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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Small Group Tour

Premium Canada Coast to Coast

Coast-to-coast Canada escorted rail tour: Halifax to Vancouver, 18 days

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Great Rail Journeys operates this 18-day escorted small-group journey across Canada from Halifax to Vancouver. The tour departs London Heathrow in spring and autumn 2027, travelling aboard three VIA Rail services (the Ocean sleeper from Halifax to Québec City, the Canadian sleeper train across Ontario and Alberta to Jasper, and the Corridor Service through the St Lawrence valley) plus the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service through the Canadian Rockies. You stay in five five-star Fairmont hotels and sleep four nights aboard trains. The itinerary mixes guided coach excursions, to Nova Scotia's coastal villages, Niagara Falls, the Columbia Icefield, and Lake Louise, with included meals in dining cars and a full-time Tour Manager. A free day in Jasper allows independent exploration. The pace is relaxed, with most hotel stops lasting two nights, and the tour suits repeat rail travellers, luxury seekers, and photographers drawn to Canadian scenery and classic trains.

What to know before you look closer

  • Single supplements are substantial: GBP 11,299 versus GBP 8,999 double (single adds 26 percent). Confirm pricing for your cabin type before booking.
  • Great Rail Journeys lists optional upgrades including Prestige Class and Sleeper Plus Cabin on The Canadian; final cabin class depends on your choices and availability.
  • Meals are partly included (14 meals named in the itinerary) and partly independent; review the daily descriptions to confirm which dinners and lunches are at your cost.
  • Day 11 in Jasper is largely unguided; it is free time to explore independently, not a structured coach excursion.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Halifax

    Your journey begins in Halifax

    Gather at London Heathrow this afternoon with the Tour Manager to board a direct flight to Canada, arriving in Halifax in the early evening local time. Check in to the hotel in this attractive city on the Atlantic coast. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore. You might visit Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk or head downtown to one of Halifax's many acclaimed restaurants.

  2. Day 2overnight: Halifax

    Exploring Canada's Ocean Playground

    With an expert local guide, explore Nova Scotia. Visit Peggy's Cove with its colourful buildings and Peggy's Point Lighthouse. A scenic drive takes you to picturesque Mahone Bay and the UNESCO-listed harbour town of Lunenburg. Tonight, dine independently in Halifax.

  3. Day 3railovernight: VIA Rail Ocean (overnight train)

    An overnight journey on VIA Rail's Ocean

    After the last morning in Halifax, transfer to the station this afternoon. Board VIA Rail's Ocean service and settle into private sleeper cabins for an overnight journey to Québec City. Enjoy a three-course lunch and dinner in the dining car accompanied by local Canadian wines. During the night, continue to Chaleur Bay and cross into New Brunswick before making your way along the St Lawrence River.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Québec City

    The sights of Québec City

    Wake up in Québec City and transfer to the elegant five-star Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Take a guided sightseeing tour covering local history including the Battle of the Plains of Abraham and the star-shaped citadel. Visit the battlefield overlooking the St Lawrence River, then transfer by coach to an authentic 1920s sugar shack for a tour, tasting and three-course maple syrup-inspired lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the city.

    Meals: Lunch

  5. Day 5railovernight: Toronto

    The Corridor Service to Toronto

    Board VIA Rail's train service to Montreal, following the St Lawrence River and shores of Lake Ontario, arriving in the early evening and continuing to Toronto. Arrive at Toronto's Union Station, a glorious Beaux-Arts structure built in 1927. Transfer to the historic Downtown Fairmont Royal York hotel. The evening is free to unwind or explore.

  6. Day 6overnight: Toronto

    Cruising amid the mist of spectacular Niagara Falls

    An expert local guide joins for a full-day trip to Niagara Falls. Set sail on a cruise to get closer to the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the iconic Horseshoe Falls. Lunch independently in Niagara before viewing the falls from Table Rock. Continue to the whirlpool and the pretty town of Niagara on the Lake. Return to Toronto for dinner independently.

  7. Day 7railovernight: VIA Rail Canadian (overnight train)

    Across the Canadian Shield on VIA Rail's Canadian

    Transfer to the train station to board VIA Rail's Canadian for a three-night ride across Canada to Jasper. Settle into private cabins and watch Ontario's countryside with its prairies, lakes and charming towns. Roll over the Canadian Shield. Spend time in the scenic Park car. Enjoy freshly cooked meals, regional dishes and Canadian wines in the dining car. Upgrades to Prestige Class cabins available upon request.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: VIA Rail Canadian (overnight train)

    Into the great wide open of Canada's plains

    Wake up to Winnipeg, the geographical centre of Canada. Enjoy breakfast on board as we cross into Manitoba. Travel through the southern plains of Saskatchewan, Canada's 'Land of the Living Skies'. Watch for deer, eagles, antelope, moose and bison. Lunch and dinner served on board.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: VIA Rail Canadian (overnight train)

    Crossing beautiful Alberta

    Scenery transforms from remote settlements and serene lakes to glaciers, plunging canyons, soaring mountains and endless pine forests. Watch the Athabasca River flow beside the train as we travel towards the Rocky Mountains. As the train approaches Edmonton, see vast forests and distant mountains. Enjoy all-encompassing views from the panoramic Park car. Three-course lunch and dinner on board.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Jasper

    Arrival in Jasper

    Arrive in Jasper, a traditional mountain town nestled in the Canadian Rockies. Check in to the luxury Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort, set in 700 acres of parkland overlooking Beauvert Lake in a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Later, wander around Jasper town, visiting the Two Brothers Totem Pole and exploring the small-town atmosphere.

