Canada By Rail

The distances in Canada are extraordinary. A tour including a rail journey is the most relaxing way to experience the stunning scenery that Canada has to offer. The picturesque landscapes, the exhilarating cities, the welcoming people, the rail tours into parts of the country inaccessible by any other means – Canada by rail is a truly memorable experience, a unique way to see the stunning mountain scenery this country has to offer.

We offer rail travel with VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer, both of which offer a variety of routes throughout Canada. No matter which one you pick you will be sure to be able to relax in the comfort of your own seat whilst taking in the vastness of the Canadian prairies, the sparkling lakes, the majestic Rocky Mountains or perhaps even some of Canada’s vibrant cities. Enjoy the food onboard food as you swap stories with your fellow travellers. Most rail tours operate in both directions and can be combined with a city break, fly drive, coach tour or even an Alaska Cruise.

Relax in the comfort of your own seat whilst taking in the vastness of the Canadian prairies, the sparkling lakes, the majestic Rocky Mountains or perhaps even some of Canada’s vibrant cities

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

One of the six iconic rail journeys in the world, a trip aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer is without a doubt an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Travel the across the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies during daylight on a full 2 or 3 day journey from Vancouver to Jasper, Lake Louise or Banff onboard the world famous Rocky Mountaineer train and experience unparalleled onboard service, panoramic views and open-air viewing platforms. You can expect glistening snow-capped peaks and glacier-fed lakes that reflect the sky above and their mountain surrounding; cascading waterfalls and soaring forests, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife – bears, moose and mountain sheep. Their routes take you to the heart of the Canadian wilderness, all with a drink in your hand. Allow the award winning chefs to wine and dine you with gourmet meals locally sourced. Rocky Mountaineer offer 3 key routes, all of which you can take in the opposite direction.

First Passage to the West

Retraces the steps of the 19th century explorers who first marvelled at this untamed wilderness and gives a living history lesson on the building of a nation. Board the train in Vancouver and get off in Lake Louise or Banff. Your two day journey includes a stop in Kamloops where you will overnight in a hotel. Highlights include Cisco Crossing, Black Canyon, Hoodoos, Craigellachie, Kinbasket Lake, Kicking Horse River, Spiral Tunnels and Castle Mountain.

Journey through the Clouds

This two day route takes you through some of the most untouched, most breathtaking natural beauty on the planet. Board the train in Vancouver bound for Jasper, your two day journey includes a stop in Kamloops where you will overnight in a hotel. Highlights include Fraser Valley, Coast and Cascade Mountains, Hell’s Gate, Fraser Canyon, Kamloops Lake, North Thompson River, Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, Yellowhead Pass and Jasper National Park.

Rainforest to Gold Rush

This three day route takes you from one extreme to the next, in the best way possible. From the world’s largest temperate rainforest to desert landscapes. From a vibrant city to a quaint mountain town. From tranquil ranchland to some of the most untamed wilderness anywhere on the planet. Start your journey from Vancouver with stops and overnights at hotels in Whistler and Quesnel. Highlights include Howe Sound, Porteau Cove, Green Lake, Anderson Lake, Seton Lake, Fraser Canyon, Mount Robson.

My Canada Trips Staff Pick

By Kelsey

Rocky Mountaineer

Throughout, the journey you get to relax and watch beautiful scenery and wildlife as you roll your way across the country. Goldleaf is definitely a must for your train journey. Whilst service was great throughout the train on both levels of service, going down to the dining area and feeling like you were in a restaurant, with the choice of food and extras make this a dream for those willing to spend a little more on food, drinks and comfort. During lunch we heard the exciting news that there was a black bear sitting on the tracks to the side of the train – the driver slowed down and we all got a chance to photograph the beautiful wild bear enjoying a snack.

Rocky Mountaineer - Service

Rocky Mountaineer offers two terrific services – SilverLeaf Service and GoldLeaf Service. Whichever level you choose you can expect to experience exceptional levels of service and pampering. The main differences between the levels are the coach you travel in, food and overnight hotels.

SilverLeaf Service Includes

- Custom-designed single-level glass-dome coach - Oversized dome windows - Delicious hot entrée options plated to your preference. Served seat side. - Reclining, comfortable pre-assigned seating - Attended by two hosts, plus one culinary team member - Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages Complimentary throughout journey - Gourmet Snacks Complimentary throughout journey - Outdoor viewing between coaches - Full storytelling by onboard hosts

GoldLeaf Service Includes

- Custom-designed bi-level dome lets you sit up top and dine below - Fully domed windows with panoramic views - Exclusive outdoor viewing platform - Pre-assigned seating in comfortable, reclining chairs - Gourmet a la carte meals served in private dining room - Complimentary gourmet snacks throughout the journey - Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary throughout the journey

VIA Rail

With a country as vast as Canada you need to be able to get around. VIA Rail provides comfortable rail travel to passengers across the nation.

