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Wonders of Canada & the Rocky Mountaineer

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You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
20252026
13 days From $6,995 per person
4.2 stars(12 reviews)
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From the Pacific Ocean setting of Vancouver to lakeside Toronto, this Canadian vacation takes us across the country on two iconic rail journeys

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

Mobility Rating 2

2026 Tour code: TCJ26

About the tour

Delve into the remarkable landscapes of Canada on world-famous trains.

Our exploration begins with a guided tour of beautiful Vancouver on the Pacific coast before we enjoy two daytime trips on the amazing Rocky Mountaineer to the astonishing Canadian Rockies. Based in Banff and Jasper, we admire the awe-inspiring Lake Louise and the Athabasca Glacier.

An epic three-night journey carries us across central Canada's varied scenery on our way to cosmopolitan Toronto, where we take a cruise to view the natural wonders of Niagara Falls.

Unforgettable Experiences

Witness the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
Witness the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
From coastal Vancouver to the snow-capped mountains of Banff National Park, enjoy two breathtaking daytime journeys on the First Passage to the West route, admiring amazing mountain passes and rushing rivers from panoramic carriages.
Explore the natural beauty of Banff and Jasper national parks
Explore the natural beauty of Banff and Jasper national parks
The popular mountain towns of Banff and Jasper are surrounded by astonishing natural wonders. Admire glistening Lake Louise and Emerald Lake, the ethereal Athabasca Glacier and the scenic Icefields Parkway.
Travel across the heartlands on the epic Canadian train
Travel across the heartlands on the epic Canadian train
View central Canada’s ever-changing scenery – from mountains to prairies, forested wilderness and bustling towns on an amazing three-night journey aboard the Canadian.
Cruise into the mist of the majestic Niagara Falls
Cruise into the mist of the majestic Niagara Falls
Absorb the awe-inspiring power of nature at Niagara Falls on a full-day guided excursion from Toronto. Enjoy a jaw-dropping cruise amid the spray and thunderous roar before viewing these natural wonders from Table Rock.
Experience Vancouver’s charming atmosphere and vibrant food scene
Experience Vancouver’s charming atmosphere and vibrant food scene
Embark on an expertly guided sightseeing tour of this beautiful and characterful city, discovering rejuvenated Gastown, the historic totem poles of expansive Stanley Park and Granville Island’s appealing food markets.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Your great Canadian adventure begins in Vancouver

Today, you make your way independently to meet the Tour Manager at our hotel in Vancouver. The Pacific coast city is regularly regarded as one of the world's most desirable places to live, thanks to its charming atmosphere amid the incredible setting of mountains and sheltered bays and harbors. Cosmopolitan Vancouver effortlessly impresses its many visitors with a blend of culture and the spectacular surrounding scenery.

Our hotel is a short distance from both Downtown and the harbor. After check in there is a free evening to unwind or venture out to try some of western Canada's finest cuisine. Top-class seafood, such as salmon, oysters and Dungeness crab can be found in many of the city's popular restaurants. With a multicultural population, you can also find local versions of Asian and Mexican dishes.

Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver and Stanley Park

An early morning tour of Vancouver's most characterful and historic districts with a local guide awaits us on our first full day in Canada.

As Vancouver's original Downtown, rejuvenated Gastown is the city's most historic area. Redbrick Victorian buildings dot the tree-lined streets surrounding pretty Maple Tree Square. Many upmarket fashion boutiques, trendy coffee shops, art galleries and the famous Gastown Steam Clock can be found in this area named after talkative Hull-born sailor and barman 'Gassy' Jack Deighton.

Crossing East Hastings Street, we arrive in Canada's largest Chinatown, where we experience the sights and sounds of the beautifully adorned streets. From leafy Stanley Park, where we view colorful totem poles celebrating the native history of the region's indigenous Coast Salish people, we travel to Granville Island. Boasting many food markets, this is where our tour concludes this afternoon.

The rest of the day is free to explore independently. You could stay on Granville Island to enjoy the craft stalls or visit North Vancouver to find the Capilano Suspension Bridge hanging 450 feet above the forest floor.

