Canada Rail (canadarail.ca) · Independent tour

The Canadian Trip of a Lifetime: Eastbound

16-day rail crossing of Canada, Vancouver to Halifax, via the Rockies

The Canadian Trip of a Lifetime: Eastbound, a rail journey with Canada Rail (canadarail.ca)

Canada Rail, at canadarail.ca, runs this 16-day, 15-night independent trip across Canada, from Vancouver to Halifax. The route opens with two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to Banff, followed by four nights split between Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, including a Banff Gondola ride and an Icefields Parkway tour with an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. From Jasper, three nights aboard VIA Rail's "The Canadian" in Sleeper Plus Class carry travelers to Toronto, with a full day at Niagara Falls, before a VIA Rail Corridor trip to Montréal and a final overnight aboard "The Ocean" to Halifax, ending with a Peggy's Cove tour. In total, nine days of the trip involve rail travel across eight provinces. Base pricing uses 3-star hotels, with Superior and Deluxe upgrades and a GoldLeaf Rocky Mountaineer upgrade available. This suits travelers who want the full transcontinental rail crossing rather than a single regional rail trip.

What to know before you look closer

  • The base price uses "Popular Hotels (3-Stars)" with SilverLeaf Rocky Mountaineer service; Superior and Deluxe hotel upgrades and a GoldLeaf Rocky Mountaineer upgrade are available at extra cost, so the exact hotels depend on which tier is booked.
  • Airport transfers in Vancouver and Halifax and rail station transfers in Jasper, Toronto, Montréal, and Halifax are not included, and most meals off the trains and the Niagara Falls day trip are on your own.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver Arrival

    Arrive in Vancouver, known for its cultural and linguistic diversity. This city is very lively and home to a bustling arts scene so you will find that there is no shortage of things to do and places to explore. Popular sites include the urban jungle of Stanley Park, Canada's largest Chinatown, and the Robson Street Shopping District.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Kamloops

    Climb aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and raise your glass as the train heads northeast out of Vancouver. Your journey across Canada has officially begun! Travel alongside the mighty waters of the salmon-rich Fraser River and pass the powerful rapids of Hell's Gate. Towards the end of today you'll approach the drier grasslands of Kamloops.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Banff

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Banff

    As you travel east towards the province of Alberta, you are greeted by the Canadian Rockies. Rocky lakeshores, snow-capped mountain peaks and crisp glacial streams accompany you as you dine on locally-sourced, gourmet meals. Learn about points of interest such as astoundingly high Kicking Horse Canyon and the Spiral Tunnels.

  4. Day 4overnight: Banff

    Banff Sightseeing Tour including Banff Gondola

    Today you'll be on a 5-hour guided tour through the towering Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay Mountains. Learn about the wind-shaped hoodoos and experience Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive. Take a gentle gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for fantastic views, interpretive boardwalks, and photo opportunities.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lake Louise

    Banff to Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour - Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls

    Your bus leaves in the morning and offers you a guided tour of the area between Banff and Lake Louise. Cross the Continental Divide, and pass through Yoho National Park offering scenic sights such as Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass, Emerald Lake, and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans across the Kicking Horse River. You will spend the night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

  6. Day 6overnight: Jasper

    Sightseeing Tour from Lake Louise to Jasper including Columbia Icefields Excursion

    Today you're riding along the most beautiful highway in Canada, the Icefields Parkway. Highlights include stops at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, The Columbia Icefield, and the powerful Athabasca Falls. While at the Athabasca Glacier, climb aboard the Ice Explorer, a specialized bus that travels directly on to the glacier.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Aboard the train

    Board "The Canadian" Train in Jasper

    Your trip of a lifetime continues as you board "The Canadian" train. The train offers a truly unique experience of Canada's diverse scenery. All meals are included and can be enjoyed in the dining car. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to take in the scenery in the glass dome. At night you will retire to your private cabin as the gentle sway of the train rocks you to sleep.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Aboard the train

    "The Canadian" Train through Saskatchewan and Manitoba

    Your train continues on through the rolling prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Swaying grasslands and fields of gold stretch out before you in every direction underneath a never ending sky. You'll reach Winnipeg this evening before the train continues on eastwards.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Aboard the train

    "The Canadian" Train through Ontario

    The entire day is spent travelling across Canada's second largest province, Ontario. Your route is north of the Great Lakes and the entire day can be spent watching the countryside pass by. Lakes and never ending forests are out your window throughout the day as you glide across our great country.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Toronto

    "The Canadian" Train Arrival in Toronto

    Arrive in Toronto in the afternoon and the rest of the day is yours. Use your complimentary CN Tower admissions pass to view Canada's capital city from above. You may choose to walk the glass floor or maybe enjoy a seasonal dinner in the rotating restaurant at the top.

