15 Day Ultimate Trans Canada Rail Experience
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, travel east to west, admiring beautiful Canadian landscapes on the VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer, marvel at Niagara Falls, Columbia Icefield Adventure with glacier tour, plus city tours in Banff, Vancouver and Victoria, including Butchart Gardens.
✓ 11 nights in central 3 & 4-star accommodation
✓ 3 night journey on board the iconic VIA Rail - The Canadian
✓ Rocky Mountaineer journey from Banff to Vancouver, via Kamloops
✓ 4 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 3 dinners
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel
✓ Expert local guides
✓ Scheduled transportation as outlined in the itinerary
✓ All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Upon arrival at Toronto International Airport, make your own way to your downtown hotel. Upon check-in, collect your information kit from the front desk. The rest of the day is free to explore Canada's commercial and cultural hub. Stay overnight in Toronto.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Niagara Falls, one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. The route travels through the lush fruit-growing district of the Niagara Peninsula, offering stunning views of rolling vineyards and orchards. Upon arrival at Niagara Falls, board the Hornblower Voyage for a thrilling boat trip ride. Feel the thunderous roar and mist of the cascading waters as you get up close and personal with this iconic landmark. After the boat tour, spend some time taking photos and marvel at the thundering rapids. Enjoy a delicious lunch and a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway. On your way back to Toronto, you'll visit the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming town with a rich cultural heritage. Overnight in Toronto.
Travel to Toronto’s Union Station to board VIA Rail's The Canadian, a cross-Canada train service that will take you on a scenic journey to western Canada. Along the way, you'll enjoy delicious meals in the onboard dining car and have the opportunity to relax and unwind before getting settled in your birth sleeper (cabin upgrades for additional cost subject to availability). Overnight on board VIA Rail's The Canadian.
Journey north of the Great Lakes to view the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield, some of North America's oldest geological formations. Dotted with thousands of freshwater lakes and rich in minerals and forests, this vast region is a wonder to behold. As the sun begins to set, your train will cross the border into the province of Manitoba and make a brief stop in its capital, Winnipeg. Overnight on board VIA Rail's The Canadian.
Another day of mesmerising sites. Experience a serene journey through southern and central Saskatchewan, passing by grassy plains, rolling hills, winding rivers and sparkling lakes. Admire the eight bridges that span the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, a city known as the "Paris of the Prairies" for its vibrant culture and European-inspired charm. Overnight on board VIA Rail's The Canadian.
As the sun rises, prepare your camera to capture the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains on the horizon. Marvel at the spectacle of nature as your train enters Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Upon arrival at Jasper train station, transfer independently to your hotel for a day at leisure and a restful night's sleep. Overnight in Jasper.
Embrace a full day of relaxation or exploration in Jasper and admire its beauty. Soar to new heights on the Jasper Tramway or bask in the geothermal bliss of Miette Hot Springs. Marvel at the breathtaking panorama of Jasper National Park, where serene lakes and gentle meadows contrast starkly with jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers. Overnight in Jasper.
Embark on an unforgettable journey as you depart Jasper and wind your way along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. At every turn, be captivated by spectacular vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and mountain meadows bursting with wildflowers. Arrive at the Columbia Icefield, where the Athabasca Glacier spreads out before you. Board an Ice Explorer for a thrilling ride up the glacier, where you can learn about its formation and history from your expert guide. Continue your journey to Lake Louise, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a picturesque gateway to the mountain areas of Banff National Park. Use the morning to explore this quaint village before your transfer. Wind your way through Banff National Park along the scenic roads, keeping an eye out for wildlife that meander through the green spaces. Have your cameras ready for some truly unique photo opportunities. Upon arrival into Banff, explore the many boutiques, confectioners and eateries that line the quaint boulevards, adding to the charm of this picturesque alpine town. Overnight in Banff.
This morning, embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Banff and its natural surroundings. Discover the Hoodoos, curiously shaped by centuries of erosion, and marvel at Surprise Corner and Tunnel Mountain Drive, which offer breathtaking views of the Bow River Valley. Spend the remainder of the day exploring at your own pace. Overnight in Banff.
Today, embark on a breathtaking journey on the Rocky Mountaineer, travelling west to the Pacific Coast. This unique daylight service offers unparalleled views of some of the most spectacular sights in western Canada.
Departing the Rockies through Kicking Horse Pass, the train climbs into the Selkirk Mountains following Rogers Pass. By late afternoon, you will find yourself in the arid ranchland of interior British Columbia, where you will disembark in Kamloops for the night. Overnight Kamloops.
