Across Canada by Train

Fly from London to Vancouver, checking into your hotel for the night on arrival. The rest of your day is free to explore this stylish and desirable city, set attractively between coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Included is admission to FlyOver Canada, a thrilling multi-sensory experience that uses the latest in flight ride technology to introduce you to the beauty of Canada's landscapes. Experiencing some of the country's most famous sights from the comfort of your seat is a fantastic introduction to your epic, coast to coast rail journey.

In the morning, you have a little more time to explore Vancouver. You could enjoy a walk in Stanley Park to discover the city's famous collection of First Nations totem poles, or explore the historic Gastown district.

In the afternoon, transfer to the rail station to board the iconic Canadian train, which will take you to Toronto on a wonderfully scenic four-night journey which showcases Canada's diverse landscapes at their finest. You'll be travelling in a comfortable Sleeper Plus cabin, with all meals included over the course of your journey.

Travel through the mountainous province of Alberta. Home of the Canadian Rockies, you're treated to some stunning landscapes on your journey. Take in their beauty from the train's panoramic viewing carriages whilst keeping your eyes peeled for eagles, moose, bears and other iconic North American wildlife.

Relax in the Skyline Car, where there's a library and lounge where drinks are served - the perfect accompaniment to the passing scenery. Enjoy freshly prepared meals in the dining car and perhaps take some time to meet some fellow travellers after dinner, before settling in for the evening.

As you continue to make your way east towards Toronto, today takes you through Saskatchewan and Manitoba, western provinces, commonly known as "The Prairies".

Enjoy the view as dramatic mountain slopes and then rolling foothills give way to clear blue skies and seemingly never ending grasslands. The views over the plains make an ideal opportunity for wildlife spotting from the comfort of your cabin.

Points of interest today include Watrous, famous for its mineral hot springs, and Manitoban capital Winnipeg, a small but exciting cultural hub that sits on the Assiniboine River.

Your journey takes you across the Canadian Shield, an exposed portion of the continental crust that covers most of North America.

Enjoy the rocky cliffs, outcrops and steep ravines the Shield creates as the train continues through the area, once famed for its mining and industry. The Park Car's observation deck and the Skyline Car's 360-degree viewing dome are perfect for taking in the scenery.

As you travel, keep an eye out for Longlac. Located at the northern tip of Long Lake, this small trading outpost played an important role as part of the historic canoe route for fur traders.

The Canadian arrives at Toronto's Union Station this afternoon. Once you've checked into your hotel for the next two nights, you have the rest of the day to explore.

You could visit the instantly recognisable CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Royal Ontario Museum or the city's beautiful harbourfront.

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, so there are plenty of dinner options to choose from. You'll find a host of great Asian spots in the city's Chinatown, whilst Greektown, Little India and Little Italy offer plenty of other options.

Experience a real highlight of your trip to Canada, with a visit to the breathtaking Niagara Falls. A group of three spectacular waterfalls on the border of the USA and Canada, there's no sight quite like anywhere.

The spot where the Niagara River cascades over a crest and plummets into the waters below has stoked awe and inspiration in thousands. See the falls from a unique perspective as you join The Hornblower for a scenic cruise to the base of the famous Horseshoe Falls, with an open-topped viewing deck for those who don't mind a refreshing mist.

You're free to explore Toronto this morning before catching your train to Montréal. After checking into your hotel, why not head out to explore the city's fascinating heritage and strong French ties?

Set on an island in the St Lawrence River, Montreal is one of Canada's most culturally rich cities. You could take a walk around 18-century Old Montréal or stroll in Mount Royal Park, from which the city derives its name.

Another option is the renowned Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, or the city's unusual but stunning Botanical Garden.

Enjoy more of Montréal as you set off on a morning sightseeing tour, discovering the highlights of the second largest French-speaking city in the world, including Old Montréal, the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica, Olympic Park and Mount Royal Park.

After some free time to explore in the afternoon, board your VIA Rail service to Quebec City, where you spend two nights. The city offers a pervasive European ambience, where a blend of relaxed café culture, sophisticated French cuisine, stunning architecture and hundreds of years of history come together to create a city quite like no other.

Get to know Quebec City with a morning sightseeing tour, which offers fascinating insights into the city's contrasting historic and modern sides. Your local guide takes you to the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale, and the Basilica, among other important landmarks.

With some free time this afternoon, you may wish to visit Parliament Hill to see the Louvre-inspired Parliament Building and Fontaine de Tourny, the dramatic waterfalls of Montmorency Falls Park, or Wendake, the capital of the Huron-Wendat First Nation.

Spend the day exploring Quebec City on your own, visiting the unique shops or sipping coffee and people-watching at one of the city's many European-esque sidewalk cafes. You may like to revisit some of the sights from yesterday's tour or discover somewhere new, like Île d'Orleans or the Beaupre Coast.

Tonight, you transfer to the rail station in Sainte-Foy for your overnight journey aboard The Ocean, bound for Halifax. Bid adieu to Quebec as the train leaves the St. Lawrence River behind and speeds toward the dramatic, beautiful coastline of the Maritime provinces.

Spend your morning on board The Ocean, perhaps visiting the Park Car to take in the coastal scenery from the train's 360-degree observation dome. After a brief stop in the outdoorsy city of Moncton, you continue towards Halifax.

Upon arrival in Halifax, drop your bags at your hotel for the next two nights, and head downtown. Founded in 1749, Halifax boasts the title of the first 'British' town in Canada, and is known for its enviable craft beer scene and thriving cultural sector. A stroll along the ever popular waterfront boardwalk offers museums, fresh seafood and craft beer options aplenty.

Discover the area's most coastal beauty and maritime history as you head out to explore Lunenburg and Mahone Bay.

Spend some time on Nova Scotia's South Shore, including the charming towns of Shad Bay and West Dover. The Lunenburg coastline is the setting for pirate and rum-running stories in the region's folklore and has a rich history of fishing and boat-building.

Your explorations continue with a drive to Mahone Bay, known for its churches along the shore. There is ample time to explore the area on your own before heading back to your hotel. The evening is free in Halifax.

*Lunenburg and Mahone Bay Tour operates on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The tour is available June 1 through October 15.

Your holiday comes to an end as you make your way to the airport for your flight to London Heathrow.