Across Canada by Train
Rated 5 / 5 based on 1 customer reviews13 days from $4,211 per person
The ‘Bear’ Essentials
A true Bucket List experience – a rail journey across this great country, from the rugged East Coast, across the vast Prairies, through the magnificent Rockies to the pristine rainforest of the West Coast – all at a pace that suits you.
We work hard behind the scenes to ensure all your connections are seamless, each detail is perfect and every moment captivates you from beginning to end...
Beyond the mighty falls
No vacation across Canada would be complete without a chance to witness the awesome power of Niagara Falls.
But Fresh Tracks specializes in places off the beaten path, too. So, we include a private tour of the wonderful area surrounding the Falls. Wine tastings at local vineyards, lunch in the quaint colonial town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, it’s a part of the country many don’t get to see.
Unexpected beauty in the prairies
Shimmering grasslands stretching beyond the horizon, ancient boreal forests, charming folks from tiny towns – few visitors are lucky enough to experience the haunting beauty of the Canadian Prairies.
But you will, aboard Via Rail’s legendary Canadian. There are numerous routes, and service levels, with advantages to each. We’ll work with you to determine which work best for you.
The key to the ultimate experience
You’ll never forget your first moments in the Canadian Rockies. Pictures or words can’t begin to describe their magnificence.
Over the years, we’ve learned smaller tours with the right guide ensure our clients’ experiences are even more spectacular. Guides like Joe, a cowboy poet who weaves stories and personal accounts into rich tapestries that are nothing short of amazing.
Little details make a big difference
The iconic panorama of Lake Louise is the highlight of this trip for many. The area is blessed with so much beauty. We recommend reveling in the romantic atmosphere with a quiet dinner overlooking the lake at sunset.
Arranging that special dinner is just one of the little things we love doing to add as many special moments to your journey as we possibly can.
Seamless connections make amazing moments
Fabulous food, open-air viewing cars, onboard commentary – your experience onboard the Rocky Mountaineer will be exceptional.
You’ll board the train in Banff, a breathtaking little town that caters to foodies, shopaholics and adventurous types alike. We give you plenty of time to explore it on your own and still ensure your connection to the Rocky Mountaineer is seamless.
Spectacular to the last moment
Your train journey ends in Vancouver, but there are still many adventures waiting for you in this sparkling seaside metropolis.
This is where we live, so we’re brimming with brilliant recommendations, from the right tours to the coolest shops. In fact, a lot of clients look to us to suggest the perfect waterfront restaurant to end this spectacular experience in style.
What we love about this trip• See Canada's world famous towns & cities: Toronto, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Vancouver• Enjoy unique, small group sightseeing excursions • 2 days on Rocky Mountaineer • 3 nights on VIA Rail • Spectacular Niagara Falls! • Choice of our recommended hotels
ItineraryPlease note, like most of our Canada rail packages & tours, this railway vacation can be customized to your needs - just ask one of our local experts when you call.Day 1 – Your Across Canada Train Vacation Begins – Arrive Toronto The sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you as you arrive in downtown Toronto. Couples hurry along the sidewalk, rushing to one of Toronto’s big stage productions. A woman quickly shifts all her shopping bags to one arm as she raises a hand to hail a cab, and the smell of Chinese food makes you salivate as a delivery boy bikes along the street in front of you. Toronto beckons and you’re anxious to get out and explore the city. Day 2 – Roaring Waters – Tour Niagara Falls Meet a guide this morning, as you travel to southern Ontario’s greatest natural wonder – Niagara Falls. You wonder how many major cities are so close to nature, as you cross the fruit producing area of St. Catherine’s, and the wineries of the Niagara Peninsula. Arriving at the Falls, don a stylish waterproof poncho - the classy uniform of the Maid of the Mist, and prepare for a wet but exciting adventure. Your poncho keeps you from getting soaked as your boat takes you close enough to the falls to feel the spray on your face. A scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway will take you to serene Niagara-on-the-Lake. Buy some local wine as a memento of your Canadian train vacation and unwind as you stroll through the local shops. Overnight in Toronto. Day 3 - Explore Toronto, then Via Rail’s The Canadian –Toronto to Jasper Take today at your own pace - you have the day to