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Canada Coast to Coast by Train

The most scenic trans-Canada train vacation

Discover Canada from coast to coast on the historic trans-Canadian railway. Experience five incredible rail journeys from coast to coast. Enjoy authentic local experiences along the way.

Suggested length

19 days / 18 nights

Price

From Loading... per person

When to go

April – October

Time on train

7 days / 4 nights

Highlights of your trip

The ultimate Trans-Canada train experience

Choice of unique small group excursions

Spectacular two days on the Rocky Mountaineer train

Four nights aboard VIA Rail sleeper train

Scenic wonders of Lake Louise, Niagara Falls and Peggy's Cove

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Travel across Canada on VIA Rail's The Canadian train

Journey onboard The Canadian train between the Canadian Rockies and Toronto. Enjoy amenities such as viewing areas and lounges, and meals served in the dining car.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation
Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
Meals whilst onboard the train
Choice of unique guided activities
Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
Airport and train station transfers
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Our vacations are not typically ‘escorted.’ You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of ‘independent’ travel.

This allows you, with the help of our Canadian Insiders, to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, timeframe and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.

Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do.

If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.

Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Canadian Insiders who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.

We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible.

On some of our trips, you’ll see that we categorize our hotel rooms by Comfort, Superior and Deluxe class, which generally translates into the traditional 3-, 4- or 5-star designation (equivalent to Best Western, Sheraton and Fairmont). However, sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level or view.

Our Comfort Level hotels include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations and with excellent service.

Our Superior Level hotels provide amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. Superior level hotels are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel.

In Deluxe Level hotels, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget.

Hotel amenities can vary by property, so your Vacation Advisor will discuss what’s most important to you, such as air conditioning, parking, laundry, swimming pool, spa, onsite restaurants, or 24-hour room service.

Accessible hotel rooms vary by hotel, ranging from partially accessible to fully barrier free. Your Fresh Tracks Vacation Advisor will make sure to find the right room for your needs.

All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need

Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.

All of our overnight train journeys feature a private cabin on board the train. In addition, you'll typically enjoy the train's viewing areas, common lounges, and dining cars where you can socialize with fellow travelers.

Rocky Mountaineer operates daylight touring trains, which travel along three of the most spectacular routes in Western Canada. You’ll enjoy onboard commentary, award winning service, and incredible food.

VIA Rail is Canada’s national train provider, with routes running Coast to Coast and through remote parts of northern Canada. The type of train depends on your journey, and can vary from the classic trans-continental sleeper trains to daylight trains with overnight stops.

We define a boutique hotel as being a smaller, more intimate property with an extra emphasis on service. They usually have some of the best restaurants and lounges in town.

Trip Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.
Indicates featured activities
Arrive in Vancouver
Day 01

Arrive in Vancouver

Welcome to our hometown — a famously lovely west coast city, surrounded by mountains and the ocean.  

  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport

    Bypass the crowds and start making the most of your vacation. A friendly driver welcomes you to the city. 

  • Dinner in Vancouver

    Dine at one of our favourite harbourside restaurants. Watch seaplanes land and enjoy views of the North Shore Mountains.

Explore Vancouver
Day 02

Explore Vancouver

Spend the day exploring Vancouver. With a mild climate and so much to do, it’s no wonder people flock to this beautiful west coast city!

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour

    Begin your day with a scenic ferry sailing between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Enjoy leisure time in Victoria, then visit world-renowned Butchart Gardens. 

  • Whistler Day Tour

    Explore the Sea to Sky highway with a guide — pass stunning mountain ranges, the world's second-largest granite monolith and Shannon Falls, then discover the beauty of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gondola and Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

  • Vancouver and the North Shore Tour

    Visit Vancouver's main attractions and neighbourhoods. Highlights include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Vancouver Lookout and Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops
Day 03

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops

All aboard! Settle into your seat while the smell of breakfast wafts from the galley. A small jolt announces you are on your way — look forward to a day of stunning scenery. 

