Epic Canadian Rail Journey

Day 1 –  Home to VIA Rail’s The Canadian 

Depart Vancouver Island by ferry this morning. Once on the mainland a short drive brings us to Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station where we depart on our eastbound voyage this afternoon. Enjoy your dinner in the dining car as the train begins its journey along the Fraser River and into the canyon. Later this evening tuck yourself into your private sleeper class accommodations. 

Today’s dinner is included

Day 2 – VIA Rail’s The Canadian 

By first light the train will be travelling along the Thompson River. A lovely hot breakfast will be served in the dining car as we begin to enter the stunning Rockies. Pass Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson before crossing the continental divide and entering Alberta. The train will stop briefly in Jasper National Park, the perfect setting to stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh mountain air. After pulling out of Jasper Station, lunch is served in the dining car as the train continues along the Athabasca Valley through Jasper Park. Soon the scenery begins to change as mountains give way to foothills and the Prairies. As the sun begins to set, we approach Edmonton.

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included 

Day 3 –  VIA Rail’s The Canadian to Winnipeg 

Wake this morning to a drastically different landscape as we cross the vast and open Prairies. As the day progresses watch the swaying wheat fields and big skies of Saskatchewan. After dinner the train arrives in Winnipeg, a fascinating city which is home to over 50 ethnic communities and our home for the next three nights. A very short walk brings us from the station to our conveniently located historic hotel, The Fort Garry. 

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Day 4 – Winnipeg 

Today we are joined by a local guide for a fascinating city tour which includes the Legislative Building, St. Boniface Cathedral, Assiniboine Park, The Forks and much more. The remainder of the day is free to explore further.

Today’s breakfast is included

Day 5 –Winnipeg 

This morning visit The Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The education and inspiration provided by this visit is truly a unique experience. Later we travel to Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site where you are transported back to the 1850s. At this location Métis boats arrived with furs from across the continent. Walk amongst Canada’s oldest collection of stone fur trade era buildings to experience the life of the trappers and traders of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 6  – Winnipeg to VIA Rail’s The Canadian 

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure before venturing out of the city this afternoon. In the town of Steinbach enjoy lunch before learning about a unique culture during a visit to the Mennonite Heritage Village. Later we return to Winnipeg for a tour of the Royal Canadian Mint. This evening we enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant before reboarding the Canadian to continue our journey east. 

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included 

Day 7 –  VIA Rail’s The Canadian  

Enjoy a relaxing full day aboard the train as you watch the ever-changing landscapes roll by. Our journey today crosses into Northern Ontario, a land of immense forests, many lakes and very remote communities. From the cozy comfort of the train view the rugged and wild Canadian Shield. 

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included 

Day 8 – VIA Rail’s The Canadian to Toronto 

As breakfast is served the train continues its journey across Ontario. After lunch we begin to enter the urban sprawl of the country’s largest metropolis. The Canadian’s journey ends as we arrive at Union Station in the heart of downtown Toronto this afternoon. Upon arrival a coach will be waiting to transfer us to our downtown hotel.

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included

Day 9 –Toronto 

This morning begins with a guided tour of the city including such sites as the City Hall, Roger’s Centre, the harbourfront area, Queen’s Park, Bay Street, Chinatown and trendy Yorkville. Later, ascend to the top of the CN Tower and marvel at the impressive view across the city and Lake Ontario. Take time this afternoon to explore the city on your own before joining your group for dinner this evening.

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included

Day 10 – Niagara Falls 

Leaving Toronto behind we follow the shoreline of Lake Ontario towards Niagara Falls. Soon we find ourselves in the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Here, take a little time to explore the charming streets, boutiques and cafes before we continue our travels down the Niagara Parkway. View the ridge at Queenston and Brock’s monument before arriving at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. After taking in the sites from the top we descend into the canyon for a short cruise into the mist aboard one of the Niagara River’s famous tour boats. Later this afternoon we return to Toronto.

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 11 –  Toronto to Montreal 

This morning we transfer back to Union Station and board one of VIA’s corridor trains that will whisk us from Toronto to downtown Montreal in the luxury of business class. Lunch is served on the train as it skirts the shores of Lake Ontario and later the St. Lawrence River. Upon arrival in Montreal we take an elevator ride from the train station directly into the lobby of our hotel, the famed Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. 

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Day 12 –  Montreal 

This morning we set out on a locally guided tour of Montreal. Learn a little of the city’s history and character as the tour progresses through the Vieux Port area, McGill University, Mount Royal and many of the city’s fascinating neighbourhoods. The rest of the day is free for further exploration in Montreal.

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 13 – Montreal to VIA Rail’s The Ocean 

After a relaxing morning we travel to Montreal’s most historic neighbourhood—the Vieux Port. Visit the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal before diving deeper into the local history during a visit to the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology and History. Later, take a little time for yourself to stroll the narrow cobblestone streets, browse the many shops or try out some of the local restaurants, cafes and pubs of Old Montreal. This evening we begin the final leg of our rail journey as we board VIA Rail’s The Ocean train destined for Halifax. Dinner service will commence in the dining car shortly after departure. As the sun begins to set the eastbound train crosses the fertile farmlands of the St. Lawrence River.

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included

Day 14 –  VIA Rail’s The Ocean to Halifax 

This morning awake to find yourself in New Brunswick. The first views of the Atlantic Ocean become visible during breakfast as the train skirts the shoreline of the beautiful Bay of Chaleur. As the morning progresses our journey takes us through colourful Acadian towns and the city of Moncton. This afternoon the journey continues as the train crosses into Nova Scotia passing the Bay of Fundy briefly before following a more inland route through a mix of forest and farmland before arriving in the provincial capital, and the final stop of our journey, Halifax. Another conveniently located hotel allows us to walk directly out of the station into the lobby of the Westin Nova Scotian on the beautiful Halifax Waterfront. 

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included

Day 15 –  Halifax 

This morning embark on a locally guided city tour. Learn about the Nova Scotia capital’s 250 plus years of history through tragedy and prosperity. After stops at the Public Gardens and Citadel Hill your tour concludes on the Halifax waterfront. Later this afternoon depart for a drive out to the rugged Atlantic Coast to visit the stunning Peggy’s Cove, with its iconic lighthouse, and said to be the most photographed in the world. Tonight gather with your new friends and Tour Director to celebrate the conclusion of your Epic Canadian Journey with a delicious Nova Scotia inspired farewell dinner.

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 16  – Halifax to Home  

Bid farewell to Nova Scotia this morning as we transfer to Halifax Airport for our return flight to British Columbia. Upon arrival a transfer will be available to take you back home. Arrive home late this afternoon with countless new memories and stories from this once in a lifetime Epic Canadian Journey. 

Today’s breakfast is included