enjoy a Toronto Hop-on-Hop-off city tour. This tour packages the CN Tower, SkyDome, Casa Loma, Queens Park, Yorkville and Chinatown to name a few. It takes two hours to complete the entire circle, but you can step on or off at any time, so the true length depends on you! This evening check in for your train departure, then you’re on your way to the great Canadian Rockies! The trans Canada overnight train between Toronto and Jasper is an incredible rail journey that takes 3 full days. Leave the picturesque lakelands of Northern Ontario behind, as you travel west to Jasper. Day 4 & 5 - Canadian Rail Journey to the West – onboard the Canadian train The scenery changes once again as you travel across the undulating plain of the prairie provinces. Settle into your seat and enjoy watching the passing Canadian sights from your window. This is the second and third day and night of your rail journey. Day 6 – Enter Canada’s Rocky Mountains – Arrive in Jasper Step off the Canadian train and take a deep breath – you’re here in the Canadian Rockies and the crisp mountain air is invigorating. You are completely surrounded by mountains and trees. You look to your left and see a downtown gas station with a snow topped mountain peak standing proudly in the distance behind it. Jasper is summed up in that one view. It’s a town with all the modern touches, but the splendor of the Canadian Rockies is never out of your thoughts. Day 7 – Jasper Tour Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Canada’s west in Jasper National Park. The first stop is at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 49-meter deep gorge. Set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. From the canyon continue to the “mysteriously” disappearing Medicine Lake and then to Maligne Lake for a 90-minute interpretative boat cruise bound for the world-renowned -Spirit Island; bring your camera, as this truly is a picture postcard setting. After the boat cruise, relax and soak up the sights or enjoy a tasty treat at the Lake Chalet. Day 8 – The Icefields Parkway – Jasper to Lake Louise A once in a lifetime experience awaits today, as you climb onboard your comfortable touring van, with a small group of companions and a local guide. The Icefields Parkway is one of the few places in the world where features of the ice age still exist, and is home for bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, and sheep. The Columbia Icefield is its crown jewel, where modern day explorers can take an Ice Explorer out onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier for a spectacular Ice Age adventure. A picnic lunch and Ice Explorer ride is included. The grand finale comes late this afternoon, as you arrive at Lake Louise. Here you’ll see glaciers tumbling down mountainsides, into serene turquoise waters. Day 9 – Explore the Mountains – Lake Louise to Banff You have the morning to cherish Lake Louise. Ask us to book you an optional activity, such as a guided gentle canoe paddle, guided walk, or high tea in the Fairview dining room. This afternoon you transfer to Banff, the liveliest of the mountain towns on your Canadian holiday. Quaint shops are interspersed with chain stores, horse drawn carriages line the street waiting to show you around town, and the scent of homemade maple fudge wafts out of sweet shops. After your laid back night at Lake Louise, the atmosphere in Banff is exhilarating. Day 10 – In the Canadian Rockies – Explore Banff Take a small group tour through the towering mountains of Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay while learning about the natural attractions of the wind-shaped hoodoos. Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive delivers a breathtaking view of the valley without comparison. Finally, experience an 8 minute gentle ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a four-person, fully enclosed gondola. A spectacular view and picture taking opportunity await you at the top of this 360 degree panoramic vantage of Bow Valley and the surrounding Rockies. Take your time to enjoy the view or go for a walk, and return to your hotel at your leisure. Day 11 – Onboard Rocky Mountaineer Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey offers you a spectacular range of scenery as you travel between the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, Craigellachie where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, and of course the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops. Day 12 – Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver Arrival Your journey travels west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through the winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Overnight in Vancouver. Day 13 – With Fond Memories Made – Your Canadian train trip concludes Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your across Canada train vacation comes to an end.
