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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Across Canada by Train

14-day coast-to-coast Canada rail journey with three VIA trains

Illustration of Across Canada by Train

Vacations By Rail operates this 14-day independent rail journey across Canada, beginning in Vancouver and ending in Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. You travel by VIA Rail on three different trains: the Canadian (a four-night sleeper from Vancouver to Toronto through the Rocky Mountains), Corridor Service (day trains linking Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City), and Ocean (an overnight sleeper from Quebec City to Halifax). The itinerary combines train travel with hotel stays in mid-range properties and a mix of guided city tours and self-guided exploration. On Day 3, the Canadian crosses Alberta through the Rockies, passing Mount Robson and Jasper. Day 7 features a full-day excursion to Niagara Falls with a Hornblower cruise and lunch at Fallsview Restaurant. Days in Montreal, Quebec City, and Halifax include guided motorcoach or walking tours of historic sites, markets, and museums. Five nights are spent on trains with included meals in dining cars; eight nights are in hotels. This trip suits independent explorers comfortable with self-guided city time and those seeking long-haul scenic rail travel without a group escort.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is an independent tour; you make your own way to hotels and between hotels and train stations, with no group escort except on scheduled guided city tours and excursions
  • Hotels marked 'or similar' may be substituted; the package lists specific properties but alternatives are possible depending on availability
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange and pay separately for flights to Vancouver and from Halifax (or wherever you depart)

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arrival in Vancouver

    Your cross-country Canadian expedition begins in Vancouver. Make your own way to your hotel and check in, then get to know the city at your own pace; optional additions include FlyOver Canada or Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Train

    Boarding VIA Rail's Canadian

    A morning at leisure in Vancouver (optional Granville Island food tour), before transferring independently to the train station to join VIA Rail's Canadian on its four-night journey to Toronto. Non-alcoholic drinks and meals are included as a Sleeper Plus passenger, with dinner in the Dining Car.

    Meals: Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Train

    Into the Canadian Rockies of Alberta

    The Canadian crosses Alberta, following the Fraser and North Thompson Rivers through the Canadian Rockies, passing Pyramid Falls, Mount Robson, Jasper and Edmonton.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Train

    Eastbound through the Prairies

    The train crosses Saskatchewan and Manitoba ("The Prairies"), passing Watrous, Melville, Portage La Prairie and Winnipeg.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Train

    Across the Canadian Shield

    The Canadian crosses the Canadian Shield through Manitoba and Ontario, passing Longlac; time can be spent in the Park Car's salons and observation deck.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Toronto

    Arriving in Toronto

    Breakfast and brunch are served in the Dining Car as the Canadian arrives at Toronto's Union Station. Transfer independently to your centrally-located hotel and explore the city, including St. Lawrence Market, Kensington Market, Casa Loma or the CN Tower.

    Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

  7. Day 7overnight: Toronto

    Experiencing the majesty of Niagara Falls

    A full-day excursion to Niagara Falls via the Niagara Parkway and Niagara-on-the-Lake, including a Hornblower cruise toward Horseshoe Falls (or the Journey Behind the Falls experience in winter), lunch at the Fallsview Restaurant, and stops at the Floral Clock, Botanical Gardens and Queenston Heights. Alternative in-city tours available.

    Meals: Lunch

  8. Day 8railovernight: Montreal

    To Montreal aboard VIA Rail

    A morning at leisure in Toronto before boarding VIA Rail's Corridor Service to Montreal. On arrival, transfer independently to your centrally located hotel and explore Old Montreal.

  9. Day 9overnight: Montreal

    Exploring Montreal

    A sightseeing tour taking in more than 200 points of interest, including Notre Dame Basilica, Old Montreal, the Olympic Complex and a panoramic view from Mount Royal. Optional supplemental tours available at a surcharge (Old Montreal Walking Tour, Private Sightseeing Tour, Guided Cruise).

  10. Day 10railovernight: Quebec City

    On to historic Quebec City

    A free morning in Montreal before boarding VIA Rail's Corridor Service to Quebec City (under 4 hours). Transfer independently to your hotel and explore Old Quebec at leisure.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Train

    An overnight rail journey to Halifax

    A comprehensive sightseeing tour of Quebec City via motorcoach (Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, Fortifications, National Assembly, Place Royale, Basilica), or an Old Quebec walking tour. In the evening, transfer to the rail station in Sainte-Foy for an overnight journey to Halifax aboard VIA Rail's Ocean.

  12. Day 12overnight: Halifax

    En Route to Canada's East Coast

    Breakfast is served in the Dining Car as the Ocean continues east, with a 15-minute stop in Moncton. Transfer independently to your hotel in Halifax on arrival.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  13. Day 13overnight: Halifax

    Uncovering the charms of Halifax

    A half-day guided tour taking in a scenic drive to Peggy's Cove, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Pier 21, Halifax Farmers Market and the Fairview Lawn Cemetery (Titanic graves).

  14. Day 14rail

    Tour conclusion

    Your Canadian rail journey ends this morning; make your own way to the airport, or extend your stay to explore more of Nova Scotia.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Canadian crosses the Canadian Rockies through Alberta, passing Mount Robson and Jasper while following the Fraser and North Thompson Rivers
  • Day 5Spend time in the Park Car's observation deck as the train crosses the Canadian Shield through Manitoba and Ontario
  • Day 7Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls includes a Hornblower cruise toward Horseshoe Falls, lunch at Fallsview Restaurant, and stops at Floral Clock and Botanical Gardens
  • Day 11Board VIA Rail's Ocean in Quebec City (Sainte-Foy) for an overnight journey to Halifax in a private cabin
  • Day 13Half-day guided tour includes a scenic drive to Peggy's Cove, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Pier 21, and Fairview Lawn Cemetery with Titanic graves

Included

  • 8 nights' hotel accommodation
  • Rail travel on VIA Rail's Canadian, Corridor Service and Ocean trains (5 nights on train)
  • Choice of train accommodations ranging from semi-private berths to private cabins
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 5 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. The from-price includes five nights on VIA Rail trains: the Canadian (Vancouver to Toronto, 4 nights in Sleeper Plus cabin or berth), Corridor Service (Toronto to Montreal to Quebec City, day travel), and Ocean (Quebec City to Halifax, 1 night in Sleeper Plus private cabin). Meals are included on overnight trains.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Independent. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary. You make your own way to your hotel on arrival and transfer independently to train stations. Guided tours and excursions are included in some cities (Niagara Falls, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax), but daily exploration is at your own pace.
What hotels are included?
Eight nights in mid-range hotels: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown (1 night), Chelsea Hotel Toronto (2 nights), Delta Hotels by Marriott Montreal (2 nights), Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec City (1 night), and Cambridge Suites Halifax (2 nights). Hotels or similar properties may be substituted.
What meals are included?
On train nights: all non-alcoholic drinks and meals in the Dining Car. In hotels and cities: 5 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. Specific meals not on the guided tours or trains are not included.
How much walking or physical activity is required?
Days involve city walking tours, guided excursions by motorcoach, a full day at Niagara Falls, and scenic driving. Day 7 (Niagara) requires standing for a cruise or walking tour. Day 11 includes a motorcoach tour of Quebec City. Luggage handling and independent station transfers are your responsibility.
When does this tour run?
The operator publishes no departure calendar in this listing. Contact Vacations By Rail directly to confirm available dates.

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