Canada by Rail - Starting in Halifax (14 days)
See the diverse beauty of Canada from coast to coast from the comfort of the train. Taking the train harkens back to a bygone era when travel was a more relaxed endeavor. Join Atlantic Tours on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
From your front row seat, discover how the landscape shifts as you travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. See Nova Scotia’s charming small towns, New Brunswick’s vast forests and catch the sunrise as the rails take you through southern Quebec. Watch the rugged Canadian Shield, the untamed wilderness of Northern Ontario, and the vast rolling prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan pass by your window. Marvel at the majestic, snow-capped mountains of the Canadian Rockies. See the rushing waters, fertile farms, and sheer rock faces of the Fraser River Valley. Undoubtably, the train is the best way to appreciate the incredible scale and diversity of this vast nation.
While traversing Canada, delight in first-class service and amenities aboard VIA Rail, first on The Ocean from Halifax to Montreal and then The Canadian from Toronto to Jasper. Enjoy delicious food and cozy accommodation as you ride the rails. In Banff, board the Rocky Mountaineer – “The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World.” During the daytime see panoramic vistas from glass-domed coaches and outdoor viewing areas. Gourmet meals are delivered to your comfortable seats. It is a true feast for the senses!
Let Atlantic Tours' Karen Hatcher take care of the details as you sit back, unwind, and see Canada as it was meant to be seen!
Dates
Highlights
VIA Rail’s Sleeper Plus Class Service from Halifax to Montreal, Corridor Service from Montreal to Toronto and Sleeper Plus Class Service Toronto to Edmonton
Rocky Mountaineer 2-Day Rail Tour from Banff to Vancouver – your choice of SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf service on the train
Canadian Rockies
Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer and Skywalk
Banff Gondola
Tours of Jasper, Banff, Victoria, and Vancouver
2 Nights in Jasper
2 Nights in Banff
3 Nights in Vancouver
24 Meals: 12 Breakfasts/Continental Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 5 Dinners
One-Way Economy Airfare from Vancouver
Fully escorted round-trip from Halifax by an Atlantic Tours Tour Director
Coach Transportation (where applicable)
Itinerary
DAY 1: Friday, September 25, 2026
Halifax NS to Montreal QC
Your Journey of a Lifetime begins when you climb aboard VIA Rail’s The Ocean in Halifax. Sit back and watch the world go by as you cross the Maritimes in a single day. We have reserved Sleeper Plus Class for your comfort. This includes your own cabin, use of the lounge car and wonderful meals in the dining car. (Lunch, Dinner)
Please see Important Information under the Rates section regarding Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail.
DAY 2: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Montreal QC to Toronto ON
After arriving in Montreal, the next leg of your journey takes you on VIA Rail’s Corridor service to Toronto. Experience the comfortable ergonomic seating, delicious food and more in Business Class service as you travel through southwestern Quebec and Eastern Ontario. In Toronto, stay the night in the heart of the city at the historic and elegant Fairmont Royal York. This evening is free to relax or explore Toronto on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 3: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Depart Toronto ON
VIA Rail’s The Canadian is one of the world’s most iconic train journeys, stretching from Toronto to Vancouver through the vast and breathtaking landscapes of Canada. From your window, as the train moves westward, notice how Canada’s largest city eventually gives way to rolling countryside and then the exposed rock, dense boreal forest and countless lakes of Northern Ontario. Reminiscent of the 1950’s, the train is a handsome stainless-steel re-creation of the great era of train travel. Enjoy your private Sleeper Plus Class cabin, socialize over a drink with friends in the Mural Lounge, or ascend the staircase to the dome of the Skyline Car for coffee under the stars. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4: Monday, September 28, 2026
Northern Ontario to Manitoba
After a peaceful night’s rest, awake and enjoy the view of the untamed wilderness of Northern Ontario as it winds through the rugged Canadian Shield. This area is especially scenic in autumn with vibrant foliage. You may even see moose, deer and bears. Fingers crossed! As the train crosses into Manitoba, witness how the scenery changes from forest to wide-open farmland and big skies, the classic prairie landscape. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of this part of Canada. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Manitoba to Saskatchewan to Alberta
This portion of The Canadian takes you through the heart of the Canadian Prairies and into the rolling hills and boreal forests of central Alberta. At the beginning of your day, see how the rolling hills, wetlands and lakes breakup the classic flatness of Saskatchewan. West of Saskatoon, the land begins to transition from open prairie to a mix of trees and grassland eventually becoming more rugged and forested the closer you get to the Alberta border. Once in Alberta, the terrain continues to undulate gently, with tree-lined river valleys, farmland and distant foothills. From the dome in the Skyline car, witness this beautiful shift in the landscape. Arrive in Edmonton later this evening where you will spend the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Edmonton AB to Jasper AB
With a later start this morning, depart Edmonton as you travel westward by coach. In Edson, stop at the Galloway Station Museum. Learn how the beginnings of the town are intertwined with the history of the railway in the region. Afterwards, continue to the resort town of Jasper, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where you will spend the next two nights. (Breakfast)
DAY 7: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Tour Jasper
Start your day with a tour of Jasper. Learn about the area’s history and stories of community and ecological resilience. In Jasper National Park see the glacial-fed waters of Maligne Lake. Famed for the colour of its water and the surrounding peaks, discover why it may be one of the most picture-perfect spots in the Canadian Rockies. Keep your eyes open for grizzly bears and other wildlife as you drive through the park. From majestic mountains to stunning lakes, immerse yourself in the beauty of this iconic natural landscape. After the tour, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
DAY 8: Friday, October 2, 2026
Jasper AB to Banff AB
Journey by coach southward on the world-famous Icefields Parkway. As you drive past sweeping glaciers, immense waterfalls and shimmering mountain lakes, hear more about the geographical and historical significance of the region. At the Columbia Icefield, board an all-terrain Ice Explorer for a ride onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. Walk on the ice and learn about glaciers, icefields and the local environment. Next, venture along the Glacier Skywalk, where a cliff-edge walkway takes you to a glass platform 918 feet in the air! Continue along the Parkway for a quick stop in picturesque Lake Louise. Spend two nights nested under imposing peaks in the bustling resort village of Banff. (Breakfast)
Please note both the Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk are weather dependent. Fingers crossed for good weather!
