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.

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.

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. (Tour is not available in April and October, when it is replaced with Scenic Transfer.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spend the night in your Toronto hotel room.

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 Toronto in the early evening.

You can brush up on your French as you travel first class along VIA Rail’s Corridor. Say bonjour as you cross into the culturally-rich province of Québec and enter Montréal, the third largest French-speaking city in the world. You can wine and dine as you wish tonight, whether that’s at a high-end restaurant or snacking on some poutine—Canada’s favorite food! Spend tonight in your Montréal hotel room.

Spend the morning of the day on a guided tour that will take you around to some of Montréal’s most famous attractions. These include Old Montréal, the Notre Dame Basilica, and Olympia Park. Later, you’ll board “The Ocean” train and head out for the Maritimes! Settle into your bed aboard the train and be rocked to sleep.

As the sun rises, you’ll be travelling eastwards through New Brunswick and on towards Nova Scotia. You’ll pass through rural villages on your way to the east coast of Canada. Enjoy some spectacular views on board. Breakfast and lunch are included aboard the train before your late afternoon arrival in Halifax.

You’ve come a long way and have finally reached the Atlantic Ocean! Go for a stroll along the harbour walk, visit the Seaport Farmers’ Market, or learn about Canadian Heritage from the Museum of Immigration. The day is yours to discover! Visit the famous Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and picturesque Peggy’s Cove fishing village before heading back to Halifax to explore Citadel Hill and enjoy a narrated driving tour of the city.

Spend the night in your Halifax hotel room.

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!