Is train travel included?

Yes. The package includes VIA Rail's The Ocean (Halifax to Quebec to Montreal) and The Canadian sleeper train (Toronto to Jasper to Vancouver), plus all meals aboard the sleeper trains.

Is the tour escorted or independent?

It is an independent tailor-made journey with guided excursions. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support and arranges guided tours in Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, Niagara Falls, and Jasper.

Do I sleep on the trains?

Yes. You spend five nights in sleeper accommodation aboard VIA Rail, with meals included in the dining car. Hotel stays are provided in Halifax (2 nights), Quebec (2 nights), Montreal (2 nights), Toronto (2 nights), Jasper (3 nights), and Vancouver (2 nights).

What is included in the package?

International flights from the UK, all train travel on The Ocean and The Canadian, 18 nights of hotel accommodation, sleeper train meals, guided tours of Halifax and Peggy's Cove, a Quebec cruise, Montreal city tour, a Niagara Falls day trip, a Maligne Lake cruise, and the Icefields Parkway tour with the Glacier Skywalk.

How much walking is involved?

Guided city walking tours in Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, and the Heart of Montreal tour cover multiple sites. Day 15 includes a walk on the suspended Glacier Skywalk. Otherwise, travel between locations is by train, coach, or vehicle.

When does the tour operate?

The pack does not specify scheduled departure dates. Contact Marvellous Escapes for available departure dates.

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Classic Canadian Rail Odyssey

Coast-to-coast Canadian rail journey Halifax to Vancouver on VIA Rail

Marvellous Escapes' Classic Canadian Rail Odyssey is a 19-day journey from Halifax on Canada's Atlantic coast to Vancouver on the Pacific, combining two of North America's most celebrated rail routes. You begin with a guided tour of Halifax and Peggy's Cove, then board VIA Rail's The Ocean train, which carries you through Maritime forests and coastal landscapes to Quebec City for a guided cruise on the St. Lawrence River. From Montreal, you travel by rail to Toronto and then embark on a 3-day sleeper journey aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian, crossing the Canadian Plains and the Rocky Mountains to Jasper. During your three nights in Jasper, you visit Maligne Lake and the Glacier Skywalk suspended 918 feet above the Sunwapta Valley. The journey concludes with another rail leg to Vancouver and a two-night city exploration. Throughout, hotels are pre-booked in each major city, guided excursions are arranged, and Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour support. This trip suits experienced rail travellers who value both guided comfort and the freedom of a tailor-made itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

