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.

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.

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.

• Breakfast, Lunch

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.

• Breakfast, Lunch

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.

• 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 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.

• Breakfast, Dinner

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.

• 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. Then, the landscape mellows, fading into foothills and plains.

Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Dinner

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.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

• 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, our remarkable journey concludes this morning. Transfer to the airport on your own at leisure to join your flight home.