Canada Coast to Coast By Train 19 days / 18 nights
Detailed Itinerary
ITINERARYDay 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.
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