RM RGR  Seton Lake 1 HERO NH 2016

Trans Canada Rainforest Route

5.0
6 reviews

Length

11 days / 10 nights

Time on train

6 days / 3 nights

Train type

Where it goes

When to go

May – September

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

  • Decide your desired budget
  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
Start Planning

Explore the country on this trans Canada train trip

Travel by train through the coastal mountains of Whistler, the Canadian Rockies, and the vast Prairies. Experience both the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail trains.

Route map of Trans Canada Rainforest Route trip from Vancouver to Toronto
Highlights of your trip

See some of the most beautiful towns and cities in the country, including Vancouver and Jasper

Enjoy two and a half days on the famous Rocky Mountaineer and three nights on a VIA Rail train

Discover the stunning wilderness of Canada as you travel through areas only accessible by train

Top experiences and features

Rocky Mountaineer travelling past Cheakamus Canyon on the Rainforest to Goldrush Route

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer train

Travel through the coastal mountains of British Columbia before entering the Canadian Rockies.

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
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 Vacation Advisors who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.

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.

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.

GoldLeaf service on Rocky Mountaineer is an amazing experience. You will have a seat on the top floor of a bi-level glass-dome train car where the windows reach to the ceiling, offering panoramic views. A-la-carte meals are served in the lower-level dining room. There's also an exclusive outdoor viewing platform for when you want a breath of fresh air.

This trip itinerary features a private cabin in Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail's The Canadian train. Each cabin features comfortable seating that converts to a bed. Cabins include a sink and toilet and access to a shared shower.

In Sleeper Plus Class, you’ll also enjoy gourmet meals in the dining car and access to the train's viewing cars, where you can watch the passing scenery and meet fellow travellers. Complimentary tea, coffee and snacks are available throughout your journey. Alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase.

There are a range of activities available in Jasper National Park, so you can choose how you spend your time there. You could enjoy small-group sightseeing tours, a motorcycle sidecar tour, a lake cruise, guided nature walks, hiking or wildlife viewing. This itinerary also includes a day tour of the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic roads.

For more details, please see the full trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors. You can customize your trip and pick the activities that most interest you.

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
Arrive In Toronto
Day 01

Arrive In Toronto

Welcome to Toronto! Discover what lies behind the city's famous skyline. Visit the bustling St. Lawrence Market, see the CN Tower, and explore the city's many vibrant neighborhoods — there is no shortage of things to do. 

  • Private Transfer from Toronto Airport
  • Dinner at the CN Tower
VIA Rail - Depart Toronto
Day 02

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

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

VIA Rail - Ontario
Day 03

VIA Rail - Ontario

Head west through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and into the province of Manitoba.      

  • 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.

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies
Day 04

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Alberta.    

VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper
Day 05

VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper

See the magnificent Rocky Mountains early this morning as you arrive in Jasper.     

  • Jasper Orientation Tour and Transfer

    As you step off the train, a friendly local guide meets you at the station. Enjoy an introductory tour of Jasper's highlights before arriving at your hotel.

  • Suggested Evening Add-Ons: Wildlife Tour, Skytram Ride, or Hiking Culinary Tour
Explore Jasper National Park
Day 06

Explore Jasper National Park

Jasper’s wide-open valleys, magnificent mountains, and incredible wildlife are inspiring. Spend the day exploring this national park on your chosen tour. 

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Jasper Motorcycle Sidecar Tour

    Admire the stunning alpine landscape on a guided Harley Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour. Explore Maligne Canyon, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, or Mount Edith Cavell. 

  • Maligne Lake Tour with Cruise

    Watch for wildlife on this mini-bus tour to Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake, then cruise to picturesque Spirit Island. 

  • Privately Guided Nature Walk

    Join one of Jasper's most knowledgeable guides for a private nature walk. Discover wildlife, wildflowers and magnificent views.

The Icefields Parkway
Day 07

The Icefields Parkway

Today, head out and explore the beauty of the mountains, glaciers, and rivers as you drive along the scenic Icefields Parkway. 

  • Columbia Icefield Sightseeing Tour
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Jasper to Quesnel
Day 08

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Jasper to Quesnel

All Aboard! Your train journey begins as the Rocky Mountaineer pulls away from Jasper. Travel into the sprawling wilderness of British Columbia — keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Stay overnight in the small town of Quesnel.

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station
  • Rocky Mountaineer - GoldLeaf Service

    In GoldLeaf, you have assigned seats in a top-level dome car with panoramic views and access to an outdoor viewing platform. Gourmet meals are served in the dining room below, and Rocky Mountaineer’s friendly staff entertain you along the way. 

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.
Superior Level
Hotel Accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer Train Service
Loading... pp
Deluxe Level
Hotel Accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer Train Service
Loading... pp

View full itinerary

Like this trip? Get more details with a sample itinerary:

  • Day-tour options and descriptions;
  • Departure dates;
  • Suggestions for personalizing your trip.
Schedule a call

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.
Toronto skyline with high-rise buildings and Fairmont Royal York hotel

Fairmont Royal York

Example of a Deluxe hotel in Toronto

Situated directly across from Union Station, the Fairmont Royal York is steps away from Toronto's iconic sights and attractions. After a day of exploring, head to the hotel’s health club and spa which features an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and steam room.

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 6 reviews

Fresh Tracks were very helpful in helping us plan and carry out our train trip across Canada

We thoroughly enjoyed seeing Canada from the east (Toronto) to the west (Vancouver) from the perspective of the trains. We also appreciated the quality of the food, the accommodati... 

Richard and Carol review of their [object Object] trip

Richard and Carol

TN, USA

Insider Tips

Having grown up in Calgary, the Rocky Mountains have always been my backyard, but there are so many more hidden gems to explore in Alberta. From the outdoor enthusiast’s paradise of Waterton, to the fossil filled Dinosaur Provincial Park, there is something for everyone.

Solana P

Solana

Canadian Insider

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

Cartoon polar bear speaking on the phone

Or call us toll free

Cartoon polar bear speaking on the phone

Similar Trips

View some of our other favorite trips