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Duration
17 days
From per person
$12,495
Tour code
CCP27
Mobility Rating 2
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View Dates & Pricing
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Travel in GoldLeaf class on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer and stay in five iconic Fairmont hotels on this Canadian journey from Nova Scotia to Vancouver

Embark on a small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada. From Québec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac to Vancouver's "Castle in the City," stay in five iconic Fairmont hotels as we journey from coast to coast.

Enjoy two daylight-only trips on the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service, admiring the spectacular scenery from the glass-dome train cars and exclusive outdoor viewing area.

Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of Canada's Rocky Mountains and discover stunning sights, including Niagara Falls, Lake Louise and the beautiful coastal towns of Nova Scotia.

Unforgettable Experiences

Traveling on Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf class
Traveling on Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf class
From Banff National Park’s snow-capped mountains to coastal Vancouver, experience two panoramic daytime journeys in unique, onion-domed carriages, learning about the region’s history from engaging hosts.
Staying in five luxurious Fairmont hotels
Staying in five luxurious Fairmont hotels
These grand hotels in Québec City, Toronto, Jasper, Banff and Vancouver were built to accommodate wealthy travelers on the trans-Canadian railways, and we relive this golden age as we enjoy our own elegant overland journey.
Journeying across the prairies on the Canadian
Journeying across the prairies on the Canadian
View the ever-changing scenery of mountains, prairies, forests and bustling towns from the comfort of your private cabin or the observation car on a three-night journey aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian from Toronto to Jasper.
Marveling at the beauty of the Rockies’ national parks
Marveling at the beauty of the Rockies’ national parks
Banff, Yoho and Jasper National Parks boast incredible natural scenes, including those of glistening Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Athabasca Glacier and the wonders of the Icefields Parkway.
Cruising into the mist of the majestic Niagara Falls
Cruising into the mist of the majestic Niagara Falls
Experience the awe-inspiring power of Niagara Falls on a guided excursion from Toronto, enjoying an amazing cruise amidst the spray and thunderous roar before viewing these natural wonders from Table Rock.
Exploring charming Vancouver’s historic districts
Exploring charming Vancouver’s historic districts
Embark on an expertly guided sightseeing tour of this beautiful and charter-filled city, discovering trendy Gastown, the totem poles of Stanley Park and the food markets of Granville Island.
Uncovering Nova Scotia’s beautiful coastal towns
Uncovering Nova Scotia’s beautiful coastal towns
With a local guide, enjoy a sightseeing tour of historic Québec City before visiting an authentic 1920s sugar shack to learn how maple syrup is produced and savor a lunch inspired by this Canadian staple.

See Inside Rocky Mountaineer

GoldLeaf Glass-Domed Upper-Level Seating
GoldLeaf Glass-Domed Upper-Level Seating
Custom-designed coaches provide you with panoramic views. Relax in luxury in GoldLeaf service with a spacious seat on the upper level of a bi-level coach.  
GoldLeaf Dedicated Dining Room
GoldLeaf Dedicated Dining Room
Enjoy elegantly plated meals prepared with local ingredients from the comfort of a dedicated lower-level dining room – All the while, sprawling views of the Rocky Mountains will be unfolding right outside your window.
GoldLeaf Outdoor Viewing Platform
GoldLeaf Outdoor Viewing Platform
Step out onto your exclusive outdoor viewing platform to get closer to the action.  
Award-Winning Service
Award-Winning Service
Rocky Mountaineer hosts are dedicated to making your onboard experience as memorable as the scenery outside.
SilverLeaf Oversized Domed Windows
SilverLeaf Oversized Domed Windows
Oversized windows give you a clean, crisp view with ample opportunities for photography. Take in all the views from the comfort of your reclining chair. Or you can get a little bit closer in the outdoor viewing area.
SilverLeaf in-seat dining service
SilverLeaf in-seat dining service
Enjoy locally inspired gourmet meals served in the comfort of your seat. It might even take your eyes away from the window, at least for a little while.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Beginning your journey in Halifax

Your cross-country vacation begins today in the attractive city of Halifax, located on Canada's charming Atlantic Coast. On arrival, make your own way to our hotel. Upon checking in and meeting the Tour Manager, the rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore.

One of the most important Canadian commercial ports on the Atlantic Seaboard, Halifax retains many of its historic seafaring traditions. Today, it is a cultural center of the Maritimes, with plenty of scenic parks and ocean views and a vibrant food and drink scene to complement them.

