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20242025
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Small Group

An epic rail journey across Canada highlighted by impressive small group touring, luxurious hotel stays, and the country's most beautiful scenery, including the Canadian Rockies.

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

2024 Tour code: CCP24

About the tour

The nuances and extremes of beautiful Canada are yours to behold on this cross-country rail journey. This voyage of discovery takes you from Vancouver, nestled on the country's West Coast between the deep-blue Pacific Ocean and the towering Coast Mountains, through the heart of the country to Halifax in Maritime Nova Scotia.

Staying in four distinctive and luxurious Fairmont Hotels, our fabulous rail journey begins in stunning Vancouver which we explore before joining the iconic Rocky Mountaineer to beautiful Banff. We continue to the World Heritage Jasper National Park, then head east to cultural Toronto and enjoy a boat trip into the fine mist beneath the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Staying in one of Canada's re-owned heritage buildings, Le Chateau Frontenac, we explore historic Québec before continuing overnight by rail on The Ocean train, to discover the maritime treasures of charming Nova Scotia.

Unforgettable Experiences

Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer
Travel into the Canadian Rockies on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, climbing the legendary spiral tunnels, built to overcome steep mountain gradients.
Vancouver in Luxury
Vancouver in Luxury
Explore cosmopolitan Vancouver, from the city’s superb Fairmont Hotel, discovering the Gastown neighbourhood and the expansive Stanley Park.
Château Frontenac
Château Frontenac
Stay in Québec’s world-renowned Fairmont Hotel – the enchanting and luxurious Château Frontenac.
Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper Park Lodge
Enjoy an indulgent stay in Jasper Park Lodge, set beneath stunning mountains, and explore the World Heritage wonderland of Jasper National Park.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park
Experience the natural beauty of Banff National Park, Emerald Lake and the stupendous Lake Louise.
The Canadian
The Canadian
Enjoy a three-night rail adventure on The Canadian from Jasper to Toronto, crossing prairies and the Canadian Shield, past glacial lakes and ancient forests. Glimpse moose, eagle and elk, as we travel to Ontario’s scenic lakelands.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
Discover the highlights of Toronto and take a boat into the fine mist at the base of the thundering Niagara Falls.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver

As you arrive in coastal Vancouver, transfer on your own to our elegant Fairmont Hotel in the heart of downtown. The hotel's location puts us close to the city's most enticing attractions and exciting restaurants, all of which are yours to explore as you settle in this evening.

Overnight Vancouver.

Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver

The city of Vancouver is one of the world's most desirable places to live, with an incredible setting between coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Today we take a guided tour of its attractions. We begin at the old Gastown quarter, one of Vancouver's best-loved neighborhoods - an area of trendy coffee shops, galleries, native art stores and the Gastown Steam Clock.

From Gastown, we continue to Stanley Park, Vancouver's most impressive greenspace, to see its colorful Native American totem poles and peaceful views. We also experience the scents and sights of Chinatown with the rest of the day at leisure. You could wander along some of the local beaches or get a birdseye view from the treetops at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Overnight Vancouver.

Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops

Our journey into the Canadian Rockies begins today aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, Canada's daylight-only luxury train. Dramatic views unfold one mile at a time as we set out onto this incredibly scenic stretch of track, passing through lush green forests and picturesque valleys and keeping our eyes peeled for the abundant Canadian wildlife.

We continue along the dramatic Thompson and Fraser Canyons before entering the desert-like environs of Canada's interior. Look out for Rainbow Canyon, where a myriad of colors are reflected in the rocks. Other features to spot are 'hoodoos' - tall skinny spires of rock which protrude from the arid Thompson Plateau. Local mythology describes these as giants, turned to stone by the Great Spirit.

With the Coast Mountains as the backdrop and wonderful views of the Thompson Valley all around, the train arrives in Kamloops for the night.

Overnight Kamloops.

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

We re-board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning, leaving the arid expanses of Kamloops behind and entering the forests and foothills of the Canadian Rockies. The landscapes become increasingly dramatic, with towering peaks rising from the landscape and providing some of the most impressive scenery travelers could imagine.

The train ventures through the region's legendary spiral tunnels, built to negotiate the mountains' steep gradients, and crosses the Continental Divide before arriving in the resort town of Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel, the exquisite Fairmont Banff Springs.

Overnight Banff.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Beautiful Banff National Park

Some of the most sensational scenery in the Rockies lies ahead as we tour Canada's first national park today. Heading out into the wilderness of Banff National Park, you'll be in awe of the glacier-fed lakes and lush valleys. Picturesque summits frame the landscape, drawing your eye to the wide-open skies above.

We visit Emerald Lake and the atmospheric Lake Louise, amongst other sites. We also meet with a retired Canadian Mountie before returning to our hotel for the rest of the day at leisure. You could ride the Banff Gondola to see the gorgeous landscape from above or explore the shops and restaurants of the townsite.

Overnight Banff.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Icefields Parkway to Jasper

We depart Banff today aboard a deluxe motorcoach and travel along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, a stunning route which links Banff with Jasper. We pause our journey at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre to see the breathtaking Athabasca Glacier. Here, you could pay for an optional excursion aboard an Ice Explorer onto the impressive Athabasca Glacier.

Later, we continue to the town of Jasper and our fantastic hotel, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Indulge in majestic mountain views and the property's amenities.

