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Across Canada by Train

13 days / 12 nights

Trip Overview

From the metropolis of Toronto to the serenity of Lake Louise, the Across Canada by Train trip fills your desire for the energy of big cities, as well as the peacefulness of nature. As you travel across the country by train, you see firsthand how diverse Canada’s spectacular scenery really is. And with plenty of time to relax in the Canadian Rockies, you won’t miss any of Canada’s natural beauty.

Map

Arrive Toronto*
2 nights Toronto
3 nights VIA Rail
2 nights Jasper
1 night Lake Louise
2 nights Banff
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
Depart Vancouver
*Can be done in reverse, please inquire

Trip Images

Begin your Canada rail trip exploring metropolitan Toronto
Spend three nights onboard the Canadian pacific railway, in Canada's Heartland
Spend two days exploring Banff, Alberta
Spend a night at beautiful Lake Louise, Alberta
Tour the Rockies onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
End your Canada rail trip in Vancouver, British Columbia

Detailed Itinerary

Please note, like most of our Canada rail packages & tours, this railway vacation can be customized to your needs - just ask one of our local experts when you call.
Day 1 – Your Across Canada Train Vacation Begins – Arrive Toronto
The sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you as you arrive in downtown Toronto. Couples hurry along the sidewalk, rushing to one of Toronto’s big stage productions. A woman quickly shifts all her shopping bags to one arm as she raises a hand to hail a cab, and the smell of Chinese food makes you salivate as a delivery boy bikes along the street in front of you. Toronto beckons and you’re anxious to get out and explore the city.

Day 2 – In Toronto
Take today at your own pace - you have the day to enjoy a Toronto Hop-on-Hop-off city tour. This tour packages the CN Tower, SkyDome, Casa Loma, Queens Park, Yorkville and Chinatown to name a few. It takes two hours to complete the entire circle, but you can step on or off at any time, so the true length depends on you! Overnight in Toronto.

Day 3 - Roaring Waters – Tour Niagara Falls then Via Rail’s The Canadian –Toronto to Jasper
Meet a guide this morning, as you travel to southern Ontario’s greatest natural wonder – Niagara Falls. You wonder how many major cities are so close to nature, as you cross the fruit producing area of St. Catherine’s, and the wineries of the Niagara Peninsula.

Arriving at the Falls, don a stylish waterproof poncho - the classy uniform of the Maid of the Mist, and prepare for a wet but exciting adventure. Your poncho keeps you from getting soaked as your boat takes you close enough to the falls to feel the spray on your face. A scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway will take you to serene Niagara-on-the-Lake. Buy some local wine as a memento of your Canadian train vacation and unwind as you stroll through the local shops.

Your driver will get you back to Toronto in time to check in for this evening’s train departure, then you’re on your way to the great Canadian Rockies! The trans Canada overnight train between Toronto and Jasper is an incredible rail journey that takes 3 full days. Leave the picturesque lakelands of Northern Ontario behind, as you travel west to Jasper.

Day 4 & 5 - Canadian Rail Journey to the West – onboard the Canadian train
The scenery changes once again as you travel across the undulating plain of the prairie provinces. Settle into your seat and enjoy watching the passing Canadian sights from your window. This is the second and third day and night of your rail journey.

Day 6 – Enter Canada’s Rocky Mountains – Arrive in Jasper
Step off the Canadian train and take a deep breath – you’re here in the Canadian Rockies and the crisp mountain air is invigorating. You are completely surrounded by mountains and trees. You look to your left and see a downtown gas station with a snow topped mountain peak standing proudly in the distance behind it. Jasper is summed up in that one view. It’s a town with all the modern touches, but the splendor of the Canadian Rockies is never out of your thoughts.

Day 7 – Jasper Tour
Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Canada’s west in Jasper National Park. The first stop is at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 49-meter deep gorge. Set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. From the canyon continue to the “mysteriously” disappearing Medicine Lake and then to Maligne Lake for a 90-minute interpretative boat cruise bound for the world-renowned -Spirit Island; bring your camera, as this truly is a picture postcard setting. After the boat cruise, relax and soak up the sights or enjoy a tasty treat at the Lake Chalet.

