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Trans Canada by Rail

Duration
15 Days
Prices From:
US$ 5,427

FIRST CLASS | RAIL TOUR: A journey across Canada is the dream of many. On this trip you experience two famous train services: Via Rail’s iconic ‘The Canadian’ all the way to Jasper followed by the fabulous Rocky Mountaineer through the Rockies to Vancouver. Before, in between, and after you can delight in a full day Niagara Falls experience, visits to the mountain magic of Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff, and the riveting sight of the Pacific Coast which you can enjoy over three days in lovely Vancouver


Travel Canada for 15-days from Toronto to Vancouver; explore eclectic cuisine and night life in Canada’s biggest and most diverse city, drink in dramatic mountain ranges and aquiline waters from your train cabin and roam the totem poles at dusk on this post-card perfect adventure into the Rockies and beyond.

“Does everybody dress better here?” you may ask yourself as you walk the streets of downtown Toronto, or T-dot as it is affectionately called. Was that Drake in a Ferrari? Maybe. Interesting people from every corner of the world reside here and the cuisine, the music, the architecture and the arts reflect this beautiful diversity. With one of the World’s Greatest Natural Wonders not far off, spend a day in Niagara Falls where the mist gently bathes your cheeks off Horseshoe Falls. Ride a jetboat on the Niagara River, walk along Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake where the Battle of 1812 was fought and see what Sir. Winston Churchill meant when he said the Niagara River Parkway was the “prettiest Sunday drive in the world.” All aboard VIA Rail’s great western baby, The Canadian, as it rocks you to sleep, first class, while the Canadian wilderness envelops you with unforgettable forests, lakes, prairies and ultimately the giant Rocky Mountains flickering past your window. Jasper, a UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, fulfills all your ideas of what Canadian wilderness really is; the power of the Rockies, the majesty of the lakes, hot springs below snowy peaks, it’s all you’ve dreamed and more.

Along the Icefields Parkway, cascading waterfalls, cozy valleys and mountain meadows bursting with colour lead you along the edge of the mighty Athabasca Glacier to the unrelenting blues of Lake Louise at the base of the Victoria Glacier.
In Alberta’s Banff National Park mighty glaciers shifting is the result of the spectacular turquoise blue or green colour of the lakes. Sauntering by the chic alpine boutiques and grabbing a local brew at Park Distillery after a day in nature is so.... Canadian, eh?
Board the Rocky Mountaineer heading west to the Pacific Coast past the Rockies through Kicking Horse Pass and into the soul-rendering Selkirk Mountains and the drama of Rogers Pass. Let the hospitality of ranch land interior British Columbia in Kamloops fill up your belly as the clear air will fill up your lungs.

The train is an ideal way to see the curving, rushing Thompson and Fraser rivers, the craggy mountain peaks of the Coastal Mountains hugging the chill city of Vancouver where ending your day slurping back plump BC oysters at Rodney’s Oyster House will result in bonding with the laid-back locals.
Hop-on and hop-off on a tour of historic Gastown, English Bay, Granville Island and the majestic totem poles of Stanley Park and get familiar with this gentle Canadian gem.

Venture out to Victoria Island where you cruise through the Gulf Islands and pause to photograph the greenery at Butchart Gardens. Tour Victoria’s stately homes and green spaces, the ornate University of Victoria, picnic at Beacon Hill Park, ponder Native history at the Royal British Columbia Museum and admire the First Nation totem poles of Thunderbird Park before returning to Vancouver for a dockside seafood platter along the waterfront where you toast your adventure.

At Goway we are experts at designing personalized itineraries to suit your special interests, tastes and budget. Let us arrange your ultimate travel experience today.
Duration
15 Days
Prices From:
US$ 5,427

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Toronto

Arrive at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel. The front desk of your hotel is holding all the information needed for your trip. Depending on your time of arrival, you can explore one of the city’s many unique neighbourhoods such as the Entertainment District, Kensington Market or even Toronto Island. Alternatively, you might simply wish to do some shopping at the Eaton Centre, sample Toronto’s outstanding culinary scene or vibrant nightlife.

