15 Day Trans Canada by Rail

On arrival in Toronto, make your way to your downtown hotel, where you can collect your information kit at check-in. The rest of the day is yours to explore Toronto. You might want to hop on a ferry and sail to the Toronto Islands, or wander around the stalls at St Lawrence Market.

Today, you’ll travel through the lush fruit-growing district of the Niagara Peninsula to reach the spectacle that is Niagara Falls. Your tour includes a ‘Voyage to the Falls’ boat trip aboard Hornblower, so you can enjoy a thrilling sailing into the mist at the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Lunch is also included at Niagara Falls, and you’ll have ample time to explore the area, take plenty of pictures and admire the thundering falls. Later, you’ll return to Toronto, passing through the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on your way.

Make your way to Toronto’s Union Station to board The Canadian, a VIA Rail route to western Canada. As you leave the city behind, the scenery transforms into rugged terrain dotted with thousands of freshwater lakes. The train will cross over into the province of Manitoba and briefly stop in its capital, Winnipeg. You’ll spend three nights onboard the train, taking in the lovely scenery. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

After three days on The Canadian VIA Rail train, you’ll have crossed the vast prairie flatlands – but your final approach is towards the stunning Rocky Mountains. When you arrive in Jasper, make your way to your accommodation and relax.

After a good night’s sleep, you’ll have the whole day to take in the breathtaking scenery of Jasper National Park. Why not enjoy a ride on the Jasper Tramway or visit Miette Hot Springs.

Today, you’ll travel along the Icefields Parkway – one of the most scenic roads in Canada. Marvel at the vistas of magnificent peaks, outstretched valleys and cascading waterfalls. Your final destination is Lake Louise, where the shimmering waters reflect the majestic Victorian Glacier.

Spend your morning in the village of Lake Louise, before carrying on along the Icefields Parkway – you’ll travel through Banff National Park before reaching Banff itself. Familiarise yourself with this charming alpine town, as you spend the afternoon browsing the boutiques and eateries which line the quaint boulevards.

The next day, enjoy a detailed sightseeing tour of Banff. Highlights include the Hoodoos – rocks curiously shaped by centuries of erosion – Surprise Corner, which has an iconic view of Banff Springs Hotel, and Tunnel Mountain Drive which overlooks the beautiful scenery of the Bow River Valley. After the tour, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Today’s the day you’ll board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train and head even further west to the Pacific Coast. Onboard this luxury train, you’ll get the chance to see some of the most spectacular sights in Western Canada. The route meanders through the Kicking Horse Pass, and then climbs into the Selkirk Mountains along Rogers Pass. By late afternoon, you’ll be in the ranchland of British Columbia, where you’ll disembark for the night.

Get back onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and carry on through ‘cowboy country’ as you admire the mighty Thompson and Fraser rivers. Rugged mountain peaks and rolling hills define the horizon as the train approaches the Coastal Mountains that surround Vancouver. On arrival in the city, make your own way to your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure.

You’ll have a full day to discover bustling Vancouver. Take in all the major sights on a hop-on-hop-off city tour, which includes historic Gastown, the popular beach at English Bay, the multitude of eateries at Granville Island, and the colourful First Nations totem poles in Stanley Park.

Your last full day in Canada involves a full-day trip to Vancouver Island. Sit back and enjoy a scenic cruise through the Gulf Islands, before visiting the acclaimed Butchart Gardens. Afterwards, you’ll continue on to Victoria for a sightseeing tour, which takes in the city’s historic landmarks, such as the Royal British Columbia Museum and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, as well as the exclusive homes of the Uplands and Oak Bay. After a busy day, you’ll return to Vancouver to enjoy your final evening in Canada.  

As your tour comes to an end, it’s time to make your own way to Vancouver Airport for your onward flight.