train trips vancouver

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Our Best Selling Vancouver Train Trips

Flanked by majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful foliage, Vancouver is a perfect departure point for your Vancouver Train Trip.

Let our insider specialists from canada by design create the perfect pre or post tour stay in vancouver., check out some of the exciting day excursions that canada by design offers in vancouver., vancouver introduction.

An incredible city where shopping, dining and nightlife are all surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver has plenty to do before or after your rail adventure.

There are two trains that depart from Vancouver for the Rocky Mountains: Rocky Mountaineer , which offers luxurious travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s West, and VIA Rail , listed among the most renowned trains in the world. While in Vancouver, be sure to check out some of these must-see attractions.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park & Grouse Mountain One of the most popular attractions in Vancouver and just minutes from downtown is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of British Columbia nature and enjoy views from the Cliffwalk Experience and Treetops Walk. Just north of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is Grouse Mountain, known as the Peak of Vancouver. Take the Skyride to the top of the mountain for panoramic views and enjoy attractions like snowshoeing, ziplining and lumberjack shows.

Stanley Park & Vancouver Aquarium Stanley Park is Vancouver's first, largest, and most beloved urban park. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, it offers 400 hectares of magnificent green oasis and attractions like the seawall and the Vancouver Aquarium. Discover endless trails, beaches, wildlife and landmarks, then head to the aquarium to view over 50,000 marine creatures.

Granville Island In the early 1900s, Granville Island was home to nothing but factories, plants and sawmills. Today, it has been turned into the Granville Island Public Market, which sells seafood, fresh produce, pastas, chocolates, cheese and breads. Popular with locals and tourists alike, you'll also find theatres, restaurants and unique attractions on the island.

Yaletown & West End Formerly a warehouse district where textile shops and train yards provided little in the way of beauty, Yaletown has been transformed into one of Vancouver's coolest areas. Discover sidewalk cafes, trendy restaurants, a thriving nightlife scene and boutique hotels. Follow Davie Street to discover the thriving West End neighbourhood, bordered by English Bay beach.

Gastown & Chinatown The city’s oldest neighbourhood and the epicenter of independent design, culture, food and fashion, Gastown's cobblestone streets offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Merging from Gastown is Canada’s largest Chinatown, which as one of the earliest communities in British Columbia hosts some of the cities' most famous scenery and historical buildings.

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Canada Train Trips REVIEWS

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" I couldn't be more pleased with the trip! "

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Amanda Central Travel

"From start to finish it was an ideal trip for us to enjoy Canada scenery, atmosphere and hospitality. "

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"I would highly recommend Canada by Design and would certainly use them again when going to another area they service."

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"There isn't anyone I would rather use for travel to Canada."

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"Could not have asked for a better…"

Lakshmi Texas

" We would highly recommend Jennifer and Canada by Design for all of your travel needs. We count ourselves very lucky that we found this 5-star team of travel experts!"

Julie Cass Brisbane, Australia

"Thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance."

Nick Florida, United States

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VANCOUVER TRAIN TOURS

There are three different rail routes departing from Vancouver and each journey offers distinctive experiences out of the city. Before even boarding the train, Rocky Mountaineer tours bound for Whistler, Quesnel and Jasper get to cross the Burrard Inlet over a suspension bridge guarded by two statuesque lions. As a National Historic Site of Canada, the Lions Gate bridge was developed by the Guiness family and is modeled on the mountain peaks of West Vancouver, and is now featured as a symbol of the city. Train travellers bound for Jasper or across the country to Toronto on VIA's overnight train service get to depart from Pacific Central Station. Recognized as a heritage building from 1918, many art deco features add to the stylistic atmosphere. The design also adds fuel to the fire for travellers to re-enact the romance of rail travel. And finally, Rocky Mountaineer passengers bound for the Rockies get to experience a ceremonial departure from the grandeur of the central station headquarters. Being such an early morning departure, coffee is available....and the rest remains a surprise for your adventure!

MOST POPULAR TRIPS FOR Vancouver Train Tours

SIMILAR TOURS

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CLASSIC TOURS

• Expert Tour Leader
• Maximum 24 passengers
• 3-4 stars comfortable accommodation (when available)
• Coach transportation
• Breakfast Included Daily
• Lunch or Dinner Included on Select Days
• Most Gratuities included

TOURS OF DISTINCTION

• Maximum 18 passengers
• Variety of 'off the beaten path' experiences
• Stays at Unique Inns and Boutique Hotel (when available)
• Mini Coach and Comfortable Local Transportation
• Lunch or Dinner Included Daily
• Unique Local Restaurant Experiences
• Most Gratuities Included

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

• Private trip on a date of your choice
• Incorporates all modes of travel (coach, RV, car, VIA Rail, Rocky Mountaineer train)
• All Attractions, Activities and Events are Customizable
• Offers levels of accommodation from budget 3-star hotels, boutique lodges, to luxury properties
• Itineraries available in all 10 Canadian Provinces and the 3 Northern Territories and Alaska
• Itineraries also available in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific
• Itineraries cover all seasons and all travel styles
• Detailed crafted itineraries designed to agent/client specifications for content and budget

CUSTOM GROUPS

• Option for Expert Tour Leader to lead group at destination
• All Attractions, Activities, and Events are Customizable
• Offers levels of accomodation from budget 3-star hotels, boutique lodges, to luxury properties
• Daily breakfasts included

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• – Rocky Mountaineer Train Information –
• Rocky Mountaineer: Journey Through The Clouds
• Rocky Mountaineer: First Passage to the West
• Rocky Mountaineer – Rainforest to Gold Rush
• – VIA Rail Train Information –
• VIA Rail ‘The Canadian’ Train
• Hotel Information
• Rocky Mountaineer Trains
• VIA Rail Trains
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• 4 Day Tour: Rockies Passage
• 5 Day Tour: Rockies Passage Plus
• 6 Day Tour: Rockies Essentials
• 7 Day Tour: Lake Louise Explorer
• 7 Day Tour: Rockies Nostalgic
• 7 Day Return Tour: Lake Louise Escape
• 8 Day Tour: Rockies Adventurer
• 9 Day Return Tour: Rockies Circle Essentials
• 9 Day Return Tour: Train Lover’s Dream
• 10 Day Tour: Rockies Relaxer
• 12 Day Return Tour: Rockies Circle Adventurer
• 13 Day Tour: Rockies Glaciers & Gardens
• – View All –
• 7 Day Canadian Nostalgic: Vancouver to Toronto
• 7 Day Canadian Nostalgic: Toronto to Vancouver
• 7 Day Canadian Prestige: Vancouver to Toronto
• 7 Day Canadian Prestige: Toronto to Vancouver
• 12 Day Canadian Adventurer: Vancouver to Toronto
• 12 Day Canadian Adventurer: Toronto to Vancouver
• 16 Day Canadian Trip of a Lifetime: Vancouver to Halifax
• 16 Day Canadian Trip of a Lifetime: Halifax to Vancouver
• Canadian Rockies Winter Tours
• Eastern Canada Tours
• Rockies Golf Tours
• Southwest USA Tours
• – Rocky Mountaineer Train Tickets –
• Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver to Banff Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver to Jasper Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Banff to Vancouver Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Jasper to Vancouver Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Jasper, Whistler, Vancouver Train
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West Coast Expedition

13 day rockies rail circle with vancouver island, banff, jasper, skeena train, & rocky mountaineer.

Vancouver Return Trip

On this 13-day circle tour you will immerse yourself in Canada’s West Coast as you tour the entire length of Vancouver Island, ride the Inside Passage ferry to Northern British Columbia, and take the nostalgic “Skeena” train to Jasper. Conclude with excursions in our mountain national parks of Jasper and Banff before boarding the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer back to Vancouver. This route is not for the faint of heart, but it will create memories your heart will never forget.

Travel Dates in 2024 & 2025

2024 start dates.

Starting every other Thursday

2025 Start Dates

Travel summary.

• Day 1: Vancouver Arrival - overnight in Vancouver
• Day 2: Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, City Tour and Butchart Gardens - overnight in Victoria
• Day 3: Victoria Whale Watching Tour - overnight in Victoria
• Day 4 : Scenic Transfer from Victoria to Port Hardy - overnight in Port Hardy
• Day 5 : Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert - overnight in Prince Rupert
• Day 6: Free Day in Prince Rupert - overnight in Prince Rupert
• Day 7 : VIA Rail from Prince Rupert to Prince George - overnight in Prince George
• Day 8 : VIA Rail from Prince George to Jasper - overnight in Jasper
• Day 9 : Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Banff including Columbia Icefields Excursion - overnight in Banff
• Day 10 : Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola - overnight in Banff
• Day 11 : Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops - overnight in Kamloops
• Day 12 : Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver - overnight in Vancouver
• Day 13 : Vancouver Departure

What's Included

• 2 day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service
• 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches
• 12 nights hotel accommodation
• *Complimentary Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour of Vancouver provided when an additional night in Vancouver is added to your vacation package (pre or post-tour)
• Tour of Victoria including Butchart Gardens
• Victoria whale watching (Optional - price reduction if not desired)
• Small bus tour Port Hardy to Victoria
• Inside Passage Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert with outboard day cabin
• VIA Rail from Prince Rupert to Jasper
• Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer
• Banff tour including gondola
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver and Banff
• Gratuities/tip for Rocky Mountaineer train staff
• Independent Tour

Not Included

• Transportation to/from Vancouver airport (available, please ask for details)
• Meals, other than onboard trains
• Luggage handling and transfers in Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, Prince George and Jasper
• Rail station transfer in Jasper, Prince George, Prince Rupert
• Ferry terminal transfer in Prince Rupert and Port Hardy
• Gratuities/tip for VIA Rail, hotel and transfer staff
• Canadian 5% sales tax

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - vancouver arrival.

