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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Trans-Canada and Rockies Adventure with Rocky Mountaineer Eastbound

Rail journey from Vancouver to Toronto via Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail

Illustration of Trans-Canada and Rockies Adventure with Rocky Mountaineer Eastbound

Railbookers runs this 13-day independent rail vacation eastbound across Canada, from Vancouver to Toronto, with a Rail Expert on hand to help arrange each stage. The trip opens with two days exploring Vancouver on a hop-on, hop-off tour before travellers board the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf class, riding through the Fraser Valley and the Coast and Cascade Mountains to Kamloops, then on to Banff. In Banff, a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain and a cruise on Lake Minnewanka fill the days, followed by free time at Lake Louise and a stop at the Columbia Icefield, where an Ice Explorer ventures onto the Athabasca Glacier. From Jasper, travellers board VIA Rail's The Canadian for three nights onboard, crossing the prairies to Toronto, where a CN Tower visit and a day trip to Niagara Falls close out the trip. Because each stage is pre-booked but self-guided, it suits independent travellers who want arranged rail and hotels without a set schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 22 accommodation options across different hotel tiers and cities for this trip; the specific hotel depends on which tier and city option you choose when booking.
  • The Banff to Lake Louise and Lake Louise to Jasper legs are covered by road transfer, not rail.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Vancouver

    Your Journey Begins in Vancouver

    Your Canadian train journey begins in Vancouver! Delve into the diversity and beauty of British Columbia with your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Continue using your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to experience the top attractions within the city. Visit the 1,000-acre Stanley Park, historic Gastown, Granville Island and more.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops

    This morning, board the famous navy and gold carriages of Rocky Mountaineer. Settle into the luxurious confines of SilverLeaf Class or speak to one of our Rail Experts about upgrading. As you relax, enjoy the dramatic passing scenery and vistas of the Fraser Valley and peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Banff

    Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Banff

    Today your journey resumes as the train winds its way into the Canadian Rockies. Take in the spectacular landscapes unfolding all around you. Soaring mountain peaks, lush forest, even foaming white waterfalls are around almost every bend in the tracks.

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Banff, AB

    On your tour of Banff National Park, you will admire some of the most amazing scenery in the whole of the Canadian Rockies. Travel up the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy 360-degree panoramas of no less than six mountain ranges. Wander along the summit trail before visiting Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Make your way down to Lake Minnewanka and embark on a scenic lake cruise.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Louise

    Lake Louise, AB

    Today, take a transfer to the famous Lake Louise. Enjoy some free time relaxing along the shores taking in the beauty of the lake and mountains.

  7. Day 7overnight: Jasper

    Jasper, AB

    Travel from Lake Louise to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway, home to alpine glaciers, turquoise lakes and a variety of mountain wildlife. Stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience an all-terrain Ice Explorer that travels onto the mighty Athabasca Glacier. Complete your adventure with a visit to the Glacier Skywalk.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Enjoy a relaxing morning in Jasper. Visit some of the local shops and bakeries in this quaint mountain town. Transfer on your own to the VIA Rail station and board the Canadian and continue your trip eastbound across the country.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Enjoy gorgeous views and pleasant company in the viewing car. Watch glittering lakes, verdant farmland and sweeping plains roll past your window, and keep a look out for wildlife too!

  10. Day 10railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Enjoy gorgeous views and pleasant company in the viewing car. Watch glittering lakes, verdant farmland and sweeping plains roll past your window, and keep a look out for wildlife too!

  11. Day 11overnight: Toronto

    Toronto, ON

    This afternoon, arrive in Toronto! Check in to your hotel and drop off your bags then head out to explore. Enjoy your included admission to the CN Tower, with sweeping views of Toronto.

  12. Day 12overnight: Toronto

    Niagara Falls Day Trip

    This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for a full day tour to one of the wonders of the natural world, Niagara Falls. Highlights will include a boat ride getting you up close with the Falls, free time in both Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, and a winery tour and tasting.

  13. Day 13rail

    Your Journey Ends in Toronto

    After any last exploring in Toronto today, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your stay, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to help you plan the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board the Rocky Mountaineer's navy and gold carriages in SilverLeaf class for the run from Vancouver to Kamloops, past the Fraser Valley and the Coast and Cascade Mountains.
  • Day 5The Banff Gondola climbs Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree panoramas of six mountain ranges, followed by a scenic cruise on Lake Minnewanka.
  • Day 7Travel the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper, stopping at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier and a visit to the Glacier Skywalk.
  • Day 11Arrive in Toronto and visit the CN Tower for sweeping views of the city.

Included

  • Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff in SilverLeaf class
  • 9 nights' hotel accommodations; 3 nights' onboard VIA Rail
  • One-way VIA Rail in Economy from Jasper to Toronto on the Canadian
  • Transfer from Banff to Lake Louise and Lake Louise to Jasper

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf class from Vancouver to Banff, and The Canadian (VIA Rail) in Economy class from Jasper to Toronto.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent. Railbookers provides a Rail Expert to help arrange details, but you travel without a group guide.
How many nights are spent onboard the train?
3 nights, aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian between Jasper and Toronto.
How do you get from Banff to Jasper?
By road transfer through Lake Louise. The included list specifies transfers from Banff to Lake Louise and Lake Louise to Jasper, not rail.
What is the starting price?
$6,229 USD, or about $479 per day.

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