Canada Coast to Coast By Train 21 Days / 20 Nights
Detailed Itinerary
Please 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 - Across Canada Train Vacation Begins – Arrive Vancouver
One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver is surrounded by mountains and ocean. Depending on your time of arrival, you can relax and dine al fresco, take a trip out to Stanley Park, or try one of the many tours on foot or bicycle. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 - Sightsee in Vancouver
Meet a guide at your hotel, for a morning of sightseeing though a local’s eyes. Sip coffee at English Bay, whilst admiring misty gulf islands and snow capped mountains in the distance. Take a stroll through the old growth cedars of Stanley Park, or discover exotic cuisine in Chinatown. Then spend the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 3 - On the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Kamloops
A lonesome wail sounds from the Canadian Rockies railroad whistle, and the smell of your breakfast wafts from the galley, as the Rocky Mountaineer train leaves Vancouver on the first leg of its journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Over lunch you’ll climb the steep Fraser Canyon, past the thundering water of Hell’s Gate, and take a trip through the high desert of British Columbia’s interior. Relax, chat, read, or stretch your legs on an outdoor viewing platform.
In late afternoon, the train arrives in Kamloops where you observe the lifestyle of locals in a small Rockies town. Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 4 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Banff
The second day onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, anticipation builds over breakfast for your first sighting of the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way you’ll learn about the history of the Canadian Rockies, and the railroad, keep your eyes peeled for elk, bald eagles and bears.
Finally you enter the famous Spiral Tunnels - ascending slowly, round and round through the darkness, until, blinking, you emerge to find yourself high in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by mighty peaks topped with snow. Overnight in Banff.
Day 5 - The Famous Canadian Rockies - Banff
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Canadian air! Today enjoy a change of pace on your Rockies train trip. Explore the sleepy mountain town of Banff on a guided tour and drink in the views of the surrounding national parks from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
The lofty peak is reached by a gondola swinging beneath the cable far above the valley floor and surrounded by jagged Canadian Rockies peaks, with the Bow River glistening in the distance Overnight in Banff.
Day 6 – Deeper into the Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise
Wind your way along mountain roads from Banff to Lake Louise this morning, with a guide and small group. The grand finale is a highlight of your Canadian Rockies train trip - the turquoise water of Lake Louise, surrounded by glaciers tumbling down from the high peaks. Ask us to arrange an additional excursion, such as a gentle guided canoe paddle, guided walking or high tea in the Fairview dining room of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day 7 - The Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise to Jasper
Travel through the heart of the Canadian Rockies today, to discover spectacular glaciers, cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, and vast mountain valleys. Your chance for seeing wildlife is enhanced by your small group tour, giving your guide the ability to explore spots only possible in a smaller touring vehicle. Stop at the Columbia Icefield where you venture aboard the Ice Explorer onto the 6 kilometer long Athabasca Glacier. A picnic lunch is included. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 8 - Maligne Lake tour and cruise / Canadian Train Journey East – onboard the Canadian Train
This morning the natural beauty of the Rockies 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.
This afternoon you are transferred to the train station where 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 vacation continues as you leave the Rockies and slowly glide into the Canadian prairies.
Days 9 & 10 – Canadian Train Journey East – onboard the Canadian
The scenery changes once as you travel across the undulating plain of the Prairie Provinces. Settle into your seat and enjoy watching the sights from your window. 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 11 - Arrive Toronto and see Niagara Falls
Upon arrival in Toronto this morning, you’ll be whisked away to marvel at one of the natural wonders of the world - Niagara Falls. The Maid of the Mist takes you close enough to the falls to feel the spray on your face, and feel the thundering waters vibrate under your feet. Take your time in nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming Canadian town, and the perfect place to unwind on your vacation. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 12 - Toronto tour
Spend a day exploring the quirky and colorful neighborhoods that Toronto is famous for. A hop on hop off tour ensures you won’t miss any of the main city attractions. Take a cruise on Lake Ontario for a unique perspective on the charming Toronto Islands, and spend the evening at your leisure. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 13 - A new Canadian culture awaits on your Across Canada train trip – Montreal
The Corridor train carries you into the next province of Canada – Quebec! Train travel is the most scenic route you can take in Canada. Enjoy the views along the shore of Lake Ontario, the open farmland of rural Quebec and the shore of the St. Lawrence River. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 14 - Old Montreal walking tour – a piece of French Canadian culture
Today you enjoy stretching your legs with a guide, as you explore the depths of Montreal’s history. Step back in time at the gorgeous Notre Dame Basilica, delight in the old Bonsecours Market, and savor the anecdotes of your guide. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 15 – Montreal to Quebec City
Travel a short distance by train through Quebec’s picturesque countryside as your across Canada train vacation heads towards Quebec City. After pickup from the train station, step into Quebec City’s colorful history as you visit authentic Quebecois shops, and discover the pride that the residents feel for their city.
Day 16 - Train journey into the countryside of Quebec
Board the Charlevoix touring train and wind your way along the coast of the St. Lawrence River, on a new luxury train tour. Mountains and forests are sprinkled with charming artisan villages, while the mighty St. Lawrence stretches beyond sight. Keep your eyes open for beluga whales, who commonly make appearances for our guests! Spend a delightful few hours enjoying La Malbaie, before boarding the train for a journey back to Quebec City. An overnight option in La Malbaie is also available. Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 17 - Explore Quebec City’s culture then board VIA Rail’s Ocean train -
Spend a full day discovering Quebec City’s French Canadian culture. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the fortified city, visit historic sites commemorating the battles between French and English, and enjoy a delightful rickshaw tour to indulge in the eateries of the old city. This evening you will be transferred to Charny where you will board VIA Rail’s Ocean train. Travel past rolling hills, and quaint coastal villages that appear from times long past as you make your across Atlantic Canada.
Day 18 – Arrive in Halifax
This morning, relax in the panoramic dome car and count the sails out on the water. Late this afternoon you will glide into Halifax and transfer to your hotel. Explore the welcoming Celtic atmosphere of the Canadian Maritimes’ largest city. Overnight in Halifax.
Days 19 and 20 - Discover Halifax & Nova Scotia
After a day to immerse yourself in the lively waterfront of Halifax, you will join a small group and local guide to explore Nova Scotia’s coastal gems. Depending on the day of the week, you will visit Peggy’s Cove, the small towns and vistas of the South Shore, or witness the reversing tides of the Bay of Fundy from Hall’s Harbor. Overnight in Halifax.
Day 21 - Across Canada Train Vacation Ends
Much too soon your across Canada train vacation comes to an end as you leave the fresh air and colourful sights of Canada behind.
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