Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Ultimate Canada Coast to Coast

18-day independent rail crossing of Canada, Halifax to Vancouver

Ultimate Canada Coast to Coast, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations bills this 18-day trip as an independent rail vacation across the whole of Canada, from Halifax on the Atlantic coast to Vancouver on the Pacific. VIA Rail's Ocean train carries travelers north and west through the Canadian Maritimes to Quebec City, where a guided tour rides past the Plains of Abraham and the Citadelle, before continuing on to Montreal and Toronto. A day trip from Toronto takes in Niagara Falls, carved by glaciers of the last ice age, ahead of a three-day crossing of the country aboard the Canadian, past lakes, farm country and rolling hills. Days in Jasper and a side trip to Banff take in the Columbia Icefield's Athabasca Glacier and the Icefields Parkway's lakes, before a final stretch of rail past Mount Robson and the Monashee Mountains ends in Vancouver for two days of sightseeing. With travelers making their own way to stations and hotels along the route, it suits independent minded travelers who want a long-distance rail crossing bookended by guided city highlights.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator's own itinerary numbering skips day 11 entirely, jumping from day 10 to day 12; day 9's text describes 'your exciting three-day trip across Canada', so day 11 is understood to be a third day aboard the train even without its own itinerary entry.
  • The 41 accommodation options span different tiers and cities, from the Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown to the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, so which hotel you get depends on what is booked.
  • Only 3 meals are included across 17 nights, 2 lunches and 1 dinner; other meals are on your own.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm current availability and pricing with Amtrak Vacations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Halifax

    Your Journey Begins in Halifax

    Welcome to Canada! Enjoy the town's charming seaside areas. Find a great restaurant for dinner by the water.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Head over to the VIA Rail station to depart for Quebec City. The train winds its way north and west through the Canadian Maritimes, with delightful views of the rocky and forested coast and inlands of the region.

  3. Day 3overnight: Quebec City

    Quebec City, QC

    Today you will reach Quebec City. You arrive early with a full day to explore this fascinating destination, from its centuries-old defensive walls to its historic waterfront. Dinner tonight is included at a classic Quebecoise restaurant.

  4. Day 4overnight: Quebec City

    Quebec City, QC

    Included today is a guided tour of Quebec City, riding past popular and historic points of interest such as the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, the Ramparts, Place-Royale, and the Citadelle.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreal

    Quebec City to Montreal

    Board the train today and continue on to Montreal.

  6. Day 6overnight: Montreal

    Montreal, QC

    Your included tour will provide an excellent experience of the city, including Notre Dame Basilica, Place des Arts, Place Jacques Cartier, the Hotel de Ville, and Old Montreal.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Toronto

    Montreal to Toronto

    Take the train over to Toronto, Canada's largest city, with a wealth of colorful neighborhoods such as Yorkville, Cabbagetown, and the Annex.

  8. Day 8overnight: Toronto

    Toronto to Niagara Falls

    Your tour will depart the city and head out to Niagara Falls, carved by the glaciers of the last ice age. Enjoy lunch overlooking the falls.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Travel on your own to the VIA Rail station and board the iconic Canadian Line for your exciting three-day trip across Canada.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Journey across Canada today through pristine lakes, charming farm country, wide open plains, and rolling tree covered hills, keeping a look out for wildlife.

  11. Day 12railovernight: Jasper

    Jasper, AB

    After the train rides into the heart of the mountains, it arrives in the picturesque mountain community of Jasper. Travel on your own to your hotel and check in.

  12. Day 13overnight: Banff

    Jasper to Banff

    Depart Jasper for a scenic drive out to Banff along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, visiting the Columbia Icefield, an Ice Explorer adventure on the Athabasca Glacier, the Glacier Skywalk, Athabasca Falls, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Lake Louise, and a hot buffet lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.

  13. Day 14railovernight: Jasper

    Banff to Jasper

    You will be transferred today from Banff through the mountains and back to Jasper. Rest and relax before tomorrow's train journey to the West Coast.

  14. Day 15railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Board VIA Rail's Canadian to continue your journey through the majestic Canadian Rockies, past Moose Lake and the peaks of Mt. Robson and the Monashee Mountains.

  15. Day 16overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Head to the dining car this morning for a freshly prepared breakfast. Upon arrival in Vancouver, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and make use of your 24-hour hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour.

  16. Day 17overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Continue on with your sightseeing tour, including Granville Island, Chinatown, and historic Gastown.

  17. Day 18

    Your Journey Ends in Vancouver

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The train winds north and west through the Canadian Maritimes, with views of the rocky, forested coast and inland areas.
  • Day 4A guided tour of Quebec City rides past the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the Ramparts, Place-Royale and the Citadelle.
  • Day 10The Canadian crosses the country past pristine lakes, farm country, wide open plains and tree covered hills.
  • Day 13The drive from Jasper to Banff follows the Icefields Parkway past the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and Lake Louise, with an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier.
  • Day 15VIA Rail's Canadian continues through the Canadian Rockies, past Moose Lake and the peaks of Mt. Robson and the Monashee Mountains.

Included

  • One-way VIA Rail® in Economy accommodations from Halifax to Quebec City, Quebec City to Montreal, Montreal to Toronto, and Vancouver on The Ocean® and The Canadian®
  • 11 nights' accommodations; 5 nights' onboard VIA Rail
  • 3 meals included (2 lunches and 1 dinner)

Also sold by

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

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes one-way VIA Rail Economy travel from Halifax to Quebec City on The Ocean, and from Montreal to Toronto and on to Vancouver on The Canadian, with 5 nights aboard the train.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's billed as an independent rail vacation: you travel to the VIA Rail station on your own for the cross-country leg and to your Jasper hotel on your own, though guided tours are included in Quebec City, Montreal, Niagara Falls, the Icefields Parkway and Vancouver.
Which trains are used?
VIA Rail's Ocean from Halifax to Quebec City, and VIA Rail's Canadian from Toronto through Jasper to Vancouver, both in Economy class.
What hotels are used?
The package offers a choice from 41 hotel options across the cities, including the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac or Hotel Manoir Victoria in Quebec City, and a range of properties in Halifax from the Hampton Inn by Hilton to the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront.
What is not included?
The evidence lists 11 nights of accommodations, rail travel and 3 meals (2 lunches, 1 dinner) as included; other meals are on your own.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes guided tours in Quebec City and Montreal, a hop-on, hop-off tour in Vancouver, and the Glacier Skywalk near the Athabasca Glacier; no hiking or high-altitude activity is described.

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