Day 3 - Into the Rocky Mountains on the First Passage to the West

Early this morning, we head to the train station ready for a spectacular journey into the Rocky Mountains. In panoramic carriages, 180-degree views of the sky and soaring mountain peaks pass by.

Enjoying breakfast onboard the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Class, we wind our way through deep forests and fertile fields along the banks of the Fraser River before the scenery becomes even more impressive as the imposing peaks of the Coast Mountains close in. Passing the rushing waters of Hell's Gate, we admire the impressive Fraser Canyon and keep our eyes open for native Canadian wildlife such as bears, elk and moose.

After Lytton, our route follows the Thompson River and the scenery changes once again. Here, we traverse an almost desert-like environment as arid mountains roll out before our windows. A three-course lunch is served at our seats as we admire wonderful views.

Disembarking in the early evening in Kamloops for a night at a local hotel, there is time to explore and dine independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Kamloops to Banff on the Rocky Mountaineer

The Canadian Rockies continue to inspire awe this morning as we travel eastwards on the Rocky Mountaineer. With breakfast and lunch served onboard, we can sit back and marvel at the beautiful sights enroute. Look out for the mythical Shuswaggi - an eight-foot monster similar to Nessie said to reside in Shuswap Lake.

Nearly 3,000 miles of trans-Canadian railway were connected by the shores of the Eagle River in 1885 as the 'last spike' was driven into the track. This followed surveyor AB Rogers setting out in 1881 to locate an accessible route through the mountains. His name is remembered by the Rogers Pass under which the five-mile Connaught Tunnel runs.

Climbing the dramatic Kicking Horse Pass, we twist through the magnificent Spiral Tunnels. More striking scenery awaits as we cross the Continental Divide, passing photogenic Morant's Curve and iconic Castle Mountain before arriving in Banff.

After checking in to our centrally located hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore this mountain town or savor local cuisine in one of Canada's burgeoning foodie destinations.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Glistening lakes in the Rockies’ national parks

We explore this sensational part of the world on a coach tour today. Our first destination is the glacial Emerald Lake, so-called due to its remarkable color.

The first non-indigenous person to record seeing the lake was Tom Wilson in 1882, who was pursuing horses that had bolted. On encountering the lake, Wilson stopped to enjoy its beauty. A backcountry expert, Wilson was also the first non-indigenous person to view our next destination: Lake Louise, a turquoise glacial lake framed by towering snow-capped mountains. This famed picture-perfect lake has become intrinsically linked with the region but is equally impressive in person, and there is free time to soak up this spectacular view.

Wilson also played a role in discovering a pass through the mountains for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Having traveled this remarkable route yesterday, we view the Spiral Tunnels from the lookout point - hopefully seeing a train twisting its way through.

Returning to Banff this evening, you are free to dine on your own.

Day 6 - The Icefields Parkway to Jasper

A journey along the famous Icefields Parkway awaits today as we leave Banff by coach. This 144-mile road framed by astonishing mountain scenery links Banff and Jasper. Recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world, there are more than 100 glaciers visible enroute.

We pass beautiful lakes and admire the surroundings of rugged mountains and the blanket of pristine pine forests, before arriving at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Here, we stop to marvel at the otherworldly Athabasca Glacier squeezing between the peaks. There is the option to enjoy lunch or ride over the ice field by giant, all-terrain Snocoach (payable locally). Afterwards, we make a short stop at the Athabasca Falls, where thundering waters cascade through the idyllic mountain scenery.

One of the most important towns for miles around, Jasper manages to retain a calm, small-town feel. Charming buildings line streets peppered with interesting shops and enticing restaurants. After checking in to our hotel, you are free to explore this picture-perfect town this evening.

Day 7 - Free time in Jasper National Park and stargazing evening

You are free to explore at leisure today. A scenic excursion deep into the UNESCO-listed Jasper National Park that surrounds the town is a popular choice (payable locally). Heading into the Maligne River valley, you will be greeted by a spectacular showcase of Canada's grandest landscapes, including craggy, snow-dusted mountains, plunging waterfalls, and hot springs as crystalline lakes. The main attractions here are the Maligne Canyon, a deep limestone gorge, and Maligne Lake - the largest glacier-fed body of water in the region - where you could enjoy a cruise (payable locally).

