Explore Canada by Train

Sample Itinerary of Explore Canada by Train

Days 1-4

Fly from London to Toronto and transfer to the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. Discover the many highlights of this cosmopolitan city on a sightseeing tour, which will take you up the provincial Parliament Buildings, City Hall, Chinatown, the waterfront and the CN Tower.

Enjoy a full day excursion to Niagara Falls. The route travels through the lush fruit-growing district of the Niagara Peninsular. Board the Maid of the Mist for a spectacular boat trip to the foot of the Horseshow Falls. Pass through the historic community of Niagara On the Lake before returning to Toronto for the evening.

Days 4-7

Transfer to Union Station to board 'The Canadian' to Western Canada. The railway travels north from Toronto through the picturesque Muskoka resort region and past Sudbury, the nickel capital of the world.

Travelling north of the Great Lakes, view the Canadian Shield, some of North America's oldest rock formations. This region is dotted with numerous fresh water lakes. By early evening the train crosses the border into the province of Manitoba and stops in Winniped. Overnight on 'The Canadian'.

Days 7-9

By early morning the train will have crossed the expanses of prairie flatland in Saskatchewan and Alberta and will be approaching the Rocky Mountains. The views are spectacular as the train enters Jasper National Park. Transfer to the Whistlers Inn in Jasper for a 2 night stay.

Tour Jasper and the surrounding areas. We recommend you explore the depths of the Maligne Canyon, and optional tours including a ride on the Jasper Tramway or a visit to the Miette Hot Springs. Flowing from the mountain at 54 degrees Celsius, the water is cooled to a comfortable 40 degrees as it enters the pools.

Days 9-11

Take a road trip through the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in Canada. There are many photo opportunities with magnificent peaks, outstretched valleys, cascading waterfalls and mountain meadows. Ride the Ice Explorer to explore the Athabasca Glacier. Stay at the Banff Aspen Lodge for 2 nights.

We recommend you take the opportunity to discover Grizzly Bears while in Banff. Take part in a 10 hour excursion to observe the orphaned grizzly bear 'Boo' as he plays in his natural bear habitat. Your tour will also stop at Lake Louise, Takakkaw Falls and Kicking Horse Canyon. Enjoy lunch on top of the Purcell Mountains.

Days 11-12

Board the Rocky Mountaineer Train heading west to the Pacific coast. This unique daylight service allows you to view some fantastic sights such as the Rockies, Kicking Horse Pass, and then into the Selkirk Mountains. By late afternoon you will reach the ranch land of British Columbia where you will stay at the Executive Inn for 1 night.

Days 12-15

Today the rail journey continues to Vancouver. The journey leads through the 'cowboy country' ranch land of the British Columbia and along the Thompson and Fraser rivers. Rugged mountain peaks define the horizon as you approach the Coastal Mountains and Vancouver. Stay at the Fairmont Hotel for a 3 nights half board.

While in Vancouver, discover the city on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour taking in the sights of Gastown, English Bay, Granville Island and the colourful totem poles of Stanley Park. Have an exhilarating Chilliwack River Rafting experience, fed by the melting snow of Mount Baker. Lunch is included on this 5hr excursion.

You will also enjoy a full day trip to Victoria begins with a cruise through the scenic Gulf Islands and includes a visit to the acclaimed Butchart Gardens. You will see the University of Victoria, Beacon Hill Park and pass the Royal British Columbia Museum, Parliament buildings and the exclusive homes of the Uplands and Oak Bay.

Day 15

Check out of the hotel and transfer to Vancouver Airport for your flight back to London.

All our holidays are tailor-made and can be adapted by changing hotels durations and destinations to suit the individuals tastes and requirements – please do get in touch so we can start planning.