Holiday Overview
Experience the best of Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on this comprehensive rail tour of Canada.
Commencing in Halifax, catch the sleeper train to Montreal and continue the journey via the vibrant and exciting cities of Ottawa and Toronto. Fly to Calgary, the gateway to the majestic Rockies and visit the beautiful alpine towns of Banff and Jasper, before hopping back on board the VIA Rail service to cosmopolitan Vancouver.
Canada By Rail includes:
- International and domestic fflights
- 12 nights hotel accomodation
- 2 nights VIA Rail private cabin accommodation
- Excursions as detailed
Day 1 - Halifax
Arrive in Halifax, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure
Featured accommodation
The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
Enhance your experience
Lord Nelson Hotel
Cambridge Suites Halifax
Day 2 - Halifax to Montreal
On VIA Rail's Ocean Train you'll cross the Maritimes in one single day, on an epic journey through Moncton, Bathurst, Rivière-du-Loup and more. Boarding the train in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for an overnight journey in Sleeper Plus Class to Montreal, a cozy cabin for two will play as your room for the night and food and beverage service is included. As dusk is falling you will travel along the coast of Baie-des-Chaleurs, and as dawn breaks the following morning you'll find yourself in the Monteregian Hills. You will arrive to VIA Rail's Central Station in Montreal,
Unmissable Experiences
Via Rail Private Cabin
Day 3 - Montreal
Arrive in Montreal, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring or at leisure
Featured accommodation
Delta Montreal
Enhance your experience
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth
Day 4 - Montreal
Today take the included walking tour of Montreal, a great way to acquaint yourself with this fascinating city
Featured accommodation
Delta Montreal
Enhance your experience
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth
Unmissable Experiences
Montreal Experiences
Day 5 - Montreal to Ottawa
Travel by rail from Montreal to Canada's capital Ottawa, spend the rest of the day at leisure or activate your included hop on hop off bus pass to start exploring
Featured accommodation
Alt Hotel Ottawa
Enhance your experience
Lord Elgin Hotel
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Day 6 - Ottawa
Enjoy a day of sightseeing via your hop on hop off bus ticket
Featured accommodation
Alt Hotel Ottawa
Enhance your experience
Lord Elgin Hotel
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Unmissable Experiences
Ottawa Experiences
Day 7 - Ottawa to Toronto
Catch the VIA Rail service from Ottawa to Torono
Featured accommodation
Anndore Hotel
Enhance your experience
Fairmont Royal York
Day 8 - Toronto
Enjoy a day of leisure exploring Toronto at your own pace, Excursions are available to Niagara Falls, just ask your consultant for details
Featured accommodation
Anndore Hotel
Enhance your experience
Fairmont Royal York
Unmissable Experiences
Toronto Experiences
Day 9 - Toronto to Banff
Today catch a doestic flight from Toronto to Calgary, then transfer by express coach to Banff in the heart of the Rocky Mountains
Featured accommodation
Banff Ptarmigan Inn
Enhance your experience
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 10 - Banff to Jasper - Scenic Transfer
Today's tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. After a short break we continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield where we allow time to enjoy the "Ice Explorer Ride" and the Glacier Skywalk (included). From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River, which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.
Highlights: A hearty picnic lunch is included and will be enjoyed at a secluded location along the Icefields Parkway.
Ice Explorer Ride
Facing the Columbia Icefield Visitors Centre lies the Athabasca Glacier - a tongue of ice 6 kilometres long and one kilometre wide descending almost to road level. Take time for Brewster's Ice Age Adventure, a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Brewster Snocoach to the middle of the glacier, on a 5 kilometre round trip journey. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in safety and comfort. At the icefall below the glacier headwall, you will have the option of stepping out onto ice formed from snow falling as long as 400 years ago.
Glacier Sky Walk
Opened in May 2014, the area's newest attraction consists of a 500 metre interpretive boardwalk and a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley. Glacier Skywalk offers spectacular scenery and a rare view of nature. Anyone of any age and any activity level can immerse themselves in nature in a way that makes them feel truly overwhelmed by their surroundings and their unique vantage point!
Featured accommodation
Chateau Jasper
Enhance your experience
The Crimson Jasper
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 11 - Jasper
Today an introductory excursion in Jasper begins with a short tour of the town before heading across the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. A century after Mary Schaeffer's remarkable adventure, come discover the world-renowned Maligne Lake for yourself! A stop at Maligne Canyon offers staggering views of the river thundering through a series of magnificent waterfalls in a gorge 10,000 years in the making. Farther up the valley, stop to solve the mystery of "disappearing" Medicine Lake. Next we'll carry on to the pinnacle of our tour, breathtaking Maligne Lake! Enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake before heading back to Jasper.
Featured accommodation
Chateau Jasper
Enhance your experience
The Crimson Jasper
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Unmissable Experiences
Jasper Experiences
Day 12 - Jasper to Vancouver
Back on board VIA rail for a spectacular overnight journey through the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast and cosmopolitan Vancouver
Unmissable Experiences
Via Rail Private Cabin
Day 13 - Vancouver
Spend the day exploring Vancouver, this afternoon we have included a half day city tour to acquaint you with some of the best attractions that Vancouver has to offer.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
The Listel Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Day 14 - Vancouver
Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring Vancouver at your own pace.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
The Listel Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 15 - Vancouver to UK
Enjoy your last day in Vancouver, catching up on any shopping or sight seeing before catching your homeward flight.
Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
As you pass through the doors of The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax, leaving the European culture of nearby Argyle Street behind you, you’re greeted in the lobby with European allure, style and substance that is unprecedented in the heart of downtown. A sense of awe may quickly come over you as you take in the elegance and contemporary style that perfectly complements the notable design of the landmark Nova Centre.
Lord Nelson Hotel
Originally built in October 1928, the Lord Nelson Hotel is a legendary landmark in downtown Halifax located at the corner of Spring Garden Road and South Park Street across from the beautiful Public Gardens.
Cambridge Suites Halifax
This property is situated in the centre of downtown Halifax, within walking distance to top area attractions, and features first-class accommodations, complete with many exceptional amenities.
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal
Centrally located just a few minutes walk from Rue St Catherine, the main shopping and dining street in Montreal, this hotel has a restaurant and a large, airy cafe/bar, as well as an indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool and a gym. All the guest rooms are comfortable and very well-equipped.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Ottawa's Castle is ready to welcome you. Fairmont Château Laurier is located in the centre of Downtown Ottawa, and is minutes away from its biggest attractions including: The Parliament Buildings, Rideau Canal, Byward Market, National Gallery of Canada, Shaw Centre, and the National Arts Centre.
Anndore House
More than a building. The Anndore House is a whole new way to experience Toronto. It’s eating, sleeping, working and playing in a one of a kind destination with a distinctively creative soul.
Fairmont Royal York
A luxury Toronto hotel, located in the heart of the city, The Fairmont Royal York has everything you need for a memorable stay – opulent surroundings, a knowledgeable Concierge team, fine dining, state-of-the-art exercise facilities, plus so much more. Conveniently located steps away from the best nightlife, dining, shopping and other attractions and situated across from Union Station at 100 Front Street West within the financial and entertainment districts. The hotel is connected by the underground PATH Walkway to approximately 1,200 shops, services and attractions, including: Hockey Hall of Fame, Air Canada Centre, Eaton Centre, Union Station
Banff Ptarmigan Inn
The Banff Ptarmigan Inn is centrally located in Banff National Park just steps from Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and the Banff Upper Hot Springs. On your holiday you can enjoy the hotels mountain views, and numerous outdoor activities from hiking trails, canoe rides, and biking in the summer, skiing, skating, and snowshoeing in the winter. The facilities at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel are also nearby and guests can also explore the Banff area with complimentary bus passes, which are good for the entire stay.
The Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel in Alberta, Canada is one of the world's leading luxury hotels set in its own extensive grounds. This resort, built in 1888, is styled after a Scottish Baronial castle and is a National Historic Site. Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Springs hotel boasts stunning views, exceptional regional cuisine and impeccable service offering an unforgettable retreat.
Chateau Jasper
The Chateau Jasper is an exceptional hotel with an excellent variety of accommodations and facilities. Situated in Jasper, this eco-friendly hotel is close to Jasper Activity Centre, Jasper National Park, and Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives. Also nearby are Jasper Information Centre National Historic Site and Jasper Municipal Library. Athabasca Falls is 30 minutes' drive from the Chateau Jasper and the Miette Hot springs are 1 hour's drive away.
The Crimson Jasper
Just one block and an easy walk to the downtown shops and restaurants, the Crimson Jasper will offer a comfortable and relaxing vantage point to enjoy the splendor of Jasper.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Located on the shores of Beauvert Lake in the magnificent Canadian Rockies in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort invites you to experience the unique accommodations and Luxury Signature Cabins, sure to evoke memories of this Jasper Lodge that will last a lifetime.
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Few hotels can rival the elegance, European charm and hospitality of The Sutton Place Hotel. One of Vancouver’s most beautiful boutique hotels, situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The spectacular setting allows guests to experience exceptional service and all the needed amenities within the cosmopolitan ambience of the city set against a majestic backdrop of mountains and sea.
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver
The Fairmont Waterfront luxury hotel showcases the best of Vancouver. Conveniently located, the hotel connects by covered walkway to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place, and the Sky train. Situated on scenic Burrard Inlet, it has a central to sightseeing and shopping in Vancouver.
Image Gallery
VIA Rail JAsper
MAligne Lake
Toronto
Montreal
VIA Rail Rockies
Banff
Halifax
Jasper
Montreal
Vancouver
Vancouver
Ottawa
Icefields parkway
Halifax
Malignr Lake
Toronto
Stanley Park Vancouver
Ottawa
Glacier Skywalk
Montreal
Mount Robson
Alternative My Canada Trips Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2023, 2024 My Canada Trips holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 021 7732 and let one of our Canada Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Canada & Alaska Cruises
Rockies & Alaska Experience
- 15 Nights
- Banff
- Lake Louise
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Canada Rail Holidays
A Tale of 4 Cities
- 10 Nights
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Ottawa
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
Canada Rail Holidays
Canada's West & East Tour
- 12 Nights
- Banff
- Jasper
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Toronto
Canada Rail Holidays
Canada By Rail
- 14 Nights
- Halifax
- Montreal
- Ottawa
- Toronto
- Banff
- Jasper
- Vancouver
Alberta, BC & the Rockies
Trans Canada Rail Adventure
- 14 Nights
- Toronto
- Jasper
- Vancouver