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today! |
What's IncludedHere are just a few of the things to look forward to on this trip...  Cruise on the legendary Maid of the Mist  Private cabin on the train  Gourmet meals on the train  Glacier ride on the Ice Explorer  Cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island
Customize this trip a little... or a lotThink of this itinerary as just a starting point. Work with us to personalize this trip by adding some amazing side trips & activities, like...  Cruising Inside Passage to Alaska  Renting a car and exploring the area  Whalewatching in the Salish Sea  Touring Eastern Canada by train  Golfing at world-famous Banff Springs |
Accommodation Options
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodation options. Please call us for the full list or advice on how to customize your experience.
Georgian Court Hotel
An example of our Comfort accommodations
The Georgian Court Hotel features 180 guestrooms in a 12-story brick building, in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Enjoy a comfortable sleep in your elegant room, surf the internet with the complimentary wireless, or enjoy a meal on the seasonal patio.
Rimrock Resort
An example of our Superior accommodations
The Rimrock Resort is one of Fresh Tracks favourite hotels! The hotel is built into the side of a mountain, when you enter the main lobby, you are actually on the 7th floor, and the views from the pamorama of windows over the Bow Valley are simply stunning. The hotel has an upscale yet understated feel, and the service is impeccable.
Fairmont Royal York
An example of our Deluxe accommodations
Another of the original historic Fairmont properties, close to shopping and dining, and just steps to Union Station and the theatre district. The hotel features 5 restaurants, a bar, a health club, and shops.
Moraine Lake Lodge
An example of our Luxury Mountain Lodge accommodations
Ask our vacation planners about customizing your trip, to stay in some of our more secluded, intimate, and unique wilderness lodges. First class service, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious accommodations are combined with rustic ambiance in a stunning setting. Step out of your doorway for a morning hike, then relax on your patio sipping wine, gazing at the reflection of snow capped peaks on pristine mountain lakes. Here, the only noise is the whispering of pines and the calls of alpine birds.
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today!
Prices & Dates
2013Starts in Toronto
Sundays & Thursdays
April 25 28
May 2 5 9 12 16 19 23 26 30
June 2 6 9 13 16 20 23 27 30
July 4 7 11 14 18 21
August 1 4 8 11 15 18 22 25 29
September 1 5 8 12 19
This trip also runs from Vancouver to Toronto, and is one day shorter in Jasper. Please call for prices, and detailed itinerary.
Starts Vancouver
Sundays & Thursdays
May 2 5 9 12 16 19 23 26 30
Jun 2 6 9 13 16 20 23 27 30
Jul 4 7 11 14 18 21 25 28
Aug 8 11 15 18 22 25 29
Sep 1 5 8 12 15 19 26
Below you’ll find the prices for this trip, and here are some helpful hints. Make sure to give us a call to chat about your options.
• Prices are per person, and double means two people sharing a room. Please give us a call for single, triple, or child rates.
