
Canadian Cross Country Journey
days
starting from US $4,580per person
Get this trip plan customized to cover everything you want to see.
Learn which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
Online booking sites prefer you do not bother them at all. Our approach is completely the opposite – instead we put visitors directly in touch with our Canadian travel Insiders because we believe the best vacations are personal.
Sample Itinerary
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.Day 1 – Your Canadian Vacation Begins in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Arrive in Canada's largest city, Toronto, and be whisked away to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on a transfer that takes you directly from the airport to your hotel for the evening. Surrounding you are rolling vineyards and blooming flowers, framing Lake Ontario. Eagerly check in to your appealing accommodations before heading out to explore the town. Take in the fun atmosphere as residents celebrate the beauty of the region.
Feature Dinner in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Take delight in cuisine inspired by locally sourced products from the fertile Niagara region. Sip and savor award winning wines expertly paired with your meal. Relax, as you start to make great memories from the very beginning of your holiday.
Overnight in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Day 2 – Niagara Falls Sightseeing or Niagara Wine Tasting
Today is yours to explore the Niagara region on your choice of tour.
Here are 2 options to choose from today:
• Option 1: Niagara Area Sightseeing Tour
With a small group, venture to picture perfect Niagara Falls. Visit all the highlights of the area – The Upper Rapids, Niagara Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and Table Rock. Also included is a thrilling ride into the mist of Niagara Falls on a boat tour.
Activity rating: Easy
• Option 2: Niagara Wine Tour
Travel the lush and scenic Niagara Peninsula on a wine tour. You will visit two renowned Niagara wineries for a tasting and enjoy lunch at a charming eatery on the Niagara Parkway.
Activity rating: Easy
Whether you decide to witness the splendor of the Niagara Gorge, or the rolling woodlands of wine country, you will end your day full of wonder and discovery.
Overnight in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Day 3 – Discover Toronto
Travel back to the ‘big city’ this morning and spend the afternoon exploring Toronto at your leisure. From a visit to the bustling St. Lawrence Market, to the many vibrant neighborhoods this city has offers, there is no shortage of things to see!
Feature Dinner in Toronto
We want to make sure you eat at the best spot in Toronto – and what better spot than the CN tower? Marvel at the spectacular views as you eat world class cuisine. Relax, because you’re traveling the Fresh Tracks Canada way – we have the inside scoop to ensure your vacation is off to a great start!
Overnight in Toronto.
Day 4 – Explore Toronto and Board VIA Rail’s Canadian Train Westbound
Your cross country train journey begins today as you board your train this morning. Climb aboard the famous “Canadian Train” where you prepare for your first overnight sleep in a cozy cabin with a large picture window and seats that become a comfortable nighttime bed.
Overnight on board the train in your private cabin.
Day 5 and 6 – Canadian Train Journey West – Onboard the Canadian Train
The scenery changes as you leave behind the beauty of northern Ontario and travel across the undulating plains 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 an old wooden fence which strikes you as uniquely beautiful.
Overnight on board the train in your private cabin.
Day 7 – Travel into the Stunning Canadian Rockies
Wake up this morning after a restful night sleep. Dine on the freshly prepared meals on board as you take in the views. The exhilaration of your Canada train trip continues when finally, you see the distinctive jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Keep an eye out for wildlife and watch for the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The train pulls through Jasper today before continuing onward for your across country journey.
Overnight on board the train in your private cabin.
Day 8 – Explore Vancouver
Today your train arrives into stunning Vancouver – you’ve made it to the west coast! Your friendly driver meets you at the train station to take you to your hotel.
Surrounded by mountains and ocean, a typical day in the city can include a sail on the harbour, a round of golf, a hike in the nearby North Shore Mountains or enjoying a bite to eat on the waterfront. Vancouver is popular for filming, has a thriving art, theatre, and food scene. With walkable neighbourhoods, drink and dine your way through the downtown area and enjoy what the beautiful city has to offer.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 9 – Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens
Travel to the charming city of Victoria today. Victoria is located on Vancouver Island and getting to this picturesque city involves a scenic cross-water journey.
