Canada by Rail - Starting in Toronto

Day 1: Oct. 3, 2023
Toronto, ON
Today you will start your journey across Canada. Find your train and leave your bags for a free day exploring the city.

Day 2: Oct. 4, 2023
Depart Toronto, ON 
This morning, depart on VIA Rail’s transcontinental train, restored to its original 1950’s style. “The Canadian” is a handsome stainless-steel re-creation of the great era of train travel. Enjoy your private room, socialize over a drink with friends in the Mural Lounge, or ascend the staircase to the dome of the Park Car for coffee under the stars. Overnight VIA Rail (Sleeper Plus Class). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Oct. 5, 2023
Northern Ontario to Manitoba 
After a peaceful night’s rest, awake and enjoy the view of the untamed wilderness of Northern Ontario. Cross the rugged rocks of the Canadian Shield to enter the Province of Manitoba. Overnight VIA Rail (Sleeper Plus Class). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Oct. 6, 2023
Manitoba to Saskatchewan to Alberta
As your westward journey continues, be sure to visit the Dome for sweeping views of the vast rolling prairies as you travel across Saskatchewan and into Alberta today. Overnight VIA Rail (Sleeper Plus Class). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Oct. 7, 2023
Jasper, AB 
This morning, arrive in the resort town of Jasper, in the heart of the mountains. No trip to Jasper National Park is complete without seeing Maligne Canyon and Lake, one of the most picturesque spots in the Canadian Rockies. Keep your eyes open for grizzly bears and other wildlife as you drive through the park. Spend two nights in Jasper, Alberta. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 6: Oct. 8, 2023
Jasper, AB
The entire day is yours to explore Jasper at your leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 7: Oct. 9, 2023
Jasper, AB to Banff, AB 
Travel by motorcoach south on the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefields. Board the Ice Explorer for a ride up the Athabasca Glacier, followed by the exhilarating Skywalk (weather permitting). Continue along the Parkway, whose scenery is rated “the most spectacular in the entire Canadian National Parks System”, en route to Lake Louise. Spend two nights nested under imposing peaks in the bustling resort village of Banff, Alberta. (Breakfast)

Day 8: Oct. 10, 2023
Banff, AB 
Today’s tour of Banff includes Bow Falls, the Banff Springs Hotel and Tunnel Mountain. The Banff Gondola takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a stunning bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. (Breakfast)

Day 9: Oct. 11, 2023
Rocky Mountaineer
Today it’s “All Aboard” as you pull out of the Banff Station on the “Rocky Mountaineer” two- day rail tour, “the Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World”. Sit back and relax in spacious, comfortable reclining seats with picture windows. Meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are served at your seat. Your Onboard Service Attendant provides interesting and informative commentary on the history and geography along the route. Travel through the snow-capped mountains of Banff, Yoho and Glacier National Parks. Twist a figure eight through the “Spiral Tunnels”. Watch for wildlife on the hillsides. Traverse Rogers Pass. Discover Craigellachie where, in 1885, the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railroad was driven. Overnight in Kamloops, British Columbia. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 10: Oct. 12, 2023
Kamloops, BC to Vancouver, BC 
Re-board the train as you continue westward through Canada’s semi-arid desert. Travel down the Thompson River, where whitewater rafters challenge the rapids at the Jaws of Death Gorge. Along the historic Fraser River, see Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon before entering the lush, fertile fields of the Fraser Valley. In the late afternoon, arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia for a three-night stay. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 11: Oct. 13, 2023
Day Trip to Victoria, BC 
It’s an early start for a day trip to charming Victoria. Board the ferry at Tsawwassen to cross the Strait of Georgia to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Victoria – “the Emerald of the West and Sunshine City” – is a regal capital with a British accent and old English charm. Your tour of the city includes the Tudor-style buildings, parks, flower-lined streets and more. Visit Butchart Gardens, offering four seasons of magnificent flowers, trees and much more. Return to Vancouver for overnight. (Breakfast)

Day 12: Oct. 14, 2023
Vancouver, BC 
A morning city tour will acquaint you with this impressive western Canadian city, site of the 1986 World Exposition and the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. See historic Gastown, 1000-acre Stanley Park, the downtown area, English Bay beaches, the waterfront and Chinatown. The afternoon is free to pursue your own interests. This evening, join your tour director for a Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 13: Oct. 15, 2023
Depart Vancouver, BC
Depart Vancouver for Halifax on your included flight back home taking with you fond memories of your cross Canada rail adventure!