Is train travel included?

Yes. VIA Rail's Prestige Class sleeper service carries the trip from Vancouver to Jasper, and again from Jasper to Toronto via the Prairies and Ontario, in a private cabin with meals onboard.

Which hotels are used?

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

What are the price tiers?

Superior Level (4 to 4.5-star hotel accommodation, VIA Rail Prestige Class, from CAD 17,860) and Deluxe Level (5-star hotel accommodation, VIA Rail Prestige Class, from CAD 19,170).

How do I get between Jasper and Banff?

By road along the Icefields Parkway, described as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, rather than by train.

The Prestige Class sleeper journey, meals onboard the train, Fairmont hotel accommodations, a choice of guided activities, feature dining experiences in Toronto and Vancouver, and airport and train station transfers with a private driver.

Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) · Independent tailor-made rail vacation

Prestige Train Journey Across Canada

11-day VIA Rail Prestige Class sleeper journey from Vancouver to Toronto

Canadian Train Vacations, operated through Fresh Tracks Canada, runs this 11-day, 10-night independent rail vacation across Canada in VIA Rail's Prestige Class. There is no fixed group schedule; local experts, described as Canadian Insiders, plan, coordinate and support the trip throughout. After a day in Vancouver, The Canadian departs in an oversized private cabin, passing British Columbia's farmland and river canyons before waking to Mount Robson and the Canadian Rockies at Jasper. The Icefields Parkway carries the trip by road to Banff and back to Jasper for two more nights, then the train resumes east across the Prairie provinces' fields of green and gold and the Canadian Shield's boreal forest and countless lakes, arriving in Toronto. Fairmont hotels are used throughout, and transfers are by private driver. It suits travellers who want the fullest cross-Canada rail experience, in a private sleeper cabin with concierge service, rather than a shorter regional trip or a lower service class.

What to know before you look closer

Only rail is listed as the trip's transport mode, but between the Rocky Mountain stops the tour travels the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff by road (days 4 and 6), not by train.
Both price tiers, Superior (from CAD 17,860) and Deluxe (from CAD 19,170), use VIA Rail Prestige Class; the only stated difference is hotel star rating, 4 to 4.5-star versus 5-star.
The evidence does not list specific departure dates for this trip; confirm current scheduling with the operator before booking.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver
Arrive in coastal Vancouver, a spectacular city surrounded by mountains and the ocean. Spend the remainder of your day exploring.
Day 2railovernight: Onboard train
VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver
Board The Canadian train in Vancouver. Settle into your private cabin and watch the ever-changing scenery as you travel through beautiful British Columbia. See lush farmland and berry fields, winding river canyons, and pristine forests.
Day 3railovernight: Jasper
VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper
Awake to see the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies all around you, including Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies. After breakfast, step off the train in the charming mountain town of Jasper and get ready to explore Jasper National Park.
Day 4overnight: Banff
Icefields Parkway to Banff
Travel along the spine of the Rockies on one of the most beautiful roads in the world, the Icefields Parkway.
Day 5overnight: Banff
Explore Banff National Park
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air and head out for a day of adventure.
Day 6overnight: Jasper
Travel from Banff to Jasper
Travel back along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park.
Day 7railovernight: Onboard train
VIA Rail - Depart Jasper
Board The Canadian train in Jasper and take in the spectacular views as you leave Canada's iconic Rocky Mountains behind.
Day 8railovernight: Onboard train
VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies
Make your way across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Fields of green and gold stretch endlessly under an immense blue sky. Spot rustic barns and small farming towns.
Day 9railovernight: Onboard train
VIA Rail - Ontario
Awake in the province of Ontario and travel through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield. See ancient, exposed rock, boreal forest, and countless lakes. Keep an eye out for fishing cabins, moose and bears.
Day 10railovernight: Toronto
Arrive Toronto
After travelling south through Ontario's cottage country, your journey onboard The Canadian train comes to an end. Arrive in Toronto, comprised of eclectic, historic neighbourhoods, skyscrapers, and Lake Ontario's sweeping waterfront.
Day 11rail
Depart from Toronto
Your incredible train journey across Canada comes to an end.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2The Canadian departs Vancouver, with private cabins overlooking British Columbia's farmland, river canyons and forests.
Day 3The train reaches Jasper past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 8The train crosses the Prairie provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, past fields of green and gold, rustic barns and small farming towns.
Day 9The route crosses the Canadian Shield in Ontario, past ancient exposed rock, boreal forest, and countless lakes, with a chance to spot moose and bears.
Day 10The Canadian arrives in Toronto, ending the rail journey among the city's historic neighbourhoods, skyscrapers, and Lake Ontario's waterfront.

Included

Sleeper Train Journey in VIA Rail's Prestige Class
Meals onboard the train
Luxury hotel accommodations at Fairmont Hotels
Choice of unique guided activities
Feature dining experiences in Toronto and Vancouver
Airport and train station transfers with a private driver
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes. VIA Rail's Prestige Class sleeper service carries the trip from Vancouver to Jasper, and again from Jasper to Toronto via the Prairies and Ontario, in a private cabin with meals onboard.
Is this trip guided or independent?: It is independent, with no fixed group schedule; local experts, described as Canadian Insiders, plan, coordinate and support the trip throughout.
Which hotels are used?: The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
What are the price tiers?: Superior Level (4 to 4.5-star hotel accommodation, VIA Rail Prestige Class, from CAD 17,860) and Deluxe Level (5-star hotel accommodation, VIA Rail Prestige Class, from CAD 19,170).
How do I get between Jasper and Banff?: By road along the Icefields Parkway, described as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, rather than by train.
What is included?: The Prestige Class sleeper journey, meals onboard the train, Fairmont hotel accommodations, a choice of guided activities, feature dining experiences in Toronto and Vancouver, and airport and train station transfers with a private driver.