Is this trip fully escorted or independent?

It is a tailor-made journey with independent exploration supported by guided excursions and 24-hour on-trip assistance. Specific tours are included in Jasper, Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Halifax; other days allow free time.

Which trains are included?

Marvellous Escapes includes the Rocky Mountaineer (Vancouver to Jasper), VIA Rail's The Canadian (Jasper to Toronto), VIA Rail regional service (Toronto to Montreal to Quebec City), and VIA Rail's The Ocean (Quebec City to Halifax).

Are overnight train journeys included?

Yes. You sleep aboard The Canadian for three nights (days 7-9, Jasper to Toronto) and The Ocean for one night (day 15, Quebec City to Halifax). Meals are included aboard the train.

What is the accommodation standard?

Two nights in each of Vancouver, Jasper, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax; one night each in Kamloops, Banff, and Quebec City. The itinerary does not specify hotel star ratings or names.

Are flights included?

Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes return flights from the UK to Vancouver (outbound) and from Halifax (return).

How much walking is involved?

Guided city tours in Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City, and Halifax involve motorcoach sightseeing and walking through historic districts. A full-day trip to Niagara Falls is included. The Rockies Discovery Tour from Jasper to Banff is by motorcoach.

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Canada's Complete Rail Odyssey

Coast-to-coast Canadian rail journey from Vancouver to Halifax on four trains

Canada's Complete Rail Odyssey, operated by Marvellous Escapes, is an 18-day tailor-made journey from Vancouver on the Pacific coast to Halifax on the Atlantic, combining four of Canada's most celebrated train routes with guided city tours and natural wonders. The itinerary begins with two days exploring Vancouver by Hop-On Hop-Off bus, then boards the Rocky Mountaineer to traverse the Canadian Rockies from Vancouver through Kamloops to Jasper, passing through coastal mountains and canyons. From Jasper, a guided drive along the Icefields Parkway showcases turquoise lakes and ancient glaciers en route to Banff. VIA Rail's The Canadian carries you across three nights (Jasper to Toronto), crossing the plains and forests of Canada's heartland. Subsequent days include a Niagara Falls excursion, guided tours of Montreal and Quebec City, and a night aboard The Ocean sleeper train to Halifax. The journey ends with a tour of Halifax and the fishing village of Peggy's Cove. This blend of transcontinental rail, guided experiences, and city time suits repeat rail travellers and couples seeking both comfort and discovery.