You might choose to visit Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, one of the world's longest downtown boardwalks, where you can see street performances and try local cuisine, or head downtown to visit one of Halifax's many acclaimed restaurants. Overnight Halifax.

DAY2Exploring “Canada’s Ocean Playground”

With an expert local guide, we explore Nova Scotia, a historic land of fishing villages and coves dappled with small bobbing boats and wooded islands. Our first stop is Peggy's Cove, a tiny settlement of colorful buildings on a headland dotted with wave-battered boulders. Keeping seafarers safe for more than a century, Peggy's Point Lighthouse still stands on a granite outcropping facing the wild Atlantic. While exploring the coast, look for traditional inukshuks, age-old rock structures used by the native Inuit to navigate the frozen north.

Later, a scenic drive takes us to picturesque Mahone Bay, a village adorned with rustic Gothic revival buildings, and we visit the UNESCO-listed harbor town of Lunenburg. Here, the bright colors of the waterfront houses along Bluenose Drive are reflected in the waters.

Tonight, we dine independently in Halifax, where you might try a local specialty, such as chowder or the famed Digby scallops. Overnight Halifax.

DAY3An overnight journey on VIA Rail’s Ocean

Following a relaxed morning in Halifax, a coach transfer takes us to the train station this afternoon. Here, VIA Rail's Ocean awaits boarding, and we settle into private sleeper cabins for an overnight journey inland to Québec City.

Soak up the scenery streaming past your window as our train makes its way toward Moncton before crossing the Miramichi River amidst dense spruce forests. As a Sleeper Plus passenger, all of your meals are included during your time on VIA Rail, and you can enjoy a three-course lunch and dinner accompanied by local Canadian wines in the elegant dining car.

During the night, we continue to Chaleur Bay and cross into New Brunswick before making our way along the widening mouth of the St. Lawrence River toward our next destination. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Lunch, Dinner
DAY4The sights of Quebec City

We wake up this morning in Québec City and transfer to our hotel, the five-star Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Built in 1893 and the most photographed hotel in the world, the Frontenac was the first of the iconic castle-like hotels constructed to attract tourists to the trans-Canadian railways.

Next, we take a guided sightseeing tour that introduces us to the local history, including the conflicts between France, Great Britain and the United States that led to Canada's founding in 1867. Constructed between 1820 and 1850 on early French fortifications, the city's star-shaped citadel once protected British North America and, today, shines as a beacon of the past.

After visiting the battlefield overlooking the St. Lawrence River, we transfer by coach to an authentic 1920s sugar shack where maple syrup is produced. We learn the history of the syrup on a short tour followed by a tasting of this Canadian staple. Afterward, we sit down for a three-course lunch of traditional, maple syrup-inspired food. Returning to the hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore. Overnight Québec City.

Includes
  • Lunch
DAY5Riding the Corridor Service to Toronto

Today, we board VIA Rail's train service to Montreal. Following the course of the St. Lawrence River and the shores of Lake Ontario, we arrive in this UNESCO City of Design in the afternoon and continue onward to Toronto.

We arrive in Toronto's Union Station, Canada's largest and most elegant train station. The monumental Great Hall has a two-story vaulted ceiling, while its resplendent limestone exterior is dominated by Romanesque columns. Built in 1927, this glorious Beaux-Arts structure is the third incarnation of the station, a testament to the importance of railways in connecting Canada.

Our historic downtown hotel, which has housed numerous luminaries, including Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, the Beatles and Louis Armstrong, is within walking distance of the station. After checking in, you could spend your free time unwinding here or begin exploring Canada's most populous city. Overnight Toronto.

DAY6Cruising into the mist of Niagara Falls

One of the many highlights of our trans-Canadian journey awaits today as an expert local guide joins us for a full-day trip to Niagara Falls. Connecting the Great Lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara River plunges down three astonishing waterfalls.

On arrival, we set sail on a cruise to get closer to one of the world's most impressive natural sights. Sporting protective ponchos, we marvel at the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls amid clouds of spray and the thunderous roar of the water.

Back on shore, you can have lunch independently in one of Niagara's restaurants before we view the falls from above at Table Rock. Continuing our exploration, we reach the whirlpool where the river bursts out of the Niagara Gorge and then conclude our excursion at the pretty town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you are at leisure to stroll the quaint streets.