Here are 2 options for travel between Vancouver and Victoria:
• Option 1: Whale Watching from Vancouver to Victoria
Spend the morning on an exhilarating boat journey from Vancouver to Victoria. Along the way your expert guides will seek out the majestic wildlife that calls these waters home throughout the year. Keep an eye out for the splash of a humpback whale tail or the distinctive fins of resident orcas. Your adventure brings you right from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria.
Activity rating: Easy
• Option 2: Vancouver to Victoria Cruise
Cruise between Vancouver and Victoria in style. Enjoy panoramic ocean views while sitting in comfort onboard. Your journey includes a light 3-course breakfast or lunch and personalized service. Your cruise brings you directly from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria.
Activity rating: Easy
After checking into your hotel, you will have the afternoon to explore Victoria on your own. Boasting mountain views from the downtown Inner Harbour, this compact, pedestrian-friendly city features eclectic shopping, superb cuisine and wonderful attractions such as The Royal BC Museum. Also included is admission to the breathtaking natural wonder of Butchart Gardens, featuring exotic floral displays from all over the world.
• Included: Butchart Gardens Admission
Spend the afternoon exploring world-renowned Butchart Gardens, a privately owned 55-acre display garden. Just a short 35-minute shuttle north of downtown Victoria, you will be transported to another world as you wander through rose gardens and lush west coast vegetation. Shuttle from downtown Victoria runs hourly and is included with your experience.
Activity rating: Easy
Overnight in Victoria.
Day 10 – Depart Victoria
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your Cross Canada train vacation comes to an end. A private driver will take you from your hotel to the airport in time for your flight.
Take the stress out of planning your trip to Canada with:
- Every detail and arrangement taken care of for a seamless trip.
- Suggestions to get the most out of Canada based on local insider knowledge.
- Your own personal contact in Canada you can call before or during your trip.
Accommodation Options
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodation options. Please call us for the full list or advice on how to customize your experience.
Fairmont Royal York
An example of our Deluxe accommodations
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 Empress Hotel
An example of our Deluxe accommodations
The world famous Fairmont Empress hotel is located in the middle of the inner harbour of downtown Victoria. Enjoy the famous high tea that takes place each day in the elegant wine room or front lounge, or relax in the library. Be sure to upgrade to a deluxe harbour view room for great harbour views!
Trip Start Dates
2019 – Toronto Start DatesSun, Thu
April 28
May 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
June 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
July 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
August 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
September 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
2019 – Victoria Start Dates
Sat, Wed
April 27
May 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
June 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
July 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31
August 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31
September 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
October 2, 5, 9, 12
Note: Some dates are already sold out for Prestige Class, speak to a Vacation Advisor for availability.
Trip Prices
Prices listed may vary by departure date, hotel class and degree of personalization. Please speak with one of our travel advisors to get a personalized quote.
Our Comfort Level vacations include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations. Combined with our unique sightseeing tours and personalized service, you’ll receive exceptional value, a step above what you might expect anywhere else.
Our Superior Level provides amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. Superior level hotels are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel. Unique tours and seamless transfers complete your itinerary.
On our Deluxe Level vacation, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget. Enjoy unique sightseeing experiences and the insider detail that only Fresh Tracks Canada can provide.
What you'll love about
this trip
Savor the stunning scenery and locally inspired cuisine aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian train
Visit the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Experience the exhilarating Niagara Falls and vibrant Toronto
Take in the beauty of Vancouver and its many unique neighborhoods
Enjoy the quaint city of Victoria and famous Butchart Gardens
Common Questions
This trip features a sleeper train journey, and you'll get a comfortable private cabin on the train for the duration of your train ride. The trains feature common lounge areas and dining cars where you can socialize with fellow travelers.