Coastal mountains and urban beaches greet you as you arrive in Canada’s third-largest city. Vancouver is a lively and diverse city with no shortage of attractions to explore including; Stanley Park, Granville Island or the Vancouver Art Gallery. If your schedule permits, purchasing “Hop On Hop Off” bus passes is a great way to see the city at your leisure. You may also add a second night in Vancouver to your vacation package pre or post-tour and receive complimentary Hop On Hop Off passes through Canada Rail Vacations!

Spend the night in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.

Day 2 - Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, Butchart Gardens and City Tour

Enjoy a 1.5 hour ferry ride in the morning and relax to the gentle sway and sound of the ocean as you journey from Vancouver to Victoria.

En route to Victoria, you’ll visit the Butchart Gardens. These famous gardens are one of the most spectacular floral displays in the world and home to hundreds of thousands of flowers. There are many different gardens to stroll through including; the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden and Mediterranean Garden to name a few. This is one of the most beloved tourist attractions in Canada and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. Then you’re off to Victoria, you will have a short city tour showing some of the highlights of the city. You’ll have time to explore the city on your own this afternoon including the historic Craigdarroch Castle, the Parliament Building and the pedestrian-friendly Cook Street Village— known for its cafe patios and boutiques. You’ll spend the next two nights in your downtown Victoria hotel room.

Day 3 - Victoria Whale Watching Tour

This morning you are on a 3.5 hour whale watching tour guided by a certified marine biologist. This exhilarating round trip will have you searching for Orcas, Grey Whales, Porpoises, Seals and other marine life.

You have the afternoon free to explore this beautiful city. You might like to visit Fisherman’s Wharf, which is a short walk from downtown and gives you the chance to spot wildlife and take some pictures of the colorful floating homes that line the waters.

Day 4 - Scenic Transfer from Victoria to Port Hardy

Today you’re on a mini bus going from the southern capital of Victoria to the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the rustic town of Port Hardy. Peaceful walking trails, potential wildlife sightings and fresh-caught seafood are just a few of the highlights of this stop. Spend the night in your Port Hardy hotel.

Day 5 - Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert

A trip along the awe-inspiring Inside Passage awaits! You will pass evergreen covered islands and coastal mountains on this 15-hour ferry journey. Because of the length of this journey, we have you booked in a private day cabin with a bed, so that you have the opportunity to rest and have some privacy. When you are not in your cabin, you will be able to enjoy this scenic route from the deck. Spend tonight in your Prince Rupert hotel room.

Day 6 - Free Day in Prince Rupert

Spend a relaxing day in the rustic port city of Prince Rupert. Combining thickly wooded areas with the smells and sights of the ocean, this is a great place to relax and independently explore some walking trails. You can also talk to your vacation planner about booking a variety of other activities including a float plane tour or fishing charter. Overnight in your Prince Rupert hotel room.

Day 7 - VIA Rail from Prince Rupert to Prince George

Board VIA Rail’s Skeena train towards Jasper. Pass through communities rich in indigenous history and culture and enjoy the fantastic views of the lakes and forests. Overnight in your Prince George hotel room.

Day 8 - VIA Rail from Prince George to Jasper

Board VIA Rail’s Skeena train towards Jasper. One of the highlights of today’s journey will be passing by Mount Robson— the highest point in the Canadian Rockies. The salmon-rich waters of the Fraser River will accompany you once again as you keep an eye out for wildlife in the lush expanse of forest. Overnight in your Jasper hotel room.

Day 9 - Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Banff including Columbia Icefields Excursion

Today you’re riding along the most beautiful highway in Canada—the Icefields Parkway. Highlights include stops at the powerful Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. Pose for your new profile picture at one of these breathtaking locations.

Arrive at the Athabasca Glacier and climb aboard the Ice Explorer—a specialized bus that travels directly on to the glacier. Relax and listen as your guide explains all about its natural wonders. You will spend the next two nights in your Banff hotel room.

Day 10 - Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola

Today you’ll be on a 4.5-hour guided tour through the towering Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade and Norquay Mountains. Learn about the wind-shaped hoodoos and experience Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive.

Take a gentle gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for fantastic views, interpretive boardwalks and photo opportunities. The rest of the afternoon in Banff is yours to spend walking some local trails, playing golf or relaxing as you choose.

Day 11 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver

Toast to your first day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer! You’ll pass by the snow-peaked mountains and crystal-clear waters that our country is famous for. Highlights include; the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon and Rodgers Pass.

A dramatic change of scenery will take place as you approach the ranchlands of the interior plateau. Spend tonight in your Kamloops hotel room.

Day 12 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver

You’re on your way back to the coast today. Get a different view of British Columbia’s agricultural heartland—the Fraser Valley. Dine on locally-sourced, gourmet meals as you wind through the changing scenery and step out on the outside deck to take in that fresh mountain air.

Arrive in Vancouver and spend the night in your downtown hotel.

Day 13 - Vancouver Departure

Your tour ends once you’ve checked out of your hotel. Thank you for traveling with us!

13 Day Tour Pricing 2024 & 2025

• 2024 Prices
• 2025 Prices

2024 Pricing - Canadian Dollars

2025 pricing - canadian dollars.

*Book your 2025 Canada Rail Vacation now and receive 2024 pricing for 2025 travel **You’ll also receive complimentary hotel room upgrades where available

Please contact us for additional details

Pricing Details:

• Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars and are subject to an additional 5% Canadian sales tax.
• Prices are based on double occupancy. For single and triple sharing, please request a quote .
• To qualify for any current Specials , please request a quote .

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Canadian Rockies Trains

Two Day Train: Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies – 2024

2 days / 1 night.

It is perfect for travelers who have limited travel time or for those who want to design their own Canadian Rockies train adventure. This Rocky Mountaineer trip offers maximum flexibility. We can help with hotels, tours and transportation and even suggest DIY itineraries. 

These two day / one night trips are available, in both directions, from the middle of April 2024 until the middle of October 2024.

The train departs Vancouver for Banff and Lake Louise each Monday, Tuesday and Friday from May through September 2024. In April and October, it departs on some Mondays and Fridays only. The Rocky Mountaineer departs Banff and Lake Louise each Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from May through September and each Wednesday and Sunday in April and October.

Rocky Mountaineer train service from Vancouver to Jasper departs Vancouver Tuesdays and Fridays from mid April to mid October. It departs Jasper for Vancouver each Thursday and Sunday.

There is NO train service between Vancouver or the Canadian Rockies and Calgary. However, there are several convenient options for getting between Calgary and the Canadian Rockies: Shuttles , tours and rental cars. Let us know if you’d like to include a transfer to/from downtown Calgary or Calgary airport. 

Call us at 1-800-913-9207 or 604-900-8671 , Email for more information and reservations.

• Two days on the Rocky Mountaineer
• Breakfast and lunch both days on the train
• Overnight accommodation in Kamloops
• Transfers between the train and hotel in Kamloops
• Prices depend on when you travel, number of travelers, hotel choices, activities included and whether you choose SilverLeaf or Goldleaf on the train.
• Prices also vary based on hotel availability at the time of booking.
• Call 1-800-913-9207 or 604-900-8671  or Email for current prices, additional information and reservations.

Train Departures – 2024

2024 departures: vancouver to banff (eastbound – departs monday, tuesday & friday).

April 15, 19,  22, 26, 29 May 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 24, 27, 28, 31 June 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28 July 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 26, 29, 30 August 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 16, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 30 September 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30 October 4, 7, 11

2024 Departures: Banff to Vancouver (Westbound – Departs Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday)

April 17, 21, 24, 28 May 1, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 26,29, 30 June 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 16, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 30 July 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28, 31 August 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28, 29 September 1, 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29 October 2, 6, 9, 13

2024 Departures: Vancouver to Lake Louise (Eastbound – Departs Monday, Tuesday & Friday)

2024 departures: lake louise to vancouver (westbound – departs wednesday, thursday & sunday), 2024 departures: vancouver to jasper (eastbound – departs tuesday & friday).

April 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 May 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31 June 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 July 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 August 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 September 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 October 1, 4, 8, 11

2024 Departures: Jasper to Vancouver (Westbound – departs Thursday & Sunday)

April 18, 21, 25, 28 May 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 June 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 July 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 August 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 September 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29 October 3, 6, 10, 13

Levels of Service

Rocky mountaineer: silverleaf and goldleaf service.

• SilverLeaf Service includes reserved seating in a custom built single level car with expansive windows curving into the ceiling, hot breakfast and lunch served at your seat, and complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during the day.
• GoldLeaf Service – Reserved seating in the GoldLeaf elevated dome car. Breakfast and lunch are served in the GoldLeaf dining car and GoldLeaf passengers have access to the outdoor viewing platform. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on the train and overnight accommodations are included in Kamloops.
• View the Differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf Service

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Our Best Selling Vancouver Rail Vacations

Flanked by majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful foliage, Vancouver is a perfect departure point for one of our Vancouver Rail Vacations.

Let our insider specialists from canada by design create the perfect pre or post tour stay in vancouver., check out some of the exciting day excursions that canada by design offers in vancouver., vancouver introduction.

An incredible city where shopping, dining and nightlife are all surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver has plenty to do before or after your rail adventure.

