The Canadian is VIA Rail’s long-distance train service between Vancouver and Toronto.
The route crosses Canada from the Pacific coast to the Great Lakes region, passing through the Canadian Rockies and the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The modern service began in 1955 under Canadian Pacific, and VIA Rail took over operation in 1978.
The train is known for its panoramic scenery, including mountain landscapes west of Edmonton and Winnipeg. It offers sleeping accommodation, dining and observation facilities on many journeys, making it both public transport and a major rail-travel experience.
The Canadian is often confused with Rocky Mountaineer. Rocky Mountaineer is a private sightseeing service whose trips run mainly in daylight and use hotels for overnight stays. The Canadian is a scheduled VIA Rail service and includes overnight travel aboard the train. The route and service pattern have changed over time, but the Vancouver–Toronto identity remains central.