When not on the train, you'll be staying at various local three to five start hotels or lodges along your route, some of which are very iconic properties with great locations, views and history. All our accommodations are carefully selected by our Canadian Insiders. We'll make sure that wherever you stay, you get the best value and comfort based on the seasonal availability.
Typically we include and pre-book all your main trip components so you don't have to worry about your connections, places to stay, or activities on your trip. You'll receive a complete travel package with detailed documentation and our Canadian Insiders remain at your disposal before and during your trip to answer your questions.
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 request your free trip plan to 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.
Canada has a network of spectacular roadways, train routes, ferry crossings, and float planes. We can arrange for you to travel by car or to sit back and relax.
Because most Canadians typically do not use the train for commuting (as in the US or Europe), the two main rail providers here are driven by tourism. You'll experience the romance of true trans-continental rail travel, with a wide selection of services, accommodation types, and great food.
Featured train experiences:
- VIA Rail is Canada's national train provider, with routes running Coast to Coast and through remote parts of northern Canada. The type of train depends on your journey, and can vary from the classic trans-continental sleeper trains to daylight trains with overnight stops.
- Sleeper Trains feature a once in a lifetime adventure of sleeping on the train in comfortable cabins. You can relax in your private onboard accommodations, or enjoy local wines and chef-prepared meals in the dining car during this unforgettable trip.
That depends on the destination and type. As a rule, the main feeding and migration seasons are best for wildlife experiences. Tell us which animals interest you and we'll make your trip coincide with the best viewing season.
With the exception of our guided wildlife trips, our vacations are not typically 'escorted.' We combine the best of both worlds – the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities, plus the freedom of 'independent' travel. You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary. This allows us to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, and timeframe.
The temperature varies from mild to hot, depending on location. Northern Canada will range between 50°F to 64°F (10°C – 18°C) in summer. The interior of BC, prairies, Ontario and Quebec can reach temperatures around 95°F (35°C). Canada's west coast, mountain regions, and Maritimes enjoy milder summer temperatures. They range on average from 59°F to 77°F (15°C – 25°C).
All our trips can be customized to fit your schedule and budget. The price depends on travel season, train service, hotel level, and the sightseeing tours you choose. Request your free trip plan which will provide you with a detailed cost estimate.
Travel by train from the metropolis of Toronto to the serenity of the Canadian Rockies and through to Vancouver. To begin and end your journey, stay in the charming towns of Niagara-on-the-Lake in the east and Victoria in the west. This legendary journey aboard the Canadian Train fulfills your desire for the energy of city life and the serenity of nature. As you travel across the country, experience first-hand the diverse landscape of Canada.
Trip Outline
Arrive Toronto → 2 nights Niagara-on-the-Lake → 1 night Toronto → 4 nights VIA Rail → 1 night Vancouver → 1 night Victoria → Depart Victoria → * This trip is available in reverse
Fresh Tracks Canada Vs. Others
Fresh Tracks Canada | Local Travel Agency | Doing it Yourself | |
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Independent Travel
Flexibility and freedom of a personalized tour to suit your travel goals. |
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Better Rates and Availability
You'll get better rates and availability because of our relationships with our suppliers (hotels, tour operators, etc.). Even when popular locations are booking up fast. |
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Personalized itineraries
Have everything pre-arranged and booked around you. (Hotels, transportation, tours, free-time, etc.) |
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Insider Knowledge
Get suggestions based on your interests from over 20 years of local knowledge. Our Insiders live and travel Canada so you'll know when to come, where to stay, which transportation to take, and lots more… |
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Local Support
Someone in Canada you can call before and during your trip, seven days a week. |
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No-one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations. ![]() |
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Pre-packaged TripsOne-size-fits-all approach. |
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Group ToursCheapest type of travel with rigid itineraries and crowds. |
Limited Time Special Offers For This Trip
Get your FREE trip plan organized and arranged for you

- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
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