Is the train travel included?

Yes. The package includes four train services: VIA Rail's Ocean train (Halifax to Quebec City, Sleeper Plus), the Corridor train (Quebec City to Montreal to Toronto, Business Class), The Canadian (Toronto to Jasper, Sleeper Plus), and the Rocky Mountaineer (Banff to Vancouver via Kamloops, SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf).

Is this trip escorted or independent?

It is independent travel with no fixed group schedule. Local experts from Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) plan and coordinate the trip, with a choice of small-group or private guided activities in each city.

Which trains are used?

VIA Rail's Ocean train, the VIA Rail Corridor train, The Canadian, and the Rocky Mountaineer, covering Halifax to Vancouver.

What hotels are included?

Named examples include the Sutton Place Hotel Halifax, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, and Banff Caribou Lodge, with the exact hotel depending on the comfort tier chosen (3 to 3.5 star at Comfort Level, up to 5 star at Deluxe).

What is not included?

Most named sightseeing and excursions, such as Peggy's Cove tours, food walking tours, and a Whistler day trip, are optional add-ons, as are upgrades like Prestige Class rail, an Alaska Cruise, or a Prince Edward Island extension.

The evidence pack does not list current departure dates.

Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) · Tailor-made rail vacation

Canada Coast to Coast by Train

20-day trans-Canada rail crossing on four trains from Halifax to Vancouver

Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) runs this 20-day independent rail vacation across Canada, from Halifax to Vancouver. There is no fixed group schedule; local experts plan the trip and offer support, with a choice of small-group or private guided activities in each city. The journey moves through four distinct rail experiences: an overnight sleeper on VIA Rail's Ocean train from Halifax to Quebec City, the Corridor train on to Montreal and Toronto, three nights aboard The Canadian crossing the prairies to Jasper, and two days on the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff through Kamloops to Vancouver. Along the way the trip pauses for two nights each in Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Banff, and Vancouver, with time to explore places such as Old Quebec's fortifications, Lake Louise's glacier-clad peaks, and the Icefields Parkway. It suits travelers who want an extended, multi-train crossing of Canada with the flexibility to choose their own city excursions rather than follow a fixed group itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

