12-Day Trans-Canada Train Tour with VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer
from Vancouver to Toronto with Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper
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 four nights in Banff, Lake Louise, 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 and thunderous Niagara Falls.
Travel Dates in 2025 & 2026
2025 Start Dates - Eastbound
Starting on Sundays.
April | 13, 20, 27 |
May | 4, 11, 18, 25 |
June | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
July | 13, 20, 27 |
August | 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
September | 7, 14, 21, 28 |
October | 5 |
2026 Start Dates - Eastbound
Starting on Sundays.
April | 12, 19, 26 |
May | 3, 10, 24, 31 |
June | 7, 14, 21, 28 |
July | 5, 19, 26 |
August | 2, 16, 30 |
September | 6 |
October | 4 |
Travel Summary
- Day 1: Vancouver Arrival - overnight in Vancouver
- Day 2: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Kamloops - overnight in Kamloops
- Day 3: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Banff - overnight in Banff
- Day 4: Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola - overnight in Banff
- Day 5: Banff to Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour - Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls - overnight in Lake Louise
- Day 6: Sightseeing Tour from Lake Louise 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. Complimentary CN Tower Admission - overnight in Toronto
- Day 11: Niagara Falls Sightseeing Day Tour - overnight in Toronto
- Day 12: Toronto Departure
Route Map
What's Included
- 8 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
- *Complimentary Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour of Vancouver and/or Toronto provided when an additional night is added to your vacation package in either location
- Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
- Banff and Yoho National Park Tour from Banff to Lake Louise (Tour is not available in April and October)
- Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer (Tour is not available in April and October)
- Complimentary CN Tower admission
- *Complimentary Vancouver and/or Toronto city tour provided when an additional night is added to your vacation package in either location
- Full-day Niagara Falls excursion with meal
- 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, VIA Rail and Niagara Falls day trip
- Gratuities/tip for hotel, VIA Rail and transfer staff
- Canadian 5% sales tax
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 - Vancouver Arrival
Arrive in Vancouver, known for its cultural and linguistic diversity. This city is very lively and home to a bustling arts scene so you will find that there is no shortage of things to do and places to explore. Popular sites include the urban jungle of Stanley Park, Canada’s largest Chinatown, and the Robson Street Shopping District.
When you add a second night in Vancouver to your vacation package, you will receive a complimentary Vancouver city tour through Canada Rail Vacations!
Spend tonight in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.
Day 2 - 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 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 - Banff to Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour - Mountain Lakes & 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 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.
*Mountain Lakes & Waterfalls Excursion is not available in April and October, and is replaced with a scenic transfer.
Day 6 - Sightseeing Tour from 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 night in Jasper.
*Ice Explorer Excursion is not available in April and October, and is replaced with a scenic transfer.
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 - Niagara Falls Sightseeing Day Tour
Travel through wine country where Niagara Falls, one of the Seven Great Wonders of the World, is waiting for you! Board a vessel with Niagara City Cruises 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 off the day tour with a visit to Niagara on the Lake, a pretty little village overflowing with flowers.
Return to your Toronto hotel in the early evening.
Day 12 - Toronto Departure
With fond memories of Canada, this adventure ends in Toronto. We look forward to hosting you again in Canada in the future.
Thank you for travelling with Canada Rail Vacations!
12-Day Tour Pricing 2025 & 2026
2025 Pricing - Canadian Dollars
Starting on Sundays.
Base Price | Superior Hotel Upgrade |
Deluxe Hotel Upgrade |
GoldLeaf Train Service Upgrade | |
April | $9050 | +$776 | +$1575 | +$820 |
May | $10,373 | +$941 | +$2009 | +$940 |
June/July/August | $10,738 | +$1095 | +$2338 | +$940 |
September | $10,932 | +$1095 | +$2338 | +$1000 |
October | $10,373 | +$941 | +$2009 | +$940 |
- Base prices include Popular Hotels (3-Stars) and SilverLeaf Train Service.
- Upgrade to Fairmont Hotels in the Rockies for an additional $450 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.
- Upgrade to Prestige Class aboard VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’ for an additional $3,000 per person.
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 |