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Grand Canadian Rail Adventure

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17 days From £6,095 per person
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Independent

Explore the breadth of scenic Canada on an immersive holiday by rail.

2024 Tour code: QCC24

About the tour

Lose yourself in the wilderness, get caught up in city culture and everything in between as you make your way through the scenic Canadian landscape by rail. From stylish Vancouver, travel on the famed Rocky Mountaineer to the majesty of Banff and Jasper National Parks, before beginning an unforgettable three-day journey on The Canadian to Toronto.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - London to Vancouver

Fly from London to Vancouver, transferring to your hotel and spending the rest of the day exploring this cultural hub.

Facing the sea on one side and fringed by snow-covered mountains on the other, Vancouver offers excellent museums, galleries and theatres, as well a hugely well-regarded restaurant scene offering cuisine from every corner of the globe.

To start, you could explore the cobbled streets, attractive architecture and independent boutiques in the historical Gastown District. Alternatively, take a walk in Stanley Park to discover the city's collection of intricately carved totem poles - a nod to the area's First Nations heritage.

Day 2 - Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops

Bidding farewell to coastal Vancouver, join the famed Rocky Mountaineer for a journey to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia, with all meals included while on board.

During your journey, watch the dramatic changes in scenery. Starting from the lush fields of the Fraser River valley, the train passes through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by mountain peaks, to the desert-like environment of British Columbia's interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River.

Alight at Kamloops, where you spend the night.

Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer to Banff

Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer and continue eastwards into the province of Alberta. Enjoy a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies.

Sights to spot en route include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon and the Spiral Tunnels. Your rail journey ends in the mountain resort town of Banff this evening, where you spend two nights.

Day 4 - Banff

Start your day with a sightseeing tour, with visits to Bow Falls, the glacial waters of Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner viewpoint and the dramatic rock formations of the Hoodoos. You also enjoy admission to the Banff Gondola, which takes you on a stunning journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

The rest of your day is free to explore further. You could spend some time exploring the town's many boutiques and cafės, or treat yourself to an afternoon relaxing in Banff's famous natural hot springs - one of the attractions that first started tourists to the area in the late nineteenth century.

Day 5 - Lake Louise

Today introduces you to the natural wonders of Lake Louise and Yoho National Park. Enjoy a walk along the dramatic Johnston Canyon, carved by thousands of years of erosion before visiting the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint. From here, you continue to Takakkaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Canada, and two of Canada's most beautiful lakes - Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake.

Your explorations end in Lake Louise in the afternoon, where you check into your hotel for the night before enjoying the rest of the day to explore at your own pace.

Day 6 - Jasper

Continue to discover Banff National Park and Jasper National Park as you make your way to the town of Jasper, travelling along the Icefields Parkway. On your way, you'll see Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield and the rushing Athabasca Falls before stopping at the stunning Athabasca Glacier.

Athabasca Glacier is almost four miles long and is the most visited glacier on the North American continent. An all-terrain Ice Explorer takes you to the middle of the glacier where you learn more about its fascinating geological features, before you arrive in the resort of Jasper for the night.

Day 7 – The Canadian

Transfer to Jasper's station where you board the iconic Canadian for an unforgettable three-night rail journey. Settle into your comfortable Sleeper Plus cabins for the trip, and enjoy all meals included on your journey towards Toronto.

Your journey starts by descending the Rocky Mountains, passing Edmonton and towards Winnipeg. Spend your day admiring the vast expanses of wilderness, keeping an eye out for a glimpse of Canada's well-loved wildlife. Moose, elk, wolves, bears and eagles can all be found here, with a good eye and a little luck.

Day 8 - The Canadian

Continue your epic journey onboard the Canadian today. As well as relaxing in your cabin and enjoying exceptional service and complementary three-course meals, the train provides plenty to occupy your time as you speed towards Toronto.

Onboard entertainment on The Canadian is available in the Skyline Car, which contains a library and a drinks lounge - sit back with a glass of something nice and enjoy the ride. Alternatively, you can relax in the comfortable armchairs of the Bullet Lounge and admire views over the landscape from specially designed panoramic windows.

Day 9 - The Canadian

Today is your final day onboard the Canadian - make the most of the opportunity to relax ahead of your arrival in Toronto the next day.

Spend some time in the panoramic car, watching foothills and mountains even out into blue skies and season-dependent, bright-yellow fields of canola - which then transforms into Ontario's craggy ravines, lush evergreen forests and crystal clear lakes.

Take your final meal onboard before retiring to the comfort of your cabin for the evening, or perhaps visit the Skyline Car for a late-evening drink before winding down for the night.