Returning to Toronto, you can choose from a range of international cuisines or enjoy a fine dining experience in one of the city's acclaimed restaurants for dinner this evening. Overnight Toronto.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY7Across the Canadian Shield on VIA Rail’s Canadian

Early this morning, we transfer to the train station for one of the world's most epic train journeys. Boarding the steel carriages of VIA Rail's Canadian, we settle into our private cabins* for a three-night ride across Canada to Jasper.

Watch the city disappear into the distance as we glide northwest through the pristine Canadian wilderness. Ontario's countryside, with its prairies, lakes and charming towns, rolls past the windows. We reach Sudbury Junction and proceed across the Canadian Shield, an expansive region of ancient rock encircling Hudson Bay. One of the oldest geologic areas on Earth, the Canadian Shield lacks topsoil in many places, leaving the rugged, reddish rock exposed.

You could spend time in the scenic Park Car, where panoramic views of the passing wilderness surround you. In the dining car, enjoy freshly cooked meals, regional dishes and Canadian wines. Overnight train.

*Please note: Upgrades to Prestige Class cabins on VIA Rail's Canadian are available upon request. Please contact a Rail Specialist for availability.

Includes
  • Lunch, Dinner
DAY8Into the great wide open of Canada’s plains

Waking up to our first full day on the Canadian, we pass through the city of Winnipeg and enjoy breakfast on board as we cross into Manitoba, a province with more than 100,000 lakes stretching all the way up to the shores of Hudson Bay.

Later, we travel through the southern plains of Saskatchewan, a province aptly called Canada's "Land of the Living Skies." This region's wide-open grasslands reveal Canada's skies at their liveliest, showcasing beautiful sunrises and sunsets and the spectacular Northern Lights in winter. With nearly half of its 1.2 million residents living in its largest city, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan's wild plains are home to an abundance of wildlife.

With the endless grasslands of the Great Plains stretching as far as the eye can see, look out for small towns and farms passing by our windows as the Canadian rolls on. Lunch and dinner are also served on board. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY9Crossing beautiful Alberta

Sit back and relax as the scenery of remote settlements and serene lakes dotting the landscape transforms into views of glaciers, plunging canyons, soaring mountains and endless pine forests. Watch the winding Athabasca River flow beside the train as we travel toward the Rocky Mountains - one of the crowning jewels of Canada.

As VIA Rail's Canadian approaches the region's capital of Edmonton, we see vast forests and distant mountains, contrasting beautifully with the endless prairie views that punctuated yesterday's route. Today presents the perfect opportunity to head to the panoramic Park Car, where you can lounge in comfort while enjoying all-encompassing and ever-changing views of the Alberta countryside.

A three-course lunch is served in the train's Dining Car as we proceed west, as is a delicious dinner. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY10Arrival in Jasper

On our final morning aboard VIA Rail's Canadian, we arrive in Jasper, a traditional mountain town nestled in the Rockies. Established in 1813, Jasper began as a fur trade outpost, evolving into a railway town and finally a tourist destination at the heart of Canada's largest Rocky Mountain park.

We are transferred to the luxurious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort, set amidst 700 acres of parkland overlooking Beauvert Lake and majestic mountains in a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to wander around Jasper.

Despite being one of the most important towns for miles and a popular destination for visitors to the Rockies, it retains a calm, small-town feel. You might stop by Two Brothers Totem Pole, a towering 44-foot cultural icon on the main road. As you explore, look for statues of Jasper the Bear, the town's friendly mascot. Overnight Jasper.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY11Exploring Jasper independently

A world of possibilities is within reach as you enjoy a free day to uncover the charming town of Jasper and the beautiful national park in which it is located.

In this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers and expansive forests. You might like to head to Maligne Canyon, a deep limestone gorge, or Maligne Lake, the largest glacier-fed body of water in the region. There are numerous overlooks and hiking trails that you can explore, and if you are lucky, you may spot some of the park's wildlife. Jasper is home to a wide range of species, including gray wolves, hoary marmot, caribou and moose.