What to know before you look closer

The itinerary mixes guided excursions with independent exploration; some days (such as day 2 in Vancouver and days 10 and 16 in Toronto and Halifax) offer unguided free time to explore at your own pace.
Hotels in Kamloops, Banff, and Quebec City are single overnight stays; only Vancouver, Jasper, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax have two-night stays.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Vancouver
Vancouver
Depart the UK and arrive in Vancouver. Transfer to your hotel, settle in, and enjoy your evening exploring the city's waterfront, or relax after your flight.
Day 2overnight: Vancouver
Vancouver
Enjoy a 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour to discover the best of Vancouver, from Stanley Park and Granville Island to Gastown's charming cobbled streets.
Day 3railovernight: Kamloops
Vancouver to Kamloops
Head to the railway station to begin your journey aboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer, travelling from Vancouver to Kamloops through coastal mountains, deep canyons and rushing rivers.
Day 4overnight: Jasper
Jasper
Continue aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Jasper, passing through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 5overnight: Banff
Banff
Travel along the world-famous Icefields Parkway on a guided Rockies Discovery Tour from Jasper to Banff, showcasing towering peaks, turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers and sweeping alpine vistas.
Day 6overnight: Jasper
Jasper
Travel by shuttle transfer back to Jasper, taking in more stunning views of the Rockies along the way.
Day 7railovernight: onboard VIA Rail
Jasper to Toronto
Join The Canadian for a spectacular transcontinental rail journey across Canada's heartland. Relax and enjoy the comfort and beauty of life onboard.
Day 8overnight: onboard VIA Rail
Jasper to Toronto
Watch as the dramatic Rockies give way to the vast, golden plains of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Day 9overnight: onboard VIA Rail
Jasper to Toronto
Continue eastward, passing through tranquil lakes and forests as you approach Toronto.
Day 10overnight: Toronto
Toronto
Arrive in Toronto, Canada's largest city. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening exploring at your own pace.
Day 11overnight: Toronto
Toronto
Take a full-day excursion to the world-famous Niagara Falls. Experience its power up close before returning to Toronto in the evening.
Day 12railovernight: Montreal
Montreal
Board VIA Rail for your journey to Montreal, a city known for its European flair and cultural richness.
Day 13overnight: Montreal
Montreal
Discover the 'Heart of Montreal' on a guided motorcoach city tour, visiting highlights such as Old Montreal, Mount Royal, and the Notre-Dame Basilica.
Day 14railovernight: Quebec City
Quebec City
Travel by train to Quebec City, the only walled city in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 15railovernight: onboard VIA Rail
Quebec City to Halifax
Board The Ocean, VIA Rail's iconic overnight sleeper train, for your journey along Canada's east coast.
Day 16overnight: Halifax
Halifax
Arrive in Halifax, the maritime gem of Nova Scotia, and transfer to your hotel.
Day 17overnight: Halifax
Halifax
Enjoy a guided tour of Halifax's highlights, including a visit to the postcard-perfect fishing village of Peggy's Cove.
Day 18
Return home
Transfer to Halifax Airport for your return overnight flight to the UK, marking the end of your incredible coast-to-coast journey.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 3Board the Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver and travel through coastal mountains, deep canyons, and rushing rivers to Kamloops.
Day 5Travel the Icefields Parkway on a guided Rockies Discovery Tour from Jasper to Banff, passing towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and ancient glaciers.
Day 7Join VIA Rail's The Canadian for a three-night transcontinental journey as the Rockies give way to golden plains and forests.
Day 11Take a full-day excursion to Niagara Falls to experience the power of this natural wonder up close.
Day 15Board The Ocean, VIA Rail's overnight sleeper train, for the journey along Canada's east coast to Halifax.

Included

2-nights hotel accommodation in Vancouver, Jasper, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax
Overnight hotel accommodation in Kamloops, Banff and Quebec
4-nights accommodation aboard VIA Rail with meals included
Flights from UK to Vancouver and return from Halifax
Rocky Mountaineer, VIA Rail The Canadian & The Ocean
Hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Vancouver
Icefields Parkway and Rockies Discovery Tour from Jasper to Banff
Daytrip to Niagara Falls
Heart of Montreal tour
Best of Halifax and Peggy's Cove

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip fully escorted or independent?: It is a tailor-made journey with independent exploration supported by guided excursions and 24-hour on-trip assistance. Specific tours are included in Jasper, Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Halifax; other days allow free time.
Which trains are included?: Marvellous Escapes includes the Rocky Mountaineer (Vancouver to Jasper), VIA Rail's The Canadian (Jasper to Toronto), VIA Rail regional service (Toronto to Montreal to Quebec City), and VIA Rail's The Ocean (Quebec City to Halifax).
Are overnight train journeys included?: Yes. You sleep aboard The Canadian for three nights (days 7-9, Jasper to Toronto) and The Ocean for one night (day 15, Quebec City to Halifax). Meals are included aboard the train.
What is the accommodation standard?: Two nights in each of Vancouver, Jasper, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax; one night each in Kamloops, Banff, and Quebec City. The itinerary does not specify hotel star ratings or names.
Are flights included?: Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes return flights from the UK to Vancouver (outbound) and from Halifax (return).
How much walking is involved?: Guided city tours in Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City, and Halifax involve motorcoach sightseeing and walking through historic districts. A full-day trip to Niagara Falls is included. The Rockies Discovery Tour from Jasper to Banff is by motorcoach.