Day 8 – The Icefields Parkway – Jasper to Lake Louise
Join a small group and guide this morning, for a day filled with with mountains, lakes, wildlife, and glaciers. The Icefields Parkway is one of the few places in the world where features of the ice age still exist, and is home for bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, and sheep. The Columbia Icefield is its crown jewel, where modern day explorers can take an Ice Explorer out onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier for a spectacular Ice Age adventure. A perfect end to your day occurs when you glimpse the b

Day 9 – Explore the Mountains – See Banff and Yoho National Parks
This afternoon you transfer to Banff - the liveliest of the mountain towns on your Canadian holiday. The energy on Banff Avenue is contagious. Quaint shops are
interspersed with chain stores, horse drawn carriages line the street waiting to show you around town, and the scent of homemade maple fudge wafts out of sweet shops. After your laid back night at Lake Louise, the lively atmosphere in Banff is exhilarating.

Day 10 – In the Canadian Rockies – Explore Banff
Take a guided bus tour through the towering mountains of Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay while learning about the natural attractions of the wind-shaped hoodoos and the Cave & Basin National Historic Site. Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive delivers a breathtaking view of the valley without comparison. Experience an 8 minute gentle ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a four-person, fully enclosed gondola. A spectacular view and picture taking opportunity await you at the top of this 360 degree panoramic vantage of Bow Valley and the surrounding Rockies. Learn all about how these majestic mountains have shaped this unique community.

Day 11 – Onboard Rocky Mountaineer
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey offers you a spectacular range of scenery as you travel between the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, Craigellachie where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, and of course the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 12 – Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver Arrival
Your journey travels west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through the winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 13 – With Fond Memories Made – Your Canadian train trip concludes
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your across Canada train vacation comes to an end.

Can't decide which trip is best for you?

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1 877 913 5264		 United Kingdom
0800 917 5924		 Australia
1800 159 634		 Other Countries
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Accommodation Styles

Fairmont Royal York

Deluxe

Another of the original historic Fairmont properties, close to shopping and dining, and just steps to Union Station and the theatre district. The hotel features 5 restaurants, a bar, a health club, and shops.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Deluxe Lodge

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is it's own Canadian wilderness resort. The property is made up of many buildings with different room types throughout the resort. Relax by the lake, or enjoy a round of golf on the beautiful Stanley Thompson Golf Course, or enjoy a game of ice hockey on the lodge's pond. Be sure to keep your eyes open for Elk as they walk past your building!

Moraine Lake Lodge

Luxury Mountain Lodge

Staying at the Moraine Lakelodge is an alpine experience unto itself. The log beam structures are elegantly rustic, and are graced with grand windows, providing breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped mountains and glacier-fed lake. Guests are steeped in a natural setting that offers canoeing, hiking, nature-watching, climbing and photography. Enjoy fine cuisine with fellow guests, sit next to a roaring fire in the library, or sip a glass of wine on the deck. Your stay includes complimentary canoeing, as well guided walking and evening programs on certain days of the week. Rooms are free of TVs and phones, to make your stay utterly tranquil. A complimentary market fresh breakfast is offered each morning.

Fairmont Banff Springs

Deluxe

Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy one of the many activities that the hotel has to offer from tennis, horseback riding, a round of golf, skiing, relaxing at the the Willow Stream Spa (charge), or enjoying a great meal at one of 12 restaurants, lounges or pubs.

Options & Upgrades

Canadian vacation customization and upgrade ideas

Here are some ideas - but please ask your Fresh Tracks Canada expert for more ideas tailored to your needs when you call. All our Canada train trips can be customized to create your ideal vacation featuring some time on a railroad across all or part of Canada.
• Upgrade, or mix and match hotel and lodge accommodations

• Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the great scenery, excellent food and an outdoor viewing platform allowing wonderful photographic opportunities make this option a must.