There are two trains that depart from Vancouver for the Rocky Mountains: Rocky Mountaineer , which offers luxurious travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s West, and VIA Rail , listed among the most renowned trains in the world. While in Vancouver, be sure to check out some of these must-see attractions.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park & Grouse Mountain One of the most popular attractions in Vancouver and just minutes from downtown is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of British Columbia nature and enjoy views from the Cliffwalk Experience and Treetops Walk. Just north of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is Grouse Mountain, known as the Peak of Vancouver. Take the Skyride to the top of the mountain for panoramic views and enjoy attractions like snowshoeing, ziplining and lumberjack shows.

Stanley Park & Vancouver Aquarium Stanley Park is Vancouver's first, largest, and most beloved urban park. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, it offers 400 hectares of magnificent green oasis and attractions like the seawall and the Vancouver Aquarium. Discover endless trails, beaches, wildlife and landmarks, then head to the aquarium to view over 50,000 marine creatures.

Granville Island In the early 1900s, Granville Island was home to nothing but factories, plants and sawmills. Today, it has been turned into the Granville Island Public Market, which sells seafood, fresh produce, pastas, chocolates, cheese and breads. Popular with locals and tourists alike, you'll also find theatres, restaurants and unique attractions on the island.

Yaletown & West End Formerly a warehouse district where textile shops and train yards provided little in the way of beauty, Yaletown has been transformed into one of Vancouver's coolest areas. Discover sidewalk cafes, trendy restaurants, a thriving nightlife scene and boutique hotels. Follow Davie Street to discover the thriving West End neighbourhood, bordered by English Bay beach.

Gastown & Chinatown The city’s oldest neighbourhood and the epicenter of independent design, culture, food and fashion, Gastown's cobblestone streets offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Merging from Gastown is Canada’s largest Chinatown, which as one of the earliest communities in British Columbia hosts some of the cities' most famous scenery and historical buildings.

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Canada Rail Vacations REVIEWS

"Thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance."

Nick Florida, United States

"Our trip through western Canada planned by Canada by Design was fabulous."

Jeffrey California, United States

"Overall it was a great way to see the country for the most part. "

Lorraine Squamish, Canada

"From day one we felt comfortable that everything was going to be special."

Mark Australia

"We had the most fabulous trip to our Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies."

Mary California, United States

" We would highly recommend Jennifer and Canada by Design for all of your travel needs. We count ourselves very lucky that we found this 5-star team of travel experts!"

Julie Cass Brisbane, Australia

"This was an A++ experience! I'll definitely use Canada Rail Vacations for our next trip to Canada."

Kathleen Texas, United States

"I don't know how I will ever thank you all at Canada by Design for making our trip of a lifetime!"

Ann Australia

"The way we were able to customize our trip drive/train and explore on our own was awesome! "

Melinda Nevada, United States

"We will be recommending you to others and will use you again when we return for more adventure."

Kay New Zealand

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Find train tickets to Vancouver

Good to know, top tips for finding vancouver train tickets.

• For travelers that have disabilities or accessibility issues, the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver has many features to help these travelers. This includes an entrance to the train station that is accessible by wheelchair as well as train platforms that are accessible as well. There is a wheelchair lift available and there are courtesy wheelchairs available in the station that are available to assist passengers.
• Some of the amenities of the station include a fast-food restaurant, a sushi bar, and a cappuccino bar. There is also a currency exchange booth, an ATM, a newsstand, a jewelry shop, and charging stations for your phone. In addition to these features, you will also find a fully staffed ticket sales office, payphones, and restrooms available at this train station.
• The Pacific Central Station is very unique in that it is the terminus of Via Rail's Canadian line that runs between Toronto and Vancouver, and it is also the northern terminus of the Amtrak Cascades route that runs between Portland and Vancouver. This makes the station in Vancouver a perfect location to connect to a number of destinations throughout both Canada and the United States.
• When you travel with baggage on trains to Vancouver, there are baggage carts available for use by passengers plus there is station staff available to assist with baggage when boarding or departing a train. If you would prefer to keep some of your bags at the station while you visit Vancouver, there is bag storage available at the station.
• Looking for cheap train tickets to Vancouver? 25% of our users found round-trip tickets to Vancouver for the following prices or less: From Bellingham $55, from Seattle $92, from Everett $107
• Vancouver's most searched train station on KAYAK is Vancouver Pacific Central Station. It is located 1 mile from the city center.
• You will generally catch the best train deals if you travel to Vancouver in the afternoon.

FAQs when traveling to Vancouver by train

What is the most popular train station in vancouver.

Vancouver Pacific Central Station and Vancouver Burrard Skytrain Station are the most searched stations in Vancouver by KAYAK users.

Which train companies travel to Vancouver?

Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada are popular train companies operating in Vancouver.

How long is the train journey to Vancouver from the closest popular cities?

Bellingham to Vancouver - 1h 53m Vancouver to Vancouver - 7h 32m Edmonton to Vancouver - 32h 59m Seattle to Vancouver - 4h 00m Everett to Vancouver - 3h 09m Kamloops to Vancouver - 12h 57m

Is it possible to rent a car at the Pacific Central Station after my train to Vancouver?

There is a Hertz location with a counter inside of the train station. They are open during normal business hours Monday through Friday, as well as during the morning hours on Saturday. They do not operate on Sunday. You can drop off your car after hours at this location.

Are there any public transportation options to get me from the train station to the center of Vancouver?

There are four different bus routes that make stops at or near the train station. These include bus routes number three, 19, 22, and 84. The fare to ride on these buses is around C$3 ($2.50) but can be higher depending on how far you plan on traveling from the station. Another option is to ride on the local metro service since the Expo Line makes a stop at the train station. The fares for the train are the same as the bus.

What are some of the advantages of buying train tickets to Vancouver and taking a train to Vancouver as opposed to driving or flying?

There are several communities that are around Vancouver that are close enough to Vancouver that flying is not a convenient option. To make the drive yourself will take about one hour with no traffic but because Vancouver is a major city, you should always plan on delays due to traffic. When you take the train from Abbotsford to Vancouver, you should expect a ride of just a little more than 2h with no traffic jams to deal with, plus you can relax, work, or just watch the scenery go by during your trip.

If I am traveling from the United States to Vancouver by train, what is the process for crossing the border?

The process for crossing the border from the United States into Canada is actually quite simple. When you reach the border, border agents will board the train and check everyone's passports and perhaps ask a few questions. They may also search for some carry-on baggage as part of this process. Once that is complete you will continue on your journey to Vancouver.

Book train tickets to Vancouver (round-trip)

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10 Scenic Train Trips Across Canada

• Train trips have become popular among travelers in Canada as a more sustainable and enjoyable way to explore the country's natural wonders.
• From coast to coast, Canada offers scenic train journeys that allow passengers to experience breathtaking landscapes, French culture, and stunning architecture.
• Whether it's admiring polar bears in Churchill, witnessing fall foliage in Nova Scotia, or cycling through the Niagara region, there are many unique train trips in Canada for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

The world is slowly adopting the green economy as a way of saving the planet from destruction. Even travelers haven’t been left behind. Most of them have recognized that airplanes and vehicles are not sustainable ways of traveling and are exploring other options. For this reason, train trips have become more common and appealing.

Canada is a large country with many beautiful natural wonders and top destinations to visit . And seeing them through a window is the best way to experience the country. Besides phenomenal views, train passengers enjoy comfortable, stress-free, and relaxing trips. They only need to occupy their seat and enjoy the ride. Here are 10 scenic train trips across Canada.

16 Thrilling Sleeper Train Journeys In Europe To Add To Your Bucket List

Canada coast to coast by train, see niagara falls, lake louise, and peggy's cove.

Coast-to-coast by train is one of the best train trips in Canada. It is a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, including Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, and Peggy’s Cove. Travelers are offered time on VIA Rail and travel in a sleeper company. The journey starts in Halifax and ends in Vancouver. Taking this ride lets one enjoy the French culture in Canada, stunning architecture, and scenic landscapes.

• Trip distance from Halifax to Vancouver: 4,466 kilometers
• Trip length: 4 days and 4 nights
• Cost : Around $11,380

Vancouver To Toronto On The Canadian

Traveling through forests, mountain peaks, and waterfalls.

The Canadian is a flagship train that offers three classes: economy, sleeper plus, and prestige. Unlike planes, it has large reclining seats with plenty of legroom. The trip includes presenters, musicians, and wine-tasting sessions. The train leaves Vancouver for Toronto, and visitors can see forests, mountain peaks, waterfalls, valleys, and wildlife along the way. It passes through Jasper National Park, stops for some time, and continues to Toronto.

• Trip distance from Vancouver to Toronto: 4,466 kilometers
• Trip length: Almost 4 days
• Cost: Varies between routes and towns, but around CAD 2,500 per person during winter (Approximately $1,850 USD)

Lord Of The Wilderness Bear Viewing In The Canadian

See grizzlies in a wilderness lodge and polar bears up north.

Here is something for wildlife lovers. The train drives passengers across Canada, from Vancouver to Winnipeg. The adventure begins on the West Coast, where passengers go to a wilderness lodge to see grizzly bears. Then, they board The Canadian train in Vancouver, which takes them across the Canadian Rockies before arriving in Winnipeg. After the journey ends, passengers are recommended to fly to Northern Manitoba, the Polar Bear Capital of the world, to explore the arctic tundra and look for polar bears before returning to Winnipeg.

• Trip distance from Vancouver to Winnipeg: Approximately 1,866 kilometers
• Trip length: 3 days and 2 nights
• Cost: $13,430

Winnipeg To Churchill VIA Rail

Admire lush prairie land, huge boreal forests, & hudson bay's polar bears.

