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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale.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 · Escorted tour

Canada, Niagara Falls & the Rocky Mountains

Twelve-day escorted rail journey from Vancouver through the Canadian Rockies to Niagara Falls

Illustration of Canada, Niagara Falls & the Rocky Mountains

Vacations By Rail operates this 12-day escorted tour across Canada, beginning in Vancouver and concluding at Niagara Falls. The journey moves through distinct landscapes: the coastal Pacific Northwest, the Canadian Rocky Mountains around Jasper, and the prairies and Shield forests of central Canada. A Tour Manager travels with the group throughout. The early days feature guided sightseeing in Vancouver, a ferry and coach excursion to Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island, and scenic mountain drives to Jasper National Park, where guests enjoy a guided exploration of the Maligne River valley. The centerpiece is a three-night journey aboard VIA Rail's Canadian, departing Jasper on day 7 and arriving in Toronto on day 10, with meals served onboard and views of the Canadian Shield and prairie. In Toronto, a full-day guided excursion includes a boat cruise at Niagara Falls and visits to Table Rock and Niagara-on-the-Lake. The trip suits escorted travellers seeking rail travel, national park scenery, and guided city experiences, with manageable daily activity levels.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; arrange these separately.
  • The from-price covers the tour package only; confirm any rail pass or holiday insurance costs with the operator.
  • Day 12 offers independent exploration or airport transfer; no group activity is scheduled.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arriving in Vancouver to begin our Canadian overland adventure

    Check in to the downtown Vancouver hotel, with the evening free to explore.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Sightseeing in Vancouver

    A guided sightseeing tour of Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park and Granville Island, with the rest of the day free.

  3. Day 3overnight: Vancouver

    Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island

    A coach and ferry crossing to Vancouver Island to visit The Butchart Gardens, with free time in Victoria before sailing back to Vancouver.

  4. Day 4overnight: Sun Peaks

    Through the mountains to Sun Peaks

    A scenic coach journey along the Fraser Valley through Hope and the Coquihalla Highway, climbing through the Columbia Mountains to Sun Peaks.

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Into the Rockies to Jasper

    The Yellowhead Highway follows the North Thompson River to Clearwater and past Mount Robson, arriving in Jasper.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Jasper

    The stunning sights of Jasper National Park

    A free morning in Jasper, then a scenic coach excursion into the Maligne River valley, including Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake.

  7. Day 7overnight: Overnight aboard VIA Rail's Canadian

    Beginning a three-night journey on the Canadian

    Board the Canadian's steel carriages for a three-night ride to Toronto, following the Athabasca River down from the Rockies, with dinner served onboard and Edmonton passed this evening.

    Meals: Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Overnight aboard VIA Rail's Canadian

    Into Canada's great wide open

    The Canadian crosses Saskatchewan's prairies and into Manitoba, reaching Winnipeg late this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Overnight aboard VIA Rail's Canadian

    Across the Canadian Shield in northern Ontario

    The train crosses the Canadian Shield's lakes and ancient forests before turning southeast toward the Great Lakes.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Toronto

    Arrival in Toronto

    Arrive at Toronto's Union Station and transfer to a downtown hotel, with time to explore Canada's most populous city.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  11. Day 11overnight: Toronto

    Sailing into the mist on a Niagara Falls cruise

    A full-day guided excursion to Niagara Falls, including a boat cruise amid the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls, viewing from Table Rock, the whirlpool and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

  12. Day 12

    Traveling home

    Check out of the hotel and continue exploring Toronto independently or transfer to the airport for the journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Coach and ferry crossing to Vancouver Island for a guided visit to The Butchart Gardens, with free time in Victoria
  • Day 6Scenic coach excursion in Jasper National Park through the Maligne River valley, including Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake
  • Day 7Boarding VIA Rail's Canadian for a three-night journey, departing Jasper and following the Athabasca River down from the Rockies with dinner served onboard
  • Day 11Full-day guided excursion to Niagara Falls with a boat cruise among the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls, plus views from Table Rock and Niagara-on-the-Lake

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 3 nights in Sleeper Plus aboard VIA Rail's Canadian
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise, ferry and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 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 train travel included?
Yes. All rail, coach, ferry, and cruise travel throughout the tour is included. This covers VIA Rail's Canadian (Sleeper Plus) and Standard Class rail, plus other transport modes.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. A Tour Manager accompanies the group from start to finish, and guided tours are provided in Vancouver, Jasper, and Niagara Falls.
What is the main train journey?
VIA Rail's Canadian runs from Jasper to Toronto over three nights in Sleeper Plus cabins, crossing the Canadian prairies, the Canadian Shield, and arriving at Union Station in Toronto.
What hotels are included?
The tour uses the Century Plaza in Vancouver (3 nights), Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre (1 night), The Crimson Hotel in Jasper (2 nights), and Chelsea Hotel in Toronto (2 nights).
What meals are included?
Four breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners are included. Meals aboard the Canadian are part of the Sleeper Plus experience on days 7, 8, and 9.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating 2, meaning guided city sightseeing, coach travel, and walking in national parks. Most activities are escorted; independent exploration time is also available.

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