Canada by Rail

There is something special about taking the train in Canada, as it was the railroad that linked this country together.

Travel in comfort and style in VIA Rail’s first-class “Silver & Blue” service from Toronto to Jasper, a reminder of how civilized rail travel can be. Stay in the heart of the Rockies before boarding the "the Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World" – the Rocky Mountaineer.

See Canada’s majestic mountain scenery during the daylight before ending your tour in Vancouver, where you will spend three nights.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrive Toronto, ON
Meet your Tour Director at Toronto’s Union Station. Please plan to arrive in Toronto before 3:00pm ET. This should allow sufficient time to transfer from the airport to the train station. Enjoy a brief tour of Toronto, Canada’s largest city. Dine atop the world’s tallest building – the CN Tower with its panoramic views of Toronto - before boarding the train. At 10:00pm, depart Toronto 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. Your private room is transformed into a cozy bedroom for a night’s rest. (Dinner)

DAY 2: Northern Ontario and Manitoba
After a peaceful night’s rest, awake and enjoy the view of the untamed wilderness of Northern Ontario. There is something special about taking the train in Canada, for it was the railway that linked this country together. The train is close to the very essence of Canada. We will be traveling in the "Silver and Blue" class, enjoying first class service. This sleek, polished and finely upholstered special section of the train is a reminder of how civilized rail travel can be. Cross the rugged rocks of the Canadian Shield to enter the Province of Manitoba while you sleep. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: Winnipeg, MB - Saskatchewan
Arrive in Manitoba’s capital city Winnipeg early this morning. There will be time to explore on our own before departing Winnipeg at 12:00noon. Guests will want to visit the Dome for sweeping views of the vast rolling prairies as we travel across Saskatchewan during the afternoon and into Alberta this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4: Alberta
After passing Edmonton, Alberta's capital, we will notice our first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies. We will be in awe of the majesty of the mountains as the train takes us to the charming mountain town of Jasper. Arrive in Jasper in the early afternoon and transfer to our accommodations for a one night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5: Jasper, AB to Banff, AB
Travel by motorcoach south on the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefields, where we board a sno-coach for a ride up the Athabasca Glacier (weather permitting). Continue along the Parkway, whose scenery is rated "the most spectacular in the entire Canadian National Parks System", on route to Banff, a bustling resort village nestled under imposing peaks, for a two-night stay. (Breakfast)

DAY 6: Banff, AB
Start with a tour of Banff including Bow Falls, the Banff Springs Hotel, Tunnel Mountain and Sulphur Mountain Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain where we can look down over the entire town of Banff. The afternoon is free to explore Banff at our own pace. (Breakfast)

DAY 7: Banff, AB to Kamloops, BC on Rocky Mountaineer
Today it's "All Aboard" as we pull out of the Banff Station on the "Rocky Mountaineer" two-day rail tour, "the Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World". Sit back and relax in spacious, comfortable reclining seats with picture windows...our meals will be served at our seats, along with snacks and nonalcoholic drinks. Our Onboard Service Attendant will provide interesting and informative commentary on the history and geography of 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...and discover Craigellachie, where, in 1885, the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railroad was driven. Overnight is in Kamloops. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 8: Kamloops, BC to Vancouver, BC
Re-board the train to continue our journey 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 for a three-night stay. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 9: Victoria, BC
It’s an early start to enjoy a day trip to charming Victoria. Board the ferry at Tsawwassen to cross the Strait of Georgia to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Visit Butchart Gardens, offering a magnificent array of flowers, trees and much more. 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 the Tudor-style buildings, parks, flower-lined streets and more. Return to Vancouver. (Breakfast)

DAY 10: Vancouver, BC
A morning city tour will acquaint us with this magnificent 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 the third largest Chinatown in North America. The afternoon is free to pursue our own interests. This evening our tour director will host a "Farewell dinner". (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11: Depart Vancouver, BC
We have traveled Canada's rails through five provinces...visited the picturesque resorts of Jasper and Banff...toured Victoria and Vancouver...and viewed the magnificent Canadian Rockies. It is time to say "good-bye" to our Tour Director and fellow travelers and transfer to either the Vancouver or Seattle airport to fly home.

Room Options

This tour has several different room options:

• Single - One adult only - all individual travlers must choose this rate - we do not "pair-up" parties to room together
• Twin - Two adults in room
• Triple - Three adults in room
• Quad - Four adults in room

**Child Rate is available for Twin, Triple, or Quad room options only. Child rate is only available when there are at least two paying adult fares included in the order.

Airfare is NOT include in the price of this tour. This tour does NOT include hotel pick-up. Rates are shown in US dollars. Child rates are for children who are 6 to 12 years old and will be sharing with at least two adults. Reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-811-9247.