Amtrak Vacations
Canadian Rail Experience - Toronto to Vancouver
Nine-day cross-Canada rail trip on VIA Rail's Canadian, Toronto to Vancouver
9 daysfrom $2,039
44% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Canadian Rockies Discovery Eastbound
Independent 7-day rail vacation from Vancouver to Calgary via Jasper and Banff
Amtrak Vacations runs this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation from Vancouver to Calgary through the Canadian Rockies. Two nights in Vancouver include admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where a 230-foot suspension bridge crosses the Capilano River alongside rainforest walking trails and the Cliffwalk. The trip's centerpiece is an overnight VIA Rail Canadian journey eastbound to Jasper in Economy class, with an option to upgrade to a private sleeping cabin through a Rail Expert; the observation car passes Pyramid Falls along the way. From Jasper, a tour along the Icefields Parkway to Banff stops at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier and the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk. A second full day from Banff covers Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon, with a hot buffet lunch included at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, before the trip ends with a transfer to Calgary Airport. This suits travelers who want a shorter, week-long introduction to the Rockies with sightseeing and transfers already arranged.
What to know before you look closer
- The 18 accommodation options span several tiers and cities, from the Hampton Inn & Suites to the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper; your actual hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
- The default VIA Rail accommodation on the overnight leg is Economy class; a private sleeping cabin with meals included is available only as a paid upgrade arranged through a Rail Expert.
- Only 2 meals, both lunches, are included across the 7-day trip; other meals are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Vancouver, BC
Your Journey Begins in Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! Check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay and start exploring this nature lover's paradise, where the majestic mountains meet the serene coast. Why not head over to Granville Island Market, for a delicious dinner sampling from the variety of food stalls?
- Day 2overnight: Vancouver, BC
Vancouver
Today, enjoy admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, one of Vancouver's most iconic attractions. Stroll across the thrilling suspension bridge that stretches 230 feet above the Capilano River, and explore the surrounding rainforest via scenic walking trails, treetop adventures, and the dramatic Cliffwalk.
- Day 3railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Canadian®)
Overnight Onboard VIA Rail®
Spend the morning crossing any sights in Vancouver off your list, then head to the train station to board The Canadian train eastbound to Jasper. After you settle in, head to the observation car for the incredible scenery. Want to learn more about upgrading to your private sleeping cabin, with meals included? Just ask your Rail Expert!
- Day 4railovernight: Jasper, AB
Jasper
Wake up in the Canadian Rockies and enjoy a relaxing day on the train, winding through the Canadian Rockies with panoramic views from the observation car, including Pyramid Falls. Later this morning, you will arrive in Jasper and travel to your hotel on your own.
- Day 5overnight: Banff, AB
Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefields Tour to Banff
This morning, depart Jasper for a leisurely drive out to Banff along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. Visit the natural wonder of Columbia Icefield, one of the largest expanses of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Step onboard the Ice Explorer for an interpretive adventure of the Athabasca Glacier, then enjoy unobstructed views on the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk.
- Day 6overnight: Banff, AB
Mountains, Lake Louise, and Waterfalls Tour
Today you will explore Lake Louise, one of the most photographed landscapes in the Canadian Rockies, with time to canoe, hike, view the wildlife, or relax at the historical Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You will also tour Johnston Canyon. A hot buffet lunch is included at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise today. Return to Banff in the evening for your final night's stay.
- Day 7
Your Journey Ends in Calgary
Check out of your hotel this morning and meet your transfer driver in the lobby for a short ride to Calgary Airport.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, crossing 230 feet above the Capilano River with rainforest walking trails and the Cliffwalk.
- Day 3An overnight VIA Rail Canadian journey eastbound from Vancouver to Jasper in Economy class, with an option to upgrade to a private sleeping cabin.
- Day 5An Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefield, followed by the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk.
- Day 6A tour of Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon, with a hot buffet lunch included at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Included
- One-way overnight VIA Rail® from Vancouver to Jasper on the Canadian® in Economy
- 5 nights' hotel accommodations; 1-night onboard VIA Rail
- Tour transfer from Jasper to Banff and shuttle transfer from Banff to Calgary Airport
- 2 meals (2 lunches)
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Railbookersfrom $1,449
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes, a one-way overnight VIA Rail Canadian journey in Economy class from Vancouver to Jasper is included in the package.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It is sold as an independent rail vacation; Vancouver arrival on day 1 and the Jasper hotel transfer on day 4 are made on your own, while the Vancouver, Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise tours are pre-arranged.
- Which train and class are used?
- VIA Rail's Canadian, in Economy class, traveling overnight from Vancouver to Jasper.
- Can you upgrade to a sleeper cabin?
- Yes, the evidence describes an option to upgrade to a private sleeping cabin with meals included, arranged through a Rail Expert.
- What hotels are used?
- 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Hampton Inn & Suites and Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper.
- What meals are included?
- 2 meals, both lunches, are included across the trip; the itinerary specifies a hot buffet lunch at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on day 6.
