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 Vancouver to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer
All aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser River Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes to historic Kamloops. (breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 2 Kamloops to Banff | Rocky Mountaineer
Back on-board the Rocky Mountaineer following the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline. Pass Craigellachie, where the ‘last spike’ was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Enter Rogers Pass, with its tunnels, snow-sheds and glistening Glaciers. The Kicking Horse river leads you to Kicking Horse Pass, the Spiral Tunnels and over the Continental Divide to Banff, and Banff National Park. (breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 3 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 4 Banff to Lake Louise Transfer | Coach
Today offers the flexibility to spend more time in either Banff or Lake Louise. You have the choice of a mid or late-afternoon 45-minute scheduled transfer (included), or a private transfer. Both options allow you to customize your time between these two stunning destinations. At Lake Louise, you can enjoy activities like canoeing on the lake, hiking to the Glacier Teahouse, or savoring afternoon tea at the renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Day 5 Lake Louise to Jasper 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 Jasper to Toronto | VIA Rail
Spend the day relaxing in the mountain town of Jasper. This afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for the famous train journey across the prairies to Toronto. Your rail journey unfolds as you travel beside the scenic Yellowhead Highway, traversing Alberta's diverse landscapes from the rugged beauty of the Rockies to the rolling hills and farmlands of the province's heartland.
Entering Alberta's vast prairies, the scenery shifts dramatically. Expansive fields stretch to the horizon, forming a patchwork quilt of golden wheat, green barley, and bright yellow canola. The sky seems endless, a vast expanse of blue often punctuated by fluffy white clouds. Small, charming farmhouses and red barns dot the landscape, adding a touch of rural charm. (dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)
Day 7 On-board VIA Rail
As the train heads east, the scenery undergoes a dramatic transformation, revealing the diverse landscapes that Canada is famed for. A significant segment of todays journey meanders through the Canadian Shield, one of Earth's largest geological continental shields. This area is distinguished by its rugged terrain, interspersed with numerous lakes and dense forests, offering a visual feast that is particularly delightful for nature enthusiasts. Along the route, passengers are treated to stunning views of various large lakes, including sections of the Great Lakes. Observing these immense water bodies from the cozy confines of the train offers a sense of serenity and wonder. Additionally, this journey provides ample opportunities for wildlife sightings. Travelers should be on the lookout for native Canadian fauna such as deer, moose, and a variety of bird species, particularly in more secluded areas. Overnight onboard the train. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)
Day 8 On-board VIA Rail
As the train heads east, the scenery undergoes a dramatic transformation, revealing the diverse landscapes that Canada is famed for. A significant segment of todays journey meanders through the Canadian Shield, one of Earth's largest geological continental shields. This area is distinguished by its rugged terrain, interspersed with numerous lakes and dense forests, offering a visual feast that is particularly delightful for nature enthusiasts. Along the route, passengers are treated to stunning views of various large lakes, including sections of the Great Lakes. Observing these immense water bodies from the cozy confines of the train offers a sense of serenity and wonder. Additionally, this journey provides ample opportunities for wildlife sightings. Travelers should be on the lookout for native Canadian fauna such as deer, moose, and a variety of bird species, particularly in more secluded areas. Overnight onboard the train. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)
Day 9 Arrive Toronto | VIA Rail
Your final day aboard VIA Rail takes you through Sudbury, a city celebrated for its mining heritage and unique geological features, you'll witness a stunning transformation in the landscape. The train's route takes you from rugged, rocky terrains to the lush greenery of Ontario's heartland. A significant highlight is the breathtaking view of the Great Lakes. These vast water bodies unfurl alongside the train, revealing their immense scale and tranquil shorelines.
Each season adds its distinct charm to the journey. In autumn, the route is adorned with a vibrant tapestry of fall colors, while winter cloaks the landscapes in a serene, snowy blanket. Approaching Toronto, the CN Tower-dominated skyline transitions from serene countryside to the vibrant bustle of Union Station by mid-afternoon. (continental breakfast & brunch included today onboard VIA Rail)
Day 10 Toronto | Niagara Falls & Niagara on the Lake Tour
Travel by air-conditioned motorcoach for a breathtaking, full-day tour through the orchard-laden Niagara Peninsula to Niagara Falls, one of the great wonders of the world. Tour includes: Hornblower Niagara Falls Cruise or Journey Behind the Falls and free time in Niagara Falls.