You might also choose to stay in downtown Jasper, a lovely area with a small community and a laid-back atmosphere. While quaint, there are many shops, restaurants and historical sites that you can see at leisure before returning to the hotel in time for dinner tonight. Overnight Jasper.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY12Along the incredible Icefields Parkway to Banff

Leaving Jasper this morning, we journey by coach along the famous Icefields Parkway, a 144-mile road between Jasper and Banff surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

After a brief stop at Athabasca Falls, we continue toward the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for an included excursion on an Ice Explorer bus. On this iconic Canadian Rockies experience, we ride across the ice to the otherworldly Athabasca Glacier, where we disembark and step onto the ancient ice before taking a shuttle to the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Alternatively, you might like to explore the area or enjoy lunch independently at the Discovery Centre.

Our coach journey continues from here toward Peyto Lake, passing rugged mountains and a blanket of pine forests, before admiring the stunning turquoise waters of the lake. Finally, we journey past many of the Rockies' highest and most formidable peaks to Banff, where we check into the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs, one of the most historic properties in this charming mountain town. You are free this evening to get acquainted with your new surroundings and find dinner locally. Overnight Banff.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY13The beauty of the Rockies’ national parks

Setting out after breakfast, we explore this sensational part of the world by coach. Our first destination is the glacial Emerald Lake. Looking out at the pristine turquoise waters, it is easy to see why the lake was given its name.

Next, we travel to Lake Louise, another stunning body of water and one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies. Now a symbol for the region, Lake Louise is even more incredible in person, with its mountainous and glacial surroundings.

Another highlight of today's sightseeing excursion is observing the famous Spiral Tunnels, where trains curve through the mountains in loops. Our route takes us within view of this engineering marvel in Kicking Horse Pass, once a foreboding environment for 19th-century pioneers. On returning to the hotel, there is some free time before we enjoy dinner together. Overnight Banff.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY14Boarding Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service

Today brings one of this vacation's highlights: a daylight-only journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops. We travel in GoldLeaf Service, enjoying stunning panoramic views from glass-domed cars on the upper level and delicious gourmet meals featuring local produce in the dedicated dining room. As we relax in our spacious seats, we enjoy the award-winning service provided by dedicated hosts, who tell stories about passing landmarks, announce wildlife sightings and top up our glasses of wine.

Soak up the pristine landscapes as our train winds through Banff National Park, with its towering peaks and glittering lakes, before crossing the Continental Divide. Look for Castle Mountain, an outcropping named for its resemblance to an early medieval castle. For a closer look at the scenery, you might step out onto our exclusive outdoor viewing platform.

Along the shore of sprawling Shuswap Lake, look for the mythical Shuswaggi, an eight-foot lake monster said to bear a remarkable resemblance to Scotland's Nessie. Arriving in Kamloops, we disembark for an overnight stay with a free evening to enjoy the town. Overnight Kamloops.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY15Toward Vancouver on Rocky Mountaineer

Our luxurious Rocky Mountaineer journey continues this morning along one of the most dramatic stretches of the line. We pass through green forests and dramatic valleys, home to an abundance of Canadian wildlife, and along the Thompson and Fraser Canyons. Another beautiful spot is Rainbow Canyon, where myriad colors are reflected in the rocks. Look for "hoodoos," the tall, skinny spires of rock that protrude from the arid Thompson Plateau, which local mythology describes as giants turned to stone by the Great Spirit.

Our Rocky Mountaineer journey comes to an end as we arrive in Vancouver and check in to our elegant Fairmont hotel in the heart of Downtown, set amongst high-end boutiques and impressive art galleries. Known as the "Castle in the City" due to its Châteauesque copper-pitched roof, Hotel Vancouver is the final grand railway hotel we stay at on this trip.

In the evening, you have free time to unwind or try some of Western Canada's finest cuisine, including seafood like salmon, oysters and Dungeness crab, or delicious local versions of Asian and Mexican dishes. Overnight Vancouver.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY16Delving into Vancouver’s sights

Enjoy a grand introduction to Vancouver's most character-filled and historic districts as we set out into the city with a local guide. One key destination is Gastown, a charming area named after talkative Hull-born sailor and barman "Gassy" Jack Deighton. Redbrick Victorian buildings dot the tree-lined streets surrounding Maple Tree Square. Many upscale fashion boutiques, trendy coffee shops, art galleries and the famous Gastown Steam Clock can be found here.

Crossing East Hastings Street, we arrive in the largest Chinatown in Canada, where we relish the sights and sounds of the lively streets and tranquil squares. After visiting leafy Stanley Park, with its colorful totem poles celebrating local Indigenous history, we travel to Granville Island, a buzzing district boasting independent stores and mouthwatering food markets.