Regardless of the time of the year someone is traveling, they are guaranteed things to wow about every step of this trip. From Winnipeg, passengers can admire the lush land at Rivière Rouge and Rivière Assiniboine confluence. As they travel, they can see the waters of Lake near The Pas, the huge boreal forest encompassing the Thompson, and finally, the rocky shores of Hudson Bay in Churchill, where they can see polar bears and belugas in their habitat. For those who’ve never seen the Prairies, this VIA Rail trip will bring them up close.

• Trip distance from Winnipeg to Churchill: 1,710 kilometers
• Trip length : 44 hours 55 minutes
• Cost: From $199

Montreal To Halifax On The Ocean

See whales in the gulf, clear miramichi river, and sugarloaf mountain.

The Ocean journey runs on the Gulf of St Lawrence and passes through New Brunswick before the train heads to Nova Scotia. This is the oldest route in North America and has been operating since 1904. Passengers are rewarded with phenomenal views of the Gulf of Lawrence, where they can spot whales. From there, they can see clear waters as the train crosses the Miramichi River, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Acadian communities. Fall is the perfect time for this trip as travelers see the leaves turn into shades of yellow, red, and gold.

• Trip distance from Montreal to Halifax: 1,346 kilometers
• Trip length: 21+ hours
• Cost: $210 on Economy

Jasper To Prince George On The Rupert Rocket

Tour glassy lakes and charming agricultural towns in central british columbia.

This trip across central British Columbia isn’t popular, especially among the international community. But, it is a very scenic journey to consider. The Rupert Rocket goes over several days to allow travelers to check out daylight vistas. But, passengers organize their accommodation. Along the way, they see glassy lakes and charming and historic towns filled with agricultural produce and wildlife. Some drives include meals and drinks. Others don’t. But regardless of the ride, guests are assured of phenomenal views.

• Trip distance from Jasper to Prince: 1,160 kilometers
• Trip length : 2 days
• Cost: Around $260

Getting From New York City To Niagara Falls: 16 Things To Know

White pass & yukon route railway, see trestles, gorges, and glaciers on a historic railway climbing 3,000 feet with views of skagway harbor.

The White Pass and Yukon Route is a great ride for those who want to learn about the history of Alaska. It leaves Skagway and offers scenic views while allowing ample time to enjoy the area’s other charms. The train goes through Shyster and climbs almost 3,000 feet above sea level. Passengers pass through an inspiration point that looks down on the Skagway Harbor. Dead Horse Gulch with bleached bones of perished animals can be seen. Before reaching the White Pass Summit, travelers have a chance to see the headwaters of the Yukon River.

• Trip distance from Skagway to Whitehorse is: 172 kilometers
• Trip length: 2-2.75 hours
• Cost: $140 for adults, $70 for children

Banff To Calgary On Royal Canadian Experience

Fine dining and canadian rockies views through the alberta prairies.

Fine dining and luxurious accommodations are why people book this trip. On top of that, passengers are rewarded with exceptional views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Royal Canadian Experience is a charming and delightful trip, starting in Calgary and traversing through the Alberta Prairies. There is an off-train experience that allows travelers to visit historical attractions such as Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. They can also see Banff and Lake Louise’s cinematic views along the way.

• Trip distance from Banff to Calgary : Around 127 kilometers
• Trip length : 4 nights, 5 days
• Cost: From $14,000 CAD per person ( Approximately $10,360 USD)

16 Beautiful Towns In Alberta That Give Banff A Run For Its Money

Quebec city to la malbaie on the train de charlevoix, stop at beaches, cliffs, and charming villages.

The Train de Charlevoix travels from the old Quebec City to La Malbaie while making several stops. It is a fun journey with opportunities to hike, cycle, and admire picturesque villages. Passengers can enjoy the beach at Saint-Irenee and later get history lessons at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, or soak up the beauty of the charming towns and cliffs from the comfort of the train. There are different packages, allowing travelers to choose one they like.

• Trip distance from Quebec City to La Malbaie: 125 kilometers
• Trip length: Under 4 miles
• Cost: From $248

Toronto To Niagara Falls On The Greenbelt Express

Perfect for cyclists to stop at waterfalls and wineries.

Nature lovers and cyclists should take this trip on the Greenbelt Express . It is a seasonal train operating around the Niagara region, designed for those who want to experience nature on a two-wheeler. The train is designed with special bike cars that come with in-built racks. From waterfalls to wineries, there are many sights to visit, and the good thing is that the train makes several stops throughout the entire route, allowing passengers to enjoy many cycling trails.

• Trip distance from Toronto to Niagara Falls: 50 kilometers
• Cost: Around $399 for two cyclists

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Luxury Train Vacations, Luxury Rail Tours & Holidays

Luxury train rides conjure up romantic notions of meandering through the snow-capped Swiss Alps, animated storytelling on-route to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway, or departing Gare de l’Est station in Paris aboard the Orient Express. Luxury rail holidays are an incredible way to travel, making it as much about the journey as the final destination. The best luxury train vacations are focused on slowing the pace of life so you can take in the scenery.

The Luxury Train Travel Company offers the finest and most opulent luxury rail journeys across Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Australia. Luxury rail road tours allow you to sit back and unwind on a luxury sleeper train, enjoy fine dining, and soak up spectacular diverse landscapes from the comfort of a suite or observation car. Nothing quite matches the character or charm of luxurious trains, and we provide the best luxury train trips in the world.

explore the world of luxury trains

Explore the luxury train travel company.

Explore Our Range of Luxury Rail Tours Across the Globe. Learn About The Different Luxury Trains We Can Offer. View Our Tours by Region & Destinations. View our train departure Calendar.

Independent

As a family run company we go to greater lengths to ensure you have the best experience.

We give open and impartial advice and it is important to us that you book the right rail trip for you.

Your trip is financially protected through our ABTA membership, IPP cover and ATOL bonding.

We will not cut corners and take the time to make sure your tour is suited to your requirements.

Select a Train Below to View The Tours

We offer a selected range of the world’s finest trains which you can see below. Click on any train for more full details including cabin classes and tours on offer.

DANUBE EXPRESS

African explorer, deccan odyssey, golden chariot, palace on wheels, maharajas xpress, le grand tour, golden eagle, prestige c. e., glacier pullman, andean explorer, royal scotsman, transcantabrico, costa verde ex., the luxury train travel company, contact us about our luxury train tours.

We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to answer any questions you have – just email or call us or use the form below.

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How Can We Reach You?

How can we help, which region(s) are you interested in, which train(s) are you interested in, how did you hear about us, exclusive global luxury train tours with recommended expert itineraries for the finest luxury train travel.

Every traveller that boards luxury trains bound for the distant horizon will have their perception of what to expect from a luxury rail tour. Whether it’s taking a popular route or one less travelled to expectations of service and accommodation and intriguing off-train excursions during luxury train rides. Thankfully, through years of engaging with luxury train holiday companies, we have put together curated itineraries for the most predominantly requested luxury rail tours.

Harking back to the golden age of luxury train travel in the 1930s, luxury rail road vacations have been designed to accommodate the ultimate luxurious experience for each guest aboard these dream train journeys. Whether travelling on the Golden Eagle Danube Express on an adventure, the Rovos Rail through South Africa, or the Glacier Pullman Express in Switzerland. Luxury train packages with The Luxury Train Travel Company have itineraries to please every guest and fulfil their luxury train vacation fantasies.

Offering You The Finest Luxury Rail Vacations Across The Globe

Why Choose Luxury Train Holidays with The Luxury Train Travel Company?

Deciding on one of the most luxurious train rides anywhere in the world may be a lifelong ambition, a retirement treat, or a last-minute decision. Whatever the reason behind setting out on any of our luxury rail road tours, you’ll need to be assured that nothing will take away from your relaxation, luxury, or comfort. That is why having The Luxury Train Travel Company take care of booking your luxury rail travel makes perfect sense.

From the moment you contact us to organise any of our luxury rail road vacations, we’ve got your best interests at heart. We want you to immerse yourself in the experience of a luxury rail tour without having a care in the world outside of enjoying yourself. We’ve got your back from luxury train tickets, transfers, and travel times to day trips, excursions, and schedule changes. Luxury scenic train vacations are a chance to kick back, relax, take in the scenery and let us do the heavy lifting.

Featured Luxury Train Tours

Working with the industry’s preeminent luxury rail travel operators allows us to accommodate an outstanding lineup of luxury rail road holidays. You can relax on a journey through four regions in Spain. Begin with a stay in the opulent surroundings of the Parador Santiago de Compostela hotel before disembarking for a 1250km luxury train vacation. Maybe a trip through Montenegro, Italy, Slovenia, Turkey, or Switzerland is a luxury train holiday you’re looking for.

Moving farther afield for luxury train rides and you could head east for Asia. Travel the original Trans-Siberian route from Moscow to Beijing, or travel south and explore central Asia and India. Switch continents and explore Africa by enjoying luxury train journeys from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The exceptional collection of slowly meandering tours and luxury overnight trains afforded you here are sure to provide the best luxury train packages.

Client Feedback For Our Amazing Luxury Train Journeys

Over the years we have sent many clients on luxury train tours. These luxury train journeys are often important, milestone tours for our clients. Luxury train holidays are ideal for birthdays or anniversaries or perhaps a retirement trip long dreamed of. Consequently, we are acutely aware of how important it is that the right luxury rail tour down to the right cabin is booked and that arrangements proceed as smoothly as possible. We will work with you to recommend the best luxury train vacation options that are available. Below you can see some of the feedback from our luxury rail tour clients.

