Canadian Trails Train Trip Across Canada | Vancouver to Toronto

The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. We also offer tailored private excursions, allowing you to personalize the itinerary to match your custom preferences.

Day 1 Vancouver to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer All aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser River Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes to historic Kamloops. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 2 Kamloops to Banff | Rocky Mountaineer Back on-board the Rocky Mountaineer following the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline. Pass Craigellachie, where the ‘last spike’ was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Enter Rogers Pass, with its tunnels, snow-sheds and glistening Glaciers. The Kicking Horse river leads you to Kicking Horse Pass, the Spiral Tunnels and over the Continental Divide to Banff, and Banff National Park. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 3 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola Discover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff National Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum exertion. Option 2. Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Join this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note. Option 3. Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Avoid the crowds with this full-day adventure in the Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, featuring picturesque waterfalls and Canadian Rockies views. Start with a relaxing stroll in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon, marveling at turquoise glacial waters and striking canyon walls. Enjoy Emerald Lake's neon blue waters, where optional canoe rentals, hiking trails, and lakeside picnics are available. The day concludes with a visit to Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, accessible through backroads offering mountain vistas and wildlife sightings. Option 4. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion Talk with one of our local Canada specialists to tailor your day in Banff to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including guided hikes, evening wildlife e-bike tours, river explorer canoe tours, a foodie tour at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, or upgrade to a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.

Day 4 Banff to Lake Louise Transfer | Coach Today offers the flexibility to spend more time in either Banff or Lake Louise. You have the choice of a mid or late-afternoon 45-minute scheduled transfer (included), or a private transfer. Both options allow you to customize your time between these two stunning destinations. At Lake Louise, you can enjoy activities like canoeing on the lake, hiking to the Glacier Teahouse, or savoring afternoon tea at the renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 5 Lake Louise to Jasper Tour | Glacier Adventure, Skywalk & picnic lunch Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included today)

Day 6 Jasper to Toronto | VIA Rail Spend the day relaxing in the mountain town of Jasper. This afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for the famous train journey across the prairies to Toronto. Your rail journey unfolds as you travel beside the scenic Yellowhead Highway, traversing Alberta's diverse landscapes from the rugged beauty of the Rockies to the rolling hills and farmlands of the province's heartland.

Entering Alberta's vast prairies, the scenery shifts dramatically. Expansive fields stretch to the horizon, forming a patchwork quilt of golden wheat, green barley, and bright yellow canola. The sky seems endless, a vast expanse of blue often punctuated by fluffy white clouds. Small, charming farmhouses and red barns dot the landscape, adding a touch of rural charm. (dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 7 On-board VIA Rail As the train heads east, the scenery undergoes a dramatic transformation, revealing the diverse landscapes that Canada is famed for. A significant segment of todays journey meanders through the Canadian Shield, one of Earth's largest geological continental shields. This area is distinguished by its rugged terrain, interspersed with numerous lakes and dense forests, offering a visual feast that is particularly delightful for nature enthusiasts. Along the route, passengers are treated to stunning views of various large lakes, including sections of the Great Lakes. Observing these immense water bodies from the cozy confines of the train offers a sense of serenity and wonder. Additionally, this journey provides ample opportunities for wildlife sightings. Travelers should be on the lookout for native Canadian fauna such as deer, moose, and a variety of bird species, particularly in more secluded areas. Overnight onboard the train. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 8 On-board VIA Rail As the train heads east, the scenery undergoes a dramatic transformation, revealing the diverse landscapes that Canada is famed for. A significant segment of todays journey meanders through the Canadian Shield, one of Earth's largest geological continental shields. This area is distinguished by its rugged terrain, interspersed with numerous lakes and dense forests, offering a visual feast that is particularly delightful for nature enthusiasts. Along the route, passengers are treated to stunning views of various large lakes, including sections of the Great Lakes. Observing these immense water bodies from the cozy confines of the train offers a sense of serenity and wonder. Additionally, this journey provides ample opportunities for wildlife sightings. Travelers should be on the lookout for native Canadian fauna such as deer, moose, and a variety of bird species, particularly in more secluded areas. Overnight onboard the train. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 9 Arrive Toronto | VIA Rail Your final day aboard VIA Rail takes you through Sudbury, a city celebrated for its mining heritage and unique geological features, you'll witness a stunning transformation in the landscape. The train's route takes you from rugged, rocky terrains to the lush greenery of Ontario's heartland. A significant highlight is the breathtaking view of the Great Lakes. These vast water bodies unfurl alongside the train, revealing their immense scale and tranquil shorelines.

Each season adds its distinct charm to the journey. In autumn, the route is adorned with a vibrant tapestry of fall colors, while winter cloaks the landscapes in a serene, snowy blanket. Approaching Toronto, the CN Tower-dominated skyline transitions from serene countryside to the vibrant bustle of Union Station by mid-afternoon. (continental breakfast & brunch included today onboard VIA Rail)