  11. Day 11overnight: Jasper

    Exploring Jasper independently

    A free day to explore Jasper and the beautiful national park. Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers and expansive forests. Admire Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake. Spot wildlife including grey wolves, hoary marmot, caribou and moose. Explore downtown Jasper's shops, restaurants and historical sites. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  12. Day 12overnight: Banff

    Along the incredible Icefields Parkway to Banff

    Journey by coach along the famous Icefields Parkway, a 144-mile road between Jasper and Banff. Stop at Athabasca Falls, then continue to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for an included Ice Explorer excursion across the ice field to the Athabasca Glacier. Take a shuttle to the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Travel past Peyto Lake and through the Canadian Rockies to Banff. Check in to the Fairmont Banff Springs. Note: For the 12th April departure, Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and Spiral Tunnels viewpoint will not be visited due to seasonal closure.

    Meals: Breakfast

  13. Day 13overnight: Banff

    The beauty of the Rockies' national parks

    Explore by coach. Visit the glacial Emerald Lake with its pristine turquoise waters, then travel to Lake Louise, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies. Observe the famous Spiral Tunnels in Kicking Horse Pass. Return to the hotel for dinner together.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  14. Day 14overnight: Kamloops

    Boarding Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf

    A daylight journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops in GoldLeaf Service. Enjoy stunning panoramic views from glass-domed cars on the upper level and gourmet meals in the dedicated dining room. Wind through Banff National Park, cross the Continental Divide, pass Castle Mountain and travel along Shuswap Lake. Step out onto the exclusive outdoor viewing platform. Overnight stay in Kamloops.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  15. Day 15overnight: Vancouver

    Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver

    Continue the Rocky Mountaineer journey through green forests and dramatic valleys along the Thompson and Fraser canyons. Pass Rainbow Canyon and spot 'hoodoos' on the Thompson Plateau. Arrive in Vancouver and check in to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, known as the 'Castle in the City'. The evening is free to unwind or explore western Canada's finest cuisine.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  16. Day 16overnight: Vancouver

    Exploring the sights of Vancouver

    Discover Vancouver's most characterful and historic districts with a local guide. Visit Gastown, the largest Chinatown in Canada, Stanley Park with its colourful totem poles, and Granville Island with its independent stores and food markets. The rest of the day is free to explore independently.

  17. Day 17overnight: In flight

    Homeward bound

    A free morning and afternoon to explore Vancouver at leisure. Depart the hotel early evening and transfer by coach to Vancouver International Airport to begin the journey home.

  18. Day 18

    Arrival in London

    The plane touches down at London Heathrow this morning, bringing the luxurious Canadian journey to an end.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Coach tour of Nova Scotia's coastal towns: Peggy's Cove with its colourful buildings and lighthouse, Mahone Bay, and the UNESCO-listed harbour town of Lunenburg.
  • Day 3Overnight aboard VIA Rail's Ocean from Halifax to Québec City: three-course lunch and dinner in the dining car while traveling along the St Lawrence River and Chaleur Bay.
  • Day 6Cruise into Niagara Falls from Table Rock to view the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, then visit the whirlpool and Niagara on the Lake.
  • Day 7Board VIA Rail's Canadian for a three-night journey from Toronto to Jasper in private sleeper cabins; watch Ontario's prairies, lakes, and the Canadian Shield from the panoramic Park car.
  • Day 12Coach journey along the Icefields Parkway: Ice Explorer ride across the Athabasca Glacier, Columbia Icefield Skywalk shuttle with glass floors, and views of Peyto Lake and Canadian Rockies.
  • Day 14Rocky Mountaineer daylight service in GoldLeaf class from Banff to Kamloops: glass-domed upper-level coaches, gourmet dining, exclusive outdoor viewing platform, crossing the Continental Divide.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 12 nights' 4 & 5-star hotel accommodation
  • 1 night in Sleeper Plus aboard VIA Rail's Ocean
  • 3 nights in Sleeper Plus aboard VIA Rail's Canadian
  • GoldLeaf class on Rocky Mountaineer
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Direct flights from London Heathrow to Halifax and Vancouver to London Heathrow
  • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Ice Explorer excursion on the Athabasca Glacier
  • Columbia Icefield Skywalk shuttle
  • Niagara Falls cruise

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

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Questions travellers ask

Is the rail travel included?
Yes. The package includes all rail journeys: VIA Rail's Ocean (Halifax to Québec City, overnight), VIA Rail's Canadian (Toronto to Jasper, three nights in sleeper cabins), VIA Rail Corridor Service (Québec City to Montreal to Toronto, daytime), and Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service (Banff to Kamloops to Vancouver). Direct flights from London Heathrow are also included.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an escorted small-group tour with a UK Tour Manager from start to finish. Great Rail Journeys also provides expert local guides for city sightseeing in Québec City, Niagara Falls, and Vancouver. Day 11 in Jasper is free time to explore independently.
Which hotels are included?
Great Rail Journeys books you into five Fairmont hotels: The Westin Nova Scotian (Halifax, 2 nights), Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (Québec City, 1 night), Fairmont Royal York (Toronto, 2 nights), Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Jasper, 2 nights), Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Banff, 2 nights), and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (Vancouver, 2 nights). You also spend 4 nights aboard trains.
What meals are included?
The package includes 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners. Three-course meals are served in the dining cars aboard VIA Rail's Ocean and Canadian. The Ice Explorer excursion and Niagara Falls cruise are also included. Many lunches and dinners are independent; review the day-by-day itinerary to confirm what is provided and what you arrange yourself.
When does it run?
Great Rail Journeys offers five departures in 2027: April, May, June, August, and September.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
The tour includes city walking tours in Québec City, Toronto, and Vancouver guided by local experts. Coach excursions involve moderate walking around sights (Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake). Day 11 in Jasper is free; you can hike or explore at your own pace. The Ice Explorer and Skywalk require mobility to board vehicles and walk platforms.

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