Canadian Trails Rail Vacation Across Canada - Toronto to Vancouver

The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. We also offer tailored private excursions, allowing you to personalize the itinerary to match your custom preferences.

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 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 6 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 7 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 8 Banff to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer All aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. As the train crosses over the continental divide, you pass through the spiral tunnels in Yoho National Park, a remarkable engineering achievement. Continue on through the Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park with endless views of snow-capped mountains and stunning glaciers. Pass by Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway Trans Canada link in 1885. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 9 Kamloops to Vancouver | Rocky Mountaineer Re-board the train and follow the Thompson River through Ashcroft - one of Canada’s driest towns (with an average rainfall of just 18 centimetres). Pass through Rainbow Canyon with its cliffs striped with pinks, greens and greys creating a stunning effect. The last leg of the journey takes you through the lush farming region of the Fraser Valley to arrive in the Pacific port of Vancouver late afternoon. (breakfast & lunch is included today)