Only a few named hotels are listed for this nine-stop trip (Banff Caribou Lodge, Sutton Place Hotel Halifax, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac); the hotel used in each city depends on the comfort tier chosen.
Most sightseeing in each city, from Peggy's Cove and food walking tours to the Banff Gondola and a Whistler day trip, is offered as an option rather than included in the base price.
The evidence pack does not list current departure dates; confirm availability and exact pricing with the operator before booking.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Halifax
Arrive in Halifax
Welcome to Halifax, the largest port in Canada's Maritime Provinces. Discover the blend of Acadian, Irish, and British history as you stroll the historic cobblestone streets. Dinner in Halifax.
Day 2overnight: Halifax
Discover Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has a rich sea-faring history and rugged coastlines with fishing villages perched above the Atlantic Ocean. Options: Private Peggy's Cove and Halifax Sightseeing Tour, Annapolis Valley Winery Tour, Private Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Aspotogan Peninsula Tour.
Day 3railovernight: Onboard train
VIA Rail - Depart Halifax
Board The Ocean train in Halifax and travel across the rural landscapes of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, passing picturesque farmland, rivers, forests, and small towns near the Bay of Fundy and Chaleur Bay.
Day 4railovernight: Quebec City
VIA Rail - Arrive in Quebec City
After following the shores of the St. Lawrence River, arrive in Quebec City early this morning and spend the day exploring Old Quebec's 17th-century fortifications and winding cobblestone streets. Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus (1-day pass).
Day 5overnight: Quebec City
Explore Quebec City
Spend a full day discovering Quebec City's history, culture, and beautiful countryside. Options: Gourmet Food Walking Tour, Old Quebec City Walking Tour. Suggested upgrade: Gourmet Countryside & Heritage Tour (extra cost).
Day 6railovernight: Montreal
VIA Rail - Quebec City to Montreal
Enjoy a picturesque train journey through Quebec's countryside on the Corridor Train, Business Class. Arrive in Montreal, the largest French-speaking city in North America. Dinner in Montreal.
Day 7overnight: Montreal
Explore Montreal
Montreal is renowned for its European feel with its rich history, architecture and churches. Options: Small Group Sightseeing Tour of Montreal, Private Food Walking Tour, Private Walking Tour of Old Montreal.
Day 8railovernight: Toronto
VIA Rail - Montreal to Toronto
The Corridor train (Business Class) carries you into the next province of Canada, Ontario.
Day 9overnight: Toronto
Explore Toronto or Niagara Falls
You have the day to explore Toronto or venture out to see famous Niagara Falls. Options: Niagara Falls Day Tour, Niagara Wine Country Bus Tour, Toronto Small Group Sightseeing Tour.
Day 10railovernight: Onboard train
VIA Rail - Depart Toronto
Board The Canadian train in Toronto and begin your transcontinental journey west, travelling north into Ontario's picturesque lake country.
Day 11railovernight: Onboard train
VIA Rail - Ontario
Head west through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and into the province of Manitoba. See ancient, exposed rock, boreal forest, and countless lakes.
Day 12railovernight: Onboard train
VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies
Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Fields of green and gold stretch endlessly under an immense blue sky.
Day 13railovernight: Jasper
VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper
See the magnificent Rocky Mountains early this morning as you get close to Jasper. Jasper Orientation Tour and Transfer. Suggested evening add-ons: Wildlife tour, Motorcycle Sidecar tour, or Pyramid Lake Canoe tour.
Day 14overnight: Lake Louise
Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel from Jasper to Lake Louise along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in North America. Options: Icefields Parkway Sightseeing Tour, Private Icefields Sightseeing with Heli-Tour (extra cost).
Day 15overnight: Banff
Lake Louise to Banff
Spend the morning admiring Lake Louise's turquoise waters and glacier-clad peaks. Later on, a transfer takes you to the bustling mountain town of Banff.
Day 16overnight: Banff
Explore Banff National Park
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air and head out for a day of exploration. Options: Banff Sightseeing Tour and Gondola Ride, Cowboy Cookout Lunch by Horse-Drawn Wagon, Banff E-Bike Tour.
Day 17railovernight: Kamloops
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Banff to Kamloops
Board the Rocky Mountaineer train and begin your Canadian Rockies rail journey, passing Banff and Yoho national parks.
Day 18railovernight: Vancouver
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Vancouver
Enjoy another day of delicious food and excellent service on Rocky Mountaineer, travelling from Kamloops to the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver.
Day 19overnight: Vancouver
Explore British Columbia
Discover Vancouver's top attractions, visit the famous resort town of Whistler, or take a day trip to Vancouver Island. Options: Whistler Day Tour, North Vancouver Food Walking Tour, Vancouver City Tour and Flyover Canada, Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip (extra cost).
Day 20rail
Depart Vancouver
After travelling thousands of miles by train, say farewell to Canada as your trip comes to an end.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 3Boarding The Ocean train in Halifax for an overnight journey across rural Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, near the Bay of Fundy and Chaleur Bay.
Day 13Waking to see the Rocky Mountains as the train nears Jasper, after crossing Ontario and the prairies aboard The Canadian.
Day 14The Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise, described as one of the most scenic roads in North America.
Day 17Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer in Banff, passing Banff and Yoho national parks on the way to Kamloops.
Day 18A second day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, traveling from Kamloops to the coastal city of Vancouver.

Included

Hotel accommodation
Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
Meals onboard the train
Choice of unique guided activities
Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
Airport and train station transfers
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?: Yes. The package includes four train services: VIA Rail's Ocean train (Halifax to Quebec City, Sleeper Plus), the Corridor train (Quebec City to Montreal to Toronto, Business Class), The Canadian (Toronto to Jasper, Sleeper Plus), and the Rocky Mountaineer (Banff to Vancouver via Kamloops, SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf).
Is this trip escorted or independent?: It is independent travel with no fixed group schedule. Local experts from Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) plan and coordinate the trip, with a choice of small-group or private guided activities in each city.
Which trains are used?: VIA Rail's Ocean train, the VIA Rail Corridor train, The Canadian, and the Rocky Mountaineer, covering Halifax to Vancouver.
What hotels are included?: Named examples include the Sutton Place Hotel Halifax, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, and Banff Caribou Lodge, with the exact hotel depending on the comfort tier chosen (3 to 3.5 star at Comfort Level, up to 5 star at Deluxe).
What is not included?: Most named sightseeing and excursions, such as Peggy's Cove tours, food walking tours, and a Whistler day trip, are optional add-ons, as are upgrades like Prestige Class rail, an Alaska Cruise, or a Prince Edward Island extension.
When does it run?: The evidence pack does not list current departure dates.