16 Day Trans Canada Train Tour with VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer

from Halifax to Vancouver with Montreal, Toronto, Jasper, Lake Louise & Banff

You’ll start at the Atlantic Ocean and end at the Pacific Ocean. Over 16 days, you’ll see the full breadth of our great country. From the rugged East Coast to lake country, to Canada’s Prairies, to remote glaciers atop mountains, to lush West Coast rainforests, you’ll see Canada in a way that few people ever have. The highlights of this trip are nine days of life-changing train travel and four nights total in the Rocky Mountain towns of Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff. Over the course of this trip, you will travel through eight provinces, and places you would never dream existed: this is our Canadian Trip of a Lifetime.

Travel Dates in 2024 & 2025

2024 Start Dates - Westbound

April 25
May 2, 23
June 6, 20, 27
July 11, 18, 25
August SOLD OUT
September SOLD OUT

Starting on Thursdays

2025 Start Dates - Westbound

April 3, 10, 17, 24
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
June 5, 12, 19, 26
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
August 7, 14, 21, 28
September 4, 11, 18, 25
October TBA

Starting on Thursdays

Travel Summary

  • Day 1: Halifax Arrival - overnight in Halifax
  • Day 2: Free morning in Halifax. Board “The Ocean” train - overnight aboard the train
  • Day 3: "The Ocean" Train to Montreal - arrival in Montreal - overnight in Montreal
  • Day 4: Montreal Hop on, Hop off tour - overnight in Montreal
  • Day 5: VIA Rail Business Class from Montreal to Toronto. CN Tower Admission - overnight in Toronto
  • Day 6: Niagara Falls Sightseeing Day Tour - overnight in Toronto
  • Day 7: Board "The Canadian" Train from Toronto to Jasper - overnight aboard the train
  • Day 8: "The Canadian" Train - Ontario - overnight aboard the train
  • Day 9: "The Canadian" Train - Manitoba and Saskatchewan - overnight aboard the train
  • Day 10: "The Canadian" Train - arrival in Jasper, Jasper Skytram passes - overnight in Jasper
  • Day 11: Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise including Columbia Icefields Excursion - overnight in Lake Louise
  • Day 12: Lake Louise to Banff Sightseeing Tour - Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls - overnight in Banff
  • Day 13: Banff Sightseeing Tour including Banff Gondola - overnight in Banff
  • Day 14: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops - overnight in Kamloops
  • Day 15: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver - overnight in Vancouver
  • Day 16: Vancouver Departure

Route Map

What's Included

  • 11 nights hotel accommodation
  • 3 nights private bedroom accommodation on board "The Canadian" train in Sleeper Plus Class
  • 1 night private bedroom on board "The Ocean" train
  • 2 day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service
  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Montreal Hop on, Hop off tour
  • Montreal to Toronto VIA Rail train (Business Class)
  • CN Tower admission
  • Full day Niagara Falls excursion with meal
  • Jasper Skytram admission
  • Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer
  • Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
  • Banff and Yoho National Park Tour from Lake Louise to Banff
  • Rail station transfers in Banff, Kamloops and Vancouver
  • *Complimentary Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour of Vancouver provided when an additional night in Vancouver is added to your vacation package
  • Gratuities/tip for Rocky Mountaineer train staff
  • Independent Tour

Not Included

  • Rail station transfers in Halifax, Toronto and Jasper
  • Transportation to/from Halifax and Vancouver airports
  • Meals other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, VIA Rail and Niagara Falls day trip
  • Gratuities/tip for hotel, VIA Rail and transfer staff
  • Canadian 5% sales tax

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - Halifax Arrival

Your journey across Canada begins in the beautiful city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Soak up the Atlantic air as you go for a stroll along the harbour walk, visit the Seaport Farmers’ Market or the Halifax Public Gardens. Spend tonight in your Halifax downtown hotel room.

Day 2 - Halifax Sightseeing. Board “The Ocean” train

You have the morning to explore Halifax on your own. A midday departure of “The Ocean” train will have you heading northwest across Nova Scotia and into New Brunswick. Tuck into your cosy bed aboard the train and be rocked to sleep by the motion of the train.

Day 3 - "The Ocean" Train to Montreal

Say bonjour as you cross into the culturally-rich province of Quebec on Day 3. From there you will travel past the Saint Lawrence Seaway and in the afternoon you will arrive in Montreal—the second-largest French speaking city in the world! You’ll be spending the next two nights in a charming hotel in downtown Montreal.

Day 4 - Montreal Sightseeing Tour

Spend the day exploring this true Canadian treasure. As you get to know the city you will find that it’s highly cosmopolitan without losing its historical old-world charm. Choose from a variety of sit-down cuisine or snack on some authentic poutine—some of Canada’s favourite food!

We have included Montreal city tour passes and admission to the Notre-Dame Basilica to enjoy today.

Day 5 - VIA Rail Business Class from Montreal to Toronto

Today you’re riding in business class along Canada’s Corridor route to Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Toronto is home to many attractions including the CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame and Little Italy.

Admission passes to the CN tower are included today. You may choose to experience fine dining at the rotating restaurant located at the top of the tower or get a birds eye view of the city through the glass floor. Spend the next two nights in your Toronto hotel room.

Day 6 - Niagara Falls Sightseeing Day Tour

Travel through wine country where Niagara Falls, one of the Seven Great wonders of North America, is waiting for you! Board the Hornblower boat and feel the mist on your face as you cruise along the roaring base of Horseshoe Falls. You’ll also get the chance to experience the falls from above, standing within feet of its Lip.

End the day tour with a visit to Niagara on the Lake, a pretty little village overflowing with flowers. Return to Toronto in the early evening.

