We asked Star readers to tell us about trips they have taken and to share their experience and advice:

Where Toronto to Vancouver and back, by train

When November 2025

Trip rating 5/5

What inspired you to take this trip? “A journey is measured in friends rather than miles,” observed travel writer Tim Cahill. I wanted to visit with some lifelong friends who live on the West Coast. I’d just wrapped up a client assignment and gotten through a knee replacement. I wanted a travel experience that allowed for alone time if I wanted, to read, take in the scenery, meet fellow travellers, and begin to map out the answer to the question of “Where next from here?” I love trains. I’ve travelled by train in many countries. Travelling by train — and producing 85 per cent less carbon dioxide per passenger kilometre than flying — was a no-brainer. 

What was the best sight? The scenery was ever-changing: the settled urban areas of southern Ontario; the freshly fallen snow on the pine trees in the Canadian Shield; the late afternoon sun in Saskatchewan; and the mountains just outside of Jasper. I was struck by how the railway offers a completely fresh perspective compared to the familiar stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway.

What was your favourite activity? On Remembrance Day, the dome car hosted a moving presentation on Canadian heroes, including the contributions of women and First Nations people. Passengers were invited to share their personal perspectives. I am deeply grateful for this rare and privileged opportunity to hear these stories, many of which were enriching conversations that lasted well into dinner. Dining with fellow travellers was a highlight. During our sit-down meals, I enjoyed meeting people from across the globe. One New Zealand couple had travelled to Canada for a Louise Penny bus tour. Having read all 20 of her books, they viewed their cross-country journey from Vancouver to Toronto to Quebec City as a delightful bonus. Even though we had only a 15-minute stopover in Edmonton, I was grateful to hop off the train to hug my recently widowed friend who met me at the station.

What was the most delicious thing you ate? I was impressed by the menu’s variety and quality, a remarkable feat given what I imagine to be the train’s many logistical challenges. 

What was the most memorable thing you learned? “It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters, in the end,” wrote Ursula K. Le Guin. Reflecting on my Toronto-Vancouver return rail journey and time spent with my friends on the West Coast, three things stand out: friendship, history and the art of slowing down. The trip was a master class in Canadian history and geography. Over the 10 days on the rails, the slower pace allowed me to trade the frantic every day to read, to marvel at the scenery passing by my window, and to enjoy the quiet space to begin mapping out the answer to the question I posed myself of “Where next from here?”

What is one piece of advice you’d give? If you’re travelling solo as I was, book a cabin for two, even though you will pay a premium. In single cabins, the bed folds over the toilet at night, which means you must walk down the passageway to answer nature’s call. The double cabin allowed for greater privacy and the extra space to read, write and enjoy the view. Expect spotty Wi-Fi. Remember that freight trains have priority in Canada, and this can cause delays. To avoid stress, book your next connection for the day after your arrival. If you prefer facing forward, check your cabin’s direction when you book your trip. Because cabin space is tight, bring only your essentials on-board and check in large luggage.

Gail Aller-Stead, Toronto

READERS’ CANADA TRIPS?

We’d like to hear from Star readers about places in Canada that they’ve visited recently and would recommend, whether it’s a warm weekend getaway to Blue Mountain, Ont., a winter-wonderland jaunt to Quebec City, or a ski trip to Banff Sunshine Village. If you’ve been, loved it and want to tell us about it, we’d like to hear from you.

Email us with “CANADA TRAVEL TIPS” in the subject line at travel@thestar.ca.

Please include brief responses to these questions. If your holiday experience is chosen, we’ll be in touch.

1. Where did you go and when was it?

2. Where did you stay?

3. What was a highlight of your trip? Why?

4. Any travel tips?