East Meets West Train Explorer
10 days / 9 nights
Trip Overview
Traveling across Canada is a dream, and what better way to do it than with the style and comfort of train travel?Combine a cross country overnight journey with the luxury of Rocky Mountaineer’s daylight sightseeing train and you will be surrounded by spectacular scenery for the entire duration of your vacation!
The East Meets West Rail Adventure gives you a thorough introduction to Canada in just over a week.
Map
1 night Toronto
3 nights Via Rail
1 night Jasper
2 night Banff
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
Depart Vancouver
Trip Images
Spend your first night in metropolitan Toronto
Roll across the wide open Prairies
Finally, enter the Canadian Rockies onboard the Canadian pacific railway
Spend two nights in Banff, Alberta
End your Canada rail journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
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 Adventure Begins – Arrive TorontoThe 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 this fresh Canadian city.
Day 2 - Toronto Tour / Via Rail’s The Canadian – Toronto to Jasper
Before heading off to the Rockies on tonight’s train, you have the day to enjoy a Toronto Hop-on-Hop-off city tour. Highlights include 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!
After your tour, you’re on your way to the great Canadian Rockies! The overnight train across Canada 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 3 & 4 - Canadian Rail Journey to the West – Onboard the Canadian Train
The scenery changes once again as you travel across the undulating plain of the Canadian prairie provinces. Settle into your seat and enjoy watching the sights from your window. This is the second and third day and night of your across Canada rail journey.
Day 5 - Enter Canada’s Rocky Mountains – Arrive in JasperStep off the Canadian train and take a deep breath – 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 6 - Icefields Parkway Tour - Jasper to BanffTravel the Icefields Parkway with a small group and guide, through the natural splendour of Jasper and Banff National Parks. Glistening glaciers, cascading waterfalls, emerald lakes, pristine rivers and alpine meadows dot this awe-inspiring mountain wilderness. The breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks and endless mountain ridges occasionally opens up to afford a spectacular view of deep valleys stretching to a distant horizon. The tour stops at the Columbia Icefield where you will venture onto the massive Athabasca Glacier in a specially designed Ice Explorer. Other brief sightseeing stops include an opportunity to photograph the turquoise waters of picturesque Lake Louise are made throughout the tour. A picnic lunch and an Ice Explorer ride are included.
Day 7 - Banff Tour
Take a guided tour with a handful of fellow visitors, through the towering mountains of Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay while learning about natural attractions such as the the fascinating wind-shaped hoodoos. Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive delivers a breathtaking view of the valley without comparison. Finally, 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. Spend as much time as you like, before returning to your hotel.
Day 8 - Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops
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 9 - Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train Vancouver Arrival
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal Canadian 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 10 - With Fond Memories Made – Depart Today you leave the fresh 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?
Call a friendly local expert TOLL FREE today!
| US & Canada 1 877 913 5264 |
United Kingdom 0800 917 5924 |
Australia 1800 159 634 |
Other Countries 1 604 737 8743 |
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Accommodation Styles
Sheraton Wall Centre
Deluxe
A visually-stunning hotel located in the heart of downtown. Enjoy great views through the floor to ceiling windows. Thoughtful extras include luxury bath amenities, and refreshment centers in every room.
Rimrock Resort
Comfort
The Rimrock Resort is one of Fresh Tracks favourite hotels! The hotel is built into the side of a mountain, when you enter the main lobby, you are actually on the 7th floor, and the views from the pamorama of windows over the Bow Valley are simply stunning. The hotel has an upscale yet understated feel, and the service is impeccable.
Sawridge Inn
Deluxe
Just a 10-minute walk to Jasper's downtown core, this superior hotel offers award-winning dining, and features an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi tub and outdoor hot tubs.
Westin Harbour Castle Toronto
Comfort Level Hotel
The Westin Harbour rises above scenic Lake Ontario, and is conveniently located near major attractions, including the Air Canada Centre, CN Tower, and Theatre district. Once inside, you will marvel at the spacious marble lobby, with floor to ceiling windows, and indulge in the utmost comfort.
Options & Upgrades
Canadian train vacation customization and upgrade ideasHere 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
• Add one of our spectacular Ontario and Quebec train tours to this trip
• Extend your stay in the Canadian Rockies to explore the nature trails with a naturalist guide, enjoy a gentle guided canoe paddle, indulge in afternoon tea at one of the Fairmont resorts, add a thrilling helicopter ride, or simply enjoy some quiet time to relax (many more options are available to suit your interests).
• 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.
• Combine this trip with one of our other spectacular packages
Dates & Prices
Trip Start Dates - 2012Westbound starting in TorontoMay 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
June 6, 13, 20, 27
July 4, 11, 18,
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
September 5, 12
Note - Please inquire for Eastbound departures (may require an extra night in the Rockies)
| Comfort Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | |||
| Double | Single | SilverLeaf Upgrade | GoldLeaf Upgrade | |
| May 2 - May 23 2012 | 4,061 | 5,170 | 540 | 915 |
| May 30 - Jun 27 2012 | 4,459 | 5,742 | ||
| Jul 4 - Sep 12 2012 | 5,093 | 6,402 | ||
| Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | |||
| Double | Single | SilverLeaf Upgrade | GoldLeaf Upgrade | |
| May 2 - May 23 2012 | 4,793 | 6,621 | 540 | 915 | -->
| May 30 - Jun 20 2012 | 5,178 | 7,136 | ||
| Jun 27 - Sep 12 2012 | 5,890 | 7,948 | ||
| Deluxe Plus Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| May 2 - May 23 2012 | 6,751 | 9,427 |
| May 30 - Jun 20 2012 | 7,354 | 10,390 |
| Jun 27 - Sep 12 2012 | 8,033 | 11,139 |
• Our obsessive attention to detail
• Our caring and creative people
• Our intimate knowledge of Canada
• Our unique, small group excursions
• The promise of seamless amazement
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
• 6 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 Banff and Vancouver
• Hop on / off tour in Toronto
• Small group sightseeing transfer along the Icefields Parkway, including a picnic lunch and a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
• 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
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 » |