Canada’s Iconic Rail Route | Toronto to the Canadian Rockies

Day 1 Toronto to Jasper | VIA Rail This morning, check in at Toronto’s Union Station and board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for the train journey across the prairies to the Canadian Rockies. Travel in restored stainless steel ‘streamliner’ railcars from the 1950s, now equipped with air conditioning, a café car, lounge car, and access to the dome car. The journey begins in downtown Toronto with views of the CN Tower and the skyline. As you continue, the landscape shifts from city views to diverse natural scenery. Depending on the season, see lush greenery, autumn colors, or snow-covered landscapes. Pass through Georgian Bay and the Canadian Shield, with its rock formations, lakes, and forests, and keep an eye out for possible wildlife sightings such as deer, moose, and birds. (brunch & dinner included)

Day 2 On-board VIA Rail Awaken to the vast wilderness of Northern Ontario, with its dense forests and pristine lakes providing a spectacular start to your morning. As the train glides through the Canadian Shield, one of Earth's oldest geological formations, be enthralled by the sight of rugged, rocky terrains interspersed with verdant forests.

The route takes you through Ontario's famed lake country, where a myriad of lakes offer tranquil and picturesque views, especially enchanting during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. As the train nears Manitoba, watch as the scenery transforms into vast, open prairies, a stark contrast to the dense forests you've passed. This transition beautifully illustrates Canada's varied geography. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 3 On-board VIA Rail Awake this morning for a breathtaking journey across the Canadian Prairies, an expanse where the vastness of the sky meets the endless horizon. Traverse through rolling hills and boundless fields of wheat, canola, and barley, weaving a vibrant tapestry of colors that shift with the seasons. This journey not only showcases the natural beauty but also highlights the economic vitality of the Prairies, rooted in agriculture and energy industries. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 4 Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail As dawn breaks, your train arrives in Jasper, nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, this charming town is a gateway to breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures, offering an immersive experience in one of Canada's most stunning natural settings. Step off the "Canadian" train and take a deep breath – you’re here in the Canadian Rockies and the crisp mountain air is invigorating. After an orientation of this scenic mountain town, we will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 5 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour Experience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake. Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Admire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight. Option 3. Gentle Raft Float on the Athabasca River Experience Jasper National Park's natural beauty with a small group float trip on the Athabasca River. Cover several miles on Class II rapids, offering mild excitement with a few splashes. Enjoy your guide's engaging storytelling about local history and wildlife throughout this gentle adventure. Option 4. Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour Embark on a stunning hike in Jasper National Park, exploring the deepest accessible canyon in the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views of rushing rapids and waterfalls along the canyon's five bridges. An added bonus is the shuttle service back to the top, saving you from a steep uphill hike. Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion Talk with one of our local specialists to tailor your day in Jasper to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including a Maligne Valley tour & lake cruise, an exhilarating Harley Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour of Jasper National Park, a Jasper food tour to experience the local cuisine, hiking and cooking tour in the backcountry, or a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.

Day 6 Jasper to Lake Louise Tour | Glacier Adventure, Skywalk & picnic lunch Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included today)

Day 7 Lake Louise to Banff Transfer | Coach Start your day with a leisurely morning exploring the stunning beauty of Lake Louise. With either a mid or late afternoon transfer to Banff, you have the flexibility to canoe on the lake, hike to the Glacier Teahouse, or indulge in afternoon tea at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before departing for the 45-minute journey along the breathtaking Bow Valley Parkway. Whether you choose the scheduled transfer (included) or a private transfer, both options allow you to customize your time between these two stunning destinations.

Day 8 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola Discover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff National Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum exertion. Option 2. Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Join this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note. Option 3. Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Avoid the crowds with this full-day adventure in the Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, featuring picturesque waterfalls and Canadian Rockies views. Start with a relaxing stroll in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon, marveling at turquoise glacial waters and striking canyon walls. Enjoy Emerald Lake's neon blue waters, where optional canoe rentals, hiking trails, and lakeside picnics are available. The day concludes with a visit to Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, accessible through backroads offering mountain vistas and wildlife sightings. Option 4. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion Talk with one of our local Canada specialists to tailor your day in Banff to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including guided hikes, evening wildlife e-bike tours, river explorer canoe tours, a foodie tour at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, or upgrade to a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.

Day 9 Banff to Calgary Transfer | Coach Today you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. We will schedule a transfer to bring you to downtown Calgary, or to the Calgary Airport to connect with your flight home.