12 Day Vancouver to Toronto Train Trip: Die Eisenbahn Erlebnisreise
A Canadian adventure is calling your name! Packed with unforgettable natural excursions, must-see highlights, and endless landscapes, this tour combines two legendary trains that connect the Pacific Ocean and the Great Lakes. Travel through the Canadian Rockies in style aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, explore the national parks with three nights in Banff and Jasper, then step into a golden past aboard VIA Rail’s iconic “The Canadian” train and glide across Prairies and lake country. Conclude your tour with metropolitan Toronto.
The world-famous Rocky Mountaineer is truly the trip of a lifetime. This luxury sightseeing train travels exclusively through the Canadian Rockies by daylight, slowing to highlight natural marvels. While indulging in hand-crafted, local cuisine, top-shelf beverages, and endless snacks and treats, you will listen to professional guides who will narrate Western Canada’s storied history and highlight unforgettable natural beauty. The Rocky Mountaineer stops overnight in the lake town of Kamloops so guests can sleep in a comfortable hotel and get ready for the rest of their adventure.
VIA Rail is Canada’s classic overnight rail passenger service. Aboard “The Canadian” train, you’ll step into a golden past and relive Canada’s history. A truly nostalgic experience, VIA Rail includes made to order meals in mid-century rail dining cars, glass domed observation cars, and private sleeper cabins to enjoy Canada’s scenery.
2023 Start Dates - Eastbound
Starting on Wednesdays and occasional Sundays
April | 19 26 |
May | 3 24 31 |
June | - |
July | 2 9 12 23 30 |
August | 6 9 13 16 20 23 27 30 |
September | 10 13 17 20 24 27 |
October | 4 |
Travel Summary
- Day 1: Vancouver Arrival - overnight in Vancouver
- Day 2: Free day to explore Vancouver - overnight in Vancouver
- Day 3: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Kamloops - overnight in Kamloops
- Day 4: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Banff - overnight in Banff
- Day 5: Free day to explore Banff - overnight in Banff
- Day 6: Sightseeing Tour from Banff to Jasper including Columbia Icefields Excursion - overnight in Jasper
- Day 7: Board "The Canadian" Train in Jasper - overnight aboard the train
- Day 8: "The Canadian" Train through Saskatchewan and Manitoba - overnight aboard the train
- Day 9: "The Canadian" Train through Ontario - overnight aboard the train
- Day 10: "The Canadian" Train - arrival in Toronto - overnight in Toronto
- Day 11: Free day to explore Toronto - overnight in Toronto
- Day 12: Toronto Departure
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 - Vancouver Arrival
Start your trip by arriving in Vancouver—Canada’s third largest city. Due to its cultural diversity and a bustling arts scene, this west coast gem is home to a number of unique attractions. Explore the city at your own pace with your “Hop on, Hop Off” bus pass.
After a day of exploring popular destinations like Stanley Park, Granville Island and Gastown, you’ll soon realize why Vancouver is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Spend the night in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.
Day 2 - Vancouver
Today you will have the entire day to explore Vancouver at your own pace.
After a day of exploring popular destinations like Stanley Park, Granville Island and Gastown, you’ll soon realize why Vancouver is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Spend the night in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.
Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Kamloops
Climb aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and raise your glass as the train heads northeast out of Vancouver. Your journey across Canada has officially begun! Travel alongside the mighty waters of the salmon-rich Fraser River and pass the powerful rapids of Hell’s Gate.
Towards the end of today you’ll approach the drier grasslands of Kamloops, where you will be spending the night in your hotel room.
Day 4 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Banff
As you travel east towards the province of Alberta, you are greeted by the Canadian Rockies. Rocky lakeshores, snow-capped mountain peaks and crisp glacial streams accompany you as you dine on locally-sourced, gourmet meals.
Learn about points of interest such as astoundingly high Kicking Horse Canyon and the Spiral Tunnels. End off today in the friendly mountain resort town of Banff where you will spend the next two nights in your hotel room.
Day 5 - Banff
Today you’ll have a free day to explore Banff at your own pace. Overnight at your Banff hotel.
Day 6 - Sightseeing Tour from Banff to Jasper including Columbia Icefields 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 night in your Jasper hotel room before boarding the train the next day.
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. You will spend the night in your Toronto hotel room.
Day 11 - Toronto
Today you will have a free day to explore Toronto. You will spend the night in your Toronto hotel room.
Day 12 - Toronto Departure
Your tour ends when you check out of your hotel. We truly hope this was a trip of a lifetime. Thank you for traveling with Canada Rail Vacations!
What's Included
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- 3 nights private bedroom accommodation on board "The Canadian" train in Sleeper Plus Class
- 2 day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service
- 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
- Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer
- Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops & Banff
- Gratuities/tip for Rocky Mountaineer train staff
- Independent Tour
Not Included
- Rail station transfers in Jasper and Toronto
- Transportation to/from Vancouver and Toronto airports
- Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail
- Gratuities/tip for hotel, VIA Rail and transfer staff
- Canadian sales tax
2023 Sample Pricing (Full) - Canadian Dollars
Date Range | Popular Hotels | Superior Hotel | Deluxe Hotel | GoldLeaf Train Service | VIA Prestige Upgrade |
Apr 19 - Oct 04: | $8128 | +$681 | +$1645 | +$830 | +$3000 |
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Upgrade: | N/A | +$300 | +$300 | N/A | N/A |
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Hotel Upgrade: | N/A | +$150 | Included | N/A | N/A |
Pricing Details:
- Full prices are shown in the table above
- April and October departures will receive a 15% commission
- May through September departures will receive a 10% commission
- Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars and are subject to an additional 5% Canadian sales tax.
Approximate Exchange Rates: |
$1.00 CAD = |
€0.70 EUR |
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