Premium Wonders of Canada and the Rocky Mountaineer

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.

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. The tour continues to the city's favorite greenspace, Stanley Park, which is larger than Central Park in NYC and includes more than half a million trees. Enjoy views of the Pacific from its sprawling grounds and a chance to experience the park's collection of totem poles. Each pole is decorated with traditional designs of North America's indigenous people. Finally, we visit China Town, surrounded by authentic scents and sights. Following the tour, you are welcome to continue sightseeing at your leisure. Perhaps walk along the seawall at Stanley Park or, climb through the treetops at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Overnight Vancouver.

Today marks the beginning of your journey into the Canadian Rockies as you step aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. The 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. A highlight of the route comes as we venture through Rainbow Canyon, where myriad colors reflect on the rocks. Keep your eyes peeled for the rocky hoodoos of Thompson Plateau, which local mythology describes as giants turned to stone by the Great Spirit. We arrive in Kamloops and transfer to our hotel for the evening. Overnight Kamloops.

• Breakfast, Lunch

The landscape continues to ebb and flow back on the Rocky Mountaineer's course, growing increasingly dramatic as the arid surroundings of Kamloops give way to lush coniferous forests, rolling foothills, and the dramatic peaks for which the Canadian Rockies are known. 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.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Discover the immense natural beauty of Banff National Park as we set out on a guided excursion. Enjoy a look at the Spiral Tunnels from a different vantage point, and visit Emerald Lake, renowned for its vivid water and idyllic surroundings. We continue to one of the most iconic lakes in the park, Lake Louise, where the pristine turquoise water is framed by soaring peaks, glaciers, and pine forests to create a picture-perfect scene. After our tour, we meet a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, also called a "Mountie," who gives an informative talk about their time in service and answers all of our questions. Overnight Banff. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

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, taking to the 144-mile byway with many incredible things ahead, including some of the Rockies' highest and most impressive peaks. En route, we pause at the Icefields Centre at the foot of the vast Columbia Icefields. Here, we can explore the Athabasca Glacier aboard an Ice Explorer (payable locally) and marvel at the frozen expanse up close. 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.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Take the day to immerse yourself in the glories of Jasper and the surrounding national park. You may wish to 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 townsite puts shops, restaurants, and the Jasper SkyTram, which climbs to the summit of Whistlers Mountain and delivers sublime views, within reach.

This evening, you may wish to join an optional excursion (included in your tour price) to Jasper Planetarium for a telescope tour. Jasper National Park is the second-largest dark sky preserve globally, and as such, it is 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.

• Breakfast

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. Eventually, the landscape mellows, fading into foothills and plains. Overnight train. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

As you wake this morning, the train travels through the province of Saskatchewan. During your first full day aboard, you may soak in 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.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

One of the most extraordinary things about traveling across Canada by train is getting an up-close look at the ever-changing land. Today sees us into the rocky Canadian Shield and the scenic lake lands of northern Ontario. Relax in comfort while enjoying the train's amenities. Overnight train. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Towering modern buildings and the impressive CN Tower come into view as the train nears Toronto. We make our way to our downtown hotel on arrival and enjoy an evening to start exploring Toronto. 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.

• Breakfast, Lunch

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.

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