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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

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

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

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

Railbookers operates this 18-day independent rail vacation across Canada, starting in Vancouver and finishing in Quebec City. The first week covers western Canada by rail and coach touring: two nights in Vancouver with a hop-on hop-off pass, then the Rocky Mountaineer's SilverLeaf class carries you to Kamloops and on into the Canadian Rockies to Banff, where a guided tour includes the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. After a transfer to Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway tour to Jasper stops at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride and the Glacier Skywalk. On day 8, you board The Canadian in a private sleeper cabin for the eastbound journey, with all meals included. From there, the operator's overview confirms the route continues through the prairies to Toronto, with a Niagara Falls day trip, then Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, though day-by-day detail for that half of the trip is not documented. The mix of scenic rail, guided 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 Toronto, with a Niagara Falls day trip, then Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, 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 (6 in Vancouver, 6 in Banff, 2 in Lake Louise, 6 in Jasper); the specific hotel booked depends on the tier you choose.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Vancouver

    Your Journey Begins in Vancouver

    Your Canadian train journey begins in Vancouver! Delve into the diversity and beauty of British Columbia with your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Continue using your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to experience the top attractions within the city. Visit the 1,000-acre Stanley Park, historic Gastown, Granville Island and more.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops

    This morning, board the famous navy and gold carriages of Rocky Mountaineer. Settle into the luxurious confines of SilverLeaf Class or speak to one of our Rail Experts about upgrading.

    Meals: B, L

  4. Day 4railovernight: Banff

    Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Banff

    Today your journey resumes as the train winds its way into the Canadian Rockies. Take in the spectacular landscapes unfolding all around you.

    Meals: B, L

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Banff

    On your tour of Banff National Park, you will admire some of the most amazing scenery in the whole of the Canadian Rockies. Travel up the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

    Meals: L

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Louise

    Lake Louise, AB

    Today, take a transfer to the famous Lake Louise. Enjoy some free time relaxing along the shores, taking in the beauty of the lake and mountains.

  7. Day 7overnight: Jasper

    Icefields Parkway Tour from Lake Louise to Jasper

    Travel from Lake Louise to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway, home to alpine glaciers, turquoise lakes, and various mountain wildlife. Stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience an all-terrain Ice Explorer, and visit the Glacier Skywalk.

    Meals: L

  8. Day 8railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Enjoy a relaxing morning in Jasper. Transfer on your own to the VIA Rail station and board The Canadian and continue your trip eastbound across the country in your private sleeper cabin.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board the Rocky Mountaineer's navy and gold carriages in Vancouver for SilverLeaf Class travel to Kamloops.
  • Day 4The Rocky Mountaineer continues from Kamloops into the Canadian Rockies, with landscapes unfolding around the train.
  • Day 5The Banff Gondola climbs to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on a tour of Banff National Park.
  • Day 7The Icefields Parkway tour from Lake Louise to Jasper stops at the Columbia Icefield for an all-terrain Ice Explorer ride and a visit to the Glacier Skywalk.
  • Day 8Board The Canadian at Jasper and continue east across the country in a private sleeper cabin.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. The trip includes Rocky Mountaineer's SilverLeaf class from Vancouver to Banff, and a Sleeper Plus private cabin on VIA Rail's The Canadian eastbound from Jasper, with all meals included on both.
Is there an overnight train?
Yes. Day 8 boards The Canadian eastbound in a private sleeper cabin at Jasper.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It combines both. Guided tours are included for Banff National Park and the Icefields Parkway, while Vancouver is explored with a hop-on hop-off pass and Lake Louise includes free time.
What hotels are used?
The operator offers 6 hotel options in Vancouver, 6 in Banff, 2 in Lake Louise, and 6 in Jasper, including Fairmont Waterfront, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge; 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 through the prairies to Toronto, with a Niagara Falls day trip, then Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City.
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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