DAY 9: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Banff AB
Did you know Banff is the location of Canada’s first national park? Learn about Banff’s history, geology and wildlife while taking in some of the area’s most iconic sites including 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 Bow Valley and the town of Banff. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. (Breakfast)
DAY 10: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Rocky Mountaineer: From Banff AB to Kamloops BC
Today it’s “All Aboard” as you pull out of Banff Station on Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West two-day rail tour. Experience this daylight rail experience through the Canadian Rockies and discover why it is one of the most spectacular train trips in the world! Sit back and relax in spacious, comfortable reclining seats with picture windows in Silverleaf service. Meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are served at your seat. Your Onboard Host 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”. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the hillsides. Traverse Rogers Pass. Discover Craigellachie where, in 1885, the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railroad was driven. Spend the night in a hotel in Kamloops. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch)
Please see Important Information under the Rates section regarding SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service on Rocky Mountaineer.
DAY 11: Monday, October 5, 2026
Rocky Mountaineer: From Kamloops BC to Vancouver BC
Re-board Rocky Mountaineer as you depart Kamloops and continue westward through Canada’s semi-arid desert. Follow the Thompson River, where whitewater rafters challenge the rapids at the Jaws of Death Gorge. Near Lytton, witness the confluence of two mighty rivers. Here, the muddy waters of the Thompson River meet the clearer Fraser River, with their distinct colours running side by side before merging. See Hell’s Gate where the Fraser River narrows dramatically, creating a powerful torrent between the steep walls of the Fraser Canyon. See how the landscape changes to the lush, fertile fields of the Fraser Valley. In the early evening, arrive in Vancouver for a three-night stay. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 12: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Day Trip to Victoria BC
It’s an early start for your daytrip to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, located on beautiful Vancouver Island. Known as the City of Gardens, Victoria is a regal capital with a British accent and old English charm. Tour the downtown area, featuring the Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Mile 0 and historic Chinatown. Also, visit world-renowned Butchart Gardens, offering four seasons of magnificent flowers, trees and much more. Can you believe that Butchart Gardens was once a limestone quarry? It is now a National Historic Site featuring 55 acres of themed displays! In the evening, return to Vancouver. (Breakfast)
DAY 13: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Tour Vancouver
A morning tour of Vancouver will allow you to become better acquainted with this impressive western Canadian city, site of the 1986 World Exposition and the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. See historic Gastown, Vancouver’s first settlement and oldest commercial district featuring the famous steamclock. At the 1000-acre Stanley Park, view the First Nations Totem Poles and learn about the people who first lived on the area’s shores. Other iconic sites include 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 and travelling companions for a Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 14: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Homeward Bound!
Depart Vancouver for Halifax on your included flight back home with fond memories of your cross Canada rail adventure!
Please see Important Information under the Rates section regarding flights.
Accommodations
Accommodations
| Day 1 | VIA Rail Sleeper Plus Class, Overnight on The Ocean |
| Day 2 | Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, ON |
| Days 3 & 4 | VIA Rail Sleeper Plus Class, Overnight on The Canadian |
| Day 5 | Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, Edmonton, AB |
| Days 6 & 7 | Forest Park Hotel, Jasper, AB |
| Days 8 & 9 | Mount Royal Hotel, Banff, AB |
| Day 10 | To Be Determined by Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops, BC |
| Day 11, 12 & 13 | Blue Horizon Hotel, Vancouver, BC |
*Important Information*
VIA Rail
- While VIA Rail does its best to adhere to the scheduled arrival times, they do not own the majority of the tracks used on the trip. Freight takes priority over passenger service in Canada; therefore, delays in arrival times may occur.
