Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Independent Canada Holidays

Customisable independent Canada rail holiday across four VIA and Rocky Mountaineer routes

Independent Canada Holidays, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Great Rail Journeys sells this independent, customisable rail holiday across Canada, built from hand-picked hotels, trains, and routes rather than a fixed day-by-day itinerary. Trips can start in Vancouver and can include the Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies to Banff, Jasper, or Kamloops, VIA Rail's Canadian across the prairies to Toronto, and further rail links from Toronto to Montreal, Quebec City, and on to Nova Scotia by the Ocean train. There is no tour manager: a 24-hour helpline and pre-booked travel and accommodation support you while you travel at your own pace, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. Optional extras include hotel upgrades, train class upgrades, additional excursions, extended stays, and the choice to add an Alaska cruise. It suits travellers who want the classic Canadian train routes without being tied to a group, and who are comfortable choosing their own combination of cities and trains from what Great Rail Journeys offers.

What to know before you look closer

  • Great Rail Journeys publishes no day-by-day itinerary or fixed duration for this package; it is built to order from hand-picked hotels, trains, and routes, so confirm the exact stops, train classes, and length with them before booking.

Included

  • Travel (rail and/or flights as per itinerary)
  • Transfers
  • Accommodation
  • Sightseeing excursions as specified

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent. Great Rail Journeys describes this as an independent package, with a 24-hour helpline and pre-booked travel and accommodation, so you travel at your own pace.
Which trains are used?
Depending on the itinerary you choose, the trip can include the Rocky Mountaineer (Vancouver to Banff, Jasper or Kamloops), VIA Rail's The Canadian (Vancouver to Toronto), VIA Rail's Ocean (Montreal to Halifax), and VIA Rail's Corridor Service (Toronto to Montreal or Quebec).
When does it run?
Departures run in April, May, June, July, August, September, and October in both 2026 and 2027.
What's included?
Rail travel and/or flights as per the chosen itinerary, transfers, accommodation, and specified sightseeing excursions.
Is there a day-by-day itinerary?
No, Great Rail Journeys does not publish one for this package; itineraries are built to order.
Can I add an Alaska cruise?
Yes, the package can be combined with an Alaska cruise as an option.

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