VIA Rail's long-distance train from Toronto to Vancouver crosses forests, lakes, prairies and the Rockies in four nights, with glass-domed cars for watching the scenery roll by. Here's what The Canadian is like, when to go and how long to stay.
UK passport holders need an eTA before they fly to Canada, applied for online. Sleeper fares include meals in the dining car. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
The Canadian runs all year, usually twice a week. Summer, from June to September, has the longest days for watching the scenery, and Jasper is at its best, but it's busy and dearest. Late September brings autumn colour in the forests of Ontario. Winter turns the whole route snowy and is cheaper, though days are short and the prairies are bitterly cold. Temperatures shown are for Toronto.
Climb the stairs to the glass dome for 360-degree views of lakes, prairie and mountains.
Break the journey for a few days of mountain lakes, wildlife and the Icefields Parkway.
A day and a half of lakes, rivers and forest across northern Ontario, with moose to look out for.
The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, best seen from the dome car west of Jasper.
Three-course meals for sleeper passengers, shared with fellow travellers.
At the end of the line, Stanley Park, Granville Island and the mountains over the harbour.
For children who love trains and can enjoy long days of scenery, yes. Sleeper cabins with bunks suit families, and many people break the trip in Jasper to stretch their legs.
About four nights and four days, covering roughly 4,500 km. The train often runs late, as freight trains have priority, so don't book a tight onward flight.
Fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport. The UP Express train reaches Union Station, where The Canadian leaves, in about 25 minutes. Fly home from Vancouver International Airport.
Economy has reclining seats, fine for a short section but tiring over four nights. Sleeper Plus gives you a cabin or berth with meals, and Prestige has bigger cabins with a window seat and lounge.
Put The Canadian on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.