Canada Coast to Coast By Train 19 days / 18 nights

Trip Overview

Experience the cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver and Toronto, the alpine charms of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise, the charming lanes of Old Montréal, tasting Quebecois cuisine, and the picturesque coastal city of Halifax. Explore the wilderness and wildlife from coast to coast on this cross Canada Vacation!

Map

Arrive Halifax
2 nights Halifax
1 night VIA Rail
1 night Quebec City
2 nights Montreal
2 nights Toronto
3 nights VIA Rail
2 nights Jasper
1 nights Lake Louise
2 nights Banff
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
Depart Vancouver
 *trip can be done in reverse with some additional nights

Detailed Itinerary

ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive in Halifax - Across Canada Train Trip Begins
 Explore the welcoming Celtic atmosphere of the Canadian Maritimes’ largest city as you make your way in a private vehicle from Halifax airport to your hotel.

 Day 2 - Halifax & Peggy’s Cove
 Make your way along the shore to Peggy’s Cove for an outstanding view of Nova Scotia’s unique coastline, full of history and culture. The picture perfect village stands on granite rock, high above the crashing Atlantic surf, an artists’ and explorers’ paradise for well over 150 years. There will be plenty of time for exploring this unique area, and for those who wish, your kilted guide will take you on a walking tour of the moody cove and village, featuring the famous DeGarthe Sculpture - a beautiful granite carving which depicts the life and people of the area. (Peggy’s Cove only operates Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, Halifax tour will replace this).
 Day 3 -VIA Rail’s Ocean Train - Overnight on train
 This afternoon you will board VIA Rail’s Ocean train for your 1st rail journey of your Coast to Coast trip. Travel past rolling hills, and quaint coastal villages that appear from times long past as you make your across Atlantic Canada. Relax in the panoramic dome car and count the sails out on the water.

Day 4 - Arrive in the historic French city - Quebec City
 Wake up early this morning as you arrive into French Canada. Step into Quebec City’s colorful history as you visit authentic Quebecois shops, and discover the pride that the residents feel for their city. Enjoy a full day in Quebec City, including a city tour.

 Day 5 - Quebec City to Montreal
 Travel a short distance by train through Quebec’s picturesque countryside as your across Canada train vacation heads towards Montreal. Picture the unparalleled mix of historic stone architecture, skyscrapers rising high into the air - Montreal is a modern Canadian city with old world charm.

 Day 6 - Montreal City tour – a Piece of French Canadian Culture
 Step back in time at the gorgeous Notre Dame Basilica and enjoy the architecture of McGill University campus as your English speaking guide fills you in on life in modern Montreal.
Day 7 - A new Canadian Culture Awaits on your Across Canada Train Trip
 The Corridor train carries you into the next province of Canada - Ontario! Traveling by train is the most scenic route you can take in Canada. Enjoy the views along the shore of the St. Lawrence River, the open farmland of rural Quebec before passing by the shore of Lake Ontario and entering the city of Toronto.

Day 8 - Witness the power of Niagara Falls
See one of the great natural wonders of the world on a full day tour to Niagara Falls. The maid of the mist takes you close enough to the falls to feel the spray on your face, the thundering sound gets louder and louder and you’re thankful for your poncho. Nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming Canadian town, and the perfect place to unwind.

 Day 9 - Toronto Tour / Board VIA rail’s Canadian Train
Take a step back in Canadian history as you pass the legislative buildings, and head through bustling Chinatown. Your onboard guide explains how Toronto arrived at its present multicultural incarnation. Heading south, you approach the harbor and then right into the water! The amphibious hippo takes to Lake Ontario, as you turn to look at the harbor front from an unexpected vantage point.

This evening board VIA rail’s Canadian train to begin your trans-Canada rail journey to the Canadian Rockies. Settle in to bed this evening as you depart Toronto and prepare yourself for the next few days of ever changing landscapes before entering the Canadian Rockies.

Days 10 – 11 – Canadian Train Journey East – onboard the Canadian
 A cozy cabin with a large picture window and seats that become a comfortable nighttime bed awaits you on Via Rail’s - the Canadian train. Your across Canada train trip continues as you leave glide into the Canadian prairies. The rich yellows and golds of the prairies are illuminated in the sunlight. In the distance you spot a lone red barn surrounded by a decrepit wooden fence which strikes you as uniquely beautiful. Who knew such flat land could be so stunning?

Day 12 - Arrive into the Canadian Rockies - Jasper
 Awake this morning and watch the mountains peaks slowly appear in view and become larger and larger as you enter into the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in the afternoon into your first Canadian Rockies town - Jasper. Be sure to keep your eye out for elk and moose, locals of the area.

 Day 13 - Further into the Canadian Rockies - Maligne Lake tour and cruise
 Jasper’s natural beauty is right outside your window as you take a guided tour through one of the National Park’s most spectacular areas. Marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. Learn how Medicine Lake is “mysteriously” disappearing before boarding a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake, bound for serene Spirit Island.

 Day 14 - The Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise
 Recognized as one of the world’s great journeys - the route runs through the heart of the Canadian Rockies and lies within a UNESCO world heritage site. Spectacular glaciers, cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes and alpine meadows dot the mountain route. Stop at the Columbia Icefield where you venture aboard the Ice Explorer onto the 6 kilometer long Athabasca Glacier.

Day 15 - Explore Lake Louise – Gem of the Canadian Rockies
 Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most famous natural wonders; crystal clear glacier water is colored turquoise by mineral content and framed by the majestic Rockies. While you feel like you may want to jump right in renting a canoe and going for a paddle may be a warmer option!