Routes

Travel from Vancouver to Jasper or continue onto Toronto with the Canadian, crossing open prairies and the Rockies, taking four days to complete. A popular route is the mesmerising Skeena from Jasper to Prince Rupert on the Pacific Coast or join the “Le Massif de Charlevoix” and discover Baie-St-Paul and La Malbaie in Quebec. VIA Rail is the ideal way to travel between Eastern Cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec and even continue on the overnight train down to the capital of the Maritime Provinces, Halifax.

Service Levels

VIA Rail offer Economy and Business Class on short routes, Economy and Touring on the Skeena, Sleeper Plus and Prestige class on longer journeys. Economy Class includes spacious seats with snacks and drinks available for purchase. Business Class includes access to the business lounge, priority boarding, ergonomic seats and meal service with a glass of wine. Touring Class – exclusive on the Skeena route (between Jasper and Prince Rupert). Includes spacious recliner seats, meal service with glass of wine and tea/coffee. Sleeper Plus includes access to the business lounge, priority boarding, berth with washroom and shower room access, meal service, hot drinks and snacks, activities on board such as wine tasting, live music and more. Prestige – exclusively between Vancouver and Toronto. Includes access to business lounge, priority boarding, premium cabin with sofa during the day turned into a bed for night, private washroom with shower, personal concierge, meals and unlimited non alcoholic beverages.

Suggested Itineraries

The Maritimes, Quebec & Ontario

Experience the delights of Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario on this wonderful itinerary. The first part of the holiday is spent in Nova Scotia, with time in Halifax before picking up a car and driving the Cabot Trail, one of the most scenic drives in the world. We then travel onboard VIA Rail (Sleeper Plus & Business Class) stopping at Montreal and Ottawa before reaching Toronto, where you visit the magnificent Niagara Falls.

Day 1 Fly UK to Halifax, make your way to your hotel

Day 2 Peggy’s Cove Tour

Day 3 Traverse from Halifax to Baddeck, the start of the Cabot Trail

Day 4 Drive the famous Cabot Trail - Cape Breton Highlands National Park is known for its spectacular highlands and ocean scenery

Day 5 Travel south from Baddeck to Liscombe Mills

Day 6 Enjoy the activities on offer at Liscombe Mills

Day 7 Drive from Liscombe Mills to Halifax

Day 8 VIA Rail Sleeper Plus Service Halifax to Montreal

Day 9 Sightsee Montreal, be sure to take in the city views from Mont Royal

Day 10 Full day tour to Quebec and Montmorency Falls

Day 11 VIA Rail Business Class Service Montreal to Ottawa

Day 12 Discover Ottawa with your hop on hop off tour

Day 13 VIA Rail Business Class Service Ottawa to Toronto

Day 14 Embark on your full day Niagara Falls Day Tour inc. Niagara City Cruise, lunch at fallsview restaurant & wine tasting at Niagara-on-the-lake

Day 15 Explore Toronto’s sights & attractions – visit the distillery district, take a Harbour cruise, or even trip up the iconic CN Tower

Day 16 Fly Toronto to UK Day 1 Fly UK to Calgary, transfer to Banff

Day 2 Discover Banff and its Wildlife tour, remainder of afternoon at leisure

Day 3 Short transfer to Lake Louise, afternoon at leisure

Day 4 Scenic Icefields Parkway tour to Jasper

Day 5 Maligne Lake & Guided Walk tour, remainder of afternoon at leisure

Day 6 Rocky Mountaineer, Jasper to Kamloops

Day 7 Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops to Vancouver

Day 8 Vancouver Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Tour at your leisure

Day 9 Board your Alaska cruise

Day 10 Cruise Inside Passage

Day 11 Juneau

Day 12 Skagway

Day 13 Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier

Day 14 Ketchikan

Day 15 Cruise the Inside Passage

Day 16 Fly Vancouver to UK

Rockies & Alaska Experience

Explore the abundant nature, culture and tradition of British Columbia, relax to the railway rhythm of the award winning Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service, one of the most luxurious ways to see the majestic, snow–capped Rocky Mountains and the mighty waters of the Thompson & Fraser Rivers. Enjoy the vibrant charms of Vancouver and embark on an unforgettable Alaskan cruise (choose from Holland American Line or Celebrity), spotting orcas.