As the tour concludes, the rest of the day is free to continue sightseeing independently. You can spend time on Granville Island or return to our landmark city center hotel. For dinner this evening, you can indulge at a restaurant nearby. Overnight Vancouver.

DAY17Traveling home

On this spectacular trip, we stayed in iconic Fairmont hotels and journeyed on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer in premium GoldLeaf train cars, crossing the world's second-biggest country and witnessing many highlights.

From Halifax, where we viewed some of Nova Scotia's most attractive towns and spent a night at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, to visiting an authentic sugar shack and the majestic Niagara Falls, each experience was unforgettable. After time in Toronto, we traveled on VIA Rail's Canadian train for three nights into the beautiful national parklands of Jasper and Banff. Wrapping up our trip with awe-inspiring vistas on Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver, this journey truly showcased Canada from coast to coast.

Your grand journey comes to a close this morning upon checking out of our Vancouver hotel, and you are free to begin your travels home.

Additional information

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

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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The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto
The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto
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Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
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Trains

More information about the different trains used on this tour.

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Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer

The world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer train offers a unique and memorable trip through one of the most diverse countries in the world. On board, you'll see spectacular vistas that you can't experience through any other mode of travel, all viewed through a stunning panoramic glass dome so you won't miss a thing.

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Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West
Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West

Journey from the vibrant city of Vancouver to Banff, set within the stunning surroundings of the Canadian Rockies, aboard Rocky Mountaineer on its First Passage to the West route. The original course for the train, this route features incredible views of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, crosses the Continental Divide, winds through spiral tunnels, and passes by beautiful mountain peaks in its pursuit of Banff. The journey takes place by daylight only, allowing travelers to capture all the route's majesty. 

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VIA Rail's Canadian
VIA Rail's Canadian

On The Canadian, we experience an epic journey through Canada, highlighting constantly changing landscapes and dramatic scenery. The train ventures between coastal Vancouver, the stunning Rocky Mountains and the modern city of Toronto on a 2,775-mile route, providing travellers with up to four nights of classic overnight rail travel.

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VIA Rail's Ocean
VIA Rail's Ocean

he Ocean passes through some of Canada's most breathtaking backdrops, weaving into the Monteregie Hills and along the coast of Baie-des-Chaleur, on its overnight journey between Montreal and Halifax. Covering over 835 miles in Eastern Canada and presenting breathtaking scenery of the countryside, the Atlantic Ocean and small coastal towns, the train offers a classic rail experience.

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VIA Rail's Canadian Prestige Class
VIA Rail's Canadian Prestige Class

The Canadian is a truly iconic train and transports us in restored carriages across the country in comfort. Enjoy freshly prepared meals while on board and spend relaxed daytime hours lounging in the armchairs of the Bullet Lounge, where panoramic windows immerse us in beautiful, everchanging landscapes. We travel in comfortable curtained berths on The Canadian. Upgrading to Prestige Class is available on request.

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Enhance your holiday

Sleeper Cabin Upgrade - The Canadian Train

Make your journey on the historic Canadian train even more enjoyable with an upgrade to a Sleeper Plus Class Cabin which provides more privacy including a private washroom.

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The Sleeper Plus Cabin offers private, air-conditioned accommodation with upper and lower beds which convert to comfy sofa chairs, plus a window and blind. Features include a private washroom with a toilet and basin, access to shared shower facilities in the same carriage, a small closet, towels, bedding and drinking water. The Sleeper Plus Cabin also includes all-day access to the Skyline car, and evening access to the Park car, including the Bullet Lounge.

Upgrade to a Sleeper Plus Class cabin available, call for cost. To reserve your Sleeper Plus Cabin, please call us on 1-877-929-7245.

Prestige Cabin Upgrade - The Canadian Train

Enhance your experience on The Canadian train with an upgrade to the highest level of comfort: Prestige Class. With this upgrade, you enjoy the luxury of a private cabin with a modern modular sofa which converts to a full-size double bed, a private bathroom with a shower, and a flatscreen TV which includes a selection of films.

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As a Prestige Class passenger, you also enjoy personal concierge services and unrestricted access to viewing cars. Additionally, Prestige Class gives you priority boarding, reserved seating in the Park car, and Dining car. Gourmet meals, snacks and bar service are included during your journey.

Upgrades to Prestige Class on The Canadian have limited availability - please call for details.