11-Day Trans-Canada Train Tour with VIA Rail

from Calgary to Toronto with Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper

This 11-day tour starts with a night in Calgary, before heading to Banff for two nights of exploration in the heart of the Rockies. Next, spend one night in Lake Louise, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, followed by two nights in Jasper for more sightseeing. Board VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’ in Jasper for a relaxing three-day, three-night journey through Canada’s diverse landscapes, arriving in Toronto. End your trip with a final night in Toronto. Hotels provide comfort throughout, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing in the Rockies before your scenic train ride eastward.

Travel Dates in 2025 & 2026

2025 Start Dates - Eastbound

Starting on Wednesdays.

January 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 16, 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 12, 19, 26
December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

*For additional dates not listed, please contact us for availability.

2026 Start Dates - Eastbound

Start dates for 2026 are coming soon! If you would like to start planning your 2026 tour, please request a quote.

Travel Summary

  • Day 1: Calgary Arrival - overnight in Calgary
  • Day 2: Scenic Transfer from Calgary to Banff - overnight in Banff
  • Day 3: Banff Sightseeing Tour including Banff Gondola - overnight in Banff
  • Day 4: Banff to Lake Louise Tour/Transfer* - overnight in Lake Louise
  • Day 5: Lake Louise to Jasper Tour/Transfer* - overnight in Jasper
  • Day 6: Jasper Sightseeing Tour - overnight in Jasper
  • Day 7: Board "The Canadian" Train from Jasper to Toronto - overnight aboard the train
  • Day 8: "The Canadian" Train - Saskatchewan and Manitoba - overnight aboard the train
  • Day 9: "The Canadian" Train - Ontario - overnight aboard the train
  • Day 10: "The Canadian" Train - arrival in Toronto - overnight in Toronto
  • Day 11: Toronto Departure

*Scenic transfers in place of tours from mid-October to early-May

Route Map

What's Included

  • 7 nights hotel accommodation
  • 3 nights private bedroom accommodation on board 'The Canadian' train in Sleeper Plus Class
  • Meals while onboard the train
  • Jasper Sightseeing Tour
  • Icefields Parkway Tour (Scenic transfer from late-October to early-May)
  • Banff and Yoho National Park (Scenic transfer from late-October to early-May)
  • Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
  • Independent Tour

Not Included

  • Rail station transfers in Toronto and Jasper
  • Transportation to/from Toronto and Calgary airports
  • Meals other than onboard VIA Rail's 'The Canadian'
  • Gratuities/tip for hotel, VIA Rail, and transfer staff
  • Canadian 5% sales tax

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Calgary

After arriving at the Calgary International Airport and checking into your downtown hotel you will have the rest of the day to explore! Combining western charm with urban amenities, Calgary is home to many unique spots.

Spend the day strolling through Prince’s Island Park and along the Bow River, get a great view of the city from the Calgary Tower or check out one of the many trendy neighborhoods such as Kensington or Inglewood. Spend the night in your Calgary hotel room.

Day 2 - Scenic Transfer from Calgary to Banff

Explore Calgary in the morning before boarding a bus on route to Banff. This will be a quick and scenic trip and the rest of the day is yours to explore Banff. This charming little mountain town is home to lots of different dining options, walking trails and the Banff Upper Hot Springs, an outdoor hot pool with a great view of Mount Rundle. Spend the next two nights in your Banff hotel room.

Day 3 - 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 4 - Banff to Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour - Mountains, Lakes, and Waterfalls

Your motorcoach leaves in the morning and offers you a guided tour of the area between Banff and Lake Louise. Cross the Continental Divide, and pass through Yoho National Park offering scenic 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 night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This world famous lake is known as the Jewel of the Canadian Rockies and is one of the most photographed locations in the world.

*A scenic transfer between Banff and Lake Louise will be provided in place of this tour from mid-October to early-May

Day 5 - Sightseeing Tour from to Lake Louise to Jasper including Columbia Icefield Excursion

Today you’re riding along the most beautiful highway in Canada—the Icefields Parkway. Highlights include stops at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, The Columbia Icefield and the powerful Athabasca Falls.

While at the Athabasca Glacier, climb aboard the Ice Explorer—a specialized bus that travels directly on to the glacier. Listen as your guide explains all about its natural wonders. This is the day to pose for your new profile picture. Spend the next two nights in your Jasper hotel room.

*A scenic transfer between Lake Louise and Jasper will be provided in place of this tour from mid-October to early-May

Day 6 - Jasper Sightseeing Tour

Spend the first half of the day getting to know Jasper! First stop, Maligne Canyon, where 10,000 years of erosion have created the deepest canyon in the Rockies. Start off with a short and easy walk, admiring the Maligne River and its many waterfalls. After that, it’s over to the disappearing Medicine Lake, followed by the fairy tale-like Maligne Lake.

The afternoon and evening in Jasper will be free time to enjoy the town at your leisure.

*An alternative Jasper tour will be provided in place of this tour from mid-October to early-May

Day 7 - Board "The Canadian" Train in Jasper

Your trip of a lifetime continues as you board “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.

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 all.

Day 8 - "The Canadian" Train through Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Your train continues on through the rolling prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Swaying grasslands and fields of gold stretch out before you in every direction underneath a never ending sky. You’ll reach Winnipeg this evening before the train continues on eastwards towards the Halifax.

Day 9 - "The Canadian" Train through 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.

Day 10 - "The Canadian" Train Arrival in Toronto

Arrive in Toronto in the afternoon and the rest of the day is yours. Use your complimentary CN Tower admissions pass to view Canada’s capital city from above. You may choose to walk the glass floor or maybe enjoy a seasonal dinner in the rotating restaurant at the top. You will spend the night in your Toronto hotel room.

Day 11 - Toronto Departure

With fond memories of Canada, this adventure ends in Toronto. 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 Toronto to your vacation package and receive a complimentary Toronto City Tour and CN Tower Admission through Canada Rail Vacations.

We look forward to hosting you again in Canada in the future. Thank you for travelling with Canada Rail Vacations!

11-Day Tour Pricing 2025 & 2026

2025 Pricing - Canadian Dollars

Starting on Wednesdays.

Base Price Superior
Hotel Upgrade
Deluxe
Hotel Upgrade
Prestige Class Train Upgrade
January/February/March $5933 +$655 +$1573 +$2500
April $6595 +$655 +$1573 +$3000
May $7341 +$906 +$2266 +$3000
June/July $7650 +$1015 +$2637 +$3000
August/September $7650 +$1015 +$2637 +$3000
October $7340 +$906 +$2266 +$3000
November/December $5933 +$655 +$1573 +$2500
  • Base prices include Popular Hotels (3-Stars) and a Private Sleeper Cabin.
  • Upgrade to Fairmont Hotels in the Rockies for an additional $600 per person in the Superior or Deluxe Hotel Category.
  • Upgrades to Premium Hotels (5-Stars) and Private Tours/Transfers are also available by request. Please request a quote for these rates.

2026 Pricing - Canadian Dollars

Pricing for 2026 is coming soon! If you would like to start planning your 2026 tour, please request a quote.

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.
  • Prices are approximate and subject to change at any time.
  • To qualify for any current Specials, please request a quote.

Approximate Exchange Rates:

$1.00 CAD =

$0.72 USD

€0.67 EUR

£0.56 GBP

$1.08 AUD

Request Availability & Quote

Fill out the form below and one of our Vacation Planners will reach out to you as soon as possible to confirm availability, pricing, payment methods, and any applicable Booking Specials. Please let us know if you would like to make any customizations to your vacation plans.