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station
  • Rocky Mountaineer Train Service

    Rocky Mountaineer daylight trains feature glass-dome cars with oversized windows, gourmet meals, and friendly, attentive staff. Ask your Vacation Advisor about the differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf.  

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Banff
Day 04

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Banff

After your overnight stay in Kamloops, wake up refreshed and ready for another day of breathtaking beauty. Arrive in the small mountain town of Banff this evening.  

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel
Explore Banff
Day 05

Explore Banff

Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air and head out for a day of exploration. Stroll the easy path along the Bow River. You'll immediately feel immersed in your spectacular surroundings. 

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Afternoon Banff Sightseeing Tour with Gondola

    On an exclusive small group tour, discover Banff’s folklore and natural history before a gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.   

  • Sunshine Gondola and Guided Alpine Nature Walk

    Begin your day with a gondola ride and a stroll through Sunshine Meadows. Admire alpine wildflowers and views of endless mountain peaks as your guide teaches you about the ecosystem above the treeline. Walking duration is two hours. 

  • Minnewanka Sightseeing Tour with Lake Cruise

    Explore Banff's picturesque lakes and wetlands as you make your way along the Minnewanka Loop on an exclusive small-group tour. Included is an unforgettable boat cruise offering wide-open views of the Canadian Rockies. 

Banff to Lake Louise
Day 06

Banff to Lake Louise

Travel to Lake Louise today, where you’ll see turquoise waters surrounded by glacier-clad peaks. Relax, stroll by the lake, or take out a canoe.

  • Yoho National Park Tour to Lake Louise

    On an exclusive one-way sightseeing tour, discover Yoho National Park. Crossing the Continental Divide, visit the Spiral Tunnels, and see Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge before taking a stroll around Moraine Lake.

Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Day 07

Icefields Parkway to Jasper

Travel along the spine of the Rockies to Jasper, on one of the most beautiful roads in the world — the Icefields Parkway.

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • Icefields Parkway Tour to Jasper

    Travel along the Icefields Parkway on this full-day tour. Walk on the Athabasca Glacier, stop for lunch, and step bravely onto the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. 

  • Six Glaciers Helicopter and Icefields Tour (ask about a complimentary upgrade)

    We highly recommend this premium experience. Tour with a small group along the Icefields Parkway, before soaring by helicopter over aqua-green lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls. This tour is exclusive to our guests.

VIA Rail - Depart Jasper
Day 08

VIA Rail - Depart Jasper

Board The Canadian train in Jasper and begin your eastward journey to Toronto. 

  • Transfer from Hotel to Train Station
  • The Canadian Train - Onboard Service

    Watch the changing scenery from the train's viewing cars and enjoy hot meals in the dining car. Ask your Vacation Advisor about the differences between Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class.

Like this trip?

Download the full itinerary including your options to personalize this trip.

Have a question?

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Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, train-service level and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
Comfort Level
Hotel Accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer Service
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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
Elk and Avenue Hotel in Banff in the summer with mountains behind

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Example of a Comfort hotel in Banff

Conveniently located in downtown Banff, the Elk and Avenue Hotel combines Banff’s alpine history with a sleek modern design. After a day of exploring, unwind in the hotel’s jacuzzi or dry sauna, then enjoy fresh Canadian cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Prestige Class is Canada’s version of the Orient Express. Available on VIA Rail’s The Canadian Train between Vancouver and Toronto, this luxury double cabin includes a special concierge service throughout your journey. This is one of our most popular upgrade options.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 16 reviews

The scenery was beautiful

Rocky Mountaineer was great (people and food). The scenery was beautiful. Everyone remembering our anniversary and personalizing it with cards and small gestures was special. The g... 

Bob and Judy review of their [object Object] trip

Bob and Judy

GA, USA

Insider Tips

From the snow capped mountain peaks to the vibrant lakes, dense forest, and alpine meadows you will not find a more diverse landscape with so much to offer! Skiing and hiking are just a couple of my favorite things; there is no other place I would rather call home.

Ashley M

Ashley

Canadian Insider

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