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Canada Coast to Coast

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
202420252026
17 days From $9,004 $8,854 per person
4.7 stars(17 reviews)
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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.

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

Save $300 per booking on Independent Canada Tours in 2024

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Mobility Rating 2

2024 Tour code: TC-CCCE-24

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 with a 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. 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.

We return to Toronto early this evening. 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 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, 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. 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 Center, Rimrock Resort, Post Hotel, The Crimson, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer, Delta Hotels by Marriott Montreal, The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation. Kamloops hotel is included and will be confirmed upon check-in for the Rocky Mountaineer.
• Rocky Mountaineer accommodations are in SilverLeaf Service. Seats are in a single level dome car with oversized windows. 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 .
• Gourmet meals are included and served to you at your seat on the Rocky Mountaineer. 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 the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Royal York, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (Hotel Birks Montreal included for July & August), Westin Nova Scotian or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation. Kamloops hotel is included and will be confirmed upon check-in for the Rocky Mountaineer.
• Rocky Mountaineer accommodations are in GoldLeaf Service. You will be traveling in a bi-level dome car with your seats being on the upper level of the car. You will have exclusive access to an outdoor viewing platform. 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.
• Gourmet meal service is included on the lower level of the car on the Rocky Mountaineer. 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 Accommodations
• Hotels include upgraded rooms at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Royal York, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (Hotel Birks Montreal included for July & August), Westin Nova Scotian or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation. Kamloops hotel is included in a standard room and will be confirmed upon check-in for the Rocky Mountaineer.
• Rocky Mountaineer accommodations are in GoldLeaf Service. You will be traveling in a bi-level dome car with your seats being on the upper level of the car. You will have exclusive access to an outdoor viewing platform. 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 in a private cabin featuring a large sofa during the day that folds out to an upper and lower bed with ensuite washroom.
• Gourmet meal service is included on the lower level of the car on the Rocky Mountaineer. 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 access to the Prestige Park Car for spectacular views.

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

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

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Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 17 reviews

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

COLLEEN NELSON

5 stars

Submitted 21 Oct 2023

All details and connections were perfect. Rocky Mountaineer was great pampering, tours at Banff, Lake Louise, Ice Fields, and enroute to Jasper were fantastic. Three night train on the Canadian was a good experience, as was the business class ride from Toronto to Montreal. Nice hotels and tours in both cities. Great memories if a trip of a lifetime.

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Mickey Stone

4 stars

Submitted 14 Jun 2023

The beautiful Canadian landscape just outside the train window was stunning. The service during the trip was professional. The only downside was communication before the trip was lax. For example, we did not receive a general itinerary until after the trip started and we requested one.

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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.

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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.

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Peter

5 stars

Submitted 20 Oct 2022

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

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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.

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