Canada Rail (canadarail.ca) · Independent tour

The Canadian Trip of a Lifetime: Westbound

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

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

Canada Rail, at canadarail.ca, runs this 16-day, 15-night independent trip across Canada, from Halifax to Vancouver. The route opens with an overnight aboard VIA Rail's "The Ocean" from Halifax to Montréal, two nights in Montréal with an included city tour, and a VIA Rail Corridor trip to Toronto with a full day at Niagara Falls. From Toronto, three nights aboard VIA Rail's "The Canadian" in Sleeper Plus Class carry travelers to Jasper, followed by four nights split between Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff, including an Icefields Parkway tour with an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier and a Banff Gondola ride. The trip finishes with two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver via Kamloops. 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.
  • Rail station transfers in Halifax, Montréal, Toronto, and Jasper and airport transportation in Halifax and Vancouver 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: Halifax

    Halifax Arrival

    Your journey across Canada begins in the beautiful city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Soak up the Atlantic air as you go for a stroll along the harbour walk, visit the Seaport Farmers' Market or the Halifax Public Gardens.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard the train

    Halifax Sightseeing. Board "The Ocean" train

    You have the morning to explore Halifax on your own. A midday departure of "The Ocean" train will have you heading northwest across Nova Scotia and into New Brunswick. Tuck into your cosy bed aboard the train and be rocked to sleep by the motion of the train.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Montréal

    "The Ocean" Train to Montréal

    Say bonjour as you cross into the culturally-rich province of Québec. From there you will travel past the Saint Lawrence Seaway and in the afternoon you will arrive in Montréal, the third-largest French speaking city in the world! You'll be spending the next two nights in a charming hotel in downtown Montréal.

  4. Day 4overnight: Montréal

    Montréal Sightseeing Tour

    Spend the day exploring this true Canadian treasure. As you get to know the city you will find that it's highly cosmopolitan without losing its historical old-world charm. Choose from a variety of sit-down cuisine or snack on some authentic poutine. We have included Montréal city tour passes to enjoy today.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Toronto

    VIA Rail Business Class from Montréal to Toronto. Complimentary CN Tower Admission

    Today you're riding in business class along Canada's Corridor route to Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Toronto is home to many attractions including the CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and Little Italy. Complimentary admission passes to the CN tower are included today.

  6. Day 6overnight: Toronto

    Niagara Falls Sightseeing Day Tour

    Travel through wine country where Niagara Falls, one of the Seven Great wonders of North America, 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. End the day tour with a visit to Niagara on the Lake.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Aboard the train

    Board "The Canadian" Train from Toronto to Jasper

    Today is the beginning of your three nights aboard VIA Rail's "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. 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 - 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 on the route the early settlers once took.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Aboard the train

    "The Canadian" Train - Manitoba and Saskatchewan

    Enter the peaceful prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. A short stop awaits you in Winnipeg before you head further west, as swaying grasslands and fields of gold stretch out before you in every direction underneath a never ending sky.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Jasper

    "The Canadian" Train - Arrival in Jasper

    Enter Alberta and pass through its capital city of Edmonton before continuing west. A milestone moment has been reached, you've entered the Canadian Rocky Mountains! Enjoy your breakfast on board as you snake through the snow-capped mountain peaks and winding rivers our country is famous for. Welcome to the cozy little resort town of Jasper.

  11. Day 11overnight: Lake Louise

    Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise including Columbia Icefield Excursion

    Today you're riding along the most beautiful highway in Canada, the Icefields Parkway. Highlights include stops at the powerful Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier. Arrive at the Athabasca Glacier and climb aboard the Ice Explorer, a specialized bus that travels directly on to the glacier. Tonight, you'll be sleeping in style in your room at the picturesque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

  12. Day 12overnight: Banff

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

    Your motorcoach leaves in the morning and offers you a guided tour of the area between Lake Louise and Banff. Cross the Continental Divide and pass through Yoho National Park, with sights such as Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass, Emerald Lake, and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans across the Kicking Horse River.

  13. Day 13overnight: 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.

  14. Day 14railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops

    Toast to your first day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer! Today you'll pass by the snow-peaked mountains and crystal-clear waters that our country is famous for. Highlights include the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, and Rodgers Pass.

  15. Day 15railovernight: Vancouver

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver

    You're on your way to the coast today. Dine on a locally sourced, gourmet breakfast and lunch as you wind through the changing scenery and step out on the outside deck to take in that fresh mountain air. When you add a second night in Vancouver to your vacation package, you will receive a complimentary Vancouver city tour through Canada Rail Vacations!

  16. Day 16rail

    Vancouver Sightseeing Tour and Departure

    Your vacation concludes upon checking out of your hotel. Thank you for traveling with Canada Rail Vacations!

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Halifax's morning is free before boarding VIA Rail's "The Ocean" at midday, heading northwest into New Brunswick with a bed made up for the overnight run.
  • Day 6A full-day Niagara Falls excursion includes a boat ride along the base of Horseshoe Falls and a stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
  • Day 11The Icefields Parkway tour from Jasper to Lake Louise includes a ride aboard the Ice Explorer directly onto the Athabasca Glacier.
  • Day 13A 5-hour guided tour of Banff takes in the Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay Mountains, with a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain.
  • Day 14The Rocky Mountaineer departs Banff for Kamloops, passing the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, and Rogers Pass.

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
  • Montréal city tour
  • Montréal to Toronto VIA Rail train (Business Class)
  • Complimentary CN Tower admission
  • Full-day Niagara Falls excursion with meal
  • Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer (scenic transfer from late-October to early-May)
  • Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
  • Banff and Yoho National Park Tour from Lake Louise to Banff (scenic transfer from late-October to early-May)
  • Rail station transfers in Banff, Kamloops and Vancouver
  • Complimentary Vancouver city tour when an additional night is added
  • Gratuities/tip for Rocky Mountaineer train staff

Not included

  • Rail station transfers in Halifax, Montréal, Toronto, and Jasper
  • Transportation to/from Halifax and Vancouver 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: VIA Rail's "The Ocean" from Halifax to Montréal in a sleeper, VIA Rail Corridor Business Class to Toronto, VIA Rail's "The Canadian" from Toronto to Jasper in Sleeper Plus Class, and the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver (SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf).
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent tour; day tours in Montréal, Niagara Falls, the Icefields Parkway, and Banff are included, but there is no fixed group escort.
Which trains are used?
VIA Rail's "The Ocean," VIA Rail Corridor, VIA Rail's "The Canadian," and the Rocky Mountaineer.
Is overnight sleeper accommodation included?
Yes. One night aboard "The Ocean" and three nights in Sleeper Plus Class aboard "The Canadian." 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?
Rail station transfers in Halifax, Montréal, Toronto, and Jasper, airport transportation in Halifax and Vancouver, and most meals beyond those served on the trains and the Niagara Falls day trip.

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