Overnight Toronto

 

Duration2 nights
Day 2

Niagara Falls Excursion

Enjoy a full-day sightseeing excursion to Niagara Falls. The route takes you through the lush fruit growing district and wine region of the Niagara Peninsula. Marvel at the spectacle of the famous Niagara Falls. For a close-up experience of the power of the falls step aboard the Niagara City Cruises by Hornblower Voyage. This fantastic boat trip will take you right up to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. Once disembarking there is ample time at the Fall’s to take pictures and admire the thundering waters or stroll into town. Lunch is included before continuing with 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 for the evening.

Overnight in Toronto

 

Day 3

Toronto/Via Rail/The Canadian

Make your own way to Union station to board VIA Rail's ‘The Canadian’ enroute to western Canada. (Lunch and dinner included).

Overnight on-board VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’

 

Meal Plan Lunch and Dinner
Duration3 nights
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 its capital, Winnipeg. (Breakfasts, lunch, and dinner included).

Overnights on board VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6

Via Rail / The Canadian / Jasper

By early morning, you have crossed the vast expanses of prairie flatland in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and the train approaches the imposing silhouette of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the spectacle of nature as the train enters Jasper National Park.

Overnight in Jasper

Duration2 nights
Day 7

Jasper

You have a full day to relax and tour Jasper and the surrounding area. Suggested sightseeing options include 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.

Overnight in Jasper

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 an Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier (ride included). Continuing just beyond the edge of the glacial shelf, you arrive at Lake Louise – a verdant shimmering lake reflecting the majesty of the Victoria Glacier.

Overnight in Lake Louise

Duration1 night
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. As you travel by coach through the winding roads of Banff National Park you soon arrive at the world-renowned resort town of Banff. Be prepared to see Wildlife meander through the green spaces creating truly unique photo opportunities. Boutiques, confectioners, and eateries line the quaint boulevards with the odd elk walking down main street adding to the charm of the fabulous alpine setting.

Overnight in Banff

Duration2 nights
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.

Overnight in Banff

Day 11

Rocky Mountaineer: Banff to 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 traverses 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).

Overnight in Kamloops

Meal Plan Breakfast and Lunch
Duration1 night
Day 12

Rocky Mountaineer: Kamloops to 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 cross the interior and approach the Coastal Mountains surrounding Vancouver.  (Breakfast and lunch included).

Overnight in Vancouver

Meal Plan Breakfast and Lunch
Duration3 nights
Day 13

Vancouver

Discover Vancouver on a hop-on hop-off tour (included in your tour package), taking in the sights of historic Gastown, English Bay, Granville Island, the colourful totem poles of scenic Stanley Park and much more.

Overnight in Vancouver

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.

Overnight in Vancouver

Day 15

Vancouver

Make your way to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight unless you plan to extend your stay.

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

2023:

May: 1, 8, 15, 22
June: 26
July: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Aug: 7, 14, 21, 28
Sep: 4, 11, 18

 

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation for 14 nights (including 3 nights on board The Canadian)
  • Full day trip to Niagara Falls including lunch and Niagara City Cruises by Hornblower Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour* (mid-May to mid-October) Substituted by “Journey behind the Falls” in off season
  • Toronto to Jasper rail passage on VIA Rail’s The Canadian (section accommodation)
  • Transfer from train station to Jasper hotel
  • Full day sightseeing transfer along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise (Ice Explorer ride included)
  • Scheduled transfer from Lake Louise to Banff
  • 3-hour sightseeing tour of Banff
  • Transfer from Banff hotel to train station (provided by Rocky Mountaineer)
  • Banff / Kamloops / Vancouver rail passage on the Rocky Mountaineer (SilverLeaf service)
  • Transfers to and from Kamloops train station
  • Transfer from Vancouver train station to hotel (provided by Rocky Mountaineer)
  • Hop-on Hop-off trolley tour of Vancouver
  • Full day excursion to Victoria including Butchart Gardens visit
  • Two (2) breakfasts, three (3) lunches and three (3) dinners on board VIA Rail
  • Two (2) breakfasts and two (2) lunches on board the Rocky Mountaineer
  • Travel & Information kit
  • Provincial Taxes and Federal GST and/or HST


PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Transfers to and from airport and / or train stations in Toronto
  • Transfer from Vancouver hotel to airport
  • Airport improvement fee
  • National Park entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Entrances fees to sites not explicitly listed as included
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees if applicable


TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.


8 May 2023
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