Region: Canada Central, Canada Western Type: Scheduled Tours Length: 13 Days Tap Rating: TAP Exceptional
Journey by train in comfort and style from Toronto to Canada’s West Coast. There is something special about taking the train in Canada, for it was the railway that linked this country together. Recreate the great era of train travel as you ride the rails across this beautiful country.
VIA’s Sleeper Plus Class brings you to Toronto, where you will spend two nights at the historic Fairmont Royal York, in the heart of the city. From here, enjoy first-class service aboard VIA’s “Canadian”. Watch the rugged Canadian Shield, the untamed wilderness of Northern Ontario, and the vast rolling prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan pass by your window. Spend four nights in the heart of the majestic mountains of the Canadian Rockies: first in Jasper and then Banff. Travel the breathtaking Icefields Parkway by motorcoach and, weather permitting, ride the Ice Explorer up the Athabasca Glacier and experience the sensational Columbia Icefield Skywalk. In Banff, board the Rocky Mountaineer – “The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World”. This two-day narrated rail tour twists through the spiral tunnels of the Rockies and follows the beautiful Fraser River Valley to Vancouver, where you unpack for a three-night stay.
ATL
Day 1: September 28, 2024
Arrive in Toronto. Stay one night in the heart of the city at the historic and elegant Fairmont Royal York. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. (D) Toronto, ON
Day 2: September 29, 2024
Depart Toronto, ON
This morning, depart on VIA Rail’s transcontinental train, restored to its original 1950’s style. “The Canadian” is a handsome stainless-steel re-creation of the great era of train travel. Enjoy your private room, socialize over a drink with friends in the Mural Lounge, or ascend the staircase to the dome of the Park Car for coffee under the stars. Overnight VIA Rail (Sleeper Plus Class). (B, L, D)
Day 3: September 30, 2024
Northern Ontario to Manitoba
After a peaceful night’s rest, awake and enjoy the view of the untamed wilderness of Northern Ontario. Cross the rugged rocks of the Canadian Shield to enter the Province of Manitoba. Overnight VIA Rail (Sleeper Plus Class). (B, L, D)
Day 4: October 1, 2024
Manitoba to Saskatchewan to Alberta
As your westward journey continues, be sure to visit the Dome for sweeping views of the vast rolling prairies as you travel across Saskatchewan and into Alberta today. Overnight VIA Rail (Sleeper Plus Class). (B, L, D)
Day 5: October 2, 2024
Jasper, AB
This morning, arrive in the resort town of Jasper, in the heart of the mountains. No trip to Jasper National Park is complete without seeing Maligne Canyon and Lake, one of the most picturesque spots in the Canadian Rockies. Keep your eyes open for grizzly bears and other wildlife as you drive through the park. Spend two nights in Jasper, Alberta. (CB)
Day 6: October 3, 2024
The entire day is yours to explore Jasper at your leisure. (B) Jasper, AB
Day 7: October 4, 2024
Travel by motorcoach south on the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefields. Board the Ice Explorer for a ride up the Athabasca Glacier, followed by the exhilarating Skywalk (weather permitting). Continue along the Parkway, whose scenery is rated “the most spectacular in the entire Canadian National Parks System”, en route to Lake Louise. Spend two nights nested under imposing peaks in the bustling resort village of Banff, Alberta. (B) Banff, AB
Day 8: October 5, 2024
Today’s tour of Banff includes Bow Falls, the Banff Springs Hotel and Tunnel Mountain. The Banff Gondola takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a stunning bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. (B) Banff, AB
Day 9: October 6, 2024
Rocky Mountaineer
Today it’s “All Aboard” as you pull out of the Banff Station on the “Rocky Mountaineer” a two-day rail tour, and “the Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World”. Sit back and relax in spacious, comfortable reclining seats with picture windows. Meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are served at your seat. Your Onboard Service Attendant provides interesting and informative commentary on the history and geography along the route. Travel through the snow-capped mountains of Banff, Yoho and Glacier National Parks. Twist a figure eight through the “Spiral Tunnels”. Watch for wildlife on the hillsides. Traverse Rogers Pass. Discover Craigellachie, where in 1885, the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railroad was driven. (CB, L) Kamloops, British Columbia.
Day 10: October 7, 2024
Re-board the train as you continue westward through Canada’s semi-arid desert. Travel down the Thompson River, where whitewater rafters challenge the rapids at the Jaws of Death Gorge. Along the historic Fraser River, see Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon before entering the lush, fertile fields of the Fraser Valley. In the late afternoon, arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia for a three-night stay. (CB, Lunch) Vancouver, BC
Day 11: October 8, 2024
Day Trip to Victoria, BC
It’s an early start for a day trip to charming Victoria. Board the ferry at Tsawwassen to cross the Strait of Georgia to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Victoria – “the Emerald of the West and Sunshine City” – is a regal capital with a British accent and old English charm. Your tour of the city includes Tudor-style buildings, parks, flower-lined streets and more. Visit Butchart Gardens, offering four seasons of magnificent flowers, trees and much more. Return to Vancouver for overnight. (B)
Day 12: October 9, 2024
A morning city tour will acquaint you with this impressive western Canadian city, site of the 1986 World Exposition and the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. See historic Gastown, 1000-acre Stanley Park, the downtown area, English Bay beaches, the waterfront and Chinatown. The afternoon is free to pursue your own interests. This evening, join your tour director for a Farewell Dinner. (B, D) Vancouver, BC
Day 13: October 10, 2024
Depart Vancouver, BC
Depart Vancouver and transfer to either Vancouver or Seattle airport to catch your flight home, taking with you fond memories of your cross Canada rail adventure! (flight not included)
Tour Highlights:
- Rocky Mountaineer Excursion
- VIA Rail's Sleeper Class Service
- Canadian Rockies
- Columbia Icefields
- Jasper, Banff, Victoria & Vancouver City Tours