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Springtime Across Canada

At a glance:

Length

13 days / 12 nights

Time on train

5 days / 3 nights

Length

13 days / 12 nights

Time on train

5 days / 3 nights

Train type

Destinations

When to go

April – May

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

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Choose your own activities and experiences
Have all the details of your trip arranged for you

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Overview

FAQs

Itinerary

Prices

Accommodations

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Train journey across Canada in the spring

Spring in Canada is beautiful! Experience two of Canada's most iconic trains as you travel from Toronto to Vancouver. Admire lush forests, snowy mountain peaks, and beautiful gardens along the way. This season is also one of the best times for wildlife viewing as bears come out of hibernation.

Route map of Across Canada by Train trip from Vancouver to Toronto

Highlights of your trip

Relax on VIA Rail's cozy sleeper train as you travel across Canada

Discover the beautiful Niagara wine region or world-famous Niagara Falls

Ride the luxury Rocky Mountaineer all-daylight sightseeing train

Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies

See snow-capped mountains, colourful flowers, and rushing waterfalls

Enjoy excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in the spring

See inside the trains

Sunset View of Canadian Rockies and Railway Track at Lake Louise

Travel on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer

VIA Rail's Canadian train is a sleeper train that takes you from Toronto to Jasper. Rocky Mountaineer is an all-daylight luxury train between the Rockies and Vancouver, with the choice of SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf service.

Upper and lower beds in a VIA Rail cabin for 2

VIA Rail’s cozy Cabin for Two in Sleeper Plus

This private cabin features a large window for taking in the scenery, two chairs by day and bunk beds by night, and a small washroom with a sink and toilet.

Passengers seated inside one of VIA Rail's dome cars

The upper viewing level on VIA Rail’s Park Car

Sit back and admire the panoramic views in this glass-domed car as you sip on a beverage from the downstairs lounge.

Closeup of a set table in the dining car with a mountain view in the background.

The classic dining car on VIA Rail

Enjoy delicious multi-course meals in the inviting dining car with its excellent table service. Large windows mean you don’t miss any scenery as you dine.

Stairs to Bullet Lounge located at back of Prestige Park car onboard VIA Rail's train, The Canadian

The Bullet Lounge on VIA Rail’s Park Car

Relax in the plush chairs of the elegant Bullet Lounge located in the lower level of the Park Car, where you can take in the view out the back of the train.

Onboard Host speaks about the scenery from GoldLeaf dome on the Rocky Mountaineer Train

Glass-domed upper level on Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service

Relax in luxury on GoldLeaf’s bi-level coach, as you take in the spectacular panoramic views and enjoy premium beverages and snacks.

Couples enjoying breakfast together in GoldLeaf dining room on the Rocky Mountaineer Train

GoldLeaf’s dedicated lower dining room

Dine on elegant meals prepared with local ingredients and watch the passing mountain scenery through the oversized windows.

View from the outdoor viewing platform of the GoldLeaf coach

GoldLeaf’s outdoor viewing platform

Breathe the fresh mountain air and get some amazing photos from the exclusive viewing platform at the back of each GoldLeaf coach.

Socializing over drinks on the Rocky Mountaineer

Oversized glass-dome windows in Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf service

SilverLeaf’s single-level dome coach offers outstanding views as Rocky Mountaineer’s hosts entertain you with stories.

Chef serving breakfast seat-side in the SilverLeaf coach of the Rocky Mountaineer train

SilverLeaf’s in-seat meal service

Enjoy drinks, snacks and regionally inspired gourmet meals served in the comfort of your plush reclining seat.

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 onboard the train

Choice of unique guided activities

Train station transfers

Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights

Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants

Electronic travel documentation package

Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Sample 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 inclusions

Day 01

Arrive in Toronto

Welcome to Toronto! The sights and sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you as you arrive in the heart of downtown.

Private Transfer from Toronto Airport

Day 02

Explore Toronto or Niagara

Spend a day enjoying the quaint and colorful neighborhoods of Toronto or visit world-famous Niagara Falls.

