Trans Canada by Rail

Tour Information

Explore cosmopolitan Toronto before boarding VIA Rail’s famous "Canadian" travelling west through the lake regions of Manitoba and the grain fields of Saskatchewan. Once in Alberta, you will embark on a tour of the Canadian Rockies, culminating in a visit to the Columbia Icefield. Your journey continues as you board the Rocky Mountaineer and enjoy daylight train travel through some of the most spectacular areas in Western Canada en route to Vancouver. Sightseeing tours of Toronto and Vancouver, as well as day trips to Niagara Falls and Victoria are sure to enhance your experience.

Day 1

Fly from Dublin - TORONTO
Arrive at Toronto’s International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick up your information kit at the front desk upon check-in.The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Canada’s commercial and cultural centre.
Standard Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Royal York

Day 2

TORONTO
Discover the many identities of this cosmopolitan city on a sightseeing tour of Toronto. Highlights include the provincial Parliament Buildings, City Hall, the financial district, Chinatown, residential areas, the waterfront and the CN tower.The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, shopping or simple relaxation.
Standard Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Royal York

Day 3

NIAGARA FALLS EXCURSION / VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
Enjoy a full-day excursion to niagara Falls the route travels through the lush fruit-growing district of the Niagara Peninsula to the spectacle of Niagara Falls. Board the Maid of the Mist for a spectacular boat trip to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls Ample time will be spent at the falls to give you every opportunity to take pictures and admire the thundering waters. Highlights include a lunch and a trip along the beautiful Niagara Parkway which winds its way along the Niagara Gorge. Pass through the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto transfer independently to Union station to board VIA Rail’s The Canadian en route to western canada onboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian. Lunch included.

Day 4-5

VIA RAIL / THE CANADIAN
Travelling north of the Great Lakes, view the rugged terrain of the canadian shield, some of North America’s oldest rock formations Rich in minerals and forests, the region is dotted with thousands of freshwater lakes. By early evening, the train crosses the border into the province of Manitoba and stops briefly in the capital, Winnipeg overnights on board VIA Rail’s The Canadian. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners included.

Day 6

VIA RAIL / THE CANADIAN TORONTO-JASPER
By early morning, you will have crossed the vast expanses of prairie flatland in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and will be approaching the imposing silhouette of the Rocky Mountains enjoy the spectacle of nature as the train enters Jasper National Park. Breakfast and lunch included.
Standard Hotel: Amethyst Lodge
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 7

JASPER
You have a full day to relax and tour Jasper and the surrounding area. Enjoy a ride on the Jasper tramway or visit Miette Hot springs.Take in the breathtaking panorama of Jasper National Park’s serene lakes and gentle meadows standing in stark contrast to its jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers.
Standard Hotel: Amethyst Lodge
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 8

JASPER TO LAKE LOUISE
Today will be an unforgettable journey as you depart Jasper on your transfer along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in all of Canada every turn unveils spectacular vistas of magnificent peaks, outstretched valleys, cascading waterfalls and mountain meadows alive with colour. At the columbia Icefield, ride in a Ice explorer to explore the Athabasca Glacier (ride included) continuing just beyond edge of the glacial shelf, you arrive at Lake Louise – a verdant shimmering lake reflecting the majesty of the Victoria Glacier.
Standard Hotel: Lake Louise Inn
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 9

LAKE LOUISE TO BANFF
Take some time in the morning to explore the village of Lake Louise - a picturesque gateway to the mountain areas of Banff national Park, its small train station made famous in the film Dr Zhivago. Today you will be transferred through the winding roads of Banff national Park to arrive at the Banff town site Wildlife meander through the green spaces creating truly unique photo opportunities. Boutiques, confectioners and eateries line the quaint boulevards, adding to the charm of this picturesque alpine town.
Standard Hotel: Rundlestone Lodge
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Day 10

BANFF NATIONAL PARK
This morning, discover the town of Banff and its natural surroundings on a comprehensive sightseeing tour. The tour will show you some of Banff National Park’s many highlights, including the Hoodoos, curiously shaped by centuries of erosion, surprise corner and tunnel Mountain Drive, overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Bow River Valley.The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Standard Hotel: Rundlestone Lodge
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Day 11

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER BANFF-KAMLOOPS
Today you board the Rocky Mountaineer heading west to the Pacific coast. This unique daylight service allows you to view some of the most spectacular sights in western Canada. The route departs the Rockies through Kicking Horse Pass, then climbs into the selkirk Mountains following Rogers Pass. By late afternoon, you are in the arid ranchland of interior British Columbia, where you disembark for the night. Breakfast and lunch included.
Standard Hotel: Thompson Hotel or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Thompson Hotel or similar

Day 12

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER KAMLOOPS-VANCOUVER
Today your spectacular daylight rail excursion to Vancouver continues. The journey leads through the "cowboy country" ranchland of the British Columbia interior and along the mighty Thompson and Fraser rivers. Rugged mountain peaks and rolling, wind-swept hills will define the horizon as you traverse the interior and approach the coastal Mountains surrounding Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, transfer independently to your hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.
Standard Hotel: Century Plaza Hotel
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Hotel

Day 13

VANCOUVER
Discover Vancouver on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour, taking in the sights of historic Gastown, English Bay, Granville Island, the colourful totem poles of scenic Stanley Park and much more.
Standard Hotel: Century Plaza Hotel
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Hotel

Day 14

VICTORIA EXCURSION
This full-day trip to Victoria begins with a cruise through the scenic Gulf Islands and includes a visit to the acclaimed Butchart Gardens. Afterwards continue to Victoria for a city sightseeing tour that encompasses Victoria’s stately homes and gardens as well as historic landmarks. You will see the University of Victoria and Beacon Hill Park and pass the Royal British columbia Museum, thunderbird Park, the Parliament Buildings and the exclusive homes of the Uplands and Oak Bay. You will return to Vancouver in the early evening.
Standard Hotel: Century Plaza Hotel
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Hotel

Day 15

END OF TOUR
Individual transfer to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight.

What's Included

• Transatlantic flights on scheduled airlines.
• Accommodation for 14 nights in hotels as described above or similar standard (including 3 nights on board The Canadian)
• 2-hr sightseeing tour of Toronto
• Full-day trip to Niagara Falls including lunch and Maid of the Mist* (mid-May to mid-october)
• Toronto to Jasper rail passage on VIA Rail’s The Canadian (section accommodation)
• Transfer from train station to Jasper hotel (for Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge only)
• Icefields Parkway to Banff sightseeing transfer, including Ice Explorer ride
• Transfer from Lake Louise to Banff
• 3-hr sightseeing tour of Banff
• Banff / Kamloops / Vancouver rail passage on the Rocky Mountaineer (RedLeaf service)
• Transfers to and from Kamloops train station
• Hop-on Hop-off trolley tour of Vancouver
• Full-day excursion to Victoria including Butchart Gardens visit
• Three (3) breakfasts (1 continental), three (3) lunches and two (2) dinners on board VIA Rail
• Two (2) breakfasts and two (2) lunches on board the Rocky Mountaineer
• Transfers to and from airport and / or train stations in Toronto, Jasper, Banff and Vancouver

Not Included

• Airport improvement fee
• National park entrance fees
• Meals, attractions unless otherwise stated