There's plenty of wildlife to watch out for such as grey wolves, hoary marmot, caribou and moose. Elk can also be found wandering through the town of Jasper and out on the mountains, while ospreys, eagles and other birds circle overhead.

Late this evening there is an optional excursion to Jasper Planetarium for a telescope tour with expert guides explaining the wonders of the cosmos that we are viewing. Stargazing is a delight here in the Canadian Rockies, as the dark night sky is unpolluted by city lights.

Includes
  • Day 8 - Dinner
  • Day 9 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Boarding the Canadian for an epic three-night journey

There is time to enjoy lovely Jasper this morning before we transfer to the train station for one of the world's most iconic and revered train journeys.

Boarding the steel carriages of the Canadian, we settle into our private berths for a three-night ride across Canada to Toronto. As we follow the Athabasca River, we wind down the Rocky Mountains into the verdant foothills. With lunch and dinner served onboard, we can enjoy views of glaciers, plunging canyons, soaring mountains and endless pine forests.

As we cross further into the province of Alberta, the scenery changes as remote settlements and serene lakes dot the landscape. Leaving Edmonton this evening, we can relax and look forward to a laid-back day as the Canadian continues its remarkable journey.

Includes
  • Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Into the great wide open

Waking up on the Canadian, we are welcomed to Saskatchewan's vast prairies which we can view while enjoying our breakfast. The seemingly endless grasslands of the Great Plains stretch as far as the eye can see, with boundless farming communities passing by our windows as the Canadian rolls on.

With a population similar to that of Glasgow's and an area greater than France, Saskatchewan is ideal for sitting back and watching the world go by and the glass-roofed panoramic observation car is the ideal place to do this, either side of lunch. We travel through the southern plains of Saskatchewan, home to deer, eagles and, in select areas, antelope, moose and bison. Dinner is also served onboard.

Later, we cross into Manitoba, a province with more than 100,000 lakes stretching up to the shores of Hudson Bay. Its capital is Winnipeg, considered the geographical center of Canada. Late this evening, the train pulls into this fascinating city before continuing eastwards overnight.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Crossing northern Ontario’s wilderness

Over breakfast on the Canadian train this morning, we cross the rocky ground of the Canadian Shield, a landscape pocked with primordial lakes and thick, verdant forests of ancient trees.

For the isolated communities we pass through, the Canadian Pacific Railway has been a lifeline for decades. While Ontario might be the most populous of Canada's provinces, the remote areas we travel through today are raw Canadian wilderness, with moose, lynx and black bears prowling its dense woodlands.

After lunch onboard, the Canadian changes direction, continuing its journey southeast towards the Great Lakes. Spend some time in the observation car or lounge as we travel through this evocative scenery before dinner is served. The Canadian continues its epic journey overnight towards its destination.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Arrival in lakeside Toronto

Our final morning onboard the Canadian begins with a continental breakfast as we travel south towards Toronto. The views change from the mountains and prairies of the past few days to more familiar suburban scenes as we make our way around Lake Simcoe into the Greater Toronto area.

Brunch is served before our arrival in mid-afternoon at Toronto's Union Station, Canada's largest and most elegant train station. Built in 1927, this glorious Beaux-Arts structure is actually the third incarnation of the station - a testament to the importance of railways in connecting Canada. Nearby is the iconic CN Tower built by the Canadian National Railway Company and the world's tallest free-standing structure from 1975 until 2007.

We transfer to our Downtown hotel where there is time to unwind or explore Canada's most populous city at leisure. There is no shortage of restaurants nearby for you to find somewhere to eat - from steak and seafood to European and Asian cuisine.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 - Exploring spectacular Niagara Falls with a cruise

Today is a highlight as we are joined on a coach by an expert local guide for a full-day trip to the incredible Niagara Falls.