Day 10 - Toronto

Your rail adventure comes to an end today as you arrive in Toronto, a cosmopolitan melting pot that boasts a wealth of great museums and art galleries and excellent food options.

Toronto is a truly thriving city, so you won't be short of incredible things to see and do. After checking into your hotel for three nights, you have the rest of the day to explore. Admire the striking cityscapes, crowned by the instantly recognisable CN Tower, stroll down vibrant Yonge Street or explore the local bar and restaurant scene to see what takes your fancy.

Day 11 - Niagara Falls

Experience a real highlight of any 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 on Earth quite like it.

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.

*Imax Theatre or Journey Behind the Falls is substituted when The Hornblower is not operating

Day 12 - Toronto

You have a full day to explore Toronto. Use your included hop-on, hop-off bus pass and create your own itinerary for the day, complete with guided commentary on the history of the city.

Featured stops along the way include the instantly recognisable CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the city's beautiful harbourfront.

There's also plenty to choose from should you like to head out for dinner. You'll find a host of great Asian spots in the city's original Chinatown, whilst Greektown, Little India and Little Italy offer plenty of other options to be tempted by.

Day 13 – Montréal

Take the VIA Rail Corridor line to Montréal today, where you spend two nights. With its varied history and mixed influences from a number of different countries, Montreal boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a significant French influence that's still evident today.

With its many interesting museums and beautiful green spaces, the city is a favourite amongst visitors to Canada. If you feel like exploring after arrival, you could take a stroll around the city's unusual but stunning Botanical Garden, or visit the renowned Montréal Museum of Fine Arts.

Day 14 - Montréal

Enjoy a half-day guided city tour. Begin in Old Montréal, an area of immaculately restored buildings and pretty cobbled streets, brimming with charming eateries and some of the best examples of 18th-century architecture in North America. Continue to the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica, Olympic Park, Mount Royal and McGill University.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore further. You could find out more about life in Montréal past and present with a visit to the McCord Museum, or take in more of the city's green spaces with a walk in Mount Royal Park.

Day 15 - The Ocean to Halifax

Spend some final time sightseeing in Montréal, perhaps enjoying the city's renowned and stylish French dining scene, before transferring to the rail station.

Here, you join The Ocean for an overnight rail journey that takes you across the dramatic and enchanting coastline of Atlantic Canada towards Halifax. During your time onboard, soak up the scenery of beautiful Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, watching as the dense forests give way to sandy beaches and rugged shorelines.

Enjoy a meal in the dining car as the scenery slides by, before retiring to your comfortable cabin for the night.

Day 16 - Halifax

Arrive in Halifax and check into your hotel for the night. Once you've dropped your bags, you're free to explore this small but thriving coastal city for the rest of the day.

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 up museums, fresh seafood and craft beer options aplenty. Alternatively, a visit to Fairview Cemetery provides a moving insight into the city's connection to the ill-fated Titanic cruise liner, which famously sank in 1911.

Day 17 - Halifax to London

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

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Superior Accommodations

Hotels include Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Sawridge Hotel Jasper, Post Hotel, Rimrock Resort Banff, Delta Montreal, Hotel Le Germain, and The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus class in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounges and observation cars. Travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is in SilverLeaf service and includes travel in a single-level dome car featuring panoramic views and hot meal service at your seat.

Deluxe Accommodations

Hotels include Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Montreal, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Royal York, and Westin Nova Scotian. VIA Rail accommodations are in Sleeper Plus class in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounges and observation cars. Travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is in GoldLeaf service and includes travel in a bi-level dome car featuring panoramic views on the upper level and an elegant private dining room to take breakfast and lunch.

Prestige Accommodations

Hotels include Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Royal York, Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth and Westin Nova Scotian in upgraded room categories (where available). Each Prestige Sleep Cabin has a modular leather L-shaped couch by day and a Murphy bed for two by night facing the window with electric radiant heated cabin floors and walls that maintain a comfortable and constant temperature. Highlights of this Prestige Class include; a personalized dedicated service by the Prestige Concierge; a spacious cabin, large windows and a private washroom with shower; flat-screen TV with video selection; minibar stocked with a selection of beverages and more.

Please Note

Taxes are not included on rail portions and are subject to change. Prices for triples and children are available on request.

Please note all accommodation in Kamloops is of moderate standard.

3-night minimum stay in Montreal during the Gran Prix. Ask your rail specialist for details.

Cabins purchased on VIA rail for a single traveller are Cabins for 1. For upgrade options, ask your rail specialist for details.

This itinerary is also available from Halifax to Vancouver based on your travel preference.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Trains

The Canadian Train
The Ocean Train
The Rocky Mountaineer