You have 3 options to choose from today:

Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour

Wine Tasting Tour by Bus

Toronto Small Group Sightseeing Tour

Day 03

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

Board The Canadian train in Toronto and begin your transcontinental journey west. Travel north into Ontario's picturesque lake country.

The Canadian Train - Onboard Service

Day 04

VIA Rail - Ontario

Head west through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and into the province of Manitoba. See ancient, exposed rock, boreal forest, and countless lakes. Keep an eye out for fishing cabins perched on tiny islands, as well as moose and bears.

Day 05

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Alberta. Fields of green and gold stretch endlessly under an immense blue sky. When you look out the window, spot rustic barns and small farming towns.

Day 06

VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper

See the magnificent Rocky Mountains early this morning as you get close to Jasper. This laid-back mountain town lies in the heart of Jasper National Park.

Jasper Orientation Tour and Transfer

Day 07

Explore Jasper National Park

Jasper’s wide-open valleys are enticing to a variety of wildlife and are incredibly breathtaking. Spend the day exploring Jasper National Park on your style of tour.

You have 3 options to choose from today:

Privately Guided Nature Walk

Jasper Walking Food Tour

Jasper Wildlife Tour

Day 08

Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise

Travel along the spine of the Rockies, on one of the most beautiful roads in the world — the Icefields Parkway — to picture-perfect Lake Louise.

You have 2 options to choose from today:

Icefields Parkway Tour to Lake Louise

Six Glaciers Helicopter and Icefields Tour

Day 09

Enjoying Lake Louise and Transfer to Banff

For a good vacation, a varied pace is important and today you set the cadence. Relax, stroll around the lake, go to the spa, or ask us about getting out for an adventure like canoeing, horseback riding, hiking or climbing.

Yoho National Park Tour to Banff

Day 10

Explore Banff National Park

Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air and head out to explore Banff National Park in your chosen way.

You have 3 options to choose from today:

Jeep Sightseeing and Wildlife Tour with Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Banff Sightseeing Tour with Gondola

Johnston Canyon Explorer Walk

Day 11

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Banff to Kamloops

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

Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station

Rocky Mountaineer Train Service

Day 12

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Vancouver

The exhilaration of your Canada train trip continues as you enjoy another day of great food, excellent service and incredible scenery. Arrive in Vancouver late this afternoon.

Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel

Day 13

Depart Vancouver

Much too soon, you leave the fresh air and mountain peaks of Canada to journey home.

Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport

Sample 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 inclusions

Day 1

Arrive in Toronto

Day 2

Explore Toronto or ...

Explore Toronto or Niagara

Day 3

VIA Rail - Depart T...

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

Day 4

VIA Rail - Ontario

Arrive in Toronto

Welcome to Toronto! The sights and sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you as you arrive in the heart of downtown.

Private Transfer from Toronto Airport

Explore Toronto or Niagara

Spend a day enjoying the quaint and colorful neighborhoods of Toronto or visit world-famous Niagara Falls.

You have 3 options to choose from today:

Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour

Wine Tasting Tour by Bus

Toronto Small Group Sightseeing Tour

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

Board The Canadian train in Toronto and begin your transcontinental journey west. Travel north into Ontario's picturesque lake country.

The Canadian Train - Onboard Service

VIA Rail - Ontario

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper

See the magnificent Rocky Mountains early this morning as you get close to Jasper. This laid-back mountain town lies in the heart of Jasper National Park.

Jasper Orientation Tour and Transfer

Explore Jasper National Park

Jasper’s wide-open valleys are enticing to a variety of wildlife and are incredibly breathtaking. Spend the day exploring Jasper National Park on your style of tour.

You have 3 options to choose from today:

Privately Guided Nature Walk

Jasper Walking Food Tour

Jasper Wildlife Tour

Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise

Travel along the spine of the Rockies, on one of the most beautiful roads in the world — the Icefields Parkway — to picture-perfect Lake Louise.

