VIA Rail & Domestic Flights
Canada has a national train network with VIA Rail, which, although slower than flying, offers an unforgettable experience on certain routes.
VIA Rail — Important Routes
| Route | Duration | Price (from, Economy) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto → Montréal | 5h | 45–90 CAD | Comfortable alternative to flying |
| Toronto → Ottawa | 4.5h | 40–80 CAD | Through Ontario landscape |
| Montréal → Québec City | 3.5h | 35–70 CAD | Along the St. Lawrence River |
| The Canadian: Toronto → Vancouver | 4 days! | from 600 CAD (seat) / from 2,500 CAD (sleeper) | One of the world's most legendary train journeys — through the prairies, over the Rockies, 4,466 km of adventure |
| The Ocean: Montréal → Halifax | 22h | from 150 CAD | Through New Brunswick to the Atlantic |
The Canadian is a legend among train journeys: Four days and four nights from Toronto to Vancouver, passing endless wheat fields of the prairies, through the dramatic Rocky Mountains with their tunnels and switchbacks, along rushing rivers and solitary lakes. In the panoramic car with glass dome, you experience Canada from a perspective no airplane can offer.
Domestic Flights
| Route | Flight Time | Price (one-way, from) |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto → Vancouver | 4.5–5h | 120–350 CAD |
| Toronto → Montréal | 1.5h | 80–200 CAD |
| Toronto → Calgary | 4h | 100–300 CAD |
| Vancouver → Calgary | 1.5h | 80–200 CAD |
| Toronto → Halifax | 2.5h | 100–280 CAD |
| Montréal → Québec City | 1h | 80–180 CAD |
Airlines
- Air Canada: Largest route network, Star Alliance (Lufthansa partner), includes hand luggage
- WestJet: Canada's second-largest airline, often cheaper, good service
- Porter Airlines: Flies from Toronto Billy Bishop (downtown airport!), Eastern Canada specialist, free snacks
- Flair Airlines: Ultra-low-cost, from 49 CAD one-way, but extra for luggage
Intercity Buses
Since Greyhound left Canada in 2021, there are regional alternatives:
- FlixBus: Expanding in Canada, affordable connections Toronto–Montréal–Ottawa
- Rider Express: Western Canada (Vancouver–Calgary–Winnipeg)
- Maritime Bus: Atlantic provinces (Halifax–Moncton–Charlottetown)
- Orléans Express: Québec (Montréal–Québec City–Rimouski)
💡 Tipp
The VIA Rail "Corridor Pass" (Toronto–Québec City) offers 7 rides in 10 days for about 400 CAD — perfect for an Eastern Canada trip with stops in Kingston, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City. Book online at least 2 weeks in advance for the best prices!