This afternoon travel by private car to the largest resort town of the Rockies - Banff. Head outside, explore, and see why young and old escape to Banff in the summer months.
Day 16 - The Famous Canadian Rockies - Banff
A guided tour provides a great introduction to Banff and the surrounding countryside. A gondola carries you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain from where you can gaze down upon Bow Valley, surrounded by mountain peaks.

Day 17 - Depart the Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
 Settle back in your seat and indulge in Rocky Mountaineer’s award winning service. Point out the highlights with new friends or listen to the fascinating commentary. After a day of delectable food, great company, and beautiful scenery you arrive in Kamloops for your overnight stay.

Day 18 - On the Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops to Vancouver
 This morning return to the rails. Today’s route takes you through the different landscapes of British Columbia, from the desert like setting of the Okanagan to the lush green of the Pacific coast. Arrive this evening into the city of Vancouver. This metropolis lies where the dense forest of the coastal mountains meets the Pacific Ocean. Browse the boutiques on trendy Robson Street, stroll along cobblestone in historic Gastown or dine out in colorful China Town.

 Day 19 - With Fond Memories - Depart Vancouver
 Much too soon your across Canada train trip comes to an end as you leave the fresh air and colourful sights of Canada behind.


Which part of Canada or Alaska should I explore?

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Accommodations

The Halliburton

Superior and Deluxe

The Halliburton, is a great deluxe boutique property in Halifax. The hotel is made up of a trio of heritage townhouses with a total of twenty nine rooms with complimentary breakfast included.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Deluxe

This deluxe landmark chateau-style hotel is located within the walled city of Old Quebec. To enjoy views of the St. Lawrence River, upgrade to a deluxe view room. The hotel offers 3 restaurants, 2 lounges, a pool with whirlpool, fitness room, steam bath, spa, and shops.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Deluxe

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is it's own Canadian wilderness resort. The property is made up of many buildings with different room types throughout the resort. Relax by the lake, or enjoy a round of golf on the beautiful Stanley Thompson Golf Course, or enjoy a game of ice hockey on the lodge's pond. Be sure to keep your eyes open for Elk as they walk past your building!

Sheraton Wall Centre

Superior

A visually-stunning hotel located in the heart of downtown. Enjoy great views through the floor to ceiling windows. Thoughtful extras include luxury bath amenities, and refreshment centers in every room.

Options & Upgrades

All our trips can be customized for your ideal vacation
 • Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the scenery, freshly prepared gourmet food and an outdoor viewing platform providing wonderful photographic opportunities make this option a must.
• Upgrade to business class with VIA rail Quebec City-Montreal, Montreal-Toronto - includes meals and wine service onboard the train, priority boarding, access to private lounge in rail stations in Montreal & Toronto
• Add a few days in Victoria to check out Butchart Gardens, the parliment buildings and British Columbia’s famous Orcas
• Kamloops Entertainment
Two River Junction Dinner & Musical Revue - a humourous take on Canadian Rail history
• Extra nights in Vancouver, the Rockies or Toronto as well as day-trips and tours make great additions to this trip

Dates & Prices

2010 Departure Dates This trip starts in Halifax on the following Dates :

May 28,31
Jun 4,7, 11,14,18,21,25, 28
Jul 2, 9,12, 16, 23, 26, 30
Aug 6,9,13,16,20,23,27,30
Sep 3,10

Trip can be done in reverse but a night will need to be added based on departure dates - ask your Fresh Tracks consultant for more details.
Standard Hotels USD$ CAD$ Goldleaf Upgrade VIA 1 Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD$ CAD$ USD$ CAD$
May 28 - Jun 16 2010 6,490 9,065 6,490 9,065 880 880 238 238
Jun 17 - Sep 10 2010 6,597 9,346 6,597 9,346 880 880 238 238
Superior Hotels USD$ CAD$ Goldleaf Upgrade VIA 1 Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD$ CAD$ USD$ CAD$
May 28 - Jun 16 2010 7,957 11,709 7,957 11,709 880 880 238 238
Jun 17 - Sep 10 2010 7,431 11,014 7,431 11,014 880 880 238 238
Deluxe Hotels USD$ CAD$ VIA 1 Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD$ CAD$
May 28 - Jun 16 2010 8,764 12,732 8,764 12,732 238 238
Jun 17 - Sep 10 2010 8,944 13,154 8,944 13,154 238 238
Price Notes
 • Prices are per person
• Double means two people sharing a room
• Triple and Child rates are available

Includes
 • 2 days Rocky Mountaineer - Standard and Superior include Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service whilst Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service
• 14 nights hotel accommodation
• 3 nights Cabin for 1 or 2 onboard VIA Rail’s Canadian Train (Toronto - Jasper)
• 1 night Charny - Halifax rail journey on VIA Rail’s The Ocean (cabin for 1 or 2)
• Shuttle bus one-way transfer between Quebec City and Charny
• 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
• Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
• Icefields Parkway and Ice Explorer one-way sightseeing tour & transfer
• 2-hour sightseeing tour of Toronto
• Economy Class on VIA rail Quebec City - Montreal and Montreal - Toronto
• 3-hour sightseeing tour of Montreal
• Niagara Falls Day trip
• Choice of a 3-hour sightseeing tour of Halifax or Peggy’s Cove Tour
• Private luxury vehicle arrival and departure airport transfers, including meet & greet on day one
• Private luxury vehicle transfers between hotels and rail stations (vehicle type subject to availability)
• Motorcoach rail station transfers in Kamloops
• Documentation package

Not Included
 • Meals, other than already mentioned
• Driver Gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST

HAVE A CHAT  

From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743

Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.