The package begins with a flight from the UK to Halifax and ends with a return flight from Vancouver; rail is a major component but not the entire journey.
Day 13 appears to duplicate Day 12's arrival in Jasper; confirm the exact itinerary and activities with Marvellous Escapes before booking.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Halifax
Halifax
Your journey begins with a flight from the UK to Halifax, the charming gateway to Atlantic Canada. Enjoy a relaxing evening or stroll along the scenic waterfront.
Day 2overnight: Halifax
Halifax
Immerse yourself in the best of Halifax on a guided tour, including the Halifax Citadel, the picturesque waterfront, and the iconic Peggy's Cove lighthouse.
Day 3railovernight: onboard VIA Rail
The Ocean: Halifax to Quebec
Board your VIA Rail train bound for Quebec City, enjoying views of the rugged Canadian Maritime coastlines, forested landscapes, and rolling hills, with onboard presentations in summer.
Day 4overnight: Quebec City
Quebec
Arrive in Quebec City for a full day to immerse yourself in the city's colonial history, defensive walls, and the charming Old Port district. Dinner at a traditional Quebecois restaurant in the evening.
Day 5overnight: Quebec City
Quebec
Experience Canada's oldest city from the water with a scenic cruise along the St. Lawrence River, taking in views of the Chateau Frontenac, Cap Diamant, Ile d'Orleans, and Montmorency Falls.
Day 6railovernight: Montreal
Quebec to Montreal
Board VIA Rail's 'The Ocean' for a scenic journey from Quebec City to Montreal, past charming villages, lush forests, and rivers, arriving in the city known for its European charm.
Day 7overnight: Montreal
Montreal
A fully-guided tour of Montreal, visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica, historic Old Montreal, the Olympic Complex, McGill University, and panoramic views from Mount Royal, covering over 200 points of interest.
Day 8railovernight: Toronto
Montreal to Toronto
Board VIA Rail for your journey from Montreal to Toronto, enjoying scenic views of the Canadian countryside and a meal onboard.
Day 9overnight: Toronto
Toronto
A full-day tour to Niagara Falls via Hamilton and St. Catharines, and the wine region of the Niagara Peninsula, with a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway.
Day 10railovernight: onboard VIA Rail
The Canadian: Toronto to Jasper
Embark aboard VIA Rail's 'The Canadian' sleeper train for a 3-day scenic journey from Toronto to Jasper through rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil lakes, with meals served in the dining car.
Day 11railovernight: onboard VIA Rail
Jasper
Continuation of the 3-day rail journey aboard The Canadian towards Jasper.
Day 12overnight: Jasper
Jasper
Arrival day of the journey into the majestic mountains of Jasper.
Day 13railovernight: Jasper
Jasper
Following your scenic train journey, arrive in Jasper. Check in at your leisure and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Day 14overnight: Jasper
Jasper
A scenic drive to Maligne Lake, boarding the Maligne Lake Cruise for views of Spirit Island and surrounding peaks, with a knowledgeable guide sharing insights on geology, wildlife, and history.
Day 15overnight: Jasper
Jasper
Travel from Jasper to Banff for the Icefields Parkway and Rockies Discovery Tour, including a walk on the Glacier Skywalk suspended 918ft above the Sunwapta Valley and lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.
Day 16railovernight: onboard VIA Rail
The Canadian: Jasper to Vancouver
Board VIA Rail's Canadian for the next leg through the Canadian Rockies, passing Moose Lake and the peaks of Mt. Robson and the Monashee Mountains, with panoramic 360-degree views from the dome car.
Day 17overnight: Vancouver
Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay, beginning to explore the city's attractions with your 24-hour hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour.
Day 18overnight: Vancouver
Vancouver
Continue exploring Vancouver on your Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour: Granville Island, Chinatown, and historic Gastown.
Day 19
Return home
Check out of your hotel and take a private transfer to Vancouver Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, or extend your stay to explore more of Canada.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 3Board VIA Rail's The Ocean in Halifax, enjoying views of rugged Maritime coastlines, forests, and rolling hills as you travel towards Quebec City.
Day 5Scenic cruise on the St. Lawrence River from Quebec City, passing the Chateau Frontenac, Cap Diamant, and Montmorency Falls.
Day 10Embark on VIA Rail's The Canadian sleeper train from Toronto, a 3-day journey through rolling hills, forests, and lakes toward the Rocky Mountains.
Day 15Walk on the Glacier Skywalk suspended 918 feet above the Sunwapta Valley, and visit the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.
Day 16Board The Canadian again, travelling through the Canadian Rockies with 360-degree panoramic views from the dome car, passing Moose Lake and Mt. Robson.

Included

2-nights hotel accommodation in Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver
3-nights hotel accommodation in Jasper
5-nights accommodation aboard VIA Rail with meals included
Flights from UK to Halifax and return from Vancouver
VIA Rail The Ocean & The Canadian
Best of Halifax tour with Peggy's Cove
Quebec guided cruise
Heart of Montreal tour
Daytrip to Niagara Falls
Explore Jasper with Maligne cruise

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes. The package includes VIA Rail's The Ocean (Halifax to Quebec to Montreal) and The Canadian sleeper train (Toronto to Jasper to Vancouver), plus all meals aboard the sleeper trains.
Is the tour escorted or independent?: It is an independent tailor-made journey with guided excursions. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support and arranges guided tours in Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, Niagara Falls, and Jasper.
Do I sleep on the trains?: Yes. You spend five nights in sleeper accommodation aboard VIA Rail, with meals included in the dining car. Hotel stays are provided in Halifax (2 nights), Quebec (2 nights), Montreal (2 nights), Toronto (2 nights), Jasper (3 nights), and Vancouver (2 nights).
What is included in the package?: International flights from the UK, all train travel on The Ocean and The Canadian, 18 nights of hotel accommodation, sleeper train meals, guided tours of Halifax and Peggy's Cove, a Quebec cruise, Montreal city tour, a Niagara Falls day trip, a Maligne Lake cruise, and the Icefields Parkway tour with the Glacier Skywalk.
How much walking is involved?: Guided city walking tours in Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, and the Heart of Montreal tour cover multiple sites. Day 15 includes a walk on the suspended Glacier Skywalk. Otherwise, travel between locations is by train, coach, or vehicle.
When does the tour operate?: The pack does not specify scheduled departure dates. Contact Marvellous Escapes for available departure dates.