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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Canada Coast to Coast with Rocky Mountaineer, Quebec City to Vancouver

Quebec City to Vancouver across Canada by VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer

Illustration of Canada Coast to Coast with Rocky Mountaineer, Quebec City to Vancouver

Railbookers operates this 18-day independent rail vacation across Canada, starting in Quebec City and finishing in Vancouver. The first week covers eastern Canada by rail and hop-on hop-off pass: two nights each in Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto, and one night in Ottawa, with a guided Quebec City history tour, a Montreal sightseeing cruise, and a full-day Niagara Falls excursion from Toronto. On day 8, you board The Canadian in a private Sleeper Plus cabin for the westbound journey across the country, with all meals included. From there, the operator's overview confirms the route continues through the prairies to Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff in the Canadian Rockies, before a final leg on the Rocky Mountaineer's SilverLeaf class from Kamloops into Vancouver, though day-by-day detail for that half of the trip is not documented. The mix of sleeper-train travel, guided city touring, and mountain scenery suits experienced rail travelers planning an extended cross-country trip.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence available itemizes only the first 8 of 18 days; the route continues by VIA Rail through the prairies to Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff, then by Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops and Vancouver, but day-by-day detail for that stretch is not documented. Confirm the full itinerary with Railbookers.
  • Hotels are offered as multiple options per city (5 in Quebec City, 6 in Montreal, 6 in Ottawa, 3 in Toronto); the specific hotel booked depends on the tier you choose.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Quebec City

    Your Journey Begins in Quebec

    Your Canadian journey begins in Quebec; known for its distinctive European ambiance, enjoy exploring the city with your included Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing tour.

  2. Day 2overnight: Quebec City

    Quebec City, QC

    On your guided tour of Quebec City today you will learn all about the city's French-Canadian history and explore the ramparts and castles, including Place Royale, Old Quebec, and the Le Chateau Frontenac.

  3. Day 3overnight: Montreal

    Quebec to Montreal

    Board the corridor service from Quebec to Montreal this morning! Make the most of your included Hop-On, Hop-Off pass to navigate your way around the many sights the city has to offer!

  4. Day 4overnight: Montreal

    Montreal, QC

    Continue exploring Montreal today by land and water – in the afternoon enjoy a leisurely sightseeing cruise and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Ottawa

    Montreal to Ottawa

    This morning, board the VIA Rail train to travel on to Canada's capital city, Ottawa! After arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city's landmarks, such as Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada.

  6. Day 6overnight: Toronto

    Ottawa to Toronto

    Continue exploring Ottawa this morning before departing for Toronto. This afternoon, arrive in Toronto! Check in to your hotel and head out to explore the city at your own leisure.

  7. Day 7overnight: Toronto

    Niagara Falls Day Trip from Toronto

    This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for a full-day tour of Niagara Falls, including a boat ride, free time in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, and a winery tour and tasting.

    Meals: L

  8. Day 8railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Transfer on your own to the VIA Rail station and board The Canadian and continue your trip westbound across the country in your private sleeper cabin. With Sleeper Plus accommodation, all meals are included.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided tour of Quebec City's French-Canadian history, taking in the ramparts, Place Royale, Old Quebec, and Le Chateau Frontenac.
  • Day 4A sightseeing cruise in Montreal with panoramic views of the city.
  • Day 5Arrival in Ottawa by VIA Rail, with time to explore Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada.
  • Day 7A full-day Niagara Falls excursion from Toronto, including a boat ride and a winery tour and tasting.
  • Day 8Board The Canadian at the VIA Rail station and continue west across the country in a private Sleeper Plus cabin, with all meals included.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. The trip uses VIA Rail corridor services between Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, a Sleeper Plus private cabin on The Canadian westbound across the country with all meals included, and Rocky Mountaineer's SilverLeaf class from Kamloops to Vancouver.
Is there an overnight train?
Yes. Day 8 boards The Canadian westbound in a private Sleeper Plus cabin, where all meals are included.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It combines both. Guided tours are included in Quebec City and on the Niagara Falls day trip from Toronto, while Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto also include hop-on hop-off passes for self-guided exploring.
What hotels are used?
The operator offers 5 hotel options in Quebec City, 6 in Montreal, 6 in Ottawa, and 3 in Toronto, including Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, and Fairmont Royal York; the hotel booked depends on the tier chosen.
Does the itinerary cover the full 18 days?
The available evidence documents only the first 8 days in detail. The remaining route, confirmed by the operator's overview, continues by VIA Rail to Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff, then by Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops and Vancouver.
When does this trip run?
The available materials do not list specific departure dates. Confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

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