Overnight Jasper.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Across Canada on the Canadian

Enjoy a leisurely morning to soak in the scenery, ride the Jasper Skytram, or hike one of the many trails whose trailheads dot the townsite. Later, we transfer to Jasper's train station to board VIA Rail's Canadian for a three-night journey across the country to Toronto. Settle into your private cabin, and watch the forests, glaciers, canyons, and towering peaks fade into foothills before the sun goes down.

Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - A stunning day on The Canadian

Our first full day on the train offers glorious scenery as we follow our easterly route. With the mountains of Alberta a distant memory, sights of lakes, forests, and Saskatchewan's prairies fill the day. You might even spot bears, moose, or elk meandering through the remote wilderness and eagles soaring overhead. Venture up to the glass-roofed panoramic Observation Car for an outstanding vantage point over the changing landscape.

Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Across the Canadian Shield

A wild land of glacial lakes, ancient boreal forests, and isolated communities come into view as we cross the Canadian Shield today. The Canadian meanders through the plateaus and rolling hills so notable of Northern Ontario. Spend your final day on the train in the excellent company of your fellow travelers, enjoying meals together in the Dining Car, socializing in the lounge area of the Skyline Car, or continuing to revel in the lakeland scenery from the domed Observation Car.

Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Lively Toronto

Wake this morning with the final miles of your rail journey ahead. We continue south through Ontario, arriving in Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario. On arrival, we check into our downtown hotel, an upscale establishment within walking distance of some of Toronto's most enticing attractions.

Set out into the city with the rest of your day at leisure. The CN Tower is instantly recognizable in the city's skyline, and the views from the top extend up to 100 miles on a clear day. You could wander through St. Lawrence Market for a taste of the region's flavors or one of the many museums, such as the Royal Ontario Museum or the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Overnight Toronto.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 11 - Incredible Niagara Falls

One of the world's greatest natural wonders lies ahead as we embark on a guided coach tour to Niagara Falls today. On arrival, we set out by boat, venturing into the water toward the base of the dramatic falls, where they converge into one. A whole sensory experience envelops us, with the cool mist blowing on our faces and the thundering sounds of three separate waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls all around us.

Afterwards, we continue to the Table Rock Center and the Niagara Whirlpool, caused by the rapids' powerful force, to immerse ourselves in Niagara Falls's glories before departing. On the way back to Toronto, we stop in Niagara-by-the-Lake. This pretty town is awash in charm, from its beautiful gardens and old buildings to its wineries and lakeside ambiance. Enjoy some free time to meander its 19th-century locale at your own pace.

Overnight Toronto.

Day 12 - Historic Quebec City

We make our way to Toronto's train station this morning for a day of travel toward North America's only remaining walled city, Quebec City. Arriving in Montreal, we switch trains for the trip's final leg.

We arrive in Quebec City with centuries of history leading to our iconic hotel, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This luxurious property has an exceptional location overlooking the St. Lawrence River and UNESCO World Heritage Old Quebec. With the rest of the evening at leisure, enjoy the narrow streets and the restaurants, shops, and sites they hold.

Overnight Quebec City.

Day 13 - Discovering Quebec and boarding The Ocean

Today we explore the city on a guided, seeing the Citadel and the 'Plains of Abraham' - the site of the historic battle between British and French forces which led to the French surrender of Quebec. Following our tour, we visit a sugar shack to learn about the history of maple syrup and its production. Our visit includes a tasting and a three-course lunch with a menu inspired by the syrup.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Quebec City at leisure. Continue wandering through Old Town's idyllic streets, with exquisite architecture hinting at the city's history and European influence. You could stroll along the Dufferin Terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence or venture out to Montmorency Falls. This evening, join the group in boarding VIA Rail's Ocean for the overnight journey to Nova Scotia.

Overnight train.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 14 - Stylish Halifax

During the night, The Ocean travels alongside the St Lawrence River to Chaleur Bay, following the gentle curves to Chaleur Bay. We then continue into the Maritime provinces, first New Brunswick and then Nova Scotia. Relax while watching the rolling hills, lush valleys, and forests transform into sandy Atlantic scenery. Our train arrives in the capital city, Halifax, with time to settle into our hotel and begin exploring your new destination.

Overnight Halifax.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 - Discovering Nova Scotia

Maritime treasures and delightful coastal scenery pave the way for today's sightseeing tour. A highlight of our adventure comes as we arrive at Peggy's Cove, a charming fishing village with a beautiful lighthouse and many traditional inukshuks - age-old rock structures used to navigate the frozen north.

We also stop in Lunenburg, a colorful waterfront community with a UNESCO World-Heritage Old Town. It's considered one of the best examples of a Colonial British community remaining in North America and boasts a timeless charm that's a joy to discover during your time here. Enjoy the rest of the day to soak up Nova Scotia's ambiance at leisure.

Overnight Halifax.

Day 16 - Home

With nearly 4,000 miles of Canadian scenery behind us and memories of two oceans, towering mountains, and magnificent cities where history and culture collide, our coast-to-coast vacation concludes this morning. Transfer on your own to the airport at leisure for your return flight.

Additional information

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

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff

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The Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax

The Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax

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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper

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Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City

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Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square

Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square

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Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

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Trains

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