Grand Canadian Rail Journey | Halifax 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 Halifax | Arrival On arrival into Halifax transfer (own cost) to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring on your own.

Day 2 Halifax | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Peggy's Cove Tour Journey from Halifax to Peggy's Cove, where you'll discover the famous lighthouse set on striking granite boulders beside the Atlantic. You'll have time to wander the active fishing village, browse its welcoming shops, and visit the William deGarthe Art Gallery. Enjoy a warm blend of coastal scenery, local character, and inviting places to explore. Option 2. Grape Escapes | Annapolis Valley Wine and Lunch Escape Escape into Nova Scotia's scenic Annapolis Valley on the Wine & Lunch Escape tour. You're transported from Halifax, Dartmouth, or Wolfville through rolling countryside to three unique wineries, where you enjoy guided wine tastings and learn about cool-climate viticulture. Between tastings, savor a delicious lunch paired with wine or cider at a vineyard. Option 3. Halifax Waterfront Walking Tour Starting at Cable Wharf, this guided walking tour follows Halifax's lively waterfront, where history and modern city life meet along the harbour. Stroll past working wharves, public spaces, and historic landmarks while hearing stories that shaped the city, from its maritime roots to key moments in Canadian history. The walk offers a relaxed way to experience Halifax's waterfront on foot. Option 4. Halifax Harbour Cruise Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Halifax's picturesque harbour aboard the Violet Mac or Sherbrooke Ghost. These all-electric, zero-exhaust vessels provide a quiet and environmentally friendly way to explore the waterfront.

Day 3 Halifax to Charlottetown | Private Transfer | Island Drive & Anne of Green Gables Tour Depart Halifax early this morning on a private transfer to Charlottetown via the Confederation Bridge. This 13 km bridge connects Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick with Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island and is the longest bridge in the world crossing ice-covered water. Upon arrival, connect with your Island Drives Tour and enjoy views of rolling farmland, stunning seascapes, tiny villages and bustling harbors along the Green Gables Shore.

Day 4 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. Option 2. Charlottetown Highlights Tour Discover the history and charm of Canada’s Birthplace as you ride through the streets of Charlottetown.

Day 5 Charlottetown to Moncton | Evening Departure VIA Rail This morning is yours to explore and relax in Charlottetown before an afternoon private transfer back over the Confederation Bridge to Moncton to board VIA Rail. From Moncton, New Brunswick journey overnight in the comfort of ‘Easterly Class’ through the rural communities of Quebec’s south shore to Montreal, Quebec. (Dinner is included today)

Day 6 Arrive Montreal | VIA Rail Montreal | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Breakfast is included on the train this morning before your arrival into Montreal, then you can personalize your day by choosing your excursion. Option 1. Beyond the Market Food Walking Tour Experience Montréal through its flavours on a locally led food tour around Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy, tasting independent local favourites while discovering the city’s diverse communities, vibrant café culture, artisanal chocolate, seasonal produce and neighbourhood stories beyond tourist clichés. Option 2. Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour Explore Montréal beyond the usual sights on a lively walking tour from Old Montréal and Notre-Dame Basilica through Chinatown, the Underground City and festival district to neighbourhoods, blending history, architecture, street art and local culture Option 3. Heart of Montreal City Coach Tour Discover Montréal’s highlights on a guided city tour with photo stops at Old Montréal, Notre-Dame Basilica, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, Mount Royal and Olympic Park, combining panoramic views, iconic architecture and over 200 points of interest. Option 4. Walking Tour of Old Montreal Explore Old Montréal on a relaxed walking tour through cobblestone streets, landmark squares and Old Port viewpoints, uncovering historic architecture, hidden corners and local stories, with stops at Place Jacques-Cartier, Place d’ Armes and Underground City.

Day 7 Montreal | Quebec City & Montmorency Falls Tour 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 8 Montreal to Toronto | VIA Rail Today you’ll ride in business class - along Canada’s famed “Corridor” into Toronto. Located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, Canada’s largest city abounds with closely quartered attractions including Fort York, Little Italy and Toronto Island. Arrive Toronto mid-afternoon with the rest of the day free to explore (lunch is included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 9 Toronto | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 6 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Niagara Falls & Niagara on the Lake Tour Experience Niagara Falls on a luxury small-group tour featuring a certified driver and guide duo, a thrilling Niagara City Cruises boat ride, scenic photo stops, and free time in charming Niagara-on-the-Lake. Option 2. Gems of Toronto Tour Explore Toronto's iconic landmarks, including the historic Casa Loma and the soaring CN Tower. Enjoy a curated journey through the city's vibrant neighborhoods and scenic vistas, all within a comfortable, small-group setting. Option 3. Helicopter Flightseeing Tour Soar above Toronto, capturing breathtaking aerial views of the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Lake Ontario. This 6-8 minute flight offers unforgettable photo opportunities of the city's iconic skyline Option 4. Toronto Street Art & Graffiti Walking Tour Explore Toronto's vibrant west end with a local street artist, uncovering hidden installations, massive murals, and diverse styles like wheat pastes and yarn bombing on this immersive 2-hour walking tour. Option 5. Taste of the Continents: International Food Tour Embark on a culinary journey through Toronto's Kensington Market, sampling dishes from eight countries across five continents in just 2.5 hours. Enjoy diverse flavors, skip the lines, and savor the city's rich cultural tapestry Option 6. Great Canadian Food Tour Taste your way through Toronto’s historic neighbourhoods on a foodie adventure from St. Lawrence Market to the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District. Sample beloved Canadian favourites and local treats many visitors do not realize are Canadian. In just one mile of walking, discover the flavours, stories and neighbourhoods that help shape Canada’s food culture.