Day 11 Toronto to Montreal | VIA Rail
Enjoy the facilities of the Business class lounge while waiting for boarding instructions. Complimentary newspapers and non-alcoholic beverages are available in the lounge. Follow the shores of Lake Ontario, one of the five great lakes of North America, to Trenton Junction, where the St. Lawrence River flows from the lake. Passing the village of Napanee, look south as you cross the river to view a series of beautiful waterfalls. The city of Kingston is an historic Canadian city, being the early capital of the “Province of Canada” (1841-1867) and is the birthplace of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Here, you cross the Rideau Canal, built in 1832 to connect Kingston with Ottawa and originally designed after the War of 1812 to guarantee a supply route north of the US border in the event of another war. Past Cornwall, the line enters the Province of Quebec. Approaching Montreal, cross the Ottawa River to Dorval, before arriving at Central Station in Montreal. The station is located below the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in the heart of downtown. (lunch is included today)
Day 12 Montreal | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions
Option 1. Montreal Half Day Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy a fully guided driving tour to all the "must see" areas of Montréal such as Mont Royal, Old Montréal, and the city's picturesque riverfront.
Option 2 Walking Tour of Old Montreal
Explore the winding cobblestone streets of Old Montréal on a guided walking tour.
Option 3 Beyond the Market Food Walking Tour
The city’s best food tour takes you to at least 6 of your local guide’s favourite eateries and watering holes.
Option 4. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion
Talk with one of our local Canada specialists to tailor your day in Montreal to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including special interest guided walking tours, guided bike tours, river cruises, or upgrade to a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing or exploring Montreal's vibrant neighborhoods, such as Old Montreal with its historic architecture, or the Plateau for local cafes and boutiques. You could also visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or take a stroll through Mount Royal Park for panoramic city views, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.
Day 13 Montreal | Day Tour to Quebec City & Montmorency Falls
Quebec City is the heart of French Canada. Nowhere else in North America is the appearance and atmosphere of an old-world city so complete. Quebec City looks and feels very European; perhaps that is why the entire old section of the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 14 Montreal to Moncton | VIA Rail
This evening enjoy the scenic vista through the rural communities of Quebec’s south shore. Overnight on VIA Rail. (dinner is included today)
Day 15 Arrive Charlottetown | VIA Rail
Wake to views of the Atlantic Ocean, rolling hills, and quaint coastal villages that appear frozen in time. Upon disembarking the train take an included private transfer to Charlottetown via the Confederation Bridge. (Breakfast is included today)
Day 16 Charlottetown | Island Drives & Anne of Green Gables Tour
Today enjoy views of rolling farmlands, stunning seascapes, tiny villages and bustling harbours along the Green Gables Shore (scenic drive) as we get ready to tour the North Shore area.
Day 17 Charlottetown | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions
Option 1. Morning Lobster Cruise
Catch a buoy, haul a trap and band a claw as you learn about the world of lobster fishing on Prince Edward Island. Onboard feel the ocean breeze and watch for seabirds as Captain Mark explains the hard life of a lobster fisherman. Then head to the mouth of the harbour and into the Northumberland Strait, past Port La Joye/Fort Amherst, the Island’s oldest European settlement.
Option 2. Morning Charlottetown Highlights Tour
Discover the history and charm of Canada’s Birthplace as you ride through the streets of Charlottetown.
Charlottetown to Halifax | Private Transfer
Then this afternoon depart on a private transfer back over the Confederation Bridge to Halifax.
Day 18 Halifax | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions.
Option 1. Halifax Harbourfront Food Walking Tour
Savor the flavors of Halifax on this delicious Harbourfront food tour! Start with fresh oysters, then stroll past the Halifax ferry terminal and Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to enjoy creamy seafood chowder. Indulge in a must-try Halifax donair before finishing with a delectable lobster roll and sweet dessert. This waterfront adventure offers iconic tastes of Halifax’s culinary scene.
Option 2. Best of Halifax & Peggy's Cove Tour
Immerse in Nova Scotia's beauty with scenic Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, explore Halifax Citadel's historic alleyways, witness Halifax's vibrant landmarks, and visit iconic Titanic cemetery.
Option 3. Lunenburg Express Tour with Lobster Lunch
Discover the rich history of this 18th-century fishing village known for its colorful waterfront and shipbuilding heritage, including the famous Bluenose schooner. Enjoy a guided tour, explore local shops, and savor a delicious lobster roll lunch. This scenic coastal trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and fresh Atlantic seafood, all in one unforgettable day.
Day 19 Halifax
A check-out from your hotel concludes this memorable rail journey to Atlantic Canada.