Luxury Scenic Train Vacations Offering The Most Luxurious Train Rides In The World

Slowly winding your way through the astonishingly rich plains of South African National Parks on luxury rail tours or relaxing with a glass of Champagne on luxury overnight train trips heading toward New Year celebrations in the shimmering city of Vienna. You can recline in comfort in wonderfully decadent train cars, soak up the awe-inspiring scenery and indulge yourself on a luxury train vacation bound for some of the most stunning global destinations.

Passengers aboard these luxury rail holidays can navigate routes across six continents, making stops to absorb many cultural and historical attractions. Enjoy stays in beautiful hotels and ride luxury overnight trains towards cities such as Vancouver, Denver, and Whistler. Take the Rocky Mountaineer train through Jasper National Park in Canada or a luxury rail tour to Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Decide upon your dream destination for a luxury train holiday and get packing for Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Canada, or the USA today!

Unforgettable Luxury Train Tours & Luxury Train Packages You Will Treasure For Your Lifetime

Our finely crafted luxury train journeys have been faultlessly curated through years of industry knowledge and experience to ensure that the reality of your luxury train holiday surpasses your expectations. Some passengers have waited a lifetime to go on luxury scenic train vacations, while others book luxury rail road vacations that promise a lifetime of fantastic memories. Whichever of our luxury train packages suits your tastes, we’re sure that the routes you’ll take and the destinations you see with be unforgettable.

Set off on a romantic luxury rail tour through India on board the Deccan Odyssey bound for the majestic Taj Mahal and then take luxury overnight train trips to the holy city of Varanasi. Marvel at the landscapes afforded you on luxury rail road holidays in South America, where you can visit the shores of Lake Titicaca in Peru and the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco. Luxury rail vacations are a splendid way of creating unforgettable memories.

Discover New Places & Experiences With Our Luxury Train Holidays & Luxury Rail Tours

Setting off on an adventure to discover new places is always tremendously exciting. Many people think only about the destination, but with luxury rail travel, passengers are indulged from the moment they step on board these luxury trains. Luxury train rides ensure that every second of a vacation is an adventure, with stunning scenery, making stops in new cities, enjoying good company, and spoiling yourself with gourmet food in the dining cars. The best luxury train trips in the world are a feast for the senses.

Whether it’s your first luxury train tour or your fiftieth, there are always new destinations, routes, and trains to discover. We are fortunate to work with the leading luxury train holiday companies and can offer the world’s best luxury train vacations. Across six continents and dozens of countries, you’ll always have new luxury train rides to immerse yourself in and unique experiences to unearth and explore with The Luxury Train Travel Company.

Exceptional Luxury Train Journeys & Luxury Train Vacations To Be Remembered

Vacations and time spent with loved ones are about having a wonderful time and creating memories that last a lifetime. Luxury train journeys are an enchanting way of slowing down the pace of life, taking a step back, breathing, and having time to appreciate everything around us. Ride along in the world’s most luxurious trains. Unwind in your cabin, complete with polished wood furnishings and creature comforts. Relax at an onboard spa, in the bar car, and eat great food.

Luxury train rides are about the journey as much as the destinations you see along the way. Luxury rail vacations are, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on an adventure and explore new countries, cultures, and destinations. Luxury rail road holidays ensure you can do all of the above at the height of comfort and style. The best luxury train trips in the world will leave you feeling refreshed and energised at the final stop upon the conclusion of your luxury train tour.

● RECOMMENDED ●

Click to download our calendar of luxury train departures as a pdf file.

One of the best ways to learn which trips depart and when is to download our train calendar page where you can scroll through departures in date order and view each tour.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Luxury train holidays & luxury train vacations faqs, what luxury train tour destinations do you offer.

We offer luxury rail road holidays that include New Year in Vienna, luxury train tours of castles in Transylvania, luxury train packages for Africa, India, Spain, Switzerland, Asia, the Americas and Australian luxury rail journeys.

What is the best luxury train vacation?

What the best luxury train trips in the world would be is a matter of opinion, but here at The Luxury Train Travel Company, we have our favourites. Boarding The Danube Express for Venice to Istanbul is a beautiful luxury train tour. Passengers get to visit nine countries, with breathtaking scenery, including Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, while enjoying gourmet meals, a champagne bar, and luxury cabins with en suite bathrooms.

What is the most luxurious train journey in the world?

We provide the best luxury train vacations available, and all the trains used for our tours are very opulent. The individual cars are superbly maintained, the food on board is superb, the fixtures and fittings are very high-quality, and the staff are all customer-centric professionals. The feeling of luxury is a combination of all the elements working together. Whether you take a luxury train vacation in Australia or India to Canada or Peru, you’re assured of the height of luxury and the vacation of a lifetime.

How much do you charge for luxury train vacations?

Our luxury train packages start from as little as £2205 for a 9-night trip on the Orient Silk Road Express through Uzbekistan. At the other end of the scale, luxury rail holidays can cost more than £25,000 if you want to stay in the finest suite onboard and go on longer journeys.

Why should I experience luxury rail travel at least once in my lifetime?

The golden age of luxury train travel was the 1930s, and we tend to think of the Oriental Express. Go back 30+ years, and The Blue Train and Royal Scotsman were famous for travellers looking to visit new exciting destinations in luxury. These days we live in such a fast-paced world that it’s nice to take a step back, relax, travel, and once again enjoy luxury rail journeys to some fantastic places. There can’t be anything more therapeutic for the sole than slowly meandering through the Canadian Rockies, winding down the Silk Road, or heading towards the Taj Mahal on a luxury train vacation.

How do I get started if I want to book a luxury train holiday?

If you would like to look further into taking a luxury scenic train vacation, then you can contact our customer-centric team today. You can discuss the details with us, and we’ll ensure you get the luxury train holiday you’ve always dreamt of.

Why is it best to purchase a luxury train tour from a professional operator rather than buy luxury train tickets by myself?

It’s perfectly possible to purchase luxury train tickets yourself, but there are significant advantages to booking luxury train holidays through a professional operator. Professional operators like The Luxury Train Travel Company have many years of experience organising luxury rail vacations. With these expensive holidays, your trip would be financially protected through our ABTA membership, IPP cover, and ATOL bonding.

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5 things you (probably) didn't know about trains in Vancouver

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From the earliest days of the City of Vancouver to the futuristic (for the 1980s) SkyTrain, rail trail has been essential to Vancouver.

It's the the reason for the city's boom 130 years ago, and it still plays a big role in the local economy, feeding the Port of Vancouver constantly.

So here are 5 things you probably didn't know about trains in Vancouver.

1. Stanley Park Train exists because of a typhoon

Typhoon Freda hit Vancouver on Oct. 12, 1962, bringing with it destruction from southern Oregon to southern B.C. In the Lower Mainland at least 7 died in the storm with wind speeds up to 140 km/h in Vancouver.

One of those deaths happened in Stanley Park, where 3,000 trees were destroyed.

On the city's website Freda is described as "the most devastating storm in Vancouver history."

However, for all the pain and misery it caused, one could argue there's a silver lining: The Stanley Park Train.

The high winds knocked down so many trees that when they were cleared out there was enough land to set up the popular attraction.

2. The first train to arrive in Vancouver is still here

While not as famous at it once was, Canadian Pacific Engine No. 374 is a Vancouver legend due to the role it played in one of the city's most pivotal moments.

It was the engine that hauled the first train in Canadian history to arrive here, arriving in Vancouver on May 23, 1887 to much fanfare.

The train was a sign of the role Vancouver would play in not just the region but the nation, as it became the terminal city for country's only coast-to-coast transportation route aside from horses. That railway was essential to B.C. becoming part of Canada instead of the U.S. or something else.

While Engine 374 continued to work for decades (ending service in 1945), it didn't immediately get cushy home after retirement. It was donated to the city and sat near Kitsilano Beach until Expo 86. At that time it was brought in for restoration.

Now, the engine that was a symbol of Vancouver's future a year after it was founded sits in a museum dedicated to it and railways at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.

3. The Canadian Pacific Railway was given a lot of land to come here

The Canadian Pacific Railway was the essential piece in B.C. joining Canada and initially the route was drawn all the way from the east coast to a west coast terminus in Port Moody.

For years that was the plan, but that plan was updated with Vancouver as the new terminus (when the plan was first created Vancouver wasn't much of a community and wasn't incorporated).

Part of the reason that plan was updated is the government gave 6,000 acres of unceded land to the railway company.

With the land secured, the terminus was moved and Vancouver boomed; in five years the population went from 1000 in 1886 to nearly 14,000 in 1891. By 1911 there were over 100,000 people here. The land the CPR was given was quickly worth a lot of money; they owned all or portions of Kitsilano, the West End, Shaughnessy and more.

4. False Creek's relation to railways

The shores of False Creek may be one of the more popular areas to live in now, but for much of the city's history it was industrial land.

Prior to the arrival of settlers it had been a large body of ocean and saltwater marshland where local indigenous groups gather food.

Once had grown south from Gastown, False Creek became an important industrial area and port; as the eastern half of it was mostly marshy land that didn't have a commerical use, Canadian Pacific Railway decided to fill it in ; they then got the land they'd created.

On that land they built a huge railyard, and Pacific Central Station, which still operates.

5. The Grandview cut

Though it wasn't as big a project as filling in False Creek, the Grandview cut was also a mega project created for rail traffic.

It was built in 1912 and 1913 for the Great Northern Railway which was building a way into Vancouver from the USA.

