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Premium Wonders of Canada and the Rocky Mountaineer

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
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13 days From $11,995 per person
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Delve into the wonders of Canada, one fantastic location at a time on this cross-country journey featuring the Rocky Mountaineer, VIA Rail’s Canadian and high-end Fairmont Hotel accommodations.

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

2024 Tour code: TCP24

About the tour

From the Pacific Coast to the heart of the country, join us on a spectacular journey across Canada. The 13-day expedition is marked by adventure and filled with intrigue, introducing you to some of the best places in the country. Jump right into the excitement while in Vancouver, exploring the city on your own and while on a guided tour.

Also here, we join the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer to travel into the Canadian Rockies. Natural beauty is a hallmark of every moment aboard the train, and because it travels only during the daylight, you get to embrace it all. Enjoy two days on the Rocky Mountaineer, traveling first to Kamloops and then to Banff. On arrival, spend your days surrounded by mountainous grandeur while exploring Banff National Park, driving along Icefields Parkway, and watching the stars dance in the sky overhead in Jasper.

Our journey continues toward Toronto aboard VIA Rail's premier overnight train, the Canadian. Wrap up your adventure while exploring this exhilarating city and with a day at Niagara Falls, including a boat trip into the mist. Elegant hotels and iconic trains complement this incredible route to create an experience that truly speaks to the wonders of Canada.

Unforgettable Experiences

Luxury Hotels
Luxury Hotels
Experience luxury at its finest with 4 and 5-star deluxe accommodations, including three iconic Fairmont hotels.
The Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer
Journey through the stunning Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for two days, passing lush green forests and crossing dramatic canyons to Canada's interior.
The Canadian
The Canadian
Travel aboard The Canadian on a three-night journey from Jasper to Toronto, crossing the prairies, the Canadian Shield and Ontario’s scenic lakelands.
Discover Vancouver
Discover Vancouver
Discover the highlights of vibrant Vancouver on a fascinating guided tour, with time in Stanley Park, Gastown, and Chinatown.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park
Soak up the natural beauty and stunning mountain landscapes of Banff National Park.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
Experience the wonderful Niagara Falls close up, as we take a boat trip into the fine mist beneath the thundering falls.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver

Vancouver shines as a beacon of adventure and culture on Canada's Western Seaboard. As you arrive in this fantastic city today, transfer to your hotel independently, then take the rest of the day to get acquainted with its unique allures. Whether you prefer nature, exceptional cuisine, or wandering through neighborhoods filled with interesting sites, there are plenty of ways to spend your day.

Overnight Vancouver.

Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver

Set out into this multicultural city this morning on a guided tour. We visit Gastown, one of Vancouver's most popular neighborhoods, and see its instantly recognizable steam clock, Victorian architecture, and historic streets lined with coffee shops, art galleries, and trendy eateries.

Our tour then continues to the city's favorite greenspace, Stanley Park. Larger than Central Park, with over half a million trees, the park may be best known for its fantastic collection of totem poles, displaying the impressive designs of North America's indigenous people. We continue to Chinatown, soaking up enticing scents and sights.

After our tour, you are welcome to continue sightseeing at leisure. Perhaps walk along the seawall at Stanley Park or, climb through the treetops at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Overnight Vancouver.

Day 3 - To Kamloops aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

Today marks the beginning of your journey into the Canadian Rockies as we step aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. This daylight-only train follows one of the most scenic routes, passing through lush green forests, dramatic valleys, and impressive mountain ranges as it makes its way between Vancouver and Kamloops.

We skirt along the dramatic Thompson and Fraser Canyons and enter Canada's desert-like 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. We arrive in Kamloops and transfer to our hotel for the evening.

Overnight Kamloops.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - The 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.

We experience the legendary Spiral Tunnels, a feat of engineering designed to overcome the mountains' steep gradients, and cross the Continental Divide before approaching the protected lands encompassing Banff National Park. With spectacular views from every angle, we arrive in Banff and transfer to the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

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

A world of rugged mountains, lakes, glaciers, and breathtaking valleys lies ahead as we take to the world-famous Icefields Parkway to transfer to Jasper. We depart aboard a deluxe motorcoach and travel along the stunning route pausing 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.

Following our break, we reboard the motorcoach and continue to Jasper to check into the luxurious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge with remarkable views of UNESCO World Heritage mountain scenery.

Overnight Jasper.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - At Leisure in Jasper and Jasper Planetarium

Take the day to immerse yourself in the glories of Jasper and the surrounding national park. You could head into Jasper National Park to see its breathtaking natural attractions, including Maligne Canyon - a deep limestone gorge - or Maligne Lake, the largest glacier-fed lake in the region. Miette Hot Springs, the hottest natural spring in the Canadian Rockies, is the perfect place to relax.

While exploring the wilderness, there are plenty of chances to spot wildlife, ranging from gray wolves to caribou, elks, and moose. Smaller animals, like marmots and birds, can be found throughout the park. Staying in Jasper's town, you'll find shops, restaurants, and the Jasper SkyTram, which climbs to the summit of Whistlers Mountain and delivers sublime views.

This evening, we head to Jasper Planetarium for a telescope tour. Jasper National Park is the second-largest dark sky preserve globally, making it the perfect place for stargazing. With a lack of city lights, nothing can distract your view from the twinkling beauty that paints that night sky.

Overnight Jasper.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Board VIA Rail's Canadian to Toronto

We take to the rails once more today, this time aboard VIA's premier long-distance train, the Canadian. Our destination is Toronto, a cultural epicenter in the heart of the country. Settle into your private cabin for the three-night journey, and marvel at the transforming terrain. Look over the towering peaks and sweeping valleys, and admire the passing pine forests, glaciers, and plunging canyons. Then, the landscape mellows, fading into foothills and plains.

Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Weaving through Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Full day aboard, soak up the views of the prairie lands and lakes from your cabin or in one of the domed-glass observation cars. Enjoy meals in the Dining Car and conversation with your fellow travelers. As we cross into Manitoba, the Canadian passes through Winnipeg, a city home to over 50 unique ethnic communities.

Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - 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 11 - Arrive in Toronto

Towering modern buildings and the impressive CN Tower come into view as our train nears Toronto. We make our way to our downtown hotel on arrival and enjoy an evening exploring Toronto at leisure. This city is filled with culture and opportunity and is a perfect playground for gastronomes, art lovers, and everyone in between.

You could visit the Distillery District to wander past North America's finest collection of Victorian-era industrial architecture. This district's brick-paved streets play home to art galleries, restaurants, bars, and music ventures while retaining their historical roots, leading the region to hold a National Heritage Site designation. You could also wander the stalls of the St. Lawrence Market or stroll along the harbor.

Overnight Toronto.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 - Incredible Niagara Falls

Set your sights on one of the world's greatest natural wonders at the incredible Niagara Falls. This beloved landmark straddles the U.S.-Canadian border and sees more than 3,160 tons of water over the falls every second. On arrival, we board the Hornblower for a boat ride into the mist at the base of the powerful falls. Your cruise includes views of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Canada's Horseshoe Falls. Each waterfall has a story to tell, and learning about their histories and significance through audio commentary while you cruise only enhances the experience.

Overnight Toronto.

Day 13 - Home

With the memories made in Canada's national parks and beautiful cities fresh in your mind, our remarkable journey concludes this morning. Transfer to the airport on your own at leisure to join your flight home.

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

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff

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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper

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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