Sleeper Plus Class
Cabin for Two
- Room size: 7 ft 3 in x 5 ft (214cm x 152cm), excluding 2 ft 9 in x 2 ft 1 in (84cm x 64cm) for private washroom
- Private washroom available inside bedroom: sink and toilet only
- Day time: two comfortable sofa chairs
- Nighttime: upper and lower beds replace chairs
- A ladder with 4 steps (4.5 feet/142cm) is required to reach the upper bed.
- On The Ocean, some cabins have their own private shower located inside your cabin; however, this cannot be guaranteed. On The Canadian, there is no private shower inside your cabin available. There is a shower room with a door that locks located in each Sleeper Plus Class car for use during your trip. Towels are provided.
- Door locks on the inside only (no individual key)
Cabin for One
- Room size: 6 ft 5 in x 3 ft 7.5 in (196cm x 110cm)
- Room from mattress to door when bed is down: 2 in (5cm)
- Private toilet in cabin but bed covers toilet at night. At night, you may prefer to use the public toilet located in the car.
- Sink over toilet
- Day time: one comfortable sofa chair
- Nighttime: bed pulls out or lowers down from wall
- No private shower. There is a shower room with a door that locks located in each Sleeper Plus Class car for use during your trip. Towels are provided.
- Door locks on the inside only (no individual key)
-
- VIA Rail staff will prepare your room for daytime and nighttime use.
- If you have a travelling companion, and one of you is concerned with climbing a ladder to an upper bed, you may want to consider two single cabins (subject to availability).
Rocky Mountaineer
Like VIA Rail, while Rocky Mountaineer does its best to adhere to the scheduled arrival times, they do not own the tracks used on the trip. Freight takes priority over passenger service in Canada; therefore, delays in arrival times may occur.
- SilverLeaf
- Coach Style: custom-designed single-level dome
- Window Style: oversized glass-dome windows for taking in spectacular views
- Dining & Beverages: regionally-inspired meals served in the comfort of your seat; includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seating: reclining, comfortable pre-assigned seating with ample leg room
- Viewing Area: Outdoor viewing area
- Storytelling by hosts about historic sites, scenery and wildlife
- GoldLeaf
- Coach Style: bi-level dome with seating above and dining room below
- Window Style: full glass-dome windows with panoramic views
- Dining & Beverages: gourmet à la carte meals in the lower-level dining room; includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seating: reclining, comfortable pre-assigned seating with ample leg room
- Viewing Area: Large, exclusive outdoor viewing platform
- Storytelling by hosts about historic sites, scenery and wildlife
Accommodation in Kamloops is part of the package purchased from Rocky Mountaineer. Rocky Mountaineer assigns guests to their partner hotels, not Atlantic Tours. This takes place one to two weeks before departure. All guests – regardless if they have chosen SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf service – will stay in moderate hotel accommodation with essential amenities. Kamloops is a small city of approximately 100,000 people and not all levels of accommodation are available.
Mobility Requirements
Travelling with Atlantic Tours requires a certain level of activity and physical fitness to enjoy and take part in the tour.
While the specific requirements for each tour vary, for tours with rail you MUST be able to:
- Enter and exit the train on your own.
- Climb stairs with ease and at times without handrails.
- Utilize a small ladder to the upper single bed in Cabins for 2.
- Safely sleep in an upper bed.
- Walk up and down moderate to steep inclines.
- Walk on uneven surfaces.
- Stabilize yourself and be comfortable on a moving train - it will sway and bump
- Walk distances of at least 1km at a reasonable pace.
- Walk and stand for up to 2 hours.
- Manage your own luggage if luggage handling is not available.
Rates (CAD)
2026
| Double/Twin | Triple | Quad | Single |
| $13,229 | $12,729 | $12,419 | $15,269 |
Rates are Per Person in CAD
Rates are subject to 7.6% HST/GST
***Price is based on Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf Class service. If you prefer GoldLeaf Class service while on Rocky Mountaineer, please ask our reservations staff for the additional cost.***
Please contact us for pricing if you would prefer to join the trip in Montreal QC or another location en route.
Deposit: Non-Refundable $500 per person at time of booking.
Full Payment Due: July 25, 2026
Cancellation Policy:
Up to and including June 25, 2026: deposit is non-refundable
June 26, 2026, to date of departure and after departure: 100% of the total tour price is non-refundable
- The cost of one-way economy airfare is included. This will include 1 personal item, 1 carry-on item and 1 checked bag.
- Please expect a morning departure from Vancouver with a layover, arriving in Halifax in the mid to late evening.
- Atlantic Tours will endeavor to book flights with a reasonable layover between flight segments but it cannot be guaranteed.
- Not all airlines will allow groups to purchase one-way flights.
- Flight time and air carrier will not be confirmed until closer to time of departure.
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