Trans Canada Winter Rail Vacation | Vancouver to Toronto

Day 1 Vancouver to Jasper | Via RailThis afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes as you enjoy dinner (included), then retreat to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.

Day 2 Jasper | Arrival VIA RailRise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. (Breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 3 Jasper Freedom of Choice | 1 of 4 ExcursionsPersonalize your stay in Jasper by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Maligne Canyon Ice WalkExperience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up! The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50 metre gorge. Option 2. Discover Jasper & its Wildlife TourTravel through the Athabasca Valley to some of the park’s most beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain scenery to seek out all the park’s most iconic creatures. Option 3. Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope ExperienceJoin LIVE astronomy guides for a full evening of cosmic exploration, starting inside with a world-exclusive domed theatre experience, then outside with the largest telescope in the Rockies. In the climate-controlled 40-seat dome theatre, take a LIVE virtual tour of Jasper’s 11,000 sq km Dark Sky Preserve.Option 4. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding TourTravel by dog sled along 22 km (13 mi) of pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Learn the history of the area and the people amongst the crisp mountain air and the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire, hot apple cider, and homemade treats.

Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Coach | Evening Sleigh Ride Travel southward along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. This spectacular drive through glacier country features massive snow covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad-reaching valleys. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute sleigh ride that takes place beside the lake.

Day 5 Lake Louise | Day at LeisureLake Louise transforms into a real-life snow globe in the winter that has to be seen to be believed. To make the most of your stay, rent a pair of ice skates and head onto the frozen lake or snowshoes and explore the many trails, wander the shoreline and take in the iconic views – both are authentic Canadian experience. For skiing or snowboarding visit Lake Louise Ski Resort, known for it’s spectacular scenery and versatile terrain. With over 4,200 acres spread across four mountain faces.

Day 6 Lake Louise to Banff | CoachDepart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley.

Day 7 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Gondola Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep on this morning tour of Banff. Scenic highlights include Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, the Hoodoos Viewpoint & Lake Minnewanka. Then soar up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint Pots Afternoon snowshoe tour on an easy trail winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots with its ochre colors mineral pools.Option 3. Johnston Canyon IcewalkThis morning Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to stunning frozen waterfalls and amazing views within the canyon.

Day 8 Banff to Jasper | Scheduled CoachAs you return to Jasper via the Icefield Parkway, the scenery strikingly varies in each direction, further altered by shifting light and cloud formations. Winter cloaks the rugged terrain in a serene snow blanket, transforming it into a tranquil, crystal-like wonderland. Driving along, you'll see majestic mountains towering above, with frozen lakes and rivers glistening under the crisp winter sunlight.

Day 9 Jasper to Toronto | VIA Rail Spend the day relaxing in the mountain town of Jasper. This afternoon, reboard VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous journey across the prairies to Toronto. (dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 10 On-board | VIA RailWatch the scenery change as you travel through the prairies and great plains of Canada. Overnight onboard the train. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 11 On-board | VIA Rail Today is spent crossing the scenic lake lands and forests of Ontario. Overnight onboard the train. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 12 Toronto Arrival | VIA RailArrival in Toronto this afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to explore Canada’s largest and most diverse city. Suggested places to visit include the Eaton Centre, Chinatown, CN Tower, and Old and New City Halls with opportunity for pictures along the way. (continental breakfast & brunch included today onboard VIA Rail)