Day 7 - Board "The Canadian" Train from Toronto to Jasper

Today is the beginning of your three nights aboard VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” train. The train offers a truly unique experience of Canada’s diverse scenery. All meals are included and can be enjoyed in the dining car. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to take in the scenery in the glass dome. At night you will retire to your private cabin as the gentle sway of the train rocks you to sleep.

Day 8 - "The Canadian" Train - Ontario

The entire day is spent travelling across Canada’s second largest province, Ontario. Your route is north of the Great Lakes and the entire day can be spent watching the countryside pass by. Lakes and never ending forests are out your window throughout the day as you glide across our great country on the route the early settlers once took.

Take the time to get to know the train and all of its services. There are regular scheduled talks about local areas of interest. Or get to know all about the various personalities aboard the train, you’ll certainly meet some interesting characters during these four days of adventure. Read a book, watch a movie or catch up on some writing, as there is plenty of time for it.

Day 9 - "The Canadian" Train - Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Enter the peaceful prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. A stop in Winnipeg gives you the option of getting off the train and taking a look around. As you head further west, swaying grasslands and fields of gold stretch out before you in every direction underneath a never ending sky.

Day 10 - "The Canadian" Train - Arrival in Jasper

Enter Alberta and pass through its capital city of Edmonton before continuing west. A milestone moment has been reached. You’ve entered the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Enjoy your breakfast on board as you snake through the snow-capped mountain peaks and winding rivers our country is famous for. Welcome to the cozy little resort town of Jasper.

All your amenities here are within walking distance, and you’re nestled in between some fantastic mountain ranges. You are free to enjoy your day as you please. Spend the night in your Jasper hotel room before the adventure continues the next day.

Day 11 - Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise including Columbia Icefields Excursion

Today you’re riding along the most beautiful highway in Canada—the Icefields Parkway. Highlights include stops at the powerful Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. Pose for your new profile picture at one of these breathtaking locations.

Arrive at the Athabasca Glacier and climb aboard the Ice Explorer—a specialized bus that travels directly on to the glacier. Relax and listen as your guide explains all about its natural wonders. Tonight, you’ll be sleeping in style in your room at the picturesque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 11 - Lake Louise to Banff Sightseeing Tour - Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls

Your motorcoach leaves in the morning and offers you a guided tour of the area between Lake Louise and Banff. Cross the Continental Divide, and pass through Yoho National Park, with sights such as Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass, Emerald Lake and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans across the Kicking Horse River. You will spend the next two nights in your hotel in the famously friendly town of Banff.

Day 13 - Banff Sightseeing Tour including Banff Gondola

Today you’ll be on a 5-hour guided tour through the towering Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade and Norquay Mountains. Learn about the wind-shaped hoodoos and experience Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive.

Take a gentle gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for fantastic views, interpretive boardwalks and photo opportunities. The rest of the afternoon in Banff is yours to spend walking some local trails, playing golf or relaxing as you choose.

Day 14 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops

Toast to your first day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer! Today you’ll pass by the snow-peaked mountains and crystal-clear waters that our country is famous for. Highlights include; the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon and Rodgers Pass.

A dramatic change of scenery will take place as you approach the ranchlands of the interior plateau. Stop and spend the night in your hotel room in the city of Kamloops.

Day 15 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver

You’re on your way to the coast today. Dine on a locally-sourced, gourmet breakfast and lunch as you wind through the changing scenery and step out on the outside deck to take in that fresh mountain air.

Arrive in Vancouver and spend the night in your downtown hotel.

Day 16 - Vancouver Sightseeing Tour and Departure

Your vacation concludes upon checking out of your hotel. If your schedule permits, purchasing “Hop On Hop Off” bus passes is a great way to see the city at your leisure. You may also add a second night in Vancouver to your vacation package and receive complimentary Hop On Hop Off passes through Canada Rail Vacations!

Thank you for traveling with Canada Rail Vacations!

16 Day Tour Pricing 2024 & 2025

2024 Pricing - Canadian Dollars

Date Range

Popular Hotels
SilverLeaf Train Service

Superior Hotel
Upgrade

Deluxe Hotel
Upgrade

GoldLeaf Train Service
Upgrade

VIA Rail Prestige Class Upgrade

Apr 4 - Apr 18:

$10508

+$1194

+$1920

+$720

+$3000

Apr 19 - May 16:

$12053

+$1448

+$2425

+$880

+$3000

May 17 - Jul 18:

$12954

+$1675

+$2834

+$880

+$3000

Jul 19 - Sep 19:

$13048

+$1675

+$2834

+$910

+$3000

Sep 20 - Sep 26:

$11364

+$1448

+$2425

+$720

+$3000

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Hotel Upgrade:

N/A

Included

Included

N/A

N/A

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel Upgrade:

Included

Included

Included

N/A

N/A

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Upgrade:

N/A

Included

Included

N/A

N/A

VIA Canadian + Ocean Train Service:

Sleeper Cabin

N/A

N/A

Sleeper Cabin

Prestige Cabin

2025 Pricing - Canadian Dollars

*Book your 2025 Canada Rail Vacation now and receive 2024 pricing for 2025 travel
**You’ll also receive complimentary hotel room upgrades where available

Please contact us for additional details

Compare VIA Rail Sleeper CabinsLearn More About GoldLeaf Train ServiceCompare Hotel Accommodation Levels
Pricing Details:
  • Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars and are subject to an additional 5% Canadian sales tax.
  • Prices are based on double occupancy. For single and triple sharing, please request a quote.
  • To qualify for any current Specials, please request a quote.
  • Upgrades to Premium hotel rooms (5 stars) and Private Tours/Transfers are available. Please request a quote.

Approximate Exchange Rates:

$1.00 CAD =

$0.75 USD

€0.68 EUR

£0.59 GBP

$1.11 AUD