You have 2 options to choose from today:

Icefields Parkway Tour to Lake Louise

Six Glaciers Helicopter and Icefields Tour

Enjoying Lake Louise and Transfer to Banff

Yoho National Park Tour to Banff

Explore Banff National Park

Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air and head out to explore Banff National Park in your chosen way.

You have 3 options to choose from today:

Jeep Sightseeing and Wildlife Tour with Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Banff Sightseeing Tour with Gondola

Johnston Canyon Explorer Walk

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Banff to Kamloops

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

Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station

Rocky Mountaineer Train Service

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Vancouver

The exhilaration of your Canada train trip continues as you enjoy another day of great food, excellent service and incredible scenery. Arrive in Vancouver late this afternoon.

Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel

Depart Vancouver

Much too soon, you leave the fresh air and mountain peaks of Canada to journey home.

Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport

Scheduled Departure Dates

Year

May 2025

Our itineraries are planned around train-service schedules. Ask one of our Canadian Insiders about available dates and the different ways to personalize this trip - including adding days in select destinations.

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

VIA Rail Service

Rocky Mountaineer Service

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Superior Level

Hotel Accommodation

VIA Rail Service

Rocky Mountaineer Service

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Deluxe Level

Hotel Accommodation

VIA Rail Service

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.

blue Lake Louise with trees and Fairmont Hotel in background

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Example of a Deluxe hotel in Lake Louise

Located in Banff National Park, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, a sparkling turquoise lake, and the impressive Victoria Glacier. Explore the area’s outstanding beauty on horseback, or paddle on the lake in a canoe.

Pan Pacific Hotel towers over Vancouver harbour. A cruise ship is docked nearby.

Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver

Example of a Deluxe hotel in Vancouver

With its unique location atop Canada Place, the Pan Pacific Vancouver rises high above the cruise ship terminal and the Convention Centre. The hotel offers luxury accommodation in the heart of downtown.

Personalize This Itinerary

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

Visit Victoria, BC

Add a night or two to explore the old-world charm of Victoria, on Vancouver Island. Visit the famed Butchart Gardens, go whale watching, or explore the seafront parks and museums. We recommend a stay at the Fairmont Empress - Victoria's stately crown jewel. Photo credit: Destination BC

Upgrade to Prestige Class

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

More time in the Rockies

Extend your stay in Banff or Jasper and explore more of the Canadian Rockies. There's so much to do here: lake cruises, guided canoeing, alpine hiking, food tours, gondola rides, and more!

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 16 reviews

Rocky Mountaineer portion was the best part of our trip

Rocky Mountaineer portion was the best part of our trip. We loved the food, scenery, and the story telling by staff and fellow travelers.

Donald and Jenny

PA, USA

Our trip was delightful

Our trip was delightful. The highlights were the Pan Pacific view of Vancouver harbor; the tours of Victoria, Whistler; Rocky Mountaineer was excellent; and the food and city tour in Toronto.

Louis and Deborah

NY, USA

The experience of the Rocky Mountaineer was amazing

We had a wonderful experience throughout our holiday. The tours booked including meal reservations were amazing. The experience of the Rocky Mountaineer was amazing and has left us...

Katrina and Shane

NSW, Australia

In a word, the trip was great

In a word, the trip was great. The rail journey was smooth and comfortable with delicious food. The two night stays at the Fairmont in Toronto, Lake Louise and Banff were remarkabl...

Susan and Philip

VA, USA

So enjoyable, the stay could have been longer

The train travel, the crews, the food and experience interacting with people from all over the world was illuminating. We loved Jasper, a charming town with the magnificence of the...

Patricia and Nugent

MA, USA

See more customer testimonials

Insider Tips

For me, the cross-Canada trips are the perfect blend of diversion and relaxation. My favorite stretch is the descent from the Rockies' alpine forests into the panoramic vistas of the prairies.

Greg

Canadian Insider

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