Canada Coast to Coast

Your cross-country vacation begins today as you arrive on Canada's West Coast in the cultural city of Vancouver. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains, this city is a haven for outdoor lovers while also providing a dynamic cityscape filled with history. Make your way to your hotel for check-in, and then you are free to sightsee at leisure.

You might like to head to leafy Stanley Park, a natural haven in the city. Admire its ocean views while walking along the seawall, or seek out some of its most notable attractions, such as the First Nations Totem Poles. Vancouver also has a wonderful array of neighborhoods to explore, including historic Gastown and Chinatown, all of which are filled with fantastic restaurants, with culinary offerings ranging from seafood to global favorites. Overnight Vancouver.

With a route of incredible scenery ahead, make your way to Vancouver's railway station this morning to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Today's route takes you from coastal Vancouver to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia's interior.

You will see dramatic changes in scenery from the train's panoramic windows, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Enjoy breakfast and lunch in your SilverLeaf seat as route highlights, such as the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River unfold. Upgrades to GoldLeaf Service in bi-level train cars with a Dining Room on the lower level are available.

Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops, where you stay for the night. Head to your hotel to check in, and then you are free to find dinner locally. Overnight Kamloops.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Your journey continues this morning as you are transferred back to the station to travel east into the Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta on Rocky Mountaineer. Once again, you will see 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. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

As the train pulls into the resort town of Banff, make your way to the hotel for your first evening amidst the remarkable scenery of the Rockies. In addition to boasting incredible views, the town also has an array of shops and eateries for you to explore in your free time. Overnight Banff.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today, enjoy a grand introduction to the many attractions of Banff National Park on a sightseeing tour. Your excursion includes highlights like visits to Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. A light lunch is included as you explore, as is admission to the Banff Gondola. For departures after May 16, the tour also includes a cruise on Lake Minnewanka. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to continue your explorations of this mountain town. You could spend your time learning about Banff's history at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies or delve into the many offerings of this emerging culinary destination at one of the local restaurants. Alternatively, you could add an optional evening excursion to continue exploring Banff. Overnight Banff.

Optional Excursion

Evening Wildlife Safari - On departures after May 1, spend two hours searching for Banff National Park's most impressive inhabitants on an evening expedition. This tour ventures to some of the park's most prolific wildlife-spotting destinations, with animals seen on approximately 95% of tours. Admire the stunning scenery while looking for bears, elk, bighorn sheep and more while learning about the ecology of the Canadian Rockies.

• Lunch

Venturing deeper into Banff National Park today, you can discover some of the most picturesque sights in the Canadian Rockies. Set out surrounded by imposing mountain peaks, soaking up a timeless landscape filled with lakes, waterfalls and colorful valleys. Each season brings its own range of highlights; however, all departures feature the Spiral Tunnels. Other stops may include Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Takakkaw Falls, Johnston Canyon, Field Visitor Centre and the Natural Rock Bridge.

After crossing the Continental Divide and entering Yoho National Park, the route continues to Emerald Lake. Enjoy some time to admire its scenery and an included lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge before heading toward Banff National Park's iconic Lake Louise. Surrounded by views of the Victoria Glacier and encircled by dramatic peaks, this glacial lake is truly stunning.

With a free evening after checking into your hotel, you can soak up the serene atmosphere of this breathtaking resort town. Overnight Lake Louise.

• Lunch

Even more Rocky Mountain scenery is on display today as you depart Banff National Park for Jasper National Park, traveling along the famous Icefields Parkway and enjoying a sightseeing tour en route. As one of the world's most scenic byways, this roadway offers access to incredible sights in both parks. See some of the highlights, including Bow Lake and Athabasca Falls, and enjoy a stop at the Columbia Icefield with lunch at the Icefields Discovery Centre.

The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here, ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features and enjoy a chance to look out over the Sunwapta Valley from the Glacier Skywalk.

The drive concludes in Jasper late this evening, at which time you can check into your hotel for the night and enjoy a calm evening in this resort town. Overnight Jasper.

• Lunch

There is time to explore Jasper at leisure this morning before transferring independently to the train station for one of the world's most epic train journeys. The peaceful mountain town of Jasper fades into the backdrop as you depart for Toronto, the economic center of Canada, on VIA Rail's Canadian.

Stepping aboard the Canadian later today, settle into your Sleeper Plus Berth*, with couch-style seating by day and curtained upper and lower beds by night, for a three-night ride across Canada's interior. As the train follows the Athabasca River, it winds down the Rocky Mountains into the foothills. Enjoy views of glaciers, plunging canyons, soaring mountains and endless pine forests before crossing further into Alberta, where the scenery changes and remote settlements and serene lakes dot the landscape. The train passes through Edmonton this evening, and you can relax with all of the your meals and non-alcoholic drinks included in the Dining Car as a Sleeper Plus traveler. Overnight train.