• Upgrade to ‘Romance by Rail’ on the Canadian train, for a suite and extra special touches

• Add a cruise to your trip, along Alaska’s Inside Passage

• Extend your stay in Eastern Canada, by adding one of our train tours through Ontario and Quebec

• Extend your stay in the Canadian Rockies to explore the nature trails with a naturalist guide, enjoy a gentle guided canoe paddle on Lake Louise, indulge in afternoon tea in the Fairview dining room, add a thrilling helicopter ride, or simply enjoy some quiet time to relax.

• Add a trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island to go whale watching, visit the Butchart Gardens, and experience the unique culture of the Pacific Northwest.


Dates & Prices

Trip Start Dates - 2012
Westbound
Sundays & Thursdays
Apr 26, 29
May 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31
Jun 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28
Jul ,1 5, 8, 12, 15, 26, 29
Aug 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
Sep 2, 6, 9, 13, 20

This trip can run in reverse, with a slightly different itinerary. Please ask us for details.

Comfort Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$
Double Single SilverLeaf Upgrade GoldLeaf Upgrade
Apr 26 2012 4,542 6,534 540 915
Apr 29 - May 20 2012 4,863 6,977
May 24 - Jun 28 2012 5,486 7,813
Jul 1 - Sep 20 2012 6,050 8,341
Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$
Double Single SilverLeaf Upgrade GoldLeaf Upgrade
Apr 26 2012 5,503 8,237 540 915
Apr 29 - May 20 2012 5,795 8,627
May 24 - Jun 28 2012 6,355 9,513
Jul 1 - Sep 20 2012 7,155 10,489
Deluxe Plus Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service USD$
Double Single
Apr 26 2012 7,764 11,674
Apr 29 - May 20 2012 8,021 11,991
May 24 - Jun 28 2012 8,872 13,466
Jul 1 - Sep 20 2012 8,872 13,466
Mountain Lodges Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$
Double Single SilverLeaf Upgrade GoldLeaf Upgrade
May 27 - Jun 21 2012 6,672 10,185 540 915
Jun 24 - Jun 28 2012 7,007 10,854
Jul 1 - Sep 20 2012 7,582 11,429
What makes booking a Fresh Tracks Canada trip different?
• Our obsessive attention to detail
• Our caring and creative people
• Our intimate knowledge of Canada
• Our unique, small group excursions
• The promise of seamless amazementt

Canadian vacation price notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available

Included on your Canadian vacation
• 9 nights of hotel accommodation
• 3 nights onboard Via Rail’s Canadian train, in a private cabin
• 2 spectacular days on the Rocky Mountaineer train, between Jasper and Vancouver
• Hop on / off tour in Toronto
• A full day of sightseeing in Niagara Falls, including a ride on the Maid of the Mist (note - maid of the mist starts running May 1st)
• Nature tour along Maligne Valley, and a cruise on stunning Maligne Lake (note - Maligne Lake cruise starts running early June)
• Small group sightseeing transfer along the Icefields Parkway, including a picnic lunch and a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
• Small group sightseeing transfer
between Lake Louise and Banff
• Small group sightseeing tour of Banff and it’s surroundings (3 hour)
• Banff Gondola Ride
• 12 delicious meals onboard the trains
• A personalized pick up from your arrival airport
• Train station transfers in Toronto, Jasper, Kamloops and Vancouver
• A personalized departure transfer, in time for your flight home
• Documentation package
• Friendly and dedicated Fresh Tracks Canada customer service

Note - guests on our Mountain Lodge program will have a slightly different itinerary. Please ask your Fresh Tracks Canada expert for details.

Not included on your Canadian vacation
• Meals, other than those mentioned
• Airfare (but don’t hesitate to ask for help)
• Gratuities for rail, hotel, tour & transfer staff
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (highly recommended)
• Canadian Sales Taxes

Need help making the most of your time?

Call one of our friendly local experts TOLL FREE now!

US & Canada 
1 877 913 5264		 United Kingdom
0800 917 5924		 Australia
1800 159 634		 Other Countries
1 604 737 8743		 Contact Us »