GettyImages-657041934

Canada Coast to Coast by Train

Limited Time Offer: Upgrade Your Canadian Vacation

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.

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

Suggested length

19 days / 18 nights

Price

From Loading... per person

When to go

May - October 2021 June - May 2022

ExperienceItineraryPricesAccommodationFAQs
Get a Quote
Get a Quote

From Loading... pp

Get a Quote

The insider
Experience

  • A mountain goat and kid in Jasper National Park.

    See wildlife in the Canadian Rockies

    With a naturalist guide, discover the animals that live in Banff and Jasper National Parks.

  • Rocky Mountaineer train going around Morant's Curve in the Canadian Rockies

    Rocky Mountaineer Train

    Enjoy a spectacular array of scenery as you travel towards the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies.

  • Panorama Car on VIA Rail's The Canadian Train

    VIA Rail's 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.

  • A birds eye view of a Hornblower Cruise boat approaching the Niagara Falls

    Visit Niagara Falls

    Take a Hornblower boat tour of Niagara Falls and feel the mist of thundering water - a highlight of your trip.

  • Quebec City skyline, Chateau Frontenac

    Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

    Visit historic Quebec City with its famous landmarks, such as the Chateau Frontenac.

  • Waves around Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

    Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

    Visit Peggy's Cove - a picture-perfect village which stands on granite rock, high above the crashing Atlantic surf.

  • Guard watching the setting sun at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

    Discover Halifax

    Explore the attractions of Halifax. The historic Citadel was built in 1749 by the British Army.

  • A mountain goat and kid in Jasper National Park.
  • Rocky Mountaineer train going around Morant's Curve in the Canadian Rockies
  • Panorama Car on VIA Rail's The Canadian Train
  • A birds eye view of a Hornblower Cruise boat approaching the Niagara Falls
  • Quebec City skyline, Chateau Frontenac
  • Waves around Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
  • Guard watching the setting sun at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Trip

Itinerary

Below is a day by day overview of this trip. Complete details are available for download.
Indicates featured activities
Day
  • Arrive in Vancouver
  • 1

    Arrive in Vancouver

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

  • 2

    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!

    • North Shore Mountain Discovery Tour
    • Vancouver Food Tour
    • Vancouver Hop On Hop Off and FlyOver Canada Admission
  • Explore Vancouver
  • Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops
  • 3

    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. 

  • 4

    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.  

  • Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Banff
  • Explore Banff
  • 5

    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. 

    • Banff Sightseeing Tour and Gondola Ride
    • Lake Minnewanka Nature Cruise
    • Gondola Ride and Evening Nature Tour
  • 6

    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.

  • Banff to Lake Louise
  • Icefields Parkway to Jasper
  • 7

    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.

    • Icefields Parkway Tour to Jasper
    • Private Icefields Sightseeing with Heli-Tour (Extra Cost)
  • 8

    VIA Rail - Depart Jasper

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

  • VIA Rail - Depart Jasper
Trip PDF Download

Like this trip?

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

Have a question?

We can answer any questions or make suggestions to create your ideal trip plan.
Schedule a Call
Cartoon polar bear speaking on the phone
Maple Leaf

Prices

This trip is available on multiple dates. Please download the full itinerary or get in touch with us to explore what suits you best.

Comfort Level

Hotel Accommodation

3 to 3.5 Star

Rocky Mountaineer Service

SilverLeaf
From Loading... pp

Superior Level

Hotel Accommodation

4 to 4.5 Star

Rocky Mountaineer Service

SilverLeaf
From Loading... pp

Deluxe Level

Hotel Accommodation

5 Star

Rocky Mountaineer Service

GoldLeaf
From Loading... pp
'From' prices are per person, based on double occupancy and exclude taxes. Prices vary by departure date, the choice of activities, hotel selection and availability at time of booking.
Note: This trip can also be taken in reverse directions.
GET A QUOTE
Personalize this

Itinerary

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

02
04
Upgrade to luxury in VIA Rail's Prestige Sleeper Class

Upgrade to luxury in VIA Rail's Prestige Sleeper Class

Prestige Class is Canada’s answer to the orient express. Available on VIA Rail’s ‘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.
Stay

IN STYLE

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.

  • Entrance of a 19th century heritage building in Quebec City
    01
    03
    Exterior of Hotel 71

    Hotel 71

    Example of a Boutique hotel in Quebec City

    Hotel 71 has sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and offers easy access to Quebec City's Old Port. The building’s charming 19th century architecture is combined with stylish, contemporary décor for a luxury experience.

  • Fairmont Banff Springs with mountains and river
    01
    03
    Exterior of hotel in summer (photo courtesy Fairmont Banff Springs)

    Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

    Example of a Deluxe hotel in Banff

    Often referred to as Canada's "Castle in the Rockies," the Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic landmark in the town of Banff. In the summer, play a round of golf at the hotel’s stunning golf course.

Insider's tip

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

Maple Leaf

your questions answered

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 with a private driver
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.
Aerial view of the town of Banff in the Rockies
Limited Time Offer

Expires May 31

Spring Savings for Your Canadian Adventure

Book a qualifying 2022 Canadian train trip and receive up to $1,000 per couple in FREE travel credits.

  • You can use your credits for extra hotel nights, upgrades, or dining experiences – don’t miss this opportunity to make the most of that train vacation you’ve been dreaming about.

Learn more about this special offer from a Canadian Insider by scheduling a call or call us at undefined.

discuss dream trip

Discuss your dream trip with a local insider

Schedule a callSend us a message

Or call us toll free

Maple Leaf

Similar Trips

View some of our other favorite trips

Trans Canada by Rail In Winter

Trans Canada by Rail In Winter

Vancouver, Jasper, Icefields Parkway, Banff, Toronto

12 days from Loading... pp

View details

Limited Time Offer
Vancouver to Toronto Train Tour

Vancouver to Toronto Train Tour

Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Icefields Parkway, Jasper, Toronto

11 days from Loading... pp

View details

Limited Time Offer
Trans Canada Rainforest Route

Trans Canada Rainforest Route

Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, Jasper, Toronto

9 days from Loading... pp

View details