Call to book1-877-929-7245
Tour Search
#Favorites

Canada Coast to Coast

Save
4.7 stars(16 reviews)
Gallery

Immerse yourself in beauty of nature, the excitement of the city and everything in between as you make your way through the scenic Canadian landscape.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
202320242025
17 days From $8,552 per person
Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
Save up to $1000

Take advantage of our best offer of the season and save up to $1,000 per couple on select bookings in 2023. Seats are limited and selling fast - book by June 29. 

View Terms and Conditions

2023 Tour code: TC-CCCE-23

About the tour

Let the rails guide your adventure on this 17-day coast-to-coast Canadian tour. The journey begins in coastal Vancouver, where you board the famed Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic ride to Kamloops. We reboard the train the next morning for a trip through the Rockies to Banff. It is in Banff that you have the opportunity to soak in all the natural majesty this region has to offer, with guided and independent touring through some of the area's most iconic sites. Spend the night at Lake Louise before visiting Banff and Jasper National Parks, Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier en route to Jasper.

It is in Jasper that the true rail adventure begins, as you board VIA Rail's Canadian for a 3-day train ride to Toronto. Upon arrival, you will have ample time to tour the city and Niagara Falls before moving on to Montreal using VIA Rail's Business Class train. Use the day to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city before reboarding VIA Rail for the final leg of your tour. Though the scenic landscapes of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick lies Halifax, the place where this 4,000-mile tour comes to a close.

This itinerary is also available from Halifax to Vancouver based on your travel preference.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 2 - Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. On today's journey, you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops. Overnight Kamloops. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer to Banff

Your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends in the resort town of Banff this evening. Overnight Banff.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Banff Sightseeing

Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff, where highlights include visits to Bow Falls, the Banff Gondola (admission included), Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Alternately, elect to explore Banff in a different way by choosing one of the following options:

Half Day Discover Banff & It's Wildlife with Gondola
Helicopter Ride over the Continental Divide
Private Sightseeing Tour of Banff

The remainder of the day is at leisure to continue your exploration of this mountain town. Opt to add on admission to the Banff Hot Springs where you will get panoramic mountain views, or take an evening wildlife safari through Banff National Park to search for some of its most visible wildlife. Overnight Banff.

Day 5 - Banff to Lake Louise

Today explore the natural wonders of Lake Louise and Yoho National Park. Highlights include a walk along Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake, the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint, Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Canada. Your tour ends in Lake Louise this afternoon, where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight Lake Louise.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 6 - Lake Louise to Jasper

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper National Parks via the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, and Athabasca Falls. The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Arrive in Jasper late this evening. Overnight Jasper. 

Includes
  • Lunch
Days 7-9 - VIA Rail to Toronto

Late this morning, transfer to the Jasper train station to board VIA Rail's Canadian. Say goodbye to the peaceful mountain town of Jasper as you depart for Toronto, the economic center of Canada. Continue traveling across the Great Central Plains of Canada, through Winnipeg to rugged Ontario. Overnight train. 

Includes
  • Day 7 - Dinner
  • Day 8 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Arrival in 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 11 - Niagara Falls Tour

Enjoy a full-day motorcoach tour to Niagara Falls, one of the great natural wonders of the world. Included is a cruise on The Hornblower to the base of Horseshoe Falls. Return to Toronto early this evening. Overnight Toronto. 

Imax Theatre or Journey Behind the Falls is substituted when The Hornblower is not operating

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 12 - Toronto at Leisure

You have a full day to explore the cosmopolitan city of Toronto. Make use of your included Hop-on Hop-off pass and let the friendly and knowledgeable guides educate you on the fun facts and history of Toronto as they take you through the city. Featured stops include CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto's Harbourfront and more.

Alternatively, add a walking food tour through Kensington Market, opt for a more active way to take in Toronto's top sites with a bicycle tour, or experience this vibrant city at your own pace with a private sightseeing tour. Overnight Toronto.

Day 13 - VIA Rail to Montreal

Travel by VIA Rail in Business Class from Toronto to Montreal. Overnight Montreal.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 14 - Montreal Sightseeing

Enjoy a half-day guided city tour of Montreal today. Scheduled stops include Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, Olympic Park, Mount Royal and McGill University. Choose to experience this city at a leisurely pace with a hop-on hop-off tour or a private sightseeing tour. Opt to take a beyond the market food walking tour that includes the Jean-Talon market and your local guide's favorite local spots. Overnight Montreal.

Day 15 - VIA Rail to Halifax

Spend the day sightseeing independently in Montreal before boarding the VIA Rail train to Halifax. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 16 - Halifax

Enjoy the beautiful Nova Scotia and New Brunswick landscapes before arriving in Halifax this evening. 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 17 - Conclusion

Your vacation comes to an end upon check-out from your Halifax hotel.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Superior Accommodations
Hotels include Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, The Crimson Hotel Jasper, Post Hotel Lake Louise, Rimrock Resort Banff, Delta Montreal, Hotel Le Germain, and The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus class in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounges and observation cars. Travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is in SilverLeaf service and includes travel in a single-level dome car featuring panoramic views and hot meal service at your seat.

