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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Ultimate Canada and Rockies Eastbound

Cross-Canada rail journey Vancouver to Toronto via Jasper and Banff

Illustration of Ultimate Canada and Rockies 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. After two days exploring Vancouver, including the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, travellers board VIA Rail's The Canadian for an afternoon departure to Jasper, with a sparkling wine send-off in a domed observation car. Waking to views of the Rocky Mountains and Mount Robson, the train arrives in Jasper, where included sightseeing covers the Jasper Skytram, Maligne Canyon, and Medicine Lake. A shuttle transfer carries travellers to Banff for a day at the Columbia Icefield, including an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier and the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk, before returning to Jasper to rejoin VIA Rail for four nights onboard eastbound to Toronto. The trip closes with a hop-on, hop-off tour of Toronto, CN Tower admission, and a day trip to Niagara Falls. It suits independent travellers who want structured rail and sightseeing without a group leader.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 20 accommodation options across Vancouver and Jasper; the specific hotel depends on which tier and city option you choose when booking.
  • The Jasper to Banff and Banff to Jasper legs are a shuttle transfer, not rail, so Banff is reached by road rather than by train.
  • Only 2 meals, both lunches, are included across the 13 days; most breakfasts, dinners, and other meals in each city are on your own.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Your Journey Begins in Vancouver

    Welcome to Canada! Travel to your centrally located hotel and start exploring the city.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Today's full day of sightseeing will start with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour that takes you to Vancouver's most popular areas: Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island, and more! Take some time this afternoon to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Board VIA Rail's Canadian train for an early afternoon departure to Jasper and the majestic Rocky Mountains. While onboard, enjoy a sparkling wine send-off in one of the train's many domed observation cars and lunch while passing through Vancouver's eastern suburbs. Take in the stunning views of the Fraser Canyon.

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper

    Jasper, AB

    Open your bedroom blinds to find the towering Rocky Mountains outside your window. Take in Mt. Robson before a morning arrival into Jasper. Why not use your included admission to the Jasper Skytram?

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Jasper, AB

    Explore the spectacular natural treasures of the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Stand above the massive walls of Maligne Canyon for stunning views of rushing waterfalls, discover the mystery of the disappearing water at Medicine Lake and stroll the shores of Maligne Lake.

  6. Day 6overnight: Banff

    Jasper to Banff

    This morning, depart Jasper for a scenic drive out to Banff, with your sightseeing included! Visit the natural wonder of the Columbia Icefield. Step onboard an Ice Explorer for an interpretive adventure onto the Athabasca Glacier. At the Glacier Skywalk, enjoy the unobstructed view on a glass-floored observation platform extending 30m out over the Sunwapta Valley.

  7. Day 7overnight: Jasper

    Banff to Jasper

    Spend some free time exploring Banff this morning before your included afternoon shuttle back to Jasper. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery on the five-hour drive back.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Travel to the VIA Rail station today and board the Canadian to continue your trip eastbound across the country.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Continue your journey across Canada on VIA Rail.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Continue your journey across Canada on VIA Rail.

  11. Day 11overnight: Toronto

    Toronto, ON

    This afternoon, arrive in Toronto! Enjoy the sights with your hop-on/hop-off bus tour featuring Toronto's top attractions, including the Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Harbourfront, Eaton Centre and Chinatown. Admission to the CN Tower is also included today.

  12. Day 12overnight: Toronto

    Toronto to Niagara Falls

    This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for a full day tour to Niagara Falls. Highlights will include a meal overlooking the falls, a ride on the Hornblower boat, free time in both Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake and a winery tour and tasting.

  13. Day 13

    Your Journey Ends in Toronto

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board VIA Rail's The Canadian for the afternoon departure to Jasper, with a sparkling wine send-off in a domed observation car.
  • Day 4Wake up to views of the Rocky Mountains and Mount Robson before a morning arrival in Jasper, with admission to the Jasper Skytram included.
  • Day 6Visit the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier, then walk the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk platform 30 meters over the Sunwapta Valley.
  • Day 12A full-day tour to Niagara Falls includes a meal overlooking the falls, a ride on the Hornblower boat, and a winery tour and tasting.

Included

  • 8 nights' hotel accommodations; 4 nights aboard VIA Rail®
  • One-way VIA Rail in Economy from Vancouver to Jasper and Jasper to Toronto on the Canadian®
  • Roundtrip shared transfer between Jasper and Banff
  • 2 meals included (2 lunches)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Which train is included?
VIA Rail's The Canadian in Economy class, from Vancouver to Jasper and again from Jasper to Toronto.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent. Railbookers describes it as a self-guided rail package with a Rail Expert available to help arrange details.
How many nights are spent onboard the train?
4 nights, aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian.
How do you get from Jasper to Banff?
By an included roundtrip shuttle transfer, not by train.
What is the starting price?
$4,929 USD, or about $379 per day.

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