Connecting the Great Lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara River plunges down three astonishing waterfalls. When we arrive, we set sail on a 'Voyage to the Falls' cruise to get closer to one of the world's most impressive natural sights - with protective ponchos supplied. Marveling at the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the iconic Horseshoe Falls is an unforgettable experience as clouds of spray and thunderous roar emphasize the awesome majesty of nature.

Back onshore, there is time for lunch independently in one of Niagara's restaurants before admiring the falls from above at Table Rock. Continuing our exploration, we reach the whirlpool where the river bursts out of the Niagara Gorge.

We conclude our excursion at the town of Niagara on the Lake, where there is time to stroll its quaint streets. Returning to Toronto this evening, you are free to dine independently tonight.

Day 13 - Discovering Toronto at leisure and homeward bound

Your vacation comes to an end today as you transfer independently to the airport to make your way home. This spectacular expedition has seen us journey on iconic trains from the Pacific coast to the Great Lakes, witnessing many highlights of the world's second-largest country.

From the thriving cultural scene of Vancouver and awe-inspiring views from the Rocky Mountaineer, we explored the national parks around Banff and Jasper on visits to Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway. Boarding the incredible Canadian train for three nights provided a front-row seat to the varied landscapes before we arrived in Toronto. The unforgettable experiences continued as we visited the majestic Niagara Falls on a fantastic cruise.

Additional information

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.

Hotels

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

View hotel

Blue Horizon Hotel, Vancouver

Blue Horizon Hotel, Vancouver

View hotel

Trains

Rocky Mountaineer
VIA Rail's Canadian
VIA Rail's Canadian Prestige Class

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Extend your stay
Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer train
Upgrades to Prestige Class cabins on the VIA Rail Canadian

Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 12 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (6)
  2. 4 stars
    (4)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Roxie Hayes

5 stars

Submitted 10 Oct 2024

The staff was amazing, the food fabulous and the views, jaw dropping.

Collected by Trustpilot

Ledia Rivera

3 stars

Submitted 30 Sep 2024

We enjoyed Vancour, Banff and the visit to Niagara Falls. We had a lot of time on our own and had to pay for local tours. The value for the money was not worth it. We were not prepared for the trains to run late and we missed dinner service on our travel to Toronto. Due to the fires in Jasper we went to Calgary, which as a disappointment. Banff was beautiful and would have enjoyed more time there. Our tour guide in Vancouver was very knowledgeable. Stanley Park was also beautiful and would have rather have more time there as well. We did not see much wildlife during the trip or fall colors during our trip.

Collected by Trustpilot

Thomas Ossola

4 stars

Submitted 30 Sep 2024

We enjoyed the trip through the Rockies best. The trip across central Canada was a little long. We also felt the trip was somewhat overpriced as compared to other trips we have taken.

Collected by Trustpilot

Christine Poppe

4 stars

Submitted 23 Sep 2024

when I booked our trip on the rocky Mountaineer, I didn't realized that I was booking for an escorted tour, but I'm very glad I did. Richard, our tour guide, was wonderful - always smiling, ready to help with issues or problems, ready to talk about Canada, our tour or our experiences. Although the center part of the trip, through the flatlands of Saskatuwan and Alberta was less interesting than the ride thought the rockies, the whole trip was definitely worthwhile.

Collected by Trustpilot

David Wittman

4 stars

Submitted 16 Sep 2024

Our guide Richard B. was excellent and did an amazing job keeping us informed and responding to itinerary changes related to the recent Jasper fire. The Rocky Mountaineer segment was the highlight, it was beautiful and enjoyable. The canadien train was less exciting but very relaxing. Recommend paying extra for the “sleeper plus” with a private room on the Via rail. Toronto and Vancouver are amazing cities and we added extra days at both ends for more independent exploring. Niagara Falls from the Canada side is definitely worth visiting but should find a way to do it without the pain of getting there & back through horrendous Toronto traffic in a bus. Perhaps a transit/train solution would be better for this segment. Hotels selected by Great Rail were nice, especially the Chelsea in Toronto and Metropolitan in Vancouver.

Collected by Trustpilot

BALL, RUSSELL

5 stars

Submitted 14 Jun 2023

Great experience, good service. I would highly recommend it!

Collected by Trustpilot

Show all 12 reviews
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