Continue your spectacular daytime rail journey to Vancouver, passing through the “Cowboy Country” ranchland British Columbia and alongside the mighty Thompson and Fraser rivers. Rugged mountain peaks and rolling, wind-swept hills will define the horizon as you traverse the interior and approach the Coastal Mountains surrounding Vancouver. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Discover Vancouver's vibrant tapestry on a hop-on hop-off tour, immersing yourself in the city's diverse neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks. Explore historic Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, with its cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture. Admire the picturesque waterfront views at English Bay or delve into the artistic and cultural hub of Granville Island, home to public markets, galleries and performance venues. Marvel at the colourful totem poles of Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre urban oasis with towering trees, scenic trails, and wildlife. Overnight in Vancouver.
Embark on a full-day excursion to Victoria, beginning with a scenic cruise through the Gulf Islands. Upon arrival, visit the acclaimed Butchart Gardens, a world-renowned oasis of horticultural splendour. Continue to Victoria for a city sightseeing tour, encompassing stately homes and gardens, as well as historic landmarks. Admire the University of Victoria, Beacon Hill Park, and pass the Royal British Columbia Museum, Thunderbird Park, the Parliament Buildings, and the exclusive homes of the Uplands and Oak Bay.Return to Vancouver in the early evening with memories of Victoria's charm and elegance. Overnight in Vancouver.
Today marks the last day of your Canadian adventure. Arrange your own transportation to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Your adventure starts as soon as you step on board. The buzz of the city will be replaced by the sway of the train as you glide past forests, lakes and prairies. And, just when you think things can’t get any better, you catch your first glimpse of the Rockies. (As amazing as you think they are and then some.) On the Canadian, you’ll become fast friends with Canada.
The beauty of travelling by train is that you can admire the scenery through large windows that look out over the horizon. Furthermore, you’re free to move about during the trip, and you benefit from ample leg room.
You’ll be on your way to some much deserved rest and relaxation on board the Skyline car. On the top floor, the windows extend to the ceiling, providing you with the perfect place to admire the breath-taking scenery as it unfolds.
VIA Rail Accommodation
On VIA Rail sleeping cars, passengers enjoy a reserved seating area for daytime travel, which is made into sleeping berths by an attendant in the evening. A shower room and toilet facilities are located in each car in trans-continental cars only.
Berth Class / Section (Upper / Lower) - Included
Offers deep-cushioned seats with an optional table by day that convert to upper and lower beds with privacy curtain at night. Toilet and shower facilities are shared. Complimentary shower kits including soap, shampoo, cap, towel and washcloth.
Private Cabin Upgrade - an additional $1,383 per person
A private room for 2 people with toilet facilities and air conditioning. The room contains comfortable armchairs in the daytime, which convert to upper and lower beds at night. There is a small closet (holds 1 large and 1 small suitcase), reading lamp and a sink with razor outlet. Access to a shared shower room, just a few steps away, with a complimentary shower kit containing soap, shampoo, cap, towel and washcloth.
Within the unique world of rail travel, Rocky Mountaineer is so much more than just a train. It's the key to unlocking a hidden world of unparalleled beauty as you carve through otherwise inaccessible terrain in the Canadian Rockies. And your job aboard their all-dome fleet? To indulge in the most luxurious journey you've ever experienced. It's a tall order, but you're moving in the right direction. Hot gourmet breakfasts and lunches served at your spacious seat means you won't have to miss a moment of the splendor out your window. Nor will you miss a moment of the latest captivating yarn or historical tidbit from your onboard Host.
Travel through scenic valleys, the Coast Mountains range and the Fraser Canyon with its spectacular white water rapids and dramatic landscape. You will follow the route of the Fraser River, home of British Columbia’s largest salmon run, pass by the Albreda Glacier and magnificent Pyramid Falls, and hopefully see wildlife on the way. The highlight of this route is majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Rocky Mountaineer service levels
SilverLeaf - Included
Your SilverLeaf service on board Rocky Mountaineer includes:
GoldLeaf - Upgrade available from $1,060 per person
In addition to the SilverLeaf inclusions listed above, your GoldLeaf experience includes:
For more information on the Rocky Mountaineer, click HERE.
Please select the GoldLeaf upgrade under 'Upgrade Options' when finalising your booking. Please note, the GoldLeaf upgrade is subject to availability.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorized as a ”2”
Leisurely Paced Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $3,013.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
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