Canada Coast to Coast By Train 21 Days / 20 Nights
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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 - Across Canada train vacation begins – arrive Vancouver
One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver is surrounded by mountains and ocean. Depending on your time of arrival, you can relax and dine al fresco, take a trip out to Stanley Park, or try one of the many tours on foot or bicycle. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 - In Vancouver
Meet a guide at your hotel, for a morning of sightseeing that takes you beyond Vancouver’s tourist attractions. Feel the sand of English Bay beneath your toes, whilst admiring misty gulf islands and snow capped mountains in the distance. Take a stroll around the Sea Wall, or discover a secret garden in Chinatown. Then spend the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 3 - On the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Kamloops
A lonesome wail sounds from the Canadian Rockies railroad whistle, and the smell of your breakfast wafts from the galley, as the Rocky Mountaineer train leaves Vancouver on the first leg of its journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Over lunch you’ll climb the steep Fraser Canyon, past the thundering water of Hell’s Gate, and take a trip through the high desert of British Columbia’s interior. Relax, chat, read, or stretch your legs on an outdoor viewing platform.
In late afternoon, the train arrives in Kamloops where you observe the lifestyle of locals in a small Rockies town. Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 4 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Banff
The second day onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, anticipation builds over breakfast for your first sighting of the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way you’ll learn about the history of the Canadian Rockies, and the railroad, keep your eyes peeled for elk, bald eagles and bears.
Finally you enter the famous Spiral Tunnels - ascending slowly, round and round through the darkness, until, blinking, you emerge to find yourself high in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by mighty peaks topped with snow. Overnight in Banff.
Day 5 - The famous Canadian Rockies - Banff
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Canadian air! Today enjoy a change of pace on your Rockies train trip. Explore the sleepy mountain town of Banff on an intimate guided tour and drink in the views of the surrounding national parks from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
The lofty peak is reached by a gondola swinging beneath the cable far above the valley floor and surrounded by jagged Canadian Rockies peaks, with the Bow River glistening in the distance. Overnight in Banff.
Day 6 – Deeper into the Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise
Meander your way from Banff to Lake Louise this morning, with a guide and small group. Finally, you’ll see perhaps the most famous view of your entire Canadian Rockies train trip and in all of the Rockies - the turquoise water of Lake Louise, surrounded by glaciers tumbling down from the high peaks. This is a place to relax, stretch your legs on a stroll or a hike - or go for a paddle in a canoe. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day 7 - The Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise to Jasper
Today’s tour will travel through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a UNESCO world heritage site. Your chance for discovery is enhanced by your small group tour, led by an expert guide. Spectacular glaciers, cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes and alpine meadows dot the route as you stop to admire. Stop at the Columbia Icefield where you venture aboard the Ice Explorer onto the 6 kilometer long Athabasca Glacier. A picnic lunch is included. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 8 - Maligne Lake tour and cruise / Canadian Train Journey East – onboard the Canadian Train
This morning the natural beauty of the Rockies is right outside your window as you take a guided tour through one of the National Park’s most spectacular areas. Marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. Learn how Medicine Lake is “mysteriously” disappearing before boarding a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake, bound for serene Spirit Island.
This afternoon you are transferred to the train station where a cozy cabin with a large picture window and seats that become a comfortable nighttime bed awaits you on Via Rail’s - the Canadian train. Your across Canada train vacation continues as you leave the Rockies and slowly glide into the Canadian prairies.
Days 9 and 10 – Canadian Train Journey East – onboard the Canadian
The scenery changes once as you travel across the undulating plain of the Prairie Provinces. Settle into your seat and enjoy watching the sights from your window. The rich yellows and golds of the prairies are illuminated in the sunlight. In the distance you spot a lone red barn surrounded by a decrepit wooden fence which strikes you as uniquely beautiful. Who knew such flat land could be so stunning?
Day 11 - Arrive in Toronto and Witness the power of Niagara Falls
Upon arrival in Toronto this morning, head off with a guide to see one of the great natural wonders of the world - Niagara Falls. The Maid of the Mist takes you close enough to the falls to feel the spray on your face, the thundering sound gets louder and louder and you’re thankful for your poncho. Nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming Canadian town, and the perfect place to unwind on your vacation. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 12 - Toronto Sightseeing
Spend a day enjoying the quaint and colorful neighborhoods that Toronto is famous for. A hop on hop off tour ensures you won’t miss any of the main city attractions.You can also enjoy a cruise on Lake Ontario, for a unique perspective on the charming Toronto Islands. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 13 - A new Canadian Culture Awaits on your Across Canada Train Trip – Montreal
The Corridor train carries you into the next province of Canada – Quebec! Train travel is the most scenic route you can take in Canada. Enjoy the views along the shore of Lake Ontario, the open farmland of rural Quebec and the shore of the St. Lawrence River. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 14 - Old Montreal Walking Tour – a Piece of French Canadian Culture
Today you enjoy stretching your legs as you travel through the depths of Montreal’s history. Step back in time at the gorgeous Notre Dame Basilica, explore the old Bonsecours Market, and savor the anecdotes of your guide. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 15 – Montreal to Quebec City
Travel a short distance by train through Quebec’s picturesque countryside as your across Canada train vacation heads towards Quebec City. Upon meeting a driver at the train station, enjoy a city orientation to get your bearings. Step into Quebec City’s colorful history as you visit authentic Quebecois shops, and discover the pride that the residents feel for their city.
Day 16 - Another Spectacular train journey - the heart of Charlevoix
A luxury rail experience awaits today, as you board the Charlevoix touring train and wind your way along the coast of the St. Lawrence River. Mountains and forests are sprinkled with charming artisan villages, while the mighty St. Lawrence stretches into the horizon. Keep your eyes open for beluga whales, commonly spotted from shore. Spend a lovely few hours enjoying La Malbaie, before boarding the train for a return journey to Quebec City. An overnight option is available here also. Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 17 - VIA Rail’s Ocean Train - Overnight on train
Spend a full day discovering Quebec City’s French Canadian culture. Marvel at beautiful architecture, visit historic sites commemorating the battles between French and English, and enjoy a delightful rickshaw tour to explore the eateries of the old city. This evening you will be transferred to Charny where you will board VIA Rail’s Ocean train. Travel past rolling hills, and quaint coastal villages that appear from times long past as you make your across Atlantic Canada.
Day 18 – Arrive in Halifax
This morning, relax in the panoramic dome car and count the sails out on the water. Late this afternoon you will glide into Halifax and transfer to your hotel. Explore the welcoming Celtic atmosphere of the Canadian Maritimes’ largest city. Overnight in Halifax.
Days 19 and 20 - Explore Halifax and Nova Scotia
After a day to immerse yourself in the thriving culture of Halifax, you will enjoy a small group tour to explore the coastal gems of Nova Scotia. Depending on the day of the week, you will visit Peggy’s Cove, the small towns and vistas of the South Shore, or witness the reversing tides of the Bay of Fundy from Hall’s Harbor. Overnight in Halifax.
Day 21 - Across Canada Train Vacation Ends
Much too soon your across Canada train vacation comes to an end as you leave the fresh air and colorful sights of Canada behind.
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