While the cut fell into disuse, it was revived, in a sense, but the Millennium Line, which used it when the new SkyTrain route was built in the early 2000s.

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Railroads & Locomotives Tourist Railroad Profiles Travel: Riding VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’

Travel: Riding VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’

A classy experience on a North American classic

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VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’

Rarely have I heard such a glowing report from a fellow train rider. Recently, my friend and Conway Scenic Railroad’s bridge inspector Wayne Duffett flew from New England to Vancouver to experience the eastward Canadian .

He returned delighted by the experience. Despite a few hiccups on the journey, he was impressed with VIA Rail’s hospitality and exceptional customer service. I asked him to list some of the trip’s highlights, he replied, “the whole thing!” For Duffett, who had traveled on Canadian Pacific/VIA Rail trains in eastern Canada and Maine, this was a trip of a lifetime.

A train with a past

VIA Rail’s Canadian is famous among the world’s great trains. However, the service has undergone transformations. Some history is required to understand its modern operation. In 1954-55, CP improved its transcontinental service on the Montreal-Toronto-Vancouver route with its deluxe all-new Canadian featuring Budd stainless steel streamlined passenger cars and General Motors F-unit diesels. The Budd dome cars offered passengers panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies and were widely publicized in CP’s marketing.

In the 1970s, VIA Rail assumed marketing and operation of most CP and Canadian National long distance services. In 1990, VIA Rail shifted operation of the Canadian from its historic CP route to the more northerly CN transcon.

Seventy years after the equipment’s introduction, the Canadians continue to operate the former CP Budd cars. They are among the last of their kind in regularly scheduled long distance mainline service. Duffett said, “I wanted to travel on the Canadian Pacific stainless steel train before it is phased out. For me, this is the last streamliner. And for anyone wanting to travel in a classic (mid-20th century) North American streamlined train, this is it.” The Canadian carries VIA Rail’s train Nos. 1 and 2, and in long-standing railroad practice, the odd-number train is westbound.

“VIA Rail runs the train in manner worthy of train numbers. This is the flagship and it shows,” he said. “It lives up to its billing. The train is very clean — absolutely spotless. While the exterior of the 70-year-old cars retain their traditional Budd-streamlined appearance, the interior of the train is beautifully updated.

“There were several classes of travel, and I chose ‘Sleeper Class,’ which was excellent. I wouldn’t swap my little bunk aboard the Canadian for the most luxurious hotel in North America. In the evening, the bunks were prepared with blankets turned down at a 45-degree angle. The blankets and pillows were luxury hotel quality. Dennis, our steward, was a gentleman. He was top notch.”

Duffett noted that Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, B.C., seemed small considering the size of the city, yet the station was more than adequate since it only serves a pair of daily Amtrak Cascades , as well as the western termini for the Canadian (which in the winter runs just twice a week). Most memorable was the live oration announcing the eastward Canadian’s departure, “They listed every station in order all the way through to Toronto.”

“I was only traveling as far east as Winnipeg,” he said. “We made stops at Kamloops, Jasper, Edmonton, and Saskatoon. Each stop was long, most were an hour or more.”

This provided an opportunity to get off and walk around.

“There was a lot of freight traffic, which contributed to delays to our train,” Duffett joked, “We didn’t mind the delay, but if you wanted to get there faster, you could pack yourself in a shipping container and take a freight!” Ultimately, the Canadian was significantly delayed by a problem with a freight train.

“It didn’t matter because it gave us the opportunity to spend a third night in the sleeper,” he said. Among the highlights of the trip was the culinary excellence in the diner. “There was choice of four entrées on the menu. One night, I enjoyed the rack of lamb, another I had prime rib,” Duffett said.

“There was a course of fresh dinner rolls, soup, salad. All meals were prepared on board and to a high standard. The service was excellent, and after ordering, the main courses were delivered within minutes to the whole car.”

Duffett followed up his trip with a letter to VIA Rail, commending the staff by name.

He received a prompt reply from VIA Rail’s customer service, “It is a pleasure to encounter a letter such as yours, expressing appreciation for services rendered … It would be our pleasure to serve you again soon.”

4 thoughts on “ Travel: Riding VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ ”

OK, you all win! Break down and ride The Empire Builder! After all—Jim Hill was a Canadian who didn’t become a US Citizen until October 1880 by which time he had served several terms on the St. Paul city council, legal in those days!

I second Carl. I did The Canadian on the CP in May 1984 in a lower berth/section Thurs night to Sunday night with Sunday evening fresh trout. Now I have to get my US passport in order to do the CN route! But first love in Canada will always be the Montreal-Halifax Atlantic Limited lower berth eastbound and upper berth westbound in November 1981. Totally gone after 1990. Oh, and the north shore route Budd RDC Ste. Foy to Windsor Station Montreal, also now impossible. One could see VIÀ buying cast-off AMTK equip in a few years!

Another report about travel on VIA Rail’s Canadian which can be categorized as “It was a wonderful experience, and we didn’t care how horrendously late the train was, because more train time is better.”

And yes, one sees a lot of such reports on social media. Indeed, there are very few that say things like: “We were ticketed to board at Wainwright in the middle of the night. It was thirty below zero and there is no shelter whatsoever. The train was late and continued to get later and later.” And the reason these reports don’t exist is because few such passengers exist. Operating but two times per week, the train has lost nearly all its utility to its online communities, and now operates mostly as a (very) long-distance tourist train.

When it comes to writing a “how to” book, few would hold up Amtrak as an entity to emulate. But in this case, a comparison with between VIA’s Canadian and Amtrak’s Empire Builder is interesting.

The Empire Builder logs more miles than any other single Amtrak train at 2,681 per trip (this includes both the Seattle and Portland sections of the train). It’s 2,205 miles from Chicago to Seattle, and 2,255 from Chicago to Portland. Between Chicago and Portland (the longer distance compared to Seattle), the Empire Builder is scheduled at 48.8 MPH westbound and 49.02 MPH eastbound. The Empire Builder operates daily, so should operate 37,534 miles per week (2,681 total miles X 7 days per week X 2 – once in each direction).

The Canadian is by far VIA’s longest run at 2,776 miles, a total operating distance (one way) only 95 miles further than that of the Empire Builder. The westbound Canadian is scheduled between Toronto to Vancouver at 28.6 MPH westbound (22.2 MPH slower than the Empire Builder) and 30 MPH eastbound (19 MPH slower than the Empire Builder). Operating just two days per week each way, the Canadian’s cumulative weekly train miles are 11,104 (2,776 route miles X 4 trips per week, two west and two east). Over the course of a week, the Canadian operates only 29.6% of the train miles as does the Empire Builder. (If on time, the cycle time for each of the five sets of Empire Builder equipment is 97 hours, 40 minutes – that’s from departure Chicago to arrival in Seattle and Portland and returning to Chicago – only 35 minutes more than a one-way westward trip on the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver.)

While the Canadian operates only 29.6% of the train miles of the Empire Builder, it handled even a smaller percentage of passengers: only 17.6% in 2023 (61,670 for the Canadian vs. 349,000 for the Empire Builder). Amtrak shows a FY2023 “Operating Expense” for the Empire Builder at CAD$72.6 million. The equivalent for the Canadian cited in the VIA financials is a 2023 “shortfall” of $62.581 million. If one takes the face value of the VIA and Amtrak financial statements, for just CAD$10 million (or USD$7.58 million) more each year, Amtrak’s Empire Builder operates nearly four times the train miles and serves nearly six times the number of passengers as does VIA’s Canadian. Dome cars or prestige service notwithstanding, the Canadian needs to be more like the Empire Builder: A daily operation with daily interactions with the communities it serves.

There comes a time in any situation where if one can ask: “Where are we going with this?” and a definitive path forward is unclear, a change of course is necessary. VIA has stated that the current 70-year-old cars protecting the operation of the Canadian will soon reach the end of their lifespan, and new equipment will be needed. Missing in this statement of the obvious from VIA is the amount of new equipment and its design. Will the amount simply reflect the current number of trains, or is any growth or retrenchment anticipated? Since it’s likely that the fastest way to receive new equipment would be to piggyback on a much-larger order for new long-distance cars by Amtrak, would a change in sleeping accommodations or lack of dome cars make the service less desirable? These and other questions would need to be answered. But the main one has to be this: Given, the lack of utility for the Canadian (and also for the Skeena, and to a lesser extent, the Ocean), what kind of pitch to politicians should be made as to WHY funding should be made available for new equipment in the first place? Referencing the Canadian specifically, can anyone logically claim new equipment is needed because the train serves its local communities? Tourism is important, but it’s likely not necessary to operate a tourist train for 2,776 miles, including all across Northern Ontario, where, kind of like the repetitive rock-paper-scissors game, the scenery is (over and over) rock, lakes, trees. Even CN (the host railroad) doesn’t have any online customers in this part of the railroad, so correspondingly, VIA also has very few. Without a defined logical reason to spend billions of dollars on new equipment, it’s likely more than one Member of Parliament will ask whether or not the request is worthwhile.