*Please note: Upgrades to Sleeper Plus Cabins or Prestige Cabins are available. Speak with a Rail Specialist for details.

• Dinner

Waking up on the Canadian, you are welcomed to Saskatchewan's vast prairies, which you can view while enjoying breakfast. The seemingly endless grasslands of the Great Plains stretch as far as the eye can see, with boundless farming communities passing by the train.

Saskatchewan is the ideal place to sit back and watch the world go by, and the glass-roofed Skyline Car is the best place to do this. You also have access to the Park Car during specified hours. As the day unfolds, the Canadian travels through the southern plains, home to deer, eagles and, in select areas, pronghorn, moose and bison. Lunch and dinner are also served on board.

Later, the train crosses into Manitoba, a province with more than 100,000 lakes stretching up to Hudson Bay's shores. Its capital is Winnipeg, which is considered the geographical center of Canada. The Canadian passes through late tonight before continuing east. Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your vistas change once again today, as the train crosses the rocky ground of northwestern Ontario, a landscape pocked with lakes and thick forests of ancient trees. While Ontario might be the most populous of Canada's provinces, the remote areas you travel through today are raw Canadian wilderness, with moose, lynx and black bears prowling its dense woodlands.

Enjoy breakfast in the Dining Car, and then you can relax with ever-changing views. After lunch on board, the Canadian changes direction, continuing its journey in a southeasterly direction toward the Great Lakes. Spend some time admiring the constantly changing scenery from your seat or venture to the Skyline Car to witness the changes from its domed-glass windows. As dinner is served this evening, the Canadian continues its epic journey toward its destination. Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your final morning on the Canadian begins with breakfast as the train travels south toward Toronto. The views change from the mountains and prairies of the past few days to more familiar suburban scenes as you make your way around Lake Simcoe into the Greater Toronto area.

Brunch is served before arriving mid-afternoon at Toronto's Union Station, Canada's largest train station. After disembarking, transfer independently to your centrally located hotel, and then the day is yours to explore this exciting city however you please.

Stop by the iconic markets, such as St. Lawrence Market for a famous peameal bacon sandwich, or Kensington Market for its street food, vibrant murals and shop fronts. Other local favorites include Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Toronto. You might also like to stroll along the waterfront to admire the city's skyline before exploring Toronto's incredible restaurants, which represent flavors from around the globe. Overnight Toronto.

• Breakfast, Brunch

One of the great natural wonders of the world awaits you today as you venture to Niagara Falls on a full-day motorcoach tour. Travel along the Niagara Parkway, winding along the Niagara Gorge through the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Don an included rain slicker and enjoy an exciting boat ride to Horseshoe Falls aboard the famous Hornblower*.

The excursion continues as you enjoy lunch with a view of the majestic Niagara Falls at a local restaurant. Then, journey along the scenic Niagara Parkway, with stops at the Floral Clock, the Botanical Gardens, Queenston Heights and the Niagara Gorge, as well as free time in the historic, quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

You return to Toronto early this evening with free time to unwind. Overnight Toronto.

*Please note: During the winter months, the Niagara Falls excursion includes the Journey Behind the Falls experience in place of the Hornblower cruise.

• Lunch

The day is yours to experience the cosmopolitan city of Toronto at your own pace. Make use of your included Hop-on/Hop-off pass, and let the friendly and knowledgeable guides educate you on the facts and history of Toronto as they take you through the city. Featured stops include the CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto's Harbourfront, amongst other sites, and you are free to "hop off" at any that pique your interest.

Alternatively, you could set out on foot, walking between the endless museums and galleries throughout the city, or use one of the regularly scheduled ferries to cruise to the Toronto Islands, a series of 15 islands connected by footpaths and bridges, allowing you to explore easily. Alternative tours are also available to help you uncover the city (additional charges may apply). Overnight Toronto.

Alternative Excursions

Downtown Bicycle Tour - Uncover Toronto from a unique vantage point as you tour Downtown by bike. Setting out with a guide, pedal through the city at a leisurely pace, getting an up-close look at attractions, neighborhoods and viewpoints. As you explore over 3 1/2 hours, enjoy highlights such as the CN Tower, Sugar Beach, Chinatown and the Harbourfront, and many lesser-known gems.