Day 10 Toronto to Jasper | VIA Rail This morning, check in at Toronto’s Union Station and board VIA Rail’s legendary Canadian for your transcontinental journey to the Canadian Rockies. Settle into the romance of classic rail travel aboard beautifully restored stainless-steel railcars, with access to the lounge, dining car and panoramic dome car. Leaving the city behind, the train rolls past the Toronto skyline before entering the lake country and rugged Canadian Shield, where ancient rock, forests, rivers and quiet lakes create a striking contrast to the bustle of downtown. Enjoy brunch and dinner onboard as your journey west begins. Overnight onboard VIA Rail. (Brunch & dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 11 Onboard VIA Rail | Northern Ontario Wake to the remote beauty of Northern Ontario, a landscape of dense boreal forest, granite outcrops, winding rivers and countless lakes. Today is a day to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of the train, whether from the comfort of the dome car, over meals in the dining car or from your own window as Canada’s wilderness unfolds mile by mile. As the train continues west, the scenery gradually opens toward Manitoba, offering a memorable transition from rugged shield country to the wide horizons ahead. Overnight onboard VIA Rail. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 12 Onboard VIA Rail | Manitoba and Saskatchewan Today the journey crosses the vast Canadian Prairies, where endless skies, golden fields, quiet towns and classic grain elevators create one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. Watch the scenery stretch to the horizon as the train travels through Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with changing views of farmland, rolling hills and open plains throughout the day. Relax in the dome car, enjoy all meals onboard and savour the unhurried pace of rail travel as you continue toward the Rocky Mountains. Overnight onboard VIA Rail. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 13 Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail This morning, the scenery builds toward an unforgettable arrival as the wide-open landscapes give way to forests, foothills and the dramatic peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Step off the Canadian in Jasper, surrounded by the mountain wilderness of Jasper National Park and the crisp alpine air. After a short orientation of this welcoming mountain town, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore, relax or simply take in the spectacular setting.

Day 14 Jasper to Lake Louise Tour | with picnic lunch Includes Ice Explorer Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier + Glacier Skywalk Travel along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway today, one of North America’s most spectacular mountain highways. This full-day sightseeing journey showcases jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, glacier-fed rivers, hanging glaciers, deep valleys and cascading waterfalls, with possible stops including Athabasca Falls, the Weeping Wall, Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. At the Columbia Icefield, board the Ice Explorer for an unforgettable ride onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier, then step out over the Sunwapta Valley on the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk. Continue through dramatic mountain passes and glacier-carved scenery toward your overnight destination. (Picnic lunch included today)

Day 15 Lake Louise to Banff with Moraine Lake Tour Enjoy a relaxed morning at Lake Louise. This afternoon, depart Lake Louise, where turquoise waters sit beneath rugged peaks and the Victoria Glacier, and continue to Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Walk up the Rockpile for the classic viewpoint once featured on Canada’s historic $20 bill. Then travel to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, with stories along the way about how local landmarks got their names. Seasonal note (May 1-31): Moraine Lake Road is closed during this period, and the tour is replaced with a mid- or late-afternoon scheduled coach transfer to Banff. You will have free time to canoe, hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse, or enjoy afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Private transfers are available at an additional cost.

Day 16 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 6 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 1½ 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. Signature Guided Hike | Small Group Hike with Picnic Lunch Experience the best of Rocky Mountain National Parks' backcountry with our curated hiking tours. Revel in spring's wildflowers, summer's clear glacier views, and the golden hues of fall's larch trees. Our passionate local guides will lead you on classic hikes in the Banff and Lake Louise area, including Stanley Glacier, Larch Valley, Kootenay National Park Trails, and Plain of 6 Glaciers. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty across seasons in the Rockies. Option 6. 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 17 Banff to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer Board Rocky Mountaineer this morning and begin your spectacular westbound journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Depart Banff surrounded by towering peaks and pristine alpine scenery, then travel through a succession of celebrated rail landmarks that showcase both the beauty and history of this remarkable route. Highlights include the famous Spiral Tunnels, the dramatic cliffs of Kicking Horse Canyon, the breathtaking mountain scenery of Rogers Pass, Stoney Creek Bridge and historic Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Later, the landscapes soften into the wide-open scenery of British Columbia’s Interior as you continue to Kamloops. (Breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 18 Kamloops to Vancouver | Rocky Mountaineer Rejoin Rocky Mountaineer this morning and continue west through the striking landscapes of British Columbia. Follow the Thompson River through dry grasslands, rolling hills and rocky canyon country before entering the dramatic Fraser Canyon, where steep cliffs, powerful currents and remarkable rail engineering create some of the route’s most iconic scenery. Watch for highlights including Cisco Crossing and the surging whitewater of Hell’s Gate, then continue alongside the Fraser River through the fertile farmlands of the Fraser Valley before arriving in Vancouver later today. (Breakfast & lunch is included today)