It also could be the time that we “go for broke” and acknowledge that the current VIA Canadian is of little use but invoke the historical importance of railroads in Canadian history and specifically the importance of Canada’s first transcontinental route – the Canadian Pacific. If the goal is to create a stable transcontinental service, one must acknowledge that the current route is not the optimum to either access some of Canada’s best scenery or to establish a reliable service which – for a change – actually serves Canadians. In a perfect world, multiple routes would be served. In the real world where funding is likely to be a challenge, now is a great opportunity to change the route back to one most likely to draw not only tourists, but local travelers. In the end, it’s an easy choice. Banff is a greater tourist draw than Jasper; Calgary is by far the larger business hub compared to Edmonton; and there’s nothing on the CN line that compares to Thunder Bay. Beyond that, the current route just isn’t equipped for convenient service to online communities. A station in downtown Sudbury (currently the terminus for the White River-Sudbury train) is much more convenient than out-of-town Sudbury Jct.; It’s easier for the hundred or so residents of Redditt, Ontario to drive the 18 miles to Kenora than to have the 15,000 Kenora residents travel to Redditt to access a passenger train; Rivers is not a convenient stop for Brandon; the Saskatoon station is inconveniently placed next to the CN intermodal terminal on the edge of town, but the stations in Regina (a casino) and Moose Jaw (with retail space) are centerpieces of their downtowns; the Kamloops North VIA station is five miles out of town, but (again), CPKC goes through the downtown area. Throw in stops at Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Lake Louise, Medicine Hat, and Swift Current, and you have that many more reasons to ask for new equipment for a daily full-service transcontinental passenger train. (And another would certainly be that since the change in the Canadian’s routing in 1990, most of the country has lost its intercity bus service.)

And an opportunity which may be overlooked is that this might be the prime time for restarting service on the ex-CPR main line across Ontario and Western Canada because the current CPKC management is heavily into appearances. Their much-touted “single line” route between the Upper Midwest in the United States and Mexico is actually quite operationally inferior to rivals BNSF and UP, but since Canadian Pacific’s merger with Kansas City Southern in 2023, CPKC has been on the full-bore public relations blitz to show everyone that (just like UP) they can handle it. Case in point: Minnesota and Wisconsin arranged $54 million in track upgrades to start a second Amtrak train between Chicago and St. Paul. Rather than stipulating service could not begin until these upgrades were in place, CPKC agreed to start the service in May of this year (the Borealis). CPKC management seems very tuned in to capitalizing on good publicity, and what could be better publicity than enabling Canadians to again ride much of the breadth of Canada in a passenger train? Who knows? It’s worth a shot, especially should there be a possibility of infrastructure upgrade associated with it. After all, CPKC is perpetually saddled with an inferior route profile (compared to CN) through the Canadian Rockies and no access to the ports of Halifax and Prince Rupert, as is CN.

It’s time to begin thinking of real reasons Canada should retain is transcontinental rail passenger service. It needs to serve everyday Canadians, and not just people who think “more time for me on the train” constitutes a worthwhile service.

Mark’s commentary is both astute and thoughtful. I too love the CANADIAN, but in its present form it is a tourist service that can serve a few locals if they can somehow adapt to its total schedule unpredictability. Not only is it often (very) late, but it also can depart minor stops early. I would truly not want to be the coach rider waiting at Wainwright winter or summer!

But oh indeed it is a wonderful experience to ride. But that is the crux of the problem. A train that is capable of only two tips a week and rarely runs to schedule undermines the argument for long distance rail. VIA compounds the problem by offering no reliable enroute connections either. The CANADIAN misconnects (or can’t be relied upon) to the SKEENA at Jasper and to the HUDSON BAY at Winnipeg and offers no westbound connections at Toronto from Montreal/Ottawa either. And the eastbound so frequently runs hours late that same day connecting to the Corridor is a true crap-shoot as well.

I routinely described the on-board experience on the CANADIAN to mt tour clients before I retired as “a rolling museum of 1950s on-board service perfection”, but as real transportation it is only a shadow of what it was once and again should be.

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Want to drive through Europe? Try this route from Amsterdam to Paris

A road trip allows you more flexibility and access to places that are harder to connect by rail or plane.

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One of the first words you should learn in France or Belgium is “grève,” the French word for “strike,” because you’ll often hear it in the local news.

During the past few years, strikes have consistently interrupted European airlines and rail services. Instead of being vulnerable to tricky cross-country connections, travelers should consider renting a car. That’s even more appropriate if you’re in a small group of people who enjoy going off the beaten path.

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As Americans head to Europe over the summer, many will try to fit several countries into an itinerary. A road trip allows you more flexibility and access to places that are harder to connect by rail or plane. Even for locals, traveling by car can be a fun alternative.

“I’m all about driving, flexibility, and accessibility,” says Jane Bertch, the founder of the Paris-based cooking school La Cuisine Paris and author of “The French Ingredient.” “Stay off the highways and stop by small villages for lunch and shopping. I love buying food and wine as souvenirs, and not having to deal with baggage on a train or plane is a plus.”

If you’re looking for a trip that covers three countries in 10-12 days, I’ve designed an itinerary for you to use below (This Google map has all the driving instructions you’ll need).

Renting a car in Europe

If you’re used to driving in the United States, driving in Europe may seem more relaxed. Road rules are mostly the same in continental Europe – except the United Kingdom and Ireland, where you drive on the left side.

Keep in mind that the speed limits are in kilometres per hour, not miles. Even after almost 10 years of living in Europe, I still have to do the math in my head. The easiest way to figure it out is to multiply the number by .60; it’s .62, to be exact, but you should go with the easier math to avoid speeding tickets (they will find you!). The Netherlands and Belgium have speed cameras that capture the average speed of a trip rather than one moment on the road, so set your cruise control and don’t worry about the people zipping by you.

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Renting a car is straightforward in Western Europe. Most of the big brands in the United States – Hertz, Budget, Avis, Enterprise – are available at most large airports. I stick to those brands because I can earn my airline miles and address any issues at the corporate level back home.

As for driving licenses, I’ve rented cars from Austria to Greece and have never been asked for an International Driving Permit. If you’re pulled over, however, having one could save you a ticket. They’re only $20 with an easy application process via AAA.

Roads and parking spots are often much smaller in most of Europe than in the United States, so be careful about how large of a car you rent. You can get a small SUV, but I wouldn’t recommend anything larger than a Volkswagen Tiguan or a BMW X3. Also, if you can’t drive a manual, specify an automatic car in your booking, as manual vehicles are still pretty standard across Europe.

Electric vehicles are more common in Western Europe than in the United States, and there are plenty of charging stations along the highways, parking garages and most urban neighbourhoods. If you choose to rent an electric car, plan your stops around your charging time. That’s also an excellent way to explore a small town. Grab lunch and go for a little stroll while your car charges. Use apps like PlugShare to find charging stations, which display availability and the type of chargers supported.

Google Maps works just as well in Europe as in the United States, so it’s an excellent tool for road trips. Another tip is to pay for parking in advance when visiting the big cities. For example, when I drive to the Netherlands, I use a website called Parkbee . Amsterdam is notorious for its high parking fees, but I still find parking spaces for 20 euros a day. In France, Onepark offers a similar service.

Start from Amsterdam

After a few days strolling along the city’s quaint canals and admiring the Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum, pick up your rental car at Schiphol Airport and head south to Brussels, which should take less than three hours.

Stop in Gouda, Netherlands

Gouda is known for its cheese but also for its history; the city is more than 750 years old. The charming city centre, warm stroopwafels, and enticing cheese present a more laid-back side to Holland without the mass tourism of Amsterdam’s city centre.

Look up the many kaasboerderij (cheese farms) on the outskirts of Gouda. One of my favourites is Kaasboerderij De Twee Hoeven.

Stop in Brussels

Brussels is known for its art nouveau architecture, gastronomy and, of course, chocolates.

A stop at the Grand-Place (where you can also find several parking garages) is a must. Afterward, walk to the Sablon, known for its art galleries, chocolate shops and weekend antique market.

With your car parked, explore the city by metro, tram or bus and head to Saint-Gilles and Ixelles. These local favourite neighbourhoods are teeming with cozy cafes and a bustling restaurant scene where you can eat Belgian classics, a pot teeming with mussels with a side of frites at La Quinciallerie, or a crispy gray shrimp croquette at Fernand Obb. You can also explore global cuisines ranging from Vietnamese to Congolese cuisine, reflecting the city’s diverse population.

Stop in Dinant, Belgium

Make some time for the charming, well-preserved medieval city in Wallonia in southern Belgium. Take a boat ride along the Meuse River with a view of the rolling hills of the Ardennes, go for a tour of the Citadel of Dinant, and stock up on chocolates and artisanal local cheeses.

Stop in Reims, France

It takes less than three hours to drive from Brussels to the Champagne region. Make your base at Reims, where you can walk or take public transportation via bus or tram to many champagne producers.

Having a car will allow you to explore other picturesque Champagne-producing towns like Aÿ-Champagne, Bouzy and Avize, as many of these small towns either don’t have train stations or only have limited schedules. These towns have independent producers whose products are hard to find outside of France. Just make sure someone agrees to be a designated driver.

“If you are on a wine trip, be sure to spit as the legal limit is equivalent to .05 percent blood alcohol content (the standard in the USA is .08 percent). Depending on the size of the pour and your size, even one drink could put you above the limit,” says Caro Feely, co-founder and director of Chateau Feely, a winery and guesthouse in the south of France.

Stop in Lyon, France

Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon, with its cozy taverns known as Bouchon Lyonnaise, serving local fare such as pates and sausage-stuffed brioche and Cote du Rhone wines, has an entirely different feel than Paris with a less touristy vibe and restaurants and bars catering to the home crowd. Just as in other cities, there are plenty of parking garages where you can secure a spot in advance.

Lovers of French cuisine should include a stop to the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a food fall with several restaurants, for oyster shuckers, decadent cheeses, charcuterie and wine.

