RM_FPW_Train_7_NH_2016

Across Canada by Train

4.9
16 reviews

Length

13 days / 12 nights

Time on train

5 days / 3 nights

Train type

Where it goes

When to go

May – September

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

  • Decide your desired budget
  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
Start Planning

Take the train across Canada

Fill your desire for the energy of big cities and the calmness of nature. As you journey by train across the country, you‘ll see how diverse Canada‘s landscape is.

Route map of Across Canada by Train trip from Vancouver to Toronto
Highlights of your trip

Rail journeys on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer

Spend five days in the Canadian Rockies

Choice of activities catered to your interests

Unique Fresh Tracks experiences

Stay at the Chateau Lake Louise

See glaciers, emerald lakes, forests and wildlife

Top experiences and features

Man and woman enjoy a cup of coffee in VIA sleeper car

Enjoy your Sleeper train experience

Settle into the rhythm of VIA Rail's Canadian Train for 3 nights.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation
Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
Meals whilst onboard the train
Choice of unique guided activities
Train station transfers
Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Our vacations are not typically ‘escorted.’ You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of ‘independent’ travel.

This allows you, with the help of our Canadian Insiders, to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, timeframe and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.

Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do.

If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.

Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Vacation Advisors who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.

All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need

Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.

All of our overnight train journeys feature a private cabin on board the train. In addition, you'll typically enjoy the train's viewing areas, common lounges, and dining cars where you can socialize with fellow travelers.

Rocky Mountaineer operates daylight touring trains, which travel along three of the most spectacular routes in Western Canada. You’ll enjoy onboard commentary, award winning service, and incredible food.

This trip includes two different train experiences.

Between Toronto and Jasper, you will travel in Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail's Canadian train. Sleeper Plus includes a private cabin with comfortable daytime seating. At night, this seating converts into retractable beds. In addition to your private cabin, you enjoy meals in the dining car and access to the train's viewing cars.

Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight sightseeing train that runs between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. You will sleep in a hotel overnight, then re-board the train the next day. Gourmet meals are served onboard. You can choose between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service. SilverLeaf includes an assigned seat in a single-level dome car, while GoldLeaf includes an assigned seat in the upper level of a bi-level dome car. GoldLeaf has a dining area on the lower level and an exclusive outdoor viewing area.

For more information on the differences between these trains and service levels, please reach out to our local travel experts.

This trip can be customized to your interests and needs. For days in Toronto, Jasper, and Banff, we provide three tour options for you to choose from. For example, you could pick a Niagara Falls day tour in Toronto, a Cowboy Cookout lunch and wagon ride in Banff, and a Maligne Lake tour and cruise in Jasper.

Many of our activity options are suitable for seniors. For more details, please see the full trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors.

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.
Indicates featured inclusions
Arrive In Toronto
Day 01

Arrive In Toronto

Welcome to Toronto! The sights and sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you as you arrive in the heart of downtown.

  • Private Transfer from Toronto Airport
  • Dinner at the CN Tower
Explore Toronto
Day 02

Explore Toronto

Spend a day enjoying the quaint and colorful neighborhoods of Toronto or visit Niagara Falls.   

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Niagara Falls Day Tour

    On this full-day small-group tour, get up close to Niagara Falls on a Hornblower boat ride and explore the quaint town of Niagara-On-The-Lake.

  • Toronto Small Group Sightseeing Tour

    Experience Toronto from its many vantage points on this small-group sightseeing tour. See the city's scenic waterfront, the CN Tower, Queen’s Park and more.

  • Downtown Toronto Foodie Tour
VIA Rail - Depart Toronto
Day 03

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

Board The Canadian train in Toronto and begin your transcontinental journey west. Travel north into Ontario's picturesque lake country.     

VIA Rail - Ontario
Day 04

VIA Rail - Ontario

Head west through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and into the province of Manitoba.

  • The Canadian Train - Onboard Service

    Watch the changing scenery from the train's viewing cars and enjoy hot meals in the dining car. Ask your Vacation Advisor about the differences between Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class.

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies
Day 05

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Alberta.     

VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper
Day 06

VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper

See the magnificent Rocky Mountains early this morning as you arrive in Jasper. 

  • Jasper Orientation Tour and Transfer

    As you step off the train, a friendly local guide meets you at the station. Enjoy an introductory tour of Jasper's highlights before arriving at your hotel.

  • Suggested Evening Add-Ons: Wildlife Tour, Skytram Ride, or Hiking Culinary Tour
Explore Jasper National Park
Day 07

Explore Jasper National Park

Jasper’s wide-open valleys are enticing to a variety of wildlife and are incredibly breathtaking. Spend the day exploring Jasper National Park on your style of tour.   

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Jasper Motorcycle Sidecar Tour

    Admire the stunning alpine landscape on a guided Harley Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour. Explore Maligne Canyon, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, or Mount Edith Cavell. 

  • Maligne Lake Tour with Cruise

    Watch for wildlife on this mini-bus tour to Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake, then cruise to picturesque Spirit Island. 

  • Privately Guided Nature Walk

    Join one of Jasper's most knowledgeable guides for a private nature walk. Discover wildlife, wildflowers and magnificent views.

Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise
Day 08

Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise

Travel along the spine of the Rockies, on one of the most beautiful roads in the world — the Icefields Parkway — to picture-perfect Lake Louise.   

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • Icefields Parkway Tour to Lake Louise

    Travel along the Icefields Parkway on this full-day tour. Walk on the Athabasca Glacier, stop for lunch, and step bravely onto the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

  • Six Glaciers Helicopter and Icefields Tour

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, train-service level and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
Comfort Level
Hotel Accommodation
VIA Rail Service
Rocky Mountaineer Service
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View full itinerary

Like this trip? Get more details with a sample itinerary:

  • Day-tour options and descriptions;
  • Departure dates;
  • Suggestions for personalizing your trip.
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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
Elk and Avenue Hotel in Banff in the summer with mountains behind

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Example of a Comfort hotel in Banff

Conveniently located in downtown Banff, the Elk and Avenue Hotel combines Banff’s alpine history with a sleek modern design. After a day of exploring, unwind in the hotel’s jacuzzi or dry sauna, then enjoy fresh Canadian cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Add private experiences

Add private experiences

Get away from the crowds on a private guided alpine hike or a private heli-tour — just two of the many activities that can be personalized as private guided experiences. Upgrade one experience or your entire trip, including private transfers and tours. Discover some of the top trips for private adventures.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 16 reviews

Rocky Mountaineer portion was the best part of our trip

Rocky Mountaineer portion was the best part of our trip. We loved the food, scenery, and the story telling by staff and fellow travelers.

Donald and Jenny review of their [object Object] trip

Donald and Jenny

PA, USA

Insider Tips

For me, the cross-Canada trips are the perfect blend of diversion and relaxation. My favorite stretch is the descent from the Rockies' alpine forests into the panoramic vistas of the prairies.

Greg A

Greg

Canadian Insider

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