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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.

You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
20242025
16 days From $13,995 per person
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2024 Tour code: GR-CCPA-24

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. Each portion of the trip unveils a new region and the beauty that comes with it by train. Venture into the Canadian Rockies aboard the daylight-only Rocky Mountaineer, with days to explore Banff and Jasper National Parks. Ride across Canada's interior aboard the iconic VIA Rail Canadian to the fabulous city of Toronto, where a day at Niagara Falls introduces us to the world's incredible offerings. We then venture to charming Quebec City, where history abounds. Another overnight train ride, this time aboard VIA Rail's Ocean, takes us east to the Maritimes, crossing New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Spend time exploring coastal destinations and enjoying the picturesque atmosphere only seaside towns can bring while in the Halifax region. All of this is complemented by stays in four distinctive and luxurious Fairmont hotels, exceptional sightseeing excursions, and the memorable adventure that comes with traveling nearly 4,000 miles across the Great White North.

Highlights

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 you 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

Venture out into Vancouver today on a guided tour, and discover piece by piece what makes the city one of the world's most livable cities. The scenery is astounding, with the Pacific Ocean to one side and the Coast Mountains to the other, and its neighborhoods brim with fascinating points of interest. Our tour begins in Gastown, one of Vancouver's most unique destinations, where trendy coffee shops and art galleries collide with a deep history. From Gastown, we continue to Stanley Park, Vancouver's most impressive greenspace, to see its colorful Native American totem poles and peaceful views. Chinatown is also featured on our tour. Continue exploring at leisure for the remainder of the day. You may wish to wander along some of the local beaches or to 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. Highlights of the day's route include the Thompson and Fraser Canyons and Rainbow Canyon, where myriad colors reflect on the rocks. But the beauty does not end there; enjoy a spectacular perspective on the tall, skinny hoodoos that protrude from the arid Thompson Plateau and the colorful tones of Canada's interior. With the Coast Mountains in 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 - Banff National Park

Some of the most beautiful scenery in the Rockies lies ahead as we tour Canada's first national park, Banff National Park, today. As we head out into the wilderness, find yourself in awe of the glacier-fed lakes and lush valleys. Picturesque summits frame the landscape, drawing your eye to the wide-open skies above. Enjoy a visit to Emerald Lake and atmospheric Lake Louise, amongst other sites. We also meet with a retired Canadian Mountie before returning to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. You may wish to ride the Banff Gondola to see the gorgeous landscape from above or to explore the shops and restaurants of the townsite. Overnight Banff. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - 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 and see the breathtaking Athabasca Glacier. Here, you may elect to take 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 - The Canadian

Our first full day on the train offers a menagerie of 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 may even spot bears, moose, or elk meandering through the remote wilderness - eagles soaring overhead. Perhaps 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 wrapped 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 - Toronto

Wake this morning with the final miles of your rail journey ahead as VIA Rail's Canadian continues south through Ontario, eventually arriving in Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario. On arrival, we check into our downtown hotel, an upscale establishment whose location puts you within walking distance of some of Toronto's most enticing attractions. You are welcome to set out into the city with the remainder 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 may wish to wander through the 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 - 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. Afterward, 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. But we do not head straight back to Toronto from the Falls; instead, 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 - 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. Our travels first take us to Montreal, then we switch trains for the trip's final leg. We arrive in this destination 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. Take the remainder of the evening to enjoy the narrow streets and the restaurants, shops, and sites they hold. Overnight Quebec City.

Day 13 - Discovering Quebec/Board the Ocean

A guided sightseeing tour introduces us to several of Old Town's most notable sites, including the Citadel and the Plains of Abraham. While the Plains today act as an urban respite, filled with scenic expanses and shady paths, this historic piece of Quebec was once the site of a battle between the British and French, which led to the French surrender of the city. 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 remainder of the day exploring Quebec City independently. Continue wandering through Old Town's idyllic streets, with exquisite architecture hinting at the city's history and European influence. You may wish to 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 - Halifax

Overnight, the train ventures east, following the gentle curves of the St. Lawrence River to Chaleur Bay. From this point, the Ocean continues 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, today with time for you to settle into our hotel and begin exploring your new destination. Overnight Halifax.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 - Nova Scotia Sightseeing

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. The excursion also makes a stop in Lunenburg, a colorful waterfront community with a UNESCO World-Heritage Old Town. It is considered one of the best examples of a Colonial British community remaining in North America and boasts a timeless charm that is a joy to discover during your time here. Enjoy the remainder of the day to soak in Nova Scotia's ambiance as you please. Overnight Halifax.

Day 16 - Tour Conclusion

With nearly 4,000 miles of Canadian scenery behind you and memories of two oceans, towering mountains, and magnificent cities where history and culture collide, your 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

Rocky Mountaineer
VIA Rail's Canadian
VIA Rail's Ocean
Global Rail Adventures Brochure

Global Rail Adventures Brochure

The definitive guide to our 2023 Global Rail Adventures

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