For stunning city views, catch a funicular to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Stop in Dijon, France

Known for its mustard, Burgundy’s capital has a picturesque city center worth a stop. With its cobblestone streets and gothic architecture, it’s a good place for a petit pause.

Stop in Paris

You could return your rental car to Lyon and take the TGV (fast train) to Paris, which will take two hours. But if you’re looking for more adventure, drive back to Paris and head to Auxerre, a small city in the Burgundy region, for a petit pause.

Also, take advantage of the car to go to landmarks on the outskirts of Paris, like Versailles or Parc du Bois, with a bit more ease. The latter is the home of Fondation Louis Vuitton, which not only houses magnificent artworks but also Frank Gehry-designed buildings and gardens that are just as impressive.

Jessica van Dop DeJesus is a travel and food writer, a digital content creator and the author of “The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico.” She divides her time between Brussels, D.C. and western New York. Follow her on Instagram @diningtraveler.

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Election latest: Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer preparing for final head-to-head of campaign; protester climbs on to Tory battle bus

The final head-to-head between the prime minister and Labour leader looms; a Greenpeace demonstrator stages a protest on top of the Tory campaign bus.

Wednesday 26 June 2024 17:40, UK

• General Election 2024

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Sunak and Starmer preparing for final debate of campaign
• Protester climbs on top of Tory battle bus
• Man arrested in honeytrap scandal | Labour suspends suspect
• 'You are the problem': Sunak attacks David Tennant
• Lib Dem leader admits betting on 2010 election
• Martin Lewis takes Tories to task over 'private' Labour talks
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler and (earlier)  Ben Bloch

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid | Reform | SNP
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage:  Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts:  Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | How to watch election on Sky News

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer are preparing to debate head-to-head for the second and final time of this general election campaign.

The BBC's Mishal Husain - who also chaired a seven-way leaders' debate earlier this month - will referee the contest that will last 75 minutes, starting at 8.15pm this evening.

It will be in front of a live audience , that has been chosen by pollster Savanta, rather than the BBC.

It will include Conservative and Labour supporters, in addition to undecided voters.

Which side of the stage the two men will stand on will be decided by a coin toss - as will the order in which they deliver their closing speeches to the nation.

It is likely to be one of the biggest live audiences of the campaign, allowing the two men to potentially reach millions of voters.

The debate will run straight through the full 75 minutes, without any breaks .

In an article for the BBC, Husain said she will be "nudging the two men back to what was in the question, clarifying points, and yes, probably having to call a halt from time to time".

She said she wants "spontaneity and energy" from tonight's contest: "A proper debate, really, rather than speech-making."

We will have live coverage of the debate here in the Politics Hub, and when the debate ends at 9.30pm, we will have live analysis and reaction here and across Sky News - do join us.

Continuing his conversation with our political editor Beth Rigby , Home Secretary James Cleverly was asked if he would consider running for the Tory leadership.

He had previously said that leader of the opposition is not a job any politician should aspire to - does he still agree?

Mr Cleverly said: "Leader of the opposition, by definition, means you're planning for a defeat. And that's not what I do. 

"That's not what any Conservative candidate should do at this general election. 

"We should work for a victory. We should work to take our message to the voters. We should work for every vote."

Pressed again on whether he would consider running for the leadership should the Conservatives lose the election, and Rishi Sunak stand aside, Mr Cleverly dodged the question.

He said: "My focus is on making sure that I'm returned as the Conservative MP for Braintree.

"Our focus should be winning the election. And that and that is where my focus is."

Home Secretary James Cleverly today said he is angry that the general election campaign has been overshadowed by the election betting scandal.

Speaking to our political editor Beth Rigby , Mr Cleverly said "of course" he was angry about the scandal - because "we only do interviews" focused on the situation.

He said that, instead, he wants to "talk about the choice at this general election between a high taxing Labour Party and a lower taxing Conservative Party".

Mr Cleverly added: "The prime minister has made it clear right from the start that he was furious about this. We said we would let the Gambling Commission do its investigation. 

"We wouldn't comment on that. We've looked at it internally.

"We've made the decision that we have removed support for the Conservative candidates involved. And the prime minister is clear. 

"I am clear that when you enter public service, it's about serving the public. That's why he was so angry about it."

The home secretary added that "the standards that we set our candidates are clear and unambiguous, and they have fallen short of that.".

"That's why we've taken action."

The Conservative Party has withdrawn support for two candidates over allegations they were involved in placing bets on the date of the general election - with inside knowledge.

Pledges and promises are coming thick and fast from every party as the general election approaches. 

Struggling to keep up with who is saying what?

Here is a summary of where the main parties stand on major issues.

For a more in-depth look at what each party has pledged, scour our  manifesto checker ...

It's 5pm - time for our teatime update on the general election campaign.

Here's what you need to know so far - and what's to come later:

• The gambling scandal isn't going anywhere, with the BBC reporting more than a dozen Tory candidates and officials are facing scrutiny from the watchdog ;
• Conservative minister Mel Stride told Sky News it had become a "disappointing" distraction from the campaign, while Labour's Liz Kendall said the party suspending one of its own candidates for betting showed how seriously they were taking it;
• The Liberal Democrats have called for a review into the rules around betting, though leader Sir Ed Davey admitted he put money on the 2010 election ;
• In a separate political scandal, Sky News understands that a man arrested in north London in connection with the Westminster honeytrap scandal was a Labour Party member;
• The Met Police said a man had been arrested on suspicion of harassment and offences under the Online Safety Act; 
• Meanwhile, a Greenpeace protester climbed on top of the Conservative battle bus while it was parked up in Nottinghamshire this afternoon.
• Elsewhere, Rishi Sunak has attacked David Tennant after the actor said he wished minister Kemi Badenoch would "shut up";
• The Doctor Who star laid into her position on trans and women's rights while being honoured at the British LGBT Awards;
• Ms Badenoch had said she would "not be silenced" by the "rich, lefty, white male celebrity", and Mr Sunak has now told him: "You are the problem."

And don't forget - the final head-to-head debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer , hosted by the BBC, is taking place tonight.

We will have live coverage here in the Politics Hub from 8.15pm - join us for updates and analysis.

Home Secretary James Cleverly has denied having placed any kind of political bets - as an election betting scandal engulfs the Conservative Party.

Asked whether this is the case, Mr Cleverly says: "No."

And pressed on whether there should be any rule changes in the wake of this situation, the home secretary refuses to say.

He explains: "There's an investigation by the Gambling Commission into people, of a number of political parties and of no political party. My own party. 

"We have taken action on the individuals who were candidates. We have withdrawn support for those candidates. 

"But we will let the Gambling Commission complete its investigation, as we said, we would. I'm not going to comment further on the investigation. 

"We'll see what the outcome of this is. But my position has been clear. The prime minister has been clear on this. 

"People in public service should focus on serving the public. "

But are the rules around election betting the problem?

"We don't know yet whether any existing rules have been broken or whether any new rules need to be put in place," he says.

By Jon Craig , chief political correspondent

Rishi Sunak's closest Commons aide, Craig Williams, has been interviewed by Gambling Commission officials over his bet on the timing of the general election, Sky News understands.

He has been cautioned and interviewed by two ex-police officers and a former HMRC official who are now investigators at the commission, according to a Gambling Commission insider.

It is understood the commission is now conducting a "live criminal investigation" and Mr Williams could face prosecution, a caution, or no further action, depending on the evidence.

The interview is said to have begun this morning and then resumed this afternoon after a lunchtime break.

You can read more from Jon Craig in the link below:

Farming minister Sir Mark Spencer has denied Greenpeace activists' claims that the Tories scored the worst of all parties on the environment.

Asked about the protester climbing the Conservative battle bus, he said it was ironic that "I'm here in my electric rechargeable vehicle and they turned up in their diesel van to protest about the environment".

Sir Mark said: "I think they made their point. I mean, I'm sympathetic to some of the points they made. 

"You know, I think in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs we're doing a lot to lower our carbon footprint and improve the environment."

He said the criticism of the Tories' record on the environment was not "fair at all".

"We've made huge strides in making sure that we are both energy secure but lowering our carbon footprint as a nation."

Sammy Wilson, the East Antrim candidate for the Democratic Unionist Party, has condemned a "senseless attack" on his constituency office.

The DUP said a "number of shots" were fired at the window of his office in Carrickfergus overnight.

Mr Wilson said this is a "senseless attack" - but he "won't be deterred" from speaking his mind.

He added: "Whilst we do not know what sort of weapon was used in the attack it could have caused injury to anyone who happened to be in the area at the time.

"Throughout my years as a public representative, I have never been deterred from putting forward by views and I won't be deterred now."

The other candidates in East Antrim are:

• Mark Bailey, Green Party
• Danny Donnelly, Alliance
• Margaret Anne McKillop, SDLP
• Oliver McMullan, Sinn Fein
• John Stewart, UUP
• Matthew Warwick, TUV

If you don't have any photo ID, today is the deadline to apply for an ID certificate you can use at the general election. 

This is called a Voter Authority Certificate - and you have until 5pm to apply online.

That's also the deadline to apply for someone to vote on your behalf if you can't make it to the ballot box on 4 July - known as a proxy vote.

Tap here if you need to do that.

Remind me... what are these certificates all about?

This is the first time people voting at a UK general election will need to provide photo ID.

There are 22 different types of ID you can use - including passports, driving licences, and other travel passes.

You can find a full list below:

But if you don't have one, get a Voter Authority Certificate.

To apply online here , you must have already registered to vote.

You also need a recent photo and your National Insurance number, or some other way of proving your identity - like a bank statement.

Remember, you have until 5pm. Don't forget!

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