Private Toronto Sightseeing Tour - A half-day tour exploring the essence of Canada's largest city, this private tour is your chance to explore Toronto your way. A driver guide picks you up from your hotel and takes you to some of the most notable locations throughout the city, telling stories and revealing Canada's rich history as you sightsee. Routes may vary based on your preferences.

With a leisurely start in Toronto, you might like to grab a bagel or a beaver tail - a fried dough treat with delicious toppings - and stroll through one of the parks. You could also spend some time seeking out Toronto's abundant street art, including Graffiti Alley, which is one of the most famous collections.

Later in the morning, make your own way to Toronto's railway station to board VIA Rail's Corridor Service to Montreal. Known as Canada's cultural capital, Montreal is a melting pot representing more than 120 communities worldwide. As the train arrives, transfer to your hotel independently, and then you have the rest of the evening to begin exploring. With so many global influences, the city has an excellent selection of restaurants that you can discover for dinner tonight. Overnight Montreal.

Get to know the city of Montreal today with a half-day sightseeing coach tour. Your fully narrated journey takes you through Old Montreal and to more than 200 city highlights, including the Notre-Dame Basilica, Olympic Park and the McGill University campus. Before the tour concludes, the coach stops at an observation point at Mont Royal, which provides an incredible view of the city. If you prefer to get to know Montreal another way, you could switch to an alternative tour (additional charges may apply).

However you choose to experience Montreal, the remainder of the day and evening is yours to dine locally or relax at the hotel. Overnight Montreal.

Alternative Excursions

Montreal Hop-on/Hop-off Tour - A fully narrated way to see Montreal, a Hop-on/Hop-off Tour not only showcases the city's top attractions and best locations, but it also offers the opportunity to "hop off" at any site that piques your interest. Enjoy stops in the Latin Quarter, Old Montreal, the Old Port and Mont Royal, as well as at famous museums. Staying on the bus for the entire route offers approximately two hours of sightseeing.

Private Sightseeing Tour - After being picked up at your hotel by a private driver, uncover Montreal's most impressive sites at a pace that best suits you. Marvel at the remarkable architecture and hear stories that bring the local legends and centuries of history to life. While discovering tourist hotspots and hidden gems throughout the city, you enjoy a look that larger-scale tours cannot provide.

With a free day in Montreal, you could revisit your favorite stops from yesterday's sightseeing tour for a better look. The Notre-Dame Basilica, for example, is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture, with colorful arched ceilings, a stunning altar and an intricate pulpit.

Today is also a chance to stroll through the Jean-Talon Market. This is Montreal's oldest market, open for nearly 100 years, and has stalls upon stalls of local produce and delicacies. There is no better place to try the flavors of French Canada.

Later in the day, make your own way to Montreal's train station for another memorable overnight train journey, this time aboard VIA Rail's Ocean. Traveling more than 835 miles from Montreal to Halifax in Canada's Maritime region, this train crosses the final stretch of Canada to complete your coast-to-coast journey. Settle into your Sleeper Plus Cabin and then watch the city's lights fade into the backdrop as you enjoy dinner in the Dining Car. Overnight train.

• Dinner

During the night, the VIA Rail Ocean train made its way along the widening mouth of the St. Lawrence River before crossing into New Brunswick near Chaleur Bay. Reaching the Canadian Maritimes in time for breakfast on board, the scenery changes once again. Windswept shores and shaded coves speckle the coast as the Ocean heads east. Inland, the train pushes through spruce forests, crossing the Miramichi River toward Moncton.

Lunch is served as the train winds closer to your eighth and final Canadian province, Nova Scotia. The terminus of your epic trans-Canadian adventure is Halifax on the Atlantic Coast. A cultural center of the Maritimes, Halifax retains many historic seafaring traditions.

Arriving in the early evening, transfer to your hotel independently to check in, and then you are free to venture out for dinner. Argyle Street in the heart of Downtown Halifax has an array of options to choose from. You may also opt for a meal by the water along the boardwalk. Enjoy the fresh Nova Scotian seafood and the evening at leisure. Overnight Halifax.

• Breakfast, Lunch

A vast land of awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse cities, Canada has many sides, which you have explored over the last two and a half weeks. Covering thousands of miles, you have traveled from Vancouver's unique neighborhoods to the soaring peaks of the Rockies and then into some of Canada's most popular cities and the charming Maritime provinces. Each day has been a showcase of Canadian culture and a memorable chance to explore.

Today, your journey comes to an end as you check out of your Halifax hotel. You can begin your travels home at leisure; however, if you wish to extend your time on Canada's East Coast, speak with a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights in Halifax.