Deluxe Accommodations
Hotels include Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Montreal, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Royal York, and Westin Nova Scotian. VIA Rail accommodations are in Sleeper Plus class in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounges and observation cars. Travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is in GoldLeaf service and includes travel in a bi-level dome car featuring panoramic views on the upper level and an elegant private dining room to take breakfast and lunch.

Prestige Accommodations
Hotels include Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Royal York, Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth and Westin Nova Scotian in upgraded room categories (where available). Each Prestige Sleep Cabin has a modular leather L-shaped couch by day and a Murphy bed for two by night facing the window with electric radiant heated cabin floors and walls that maintain a comfortable and constant temperature. Highlights of this Prestige Class include; a personalized dedicated service by the Prestige Concierge; a spacious cabin, large windows and a private washroom with shower; flat-screen TV with video selection; minibar stocked with a selection of beverages and more.

Please note

Taxes are not included on rail portions and are subject to change. Prices for triples and children are available on request.

Please note all accommodation in Kamloops is of moderate standard.

3-night minimum stay in Montreal during the Gran Prix. Ask your rail specialist for details.

Cabins purchased on VIA rail for a single traveler are Cabins for 1. For upgrade options, ask your rail specialist for details.

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

Rocky Mountaineer
VIA Rail's Canadian
VIA Rail's Corridor Services
VIA Rail's Ocean

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Elevate Your Adventure
Extend your stay
Explore More

Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 16 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (12)
  2. 4 stars
    (3)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Dan S.

5 stars

Submitted 21 May 2023

Rocky mountaineer experience was fantastic, did not get to experience the jasper to toronto prestige cabin canadian train from Jasper to toronto due to wildfires in Alberta. Some confusion with reservation numbers for various activities.

Collected by Trustpilot

MARYANN KINGMAN ROULIER

4 stars

Submitted 22 Oct 2022

Rail across Canada was a fabulous trip! The only issue was the way in which our reservation was forgotten. However, disaster was pulled from the flames and, though accommodations were not always as we hoped, the trip was wonderful.

Collected by Trustpilot

Peter

5 stars

Submitted 20 Oct 2022

This was a well planned and luxurious trip which I cannot recommend highly enough!

Collected by Trustpilot

BLAIR AUGUSTINE WELSH

3 stars

Submitted 30 Aug 2022

The trip itself was beautiful, Canada was lovely and the train trips were wonderful. But Vacations by Rail was ultimately more trouble than it was worth. Their responsivness was patchy (very good responses to emails initially and then no responses from our Vacations by Rail contact person for two months before the trip). Vacations by Rail's flexibility re room arrangements was not good. We were a family of four and they wouldn't let us book any larger shared room eg two bedroom place. They would only let us book two separate rooms. We would rather have been in a larger, nicer room all together (which would have been cheaper too) and we could have done that ourselves if we'd been organising the trip independently. Our trip documents were not sent to us until a few days before the trip and only because I called and asked for them (when I called they said there had been a mix up at the Vacations by Rail end). This lateness made it stressful to get our documents printed before travel. When I reveiwed the documents, we had been booked in the wrong train class on the train. Vacations by Rail had booked us in a class lower than what we had paid for and had to change it at the last minute (thankfully there were still spots in our original sleeper cabin class). When we got on the train, Via Rail had no record of our having requested adjoining/connecting cabins on the train (which Vacations by Rail said they would add to our booking). Also, a lot of the day tours Vacations by Rail booked required phone confirmation 24 hours beforehand which was very difficult to do when travelling as we did not have working mobile phones in Canada and were relying on internet and printed documents. Despite the problems, I wanted to note that each individual we dealt with at Vacations by Rail was lovely and helpful. But, overall, we decided the route/itinerary was good but that we would have had an easier time with less stress/mistakes if we had booked the accommodation, train trips and day tours all separately and just arranged it directly ourselves.

Collected by Trustpilot

DEBORAH ADAMS

4 stars

Submitted 27 Aug 2022

We enjoyed the Rocky Mountaineer part the best. Via Rail part not so much.

Collected by Trustpilot

Annette D, Denver, CO

5 stars

Submitted 17 Dec 2018

Everything was perfect. We felt so taken care of throughout the trip. All the staff were so amazingly professional and kind- (such a contrast from the airlines we had to deal with!) The scenery was exquisite- every detail was wonderful. Thanks for all your expert assistance!

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Show 6 more reviews
Global Rail Adventures Brochure

Global Rail Adventures Brochure

The definitive guide to our 2023 Global Rail Adventures

Download brochure
Related inspiration from our journey blog