Across Canada by Rail

Day 1 - Fly to Victoria

Fly to Victoria, transferring through Vancouver. 

Day 2 - Whale Watching excursion

Today we have included a 3 hour whale watching excursion. Please advise at the time of booking if you would prefer a Zodiac or covered boat for this trip.

Duration: 3 hours

This coastal excursion is an exhilirating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals, and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard a comfortable custom-built zodiac that offers high speed with extraordinary stability giving you an exhilirating, safe and intimate whale watching experience. Comments by a certified marine biologist and naturalist are provided.   

ZODIAC TOURS: The open zodiacs are for the adventurous at heart. The 12 passenger vessels are recommended for an exhilarating experience complete with sea spray! Designed for high speed these vessels are known around the world for durability, safety, seaworthiness and performance.

The zodiacs are equipped with Yamaha 4-stroke engines, world renowned for their quiet operating and low emission levels. Passengers will be provided full body cruiser suits for the tour.

Day 3 - Enjoy Victoria

Spend your last day in Victoria at leisure. Take a stroll around the pictureque Inner Harbour and perhaps even have a picnic in Beacon Hill Park. Be sure to take in the worlds second largest freestanding Totem pole here in Victoria.

Day 4 - Transfer to Vancouver

This morning you will be transferred from downtown Victoria to downtown Vancouver by coach/ferry. The ferry crossing takes approx 90 minutes, you will be able to get off the coach and up on deck to take in the beautiful scenery, especially as you pass by the Gulf Islands. Make sure you keep your camera at hand.

Once you check in at your hotel spend late afternoon/evening at your leisure in Vancouver.

Day 5 - Vancouver City Highlights tour

This morning we have included a 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour.

Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city.

Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island.

Reminder of the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 6 - Enjoy Vancouver

Spend your last full day in Vancouver at your leisure. We recommend hiring bicycles at Coal Harbour and cycling around Stanley Park and the seawall, also be sure to take in a sunset at English Bay - popular with locals and tourists. We also offer the popular day trip to Whistler with a ride on either the Sea 2 Sky gondola or Peak 2 Peak gondola, ask one of our Canada Experts for more details.

Day 7 - Via Rail journey Vancouver - Edmonton

This afternoon board VIA Rail's "The Canadian" for an unforgettable train journey! Pass through Vancouver's eastern suburbs and into British Columbia's agricultural heartland. Take in the stunning views of the Fraser Canyon as the train winds its way through the Cascade and Coast Mountains perched alongside the mighty Fraser River and past the raging rapids of Hell's Gate.

Ride through golden prairie fields, rugged lake country, waterfalls, picturesque towns and the snowy peaks of the majestic Rockies. Take in the view of Mt. Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

By day, rest comfortably in a wide couch-style seat while enjoying the spectacular views of the landscape rolling by. Public washroom facilities are located in the same car, as well as access to shower facilities. At night, your seat will fold out into a bed, with heavy curtains for privacy. Pillows, sheets and blankets are provided. 

Inclusions: All meals and non-alcoholic beverages included in the dining car. Complimentary coffee, tea, fruit and cookies in the lounge cars.

Based on semi private cabin with upper and lower pullman. Please ask for upgrade details for a Private Cabin.

Day 8 - Arrive in Edmonton

Arrive into Edmonton early evening and make your own way (not included) to your downtown hotel.  

Day 9 - Enjoy Edmonton

If you have shopping to do make sure you do it in Edmonton at the West Edmonton Mall - the largest shopping mall in North America. The mall is also home to Galaxyland, a Water park, adventure golf course and an ice rink. Alberta also has lower taxes which helps with any buys.  Perhaps even add on a fun Segway tour down near the river valley.

Day 10 - Transfer to Jasper

This afternoon you will be transferred from either the Airport or West Edmonton Mall to Jasper. The transfer will take approx 4.5 - 5 hours.

Day 11 - Maligne Lake & Walking tour

This morning you will be picked up for the Maligne Lake and Walking Tour.

Duration: 5-6 hours This amazing tour is a guided interpretive drive up the Maligne Valley. Our exploration will include a stop at Maligne Canyon for a gentle guided walk to the first two bridges above the gorge, a short stop at the "disappearing" Medicine Lake, and finally Maligne Lake. At this picturesque gem of the Canadian Rockies enjoy a guided walk along the Mary Schaffer Loop (3.2km return).

Day 12 - Enjoy Jasper

Spend today at your leisure. Relax, Explore, Sightsee the decision is yours. Ask one of our Canada Experts for optional excursions such as the Jasper Tramway - Canada's longest & highest aerial guided tramway, an Evening Wildlife tour or for the more active canoeing, rafting or rock climbing is on offer.

Day 13 - Transfer to Banff

Duration: 10 hours*

*Note: Not all of the regularly scheduled stops on this sightseeing tour are accessible during the Winter, so the length of this tour is shortened during this time.

Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Enroute, make a stop at Athabasca Falls located just outside of the Jasper Townsite. Among the most powerful and breathtaking falls in the Rocky Mountains, the Athabasca River thunders through a narrow gorge where the walls have been smoothed and potholed by the sheer force of the rushing water carrying sand and rock.

Our next stop is the breathtaking Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Glacier where we will allow time to enjoy a Ice Explorer ride on the Glacier & Glacier Skywalk.

Next we continue to the Weeping Wall, Peyto Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier before joining the Trans Canada Highway near Lake Louise where a stop will be made to view the lake and famous Chateau, then continue on the Trans Canada Highway, passing fortress formations of Castle and Protection Mountains to arrive in to Banff late afternoon.

Highlights:

- A hearty picnic lunch is included and will be enjoyed at a secluded location along the Icefields Parkway. - Glacier Adventure Package (Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk) admissions are included on a separate voucher.