  11. Day 11overnight: Toronto

    Niagara Falls Sightseeing Day Tour

    Travel through wine country where Niagara Falls, one of the Seven Great Wonders of the World, is waiting for you! Board a vessel with Niagara City Cruises and feel the mist on your face as you cruise along the roaring base of Horseshoe Falls. You'll also get the chance to experience the falls from above, standing within feet of its lip. End off the day tour with a visit to Niagara on the Lake.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Montréal

    VIA Rail Business Class from Toronto to Montréal

    You can brush up on your French as you travel first class along VIA Rail's Corridor. Say bonjour as you cross into the culturally-rich province of Québec and enter Montréal, the third largest French-speaking city in the world. You can wine and dine as you wish tonight, whether that's at a high-end restaurant or snacking on some poutine, Canada's favorite food!

  13. Day 13railovernight: Aboard the train

    Montréal Sightseeing. Board "The Ocean" Train - Montréal to Halifax

    Spend the morning of the day on a guided tour that will take you around to some of Montréal's most famous attractions. These include Old Montréal, the Notre Dame Basilica, and Olympia Park. Later, you'll board "The Ocean" train and head out for the Maritimes! Settle into your bed aboard the train and be rocked to sleep.

  14. Day 14railovernight: Halifax

    "The Ocean" Train - Arrival in Halifax

    As the sun rises, you'll be travelling eastwards through New Brunswick and on towards Nova Scotia. You'll pass through rural villages on your way to the east coast of Canada. Enjoy some spectacular views on board. Breakfast and lunch are included aboard the train before your late afternoon arrival in Halifax.

  15. Day 15overnight: Halifax

    Free Day in Halifax or Peggy's Cove Tour

    You've come a long way and have finally reached the Atlantic Ocean! Go for a stroll along the harbour walk, visit the Seaport Farmers' Market, or learn about Canadian Heritage from the Museum of Immigration. The day is yours to discover! Visit the famous Peggy's Cove Lighthouse and picturesque Peggy's Cove fishing village before heading back to Halifax to explore Citadel Hill and enjoy a narrated driving tour of the city.

  16. Day 16rail

    Halifax Departure

    Your tour ends when you check out of your hotel. We truly hope this was a trip of a lifetime. Thank you for traveling with Canada Rail Vacations!

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Rocky Mountaineer departs Vancouver, following the Fraser River and passing the rapids of Hell's Gate on the way to Kamloops.
  • Day 4A 5-hour guided tour of Banff takes in the Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay Mountains, with a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain.
  • Day 6The Icefields Parkway tour from Lake Louise to Jasper includes a ride aboard the Ice Explorer directly onto the Athabasca Glacier.
  • Day 11A full-day Niagara Falls excursion includes a boat ride along the base of Horseshoe Falls and a viewpoint within feet of the falls' lip.
  • Day 13Travelers board VIA Rail's "The Ocean" in Montréal for the overnight run to Halifax, settling into a private cabin as the train heads for the Maritimes.

Included

  • 11 nights hotel accommodation
  • 3 nights private bedroom accommodation on board "The Canadian" train in Sleeper Plus Class
  • 1 night private bedroom on board "The Ocean" train
  • 2-day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service
  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Complimentary Vancouver city tour when an additional night is added
  • Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
  • Banff and Yoho National Park Tour from Banff to Lake Louise (scenic transfer from late-October to early-May)
  • Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer (scenic transfer from late-October to early-May)
  • Complimentary CN Tower admission
  • Full-day Niagara Falls excursion with meal
  • Toronto to Montréal VIA Rail train (Business Class)
  • Montréal city tour
  • Peggy's Cove tour
  • Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops & Banff
  • Gratuities/tip for Rocky Mountaineer train staff

Not included

  • Rail station transfers in Jasper, Toronto, Montréal, and Halifax
  • Transportation to/from Vancouver and Halifax airports
  • Meals other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, VIA Rail, and Niagara Falls day trip
  • Gratuities/tip for hotel, VIA Rail, and transfer staff
  • Canadian 5% sales tax

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Nine days of train travel are included: the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff (SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf), VIA Rail's "The Canadian" from Jasper to Toronto in Sleeper Plus Class, VIA Rail's Corridor Business Class from Toronto to Montréal, and VIA Rail's "The Ocean" from Montréal to Halifax in a sleeper.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent tour; day tours in Banff, the Icefields Parkway, Niagara Falls, Montréal, and Peggy's Cove are included, but there is no fixed group escort.
Which trains are used?
The Rocky Mountaineer, VIA Rail's "The Canadian," VIA Rail Corridor, and VIA Rail's "The Ocean."
Is overnight sleeper accommodation included?
Yes. Three nights in Sleeper Plus Class aboard "The Canadian" and one night aboard "The Ocean." A Prestige Class upgrade on "The Canadian" leg is available for CAD $3,500 per person.
What hotels are included?
Eleven nights of hotel accommodation, at "Popular Hotels (3-Stars)" in the base tier, including one night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise; Superior and Deluxe hotel upgrades are available at extra cost.
What is not included?
Airport transfers in Vancouver and Halifax, rail station transfers in Jasper, Toronto, Montréal, and Halifax, and most meals beyond those served on the trains and the Niagara Falls day trip.

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