steep hills and welcoming squares of this European-esque city are a delight to explore under blue summer skies. Once you have had your fill of the quaint, French-Canadian charm after wandering through the streets, you can head to the The Baie de Beauport, the city's beach. Watch the locals play beach volleyball as the sunlight sparkles on the water.

Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and is a cultural hub. There are great neighbourhoods, wonderful restaurants, bars and museums, Broadway shows, concerts and galleries. Along with landmarks, such as the CN Tower, Rogers Centre (better known as the Skydome), you’ll want to discover its hidden gems. Walk its vibrant, quirky neighbourhoods that reflect the incredible diversity of Canada's population. Niagara Falls is also an easy day trip from Toronto and a must-do if you’re only getting to this area once.

Halifax

Halifax is the largest port in Canada's Maritime Provinces. Stroll along the cobbled streets exploring galleries and shops and dine out on fresh lobster on your visit.

The city’s ties to the sea and the Celtic people are evident in the dialect of the locals, the songs and fiddle music played in the pubs, and the wonderful maritime museum on the harbourfront. Talk to your Canadian Train Vacation Advisor about a day trip to explore Cape Breton and to Peggy’s Cove, one of Canada’s iconic destinations.

Churchill

Located on the edge of the Arctic, Churchill offers the feel of a rugged frontier town with all the amenities of an international tourist destination. Known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, visitors flock to Churchill in October and November to view polar bears in the wild, and again in June and July to watch beluga whales in the Churchill River. The sleeper train to Churchill from Winnipeg is a truly unique opportunity to meet the locals — and maybe even see the Northern Lights.

Check Out: Northern Lights Train Trip Vacation

Ottawa

Immerse yourself in Canadian culture in the capital city of Ottawa. Take a walking tour of the Gothic Parliament buildings and the downtown core, a vibrant mix of neighbourhoods at the confluence of three rivers. This city offers something special at every time of year. There’s a multitude of festivals in Summer, stunning Fall colours, skating on the Rideau Canal in Winter, and the world-famous tulip festival in Spring.

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert