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Across Canada by Train

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14 days From $3,546 $3,396 per person
4.6 stars(51 reviews)
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Over 2,700 miles of unforgettable vistas lie ahead as you travel across eight provinces by train on this ultimate Canadian rail adventure.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
Save $300

Offer ends March 28th: Save $300 per booking on Independent Canada Tours in 2024.

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2024 Tour code: TC-ACTE-24

About the tour

Spend 14 days traversing the boundless Canadian landscape, discovering all the spectacular cities and natural wonders bestrewn upon it by train. This remarkable journey travels from the West Coast to the East using three rail lines - two overnight and one whose route connects the popular cities along the Windsor Corridor. Enjoy first-class accommodations as you travel, delicious meals, and access to exclusive lounge cars where you have the best perspective on Canada's ever-changing scenery.

Begin in Vancouver, a spectacular coastal city between the deep blue Pacific and breathtaking rainforest and mountain scenes. Enjoy a day to explore its endless contrasts before boarding VIA Rail's Canadian for a four-night rail journey through the majestic Rocky Mountains and across the Canadian Shield to Toronto. Visit Niagara Falls and then bounce between other cities along the Corridor, including Montreal and Quebec City, on the Corridor Service train. Stays in centrally located hotels and a wonderful mixture of guided sightseeing and leisure time allow you to connect with each location. Continue your vacation with another overnight rail trip, this time aboard VIA Rail's Ocean, to Halifax, where your cross-country route concludes. An open mind and an empty memory card are the best accessories for this epic vacation.

Itinerary is also available from Halifax to Vancouver based on your travel preference

Unforgettable Experiences

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
Visit Niagara Falls, one of the great natural wonders of the world, and take a ride on The Hornblower to Horseshoe Falls.
Montreal Sightseeing
Montreal Sightseeing
See more than 200 points of interest on a Montreal sightseeing tour, including Notre-Dame Basilica
Peggy's Cove
Peggy's Cove
Discover the scenic beauty of Peggy’s Cove and the Halifax region on a half-day sightseeing tour

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Vancouver

Arrive in the coastal city of Vancouver and check-in to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you're close to many of the city's attractions, shops, and restaurants. Spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Opt to add admission to FlyOver Canada, a thrilling multisensory journey across Canada aboard the latest in flight ride technology. Or, choose to explore the Capilano Suspension bridge and park. Overnight Vancouver.

There is so much to see and do in this iconic city. Speak to your rail specialist about adding additional nights and sightseeing experiences in Vancouver. Some highlights include a city or food tours, a day trip out to Victoria, or whale watching.

Day 2 - VIA Rail to Toronto

Spend the first half of your day at leisure taking in all this waterfront city has to offer. Or, opt to add a food tour on Granville Island to taste various artisan treats before returning to the hotel to collect your luggage. Transfer on your own to the train station for your departure on VIA Rail's Canadian bound for Toronto. Settle into your onboard accommodations and prepare for your journey east to Toronto. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 3 - Across Alberta

Today you travel through the province of Alberta, passing through the Canadian Rockies and the cosmopolitan city of Edmonton. Relax in the Skyline Car and enjoys views of the passing scenery. Enjoy your meals in the Dining Car and after dinner, perhaps take some time to visit with the other passengers before settling in for the evening. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Eastbound through the Prairies

As you continue to make your way east towards Toronto, today's travels lead you through Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These western provinces, commonly known as "The Prairies," are the world's top two most attractive mining investment destinations. Spend the day enjoying the views of Canada's ever-changing landscape from the lounges onboard the train, or the comfort of your Sleeper Plus accommodations. Points of interest on today's journey include Watrous, famous for its mineral hot springs; Melville, named after a former President of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad Company; Portage La Prairie, once a resting area for fur traders and other voyagers by canoe; and Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba and home of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Across the Canadian Shield

A highlight of today's scenic trip includes Longlac, which, located at the northern tip of Long Lake, played an important role as part of the historic canoe route for fur traders. Spend time in the Park Car enjoying its three salons and observation deck as well as the Skyline Car with an observation dome offering 360-degree views of the ever-changing landscape. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Toronto

The Canadian is scheduled to arrive in Toronto's Union Station this afternoon. After you disembark, transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel and then the day is yours to be spent exploring this exciting city on your own. Stop by the iconic markets, such as St. Lawrence Market for a famous peameal bacon sandwich or Kensington Market for its street food and vibrant murals and shop fronts. You may also opt to visit Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum or Art Gallery of Toronto, or take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront as you gaze at the city's skyscrapers alongside the CN Tower. Overnight Toronto.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Niagara Falls Excursion

Today embark on a full-day excursion to Niagara Falls. Travel along the Niagara Parkway, winding along the Niagara Gorge through the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Don an included rain slicker and enjoy the famous Hornblower tour, an exciting boat ride that takes you to Horseshoe Falls.

After this unforgettable cruise, we enjoy lunch with a view of the majestic Niagara Falls at the Fallsview Restaurant. We then journey through the scenic Niagara Parkway with stops at Floral Clock, Botanical Gardens, Queenston Heights, Niagara Gorge, and free time in the historic quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

If you have already seen the falls and aren't up for the road trip, you can stay in the city and choose from the following selection of tours.

  • Toronto Hop on Hop Off Tour - Free Boat Tour included from July until October depending on weather conditions.
  • Toronto Helicopter
  • Tour Private Sightseeing
  • Tour of Toronto

Overnight Toronto.

*Please note* During winter months the Niagara Falls excursion includes Journey Behind the Falls experience in place of the Cruise Boat.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 8 - Toronto to Montreal

Spend the morning at your leisure before traveling to Montreal on VIA Rail's Corridor Service. Upon arrival, transfer independently to your centrally-located hotel, then spend some time getting acquainted with the city on your own. Overnight Montreal.

Day 9 – Montreal to Quebec City

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Montreal that takes you past more than 200 points of interest. Highlights include Notre Dame Basilica, historic Old Montreal, the Olympic Complex, and a panoramic view from the top of Mount Royal. The afternoon is yours to explore Montreal on your own.

Alternatively you can opt into the following excursions:
Old Montreal Walking Tour - East Side
Private Sightseeing Tour of Montreal
Guided Cruise of Montreal

After your excursion head back to your hotel to collect your luggage before making your own way to the train station before boarding your VIA Rail train for the journey to Quebec City. Overnight Quebec City.

Please note some supplemental tours may not operate daily at all outside of peak season (May-October)

Day 10 - Quebec City Sightseeing

Get acquainted with the city during today's comprehensive sightseeing tour via motorcoach, which shows you both historic and modern Quebec City. Highlights of your trip include the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale, and the Basilica, among other landmarks. Alternatively, opt to immerse yourself in Old Quebec with a walking tour. This afternoon you may wish to visit Parliament Hill including the Parliament Building and the Fontaine de Tourny, Montmorency Falls Park, or Wendake. Overnight Quebec City.

Day 11 - Quebec City to Halifax

Make the most of your full day in Quebec City! Spend the day exploring the city on your own, visiting the unique shops or sipping coffee and people-watching at one the city's many sidewalk cafes. You may elect to revisit some of the sights from yesterday's tour or add an additional sightseeing excursion. You can choose from a guided cruise, bike, or pedicab food tour. Tonight, transfer to the rail station in Sainte-Foy for your overnight journey aboard VIA Rail's Ocean bound for Halifax. Settle into your accommodations and bid adieu to Quebec as the train leaves the St. Lawrence River behind and speeds toward the Maritimes. Overnight train.

Please note optional tours may not operate outside of peak season (May-October)

Day 12 - VIA Rail En Route to Halifax

Awake this morning and enjoy a hot breakfast in the Dining Car. Later this afternoon, the Ocean pulls into Moncton, an outdoor lover's paradise, for a 15-minute stop. Stretch your legs and get a glimpse of the town. Because Moncton is well-situated to both the ocean and woodlands, it is ideal for visitors interested in kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching. Admire the passing scenery as you continue the last leg of your journey.

Upon arrival in Halifax, drop your bags at your hotel and venture out for dinner this evening. Argyle Street, located in the heart of downtown Halifax, will have an array of options to choose from. You may also opt for a meal by the water along the boardwalk. Enjoy the fresh Nova Scotian seafood the local cuisine has to offer and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight Halifax.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 - Halifax Sightseeing

Nova Scotia's capital city has much to offer in the way of attractions and natural beauty, and today, you are introduced to some of the most enticing offerings on a half-day guided tour. The excursion begins with a scenic drive down the coast to Peggy's Cove. This charming fishing village is renowned for its lighthouse, yet it also boasts many natural features, including smooth granite rocks, and an idyllic downtown filled with shops that make for postcard-perfect pictures. Following your time here, the tour continues to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site for an immersive reenactment that demonstrates what life was like for those stationed at the fort hundreds of years ago. Actors in period uniforms introduce you to military history, one story and artifact at a time.

The route ventures back into downtown Halifax from this point while showcasing landmarks and attractions that cover a variety of interests. Your driver narrates the journey and points out must-sees, like Pier 21, Halifax Farmers Market, and the City Gardens. You may also see the Titanic cemeteries, the largest of which is Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where 121 victims are buried. The remainder of your day is at leisure upon return to your hotel. Overnight Halifax.