• RedLeaf, SilverLeaf, and GoldLeaf refer to the type of train service on the Banff - Vancouver portion of the journey
• Comfort level includes ‘RedLeaf’ train service, and the Superior level includes ‘SilverLeaf’ train service. You can refer to the upgrade chart at the bottom of the page if you’d like to enhance your train journey
• Deluxe and Deluxe Plus levels include the GoldLeaf train service
| RedLeaf Train Service & Comfort Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 25 - Apr 28, 2013 | 4,211 | |
| May 02 - May 19, 2013 | 5,045 | |
| May 23 - Jun 27, 2013 | 5,783 | |
| Jun 30 - Sep 19, 2013 | 6,139 | |
| SilverLeaf Train Service & Superior Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 25 - Apr 28, 2013 | 5,471 | |
| May 02 - May 19, 2013 | 5,890 | |
| May 23 - Jun 27, 2013 | 6,692 | |
| Jun 30 - Sep 19, 2013 | 7,063 | |
| GoldLeaf Train Service & Deluxe Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 25 - Apr 28, 2013 | 6,879 | |
| May 02 - May 19, 2013 | 7,634 | |
| May 23 - Jun 27, 2013 | 8,705 | |
| Jun 30 - Sep 19, 2013 | 8,938 | |
| GoldLeaf Train Service & Deluxe Plus Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 25 - Apr 28, 2013 | 9,149 | |
| May 02 - May 19, 2013 | 9,795 | |
| May 23 - Jun 27, 2013 | 11,030 | |
| Jun 30 - Sep 19, 2013 | 12,347 | |
| SilverLeaf Train Service Upgrade for Comfort Guests | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 25 - May 19, 2013 | 579 | |
| May 23 - Sep 19, 2013 | 526 | |
| GoldLeaf Train Service Upgrade for Comfort Guests | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 25 - Sep 19, 2013 | 947 | |
| GoldLeaf Train Service Upgrade for Superior Guests | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 25 - Sep 19, 2013 | 421 | |
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today!
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
A great experience not to be missed
“ Firstly we thank Fresh Tracks for the excellent organization of our trip and dealing so efficiently with the minor problem we had with our car rental. Travelling in winter does have its advantages as places are not overcrowded with people. This was advantageous on VIA Rail's the Canadian as there were only ten of us travelling in the sleepers. There was plenty of space in the domed viewing car and there was a 'family' feel to dining, where all the meals were of the highest quality, as we all ate at one sitting and made friends with all our fellow travellers and were fascinated by the tales and experiences they recounted to us! The VIA railway staff, from our beginning in Jasper right through to Quebec, which included two rail transfers, could not have been more helpful in giving us advice and pointing us in the right direction. The Winter Carnival in Quebec was fascinating and an experience not to be missed. There was so much to do and the events and activities suited all age ranges. Quebec City was an interesting place and really needed more time to explore but there is always another time. We found it interesting to see the different cultures between the Rockies and the Quebec region but found people very helpful in both areas despite our poor attempts at the French language. For a party of four 'oldies' a holiday like this, although tiring at times, was a great experience not to be missed! Again, thanks to Fresh Tracks for their organization of such a holiday. ”
Peter & Diane Rolfe, Steph & Bev Norman, UK
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today!
Trip Map & Outline
2 nights Toronto
3 nights VIA Rail
2 nights Jasper
1 night Lake Louise
2 nights Banff
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
Depart Vancouver
*Can be done in reverse, please inquire
What Clients Say
A great experience not to be missed
“ Firstly we thank Fresh Tracks for the excellent organization of our trip and dealing so efficiently with the minor problem we had with our car rental. Travelling in winter does have its advantages as places are not overcrowded with people. This was advantageous on VIA Rail's the Canadian as there were only ten of us travelling in the sleepers. There was plenty of space in the domed viewing car and there was a 'family' feel to dining, where all the meals were of the highest quality, as we all ate at one sitting and made friends with all our fellow travellers and were fascinated by the tales and experiences they recounted to us! The VIA railway staff, from our beginning in Jasper right through to Quebec, which included two rail transfers, could not have been more helpful in giving us advice and pointing us in the right direction. The Winter Carnival in Quebec was fascinating and an experience not to be missed. There was so much to do and the events and activities suited all age ranges. Quebec City was an interesting place and really needed more time to explore but there is always another time. We found it interesting to see the different cultures between the Rockies and the Quebec region but found people very helpful in both areas despite our poor attempts at the French language. For a party of four 'oldies' a holiday like this, although tiring at times, was a great experience not to be missed! Again, thanks to Fresh Tracks for their organization of such a holiday. ”
Peter & Diane Rolfe, Steph & Bev Norman, UK
Why Book With Us?
What makes booking with Fresh Tracks Canada different?
- Our commitment to making your trip an unforgettable experience
- 20 years of experience in travel
- Intimate knowledge of Canada
- Attention to every detail
- Caring and creative people
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