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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Great Canadian Rail Odyssey

Coast-to-coast Canadian rail journey Halifax to Vancouver on two sleeper trains

Illustration of Great Canadian Rail Odyssey

Marvellous Escapes' Great Canadian Rail Odyssey is an 18-day coast-to-coast rail holiday beginning in Halifax and ending in Vancouver. The journey spans seven Canadian cities, connecting them by a combination of hotel stays and two of VIA Rail's signature sleeper trains. Travellers spend two days exploring Halifax's waterfront and Peggy's Cove, then board The Ocean for a multi-day journey through the Maritimes and St. Lawrence River valley, stopping in Quebec City and Montreal for guided tours before heading to Toronto. The centrepiece is a three-day journey aboard The Canadian sleeper train through the Canadian Rockies, with time to explore Jasper and Banff, including the Icefields Parkway and Glacier Skywalk. The trip concludes with two days in Vancouver to explore neighbourhoods and waterfront. The itinerary mixes guided experiences (city tours, Niagara Falls, mountain adventures) with free time to explore at your own pace, making it suited to couples and repeat rail travellers seeking both structure and independence.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 14 involves a scenic transfer back to Jasper after exploring Banff, retracing part of the Icefields Parkway route.
  • The itinerary includes a flight segment from Montreal to Toronto (day 7), which is not detailed in the evidence; confirm transport specifics with Marvellous Escapes before booking.
  • Hotels are listed as standard accommodation in each city; specific properties and their star ratings are not named in the package details.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Halifax

    Halifax

    Your journey begins with a flight from the UK to Halifax, the charming gateway to Atlantic Canada. Upon arrival, head to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing evening, perhaps a stroll along Halifax’s scenic waterfront.

  2. Day 2overnight: Halifax

    Halifax

    Today, immerse yourself in the best of Halifax on a guided tour that highlights the city’s historic landmarks and coastal charm, including the iconic Peggy’s Cove and its famous lighthouse.

  3. Day 3railovernight: onboard VIA Rail

    The Ocean: Halifax to Quebec

    Board your VIA Rail train bound for Quebec City. As the journey heads north and west through the scenic Canadian Maritimes, you’ll enjoy captivating views of the rugged coastlines and forested landscapes.

  4. Day 4overnight: Quebec City

    Quebec

    Today, you will arrive in Quebec City, giving you a full day to immerse yourself in this captivating destination, from its centuries-old defensive walls to the charming Old Port district. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional Quebecois restaurant.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreal

    Quebec to Montreal

    Today, board VIA Rail's 'The Ocean' for a scenic journey from Quebec City to Montreal, watching charming villages, lush forests and rivers pass by your window. This evening you’re free to explore Montreal’s culinary scene.

  6. Day 6overnight: Montreal

    Montreal

    Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Montreal on this fully-guided tour, visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica, historic Old Montreal, McGill University and panoramic views from Mount Royal.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Toronto

    Montreal to Toronto

    This morning, you’ll board VIA Rail for your journey from Montreal to Toronto, enjoying the scenic views of the Canadian countryside and a meal onboard, arriving in Toronto in the afternoon.

  8. Day 8overnight: Toronto

    Toronto

    Today you’ll enjoy a full-day tour to Niagara Falls, passing through Hamilton and St. Catharines and the Niagara Peninsula wine region, with a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

  9. Day 9railovernight: onboard VIA Rail

    The Canadian: Toronto to Jasper

    Embark on a remarkable journey aboard VIA Rail's renowned 'The Canadian' sleeper train as you travel from Toronto to Jasper, a scenic 3-day ride through rolling hills, lush forests and tranquil lakes, with meals served in the dining car.

  10. Day 10railovernight: onboard VIA Rail

    The Canadian: Toronto to Jasper

    Embark on a remarkable journey aboard VIA Rail's renowned 'The Canadian' sleeper train as you travel from Toronto to Jasper, a scenic 3-day ride through rolling hills, lush forests and tranquil lakes, with meals served in the dining car.

  11. Day 11railovernight: onboard VIA Rail

    The Canadian: Toronto to Jasper

    Embark on a remarkable journey aboard VIA Rail's renowned 'The Canadian' sleeper train as you travel from Toronto to Jasper, a scenic 3-day ride through rolling hills, lush forests and tranquil lakes, with meals served in the dining car.

  12. Day 12overnight: Jasper

    The Canadian: Toronto to Jasper (arrival in Jasper)

  13. Day 13overnight: Banff

    Banff

    Travel from Jasper to Banff today for an exploration of the Rockies with a breathtaking Icefields Parkway and Rockies Discovery Tour, including the Glacier Skywalk suspended 918ft above the Sunwapta Valley, and lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.

  14. Day 14railovernight: Jasper

    Jasper

    Today, you’ll enjoy a scenic transfer from Banff back to Jasper, winding through the majestic mountains, with time to rest and unwind ahead of your onward train journey.

  15. Day 15railovernight: onboard VIA Rail

    The Canadian: Jasper to Vancouver

    This morning, you'll board VIA Rail's Canadian for the next leg of your adventure through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, past Moose Lake and the towering peaks of Mt. Robson, with panoramic 360-degree views from the dome car.

  16. Day 16overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

  17. Day 17overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

    Today, continue your exploration of Vancouver, from Granville Island's shops and artisans to Chinatown's cuisine and the historic streets of Gastown.

  18. Day 18

    Return home

    Check out of your hotel today and take a private transfer to Vancouver Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK. Alternatively, extend your stay to explore more of Canada.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Halifax includes Peggy's Cove and its famous lighthouse on the Atlantic coast.
  • Day 3Board The Ocean sleeper train from Halifax, travelling through Maritime coastlines and forested landscapes toward Quebec City.
  • Day 8Full-day excursion from Toronto to Niagara Falls, passing through the Niagara Peninsula wine region and scenic Niagara Parkway.
  • Day 9Embark on The Canadian sleeper train from Toronto, a three-day journey through rolling hills, forests, and lakes with meals in the dining car.
  • Day 13Travel the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff, visiting the Glacier Skywalk suspended 918 feet above Sunwapta Valley and the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Jasper and Vancouver
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Quebec & Banff
  • 5-nights accommodation aboard VIA Rail with meals included
  • Flights from UK to Halifax and return from Vancouver
  • VIA Rail The Ocean and The Canadian
  • Best of Halifax tour with Peggy's Cove
  • Quebec guided cruise
  • Heart of Montreal tour
  • Icefields Parkway and Rockies Discovery Tour from Jasper to Banff
  • 48-hour Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour pass in Vancouver

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
VIA Rail's The Ocean (Halifax to Quebec City to Montreal) and The Canadian (Toronto to Jasper to Vancouver), both sleeper trains with meals served onboard.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
It is partially escorted. Guided tours are included in Halifax, Montreal, and the Rocky Mountains; other days allow free exploration of the cities.
What is included in the price?
Marvellous Escapes includes UK flights, five nights aboard VIA Rail sleeper trains with meals, hotel accommodation in Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Jasper, Banff, and Vancouver, guided city tours, a Niagara Falls excursion, the Icefields Parkway tour, and a 48-hour Hop-on, Hop-off bus pass in Vancouver.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes guided city walks in Halifax and Montreal, a full-day coach excursion to Niagara Falls, and walking at the Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk. Most other days are at a relaxed pace in the cities.
When does the tour run?
Marvellous Escapes does not list specific departure dates in the available information. Contact the operator to confirm availability.
What is the cost?
From GBP 5,999 per person (approximately USD 8,012), based on 18 days from Halifax to Vancouver.

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