Day 14 - Halifax

Your rail journey across Canada ends this morning. You may wish to extend your stay to explore more of Nova Scotia, or transfer to the airport (not included) for your return trip home.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Moderate Accommodations
•Hotels include Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, Chelsea Hotel, Delta Hotels by Marriott Montreal, Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec, Cambridge Suites Halifax or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
• VIA Rail accommodations are in Sleeper Plus Class on the Canadian in a semi-private berth featuring a wide couch-style seat during the day that folds out into a bed at night with heavy curtains for privacy, public washroom including shower facilities in the same car; , economy class on the Corridor service; and Sleeper Plus Class on the Ocean in a private cabin featuring a large sofa during the day that folds out to an upper and lower bed with ensuite washroom.
• Meals are included onboard the Canadian and the Ocean. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on the Corridor service. You will have evening access to the Park Car on the Canadian.

Superior Accommodations 
• Hotels include Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer, Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain, Hotel Manoir Victoria, the Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
• VIA Rail accommodations are in Sleeper Plus Class on the Canadian in a private cabin featuring two comfortable sofa chairs during the day that are replaced by an upper and lower bed at night, with en suite washroom and access to shower facilities; Business class on the Corridor service; and Sleeper Plus Class on the Ocean in a private cabin featuring a large sofa during the day that folds out to an upper and lower bed with ensuite washroom.
• Meals are included onboard the Canadian and the Ocean in the dining car. A meal will be served to you at your seat on the Corridor service. You will have evening access to the Park Car on the Canadian.

Deluxe Accommodations
• Hotels include Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Royal York, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel (Hotel Birks Montreal included for July & August), Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Westin Nova Scotian or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
• VIA Rail accommodations are in Sleeper Plus Class on the Canadian in a private cabin featuring two comfortable sofa chairs during the day that are replaced by an upper and lower bed at night, with en suite washroom and access to shower facilities ; Business class on the Corridor service; and Sleeper Plus Class on the Ocean in a private cabin featuring a large sofa during the day that folds out to an upper and lower bed with ensuite washroom.
• Meals are included onboard the Canadian and the Ocean in the dining car. A meal will be served to you at your seat on the Corridor service. You will have evening access to the Park Car on the Canadian.

Prestige Class
• Hotels include Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Royal York, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hote (Hotel Birks Montreal included for July & August), Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Westin Nova Scotian or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
• VIA Rail accommodations on the Canadian are in Prestige Class in a private cabin featuring a large, comfortable leather couch, fold-down double bed, private washroom with shower, flat-screen TV with video selection, fully stocked minibar, and personalized service by the Prestige Concierge; Business class on the Corridor service; and Sleeper Plus Class in a private cabin on the Ocean featuring a large sofa during the day that folds out to an upper and lower bed with ensuite washroom.
• Meals are included onboard the Canadian and the Ocean in the dining car. A meal will be served to you at your seat on the Corridor service. On the Canadian you will have priority access to dining car reservations and exclusive access to the Prestige Park Car for spectacular views.

Please note

3 night stays are required in Montreal during the Grand Prix. Additional nights may be required should you travel during this time. Please ask your rail specialist for details.

Taxes are not included on rail portions and are subject to change.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Trains

The Canadian Train
VIA Rail's Canadian
VIA Rail's Corridor Services
VIA Rail's Ocean
VIA Rail's Winnipeg – Churchill

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Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 51 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (38)
  2. 4 stars
    (9)
  3. 3 stars
    (2)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

PERCILLA EDGAR

5 stars

Submitted 19 Nov 2023

It was an amazing adventure! The staff were incredible and I met some very wonderful people along the way. Thank you for the experience!

Collected by Trustpilot

MARY JACQUELYN MANN

5 stars

Submitted 30 Oct 2023

This was a "trip of a lifetime" for us. We purchased Prestige class and were very pleased with the results, especially the hotels across the board and the train accommodations between Vancouver and Toronto. The VIA rail staff was cheerful, and energetically helpful which was particularly important for us since we are in our 70's and my husband is mobility impaired.

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JOHN MCLACHLAN

4 stars

Submitted 20 Sep 2023

I love trains so this trip was special. The accommodations along the way were first class, although I was disappointed that we couldn't get booked into the Fairmont in Toronto. The Coastal train, although it looked newer, was much more constrictive than the Canadian. Not a whole lot of room to move around. Our stay in Halifax was extended by hurricane Lee but it just added another opportunity for more lobster. Overall, I would travel by Trains across Canada again.

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YVONNE CLAYTON HOWARD

5 stars

Submitted 11 Aug 2023

Really enjoyed the train part of this trip. Guide for Niagara excursion was poor.

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ELIZABETH A LUNDEN

5 stars

Submitted 04 Aug 2023

As this was "independent travel" we weren't sure what to expect, and a bit concerned since we are getting on in years. However the itinerary and planning by VBR, and our choice of the Deluxe level made it an enjoyable and fairly relaxed trip completely fulfilling our expectations of a scenic rail adventure across Canada.

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BARBARA O

5 stars

Submitted 03 Aug 2023

This was a wonderful way to see Canada. Bring your appetite and your walking shoes.

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