Day 14 - Discover Banff & its wildlife

This morning we have included the Discover Banff and its Wildlife Tour for you.

Duration: 3 hours

Build a connection to our World Heritage Site on our trademark sightseeing tour as you visit Banff's landmarks and historic places. Hear how the 11,000 year old human history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered a hidden natural hotspring. Visit the abandoned mining town of Bankhead, a relic of Banff's industrial past. All the while learn about wildlife behavior, habitat, and their winter survival adaptations as you tour around the area. Your time will be spent enjoying the sights, taking photos, and participating in short walks to view points, on the many stops of the tour.

Tour highlights: Bow Falls, Banff Springs Hotel, Bankhead (an abandoned mining town and relic of Banff's industrial past), Surprise Corner, Hoodoos & Bow Valley Viewpoint, Lake Minnewanka, refreshment and maple cookies.

Drop off is available at the Banff Gondola. Please advise your driver at time of boarding if you would like to be dropped off there.

Spend this afternoon at your leisure.

Day 15 - Enjoy Banff

Spend today at your leisure exploring Banff, the heart of the Rockies. Why not ask one of our Canada Experts for details of optional excursions to help you explore this stunning area.

Day 16 - Transfer to Calgary Airport & Fly to Toronto

This morning you will be picked up by coach and transferred to Calgary Airport for your flight to Toronto. On arrival at Toronto transfer to your downtown hotel (not included). The quickest & best way to get to downtown Toronto is by UP Express train from the airport. The train runs every 15 minutes and only takes 25 minutes, it costs approx $13.

Day 17 - Enjoy Toronto

Spend today exploring this terrific city. We highly recommend taking a trip up the CN Tower, an inner harbour cruise or one of the many scrumptious food tours on offer. Ask one of our Canada Experts for details.

Day 18 - Niagara Falls Tour

Experience Niagara Falls on a guided sightseeing bus tour from Toronto. The day includes a scenic lunch overlooking the Falls, a boat cruise to the base, and a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Your guide offers live commentary throughout the journey, and the itinerary can be adapted to include additional points of interest in the Niagara Region.

Niagara City Cruises operates May through October, weather permitting. From October to May, Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted. Itinerary variations may occur during the winter months based on attraction operating hours

Day 19 - Via Rail to Ottawa

This morning you have your VIA Rail trip from downtown Toronto to Ottawa.  

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. From Trenton Junction to Ottawa, the landscape is dotted with small villages, surrounded by maple forests and rich pasture land.

The journey is approximately four hours.

Ottawa was named as the capital of Canada in 1867 with the signing of Confederation by the then Canadian Provinces, establishing an independent Canada. The VIA Rail station in Ottawa is a short taxi ride (not included) to downtown Ottawa hotels.

Day 20 - Ottawa City Tour & Cruise

Today we have included a 1 day city tour and cruise pass to help you take in the best of Ottawa.

Hop aboard one of our authentic London-style double deckers for a one-day guided city tour and enjoy a 1 hour canal cruise. The bus tour begins at the Grayline kios at the corner of Sparks & Elgin Street. Enjoy this bilingual guided city tour on our open or close top Double Decker buses of over 75 preferred sites of Ottawa-Gatineau on this fun, educational and historical tour.

This tour also permits you to Hop On & Hop Off at different sites so that you can visit them at your own pace and then get back on to continue the loop tour. Hop On & Off as many times as you like. Attractions included during this tour are museums, parks, embassies, Parliament Hill, Prime Minister's Residence, Rideau Hall, ByWard Market, National Gallery of Canada, and many more.

Day 21 - Via Rail to Montreal

Make your own way to Ottawa's VIA Rail station for your journey to Montreal this morning. Depart Ottawa on-board VIA Rail. Your rail journey to Montreal this morning is under four hours, and takes you into rural Ontario, with maple forests and pasturelands, crossing into Quebec at Coteau where the rail line joins the Toronto-Montreal line. Cross the Ottawa River to Dorval Station where a short stop is made before proceeding to Central Station in downtown Montreal. Central Station is located two floors below the Queen Elizabeth Hotel lobby. Spend this afternoon at your leisure exploring Montreal.

Day 22 - Quebec & Montmorency Falls tour

Today we have included a full day tour of Quebec and the Montmorency Falls.

Duration: 12 hours This all-day tour, guided to and from Quebec City, includes your return transportation and sightseeing tour in Quebec with a local licensed guide. This tour will take you back more than 400 years to the historic landmark of the French regime. You will be charmed by the old world atmosphere of Quebec City with its narrow streets, steep hills and numerous historical treasures on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. In the Fall / Winter season, the tour includes a photo stop at Montmorency Falls -- higher than Niagara Falls!

Day 23 - Via Rail Sleeper to Halifax

Spend today at your leisure sightseeing in Montreal.

This evening from Montreal, journey overnight in the comfort of 'VIA Rail's Sleeper Plus Class' through the rural communities of Quebec's south shore to Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

The Sleeper Plus class will give you access to sleeping cars. Most departures offer single, double and double with shower cabins (with upper and lower berths).

Day 24 - Arrive in Halifax

Arrive into Halifax early evening and transfer (not included) to your nearby downtown hotel.

Day 25 - Enjoy Halifax

Spend today in downtown Halifax taking in this beautiful city. Take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront taking in the working port and one of the world's largest boardwalks. Harbour tours, Citadel Hill and the Martime Museum of the Atlantic are popular tourist attractions in Halifax.

Day 26 - Halifax Sightseeing

We highly recommend pre-booking a tour to take in Peggys Cove and/or the Lunenburg with Mahone Bay tour. Please ask one of our Canada Experts for more details.

Day 27 - Fly from Halifax

Transfer from your Halifax hotel to the airport for your overnight flight back.