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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Canadian Rail Adventure with Prestige Class

Two-week Canadian rail journey from Vancouver to Niagara Falls aboard Rocky Mountaineer and VIA

Illustration of Canadian Rail Adventure with Prestige Class

Vacations By Rail operates this 14-day independent rail vacation across Canada, starting in Vancouver and ending in Niagara Falls. The journey combines two of Canada's premier trains: the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service from Vancouver through the Canadian Rockies to Banff, followed by VIA Rail's Canadian in Prestige Class private cabins for a three-night passage from Jasper to Toronto. Between rail segments, you stay in five-star Fairmont hotels and enjoy guided excursions to Banff National Park, the Columbia Icefield on an Ice Explorer ride, and Niagara Falls aboard the Hornblower. Days in Lake Louise and Jasper are free for your own exploration. Meals, guided tours, and all rail and coach transport are included. This itinerary suits repeat rail travellers, luxury-seekers, and independent explorers who want structured highlights with flexibility to wander.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 is an independent arrival with no guided activities; you transfer yourself to the hotel.
  • The itinerary includes one optional extra (grizzly bear full-day tour on August 24 departure only) that is not included in the base package and costs additional.
  • Flights to and from Canada are not included; you arrange your own airfare.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arriving in Vancouver

    Transfer independently to a centrally located hotel, with the rest of the day free to explore.

  2. Day 2overnight: Kamloops

    Boarding Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops

    Board Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service for a scenic journey through the Coast Mountains and Hell's Gate to Kamloops, with gourmet meals in the Dining Room.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  3. Day 3overnight: Banff

    Into the Rockies to Banff onboard Rocky Mountaineer

    Rocky Mountaineer continues through the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Pass into the Canadian Rockies, arriving in Banff.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  4. Day 4overnight: Banff

    Discovering Banff National Park

    A guided excursion taking in Banff townsite, Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain and the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain, with lunch included (alternative half-day or full-day grizzly bear tours available).

    Meals: Lunch

  5. Day 5overnight: Lake Louise

    Lakes, falls and views en route to Lake Louise

    A sightseeing route through Banff and Yoho National Parks including the Spiral Tunnels and Emerald Lake, with lunch at its lakeside lodge, arriving in Lake Louise.

    Meals: Lunch

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Louise

    A day at leisure aside Lake Louise

    A free day to explore Lake Louise's hiking trails or relax at the hotel, with optional canoe rentals and spa treatments.

  7. Day 7overnight: Jasper

    Sightseeing en route to Jasper

    A full-day excursion along the Icefields Parkway with an Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and a hot buffet lunch, arriving in Jasper.

    Meals: Lunch

  8. Day 8overnight: Jasper

    Enjoying Jasper your way

    A free day in Jasper National Park, with an optional planetarium tour available locally.

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

    Boarding VIA Rail's Canadian for a three-night journey

    Board VIA Rail's Canadian in Prestige Class private cabin accommodations, with gourmet dining, bar service and access to the exclusive Prestige Park Car.

    Meals: Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Overnight aboard VIA Rail's Canadian

    Across the Prairies on the Canadian

    The Canadian crosses Saskatchewan and Manitoba's prairies, passing through Winnipeg this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11railovernight: Overnight aboard VIA Rail's Canadian

    The ancient landscapes of the Canadian Shield

    The train crosses the Canadian Shield's rock and lakes through northern Ontario, including the Longlac area.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. Day 12overnight: Toronto

    Arriving in Toronto

    Breakfast and brunch are served onboard before arriving at Toronto's Union Station and transferring to the Fairmont Royal York for a two-night stay.

    Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

  13. Day 13overnight: Toronto

    The thundering waters of Niagara Falls

    A full-day excursion to Niagara Falls including a lunch buffet overlooking the falls and a ride on the Hornblower to the base of Horseshoe Falls, with stops at the Floral Clock and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

    Meals: Lunch

  14. Day 14

    Tour conclusion

    An included transfer takes you from the hotel to Pearson International Airport for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service and travel through the Coast Mountains and Hell's Gate Gorge to Kamloops, with gourmet meals served in the Dining Room.
  • Day 3Rocky Mountaineer climbs through the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Pass into the Canadian Rockies, arriving in Banff.
  • Day 4Take the guided Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain for views of the Rockies, with stops at Surprise Corner and Tunnel Mountain.
  • Day 7Board an Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier and walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk before arriving in Jasper.
  • Day 9Board VIA Rail's Canadian in a Prestige Class private cabin and access the exclusive Prestige Park Car for a three-night journey eastward.
  • Day 13Take a Hornblower boat ride to the base of Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls, with lunch overlooking the falls and visits to Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Floral Clock.

Included

  • 8 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • 3 nights in a Prestige Class Cabin aboard VIA Rail's Canadian
  • GoldLeaf Service onboard Rocky Mountaineer
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 5 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 8 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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes all rail travel aboard Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service from Vancouver to Banff and VIA Rail's Canadian in Prestige Class from Jasper to Toronto, plus all coach transfers throughout the tour.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
This is an independent rail vacation. You follow a planned itinerary and travel on your own, though expert driver guides lead the included sightseeing tours at key stops such as Banff, Lake Louise, and Niagara Falls.
What hotels are included?
Vacations By Rail includes eight nights in five-star Fairmont properties: one night in Vancouver, two nights each in Banff and Lake Louise, two nights in Jasper, and two nights in Toronto.
Are meals included?
Most meals are included: five breakfasts, one brunch, eight lunches, and three dinners. Gourmet meals are served aboard both trains and at the hotel excursions.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes guided walking tours of Banff and the Niagara Falls area, an Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier, and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Days 6 and 8 are free to explore or rest.
When does this tour run?
The evidence pack does not list specific departure dates. Contact Vacations By Rail to confirm available dates and book your preferred travel dates.

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