Day 1 – Arrival in Toronto
Toronto is the starting point for many travellers on their trip to Canada. On arrival you’ll check into your modern hotel located right in the heart of Toronto. Take a walk down the longest street in the world, Yonge Street, where you’ll find many restaurants and shops. A short walk away you’ll find Lake Ontario and the harbour, a popular place among many of the locals with various hiking trails along the waterfront.
Day 2 – Guided bike tour of the city
You’ll have the whole of today to discover more of this vibrant city. We’ll arrange tickets for the Harbour Cruise for you, which leaves every 30 minutes, so you can decide for yourself when to hop on. Either you can just choose to do the cruise and experience the metropolis from the water, where you’ll have plenty of fantastic views of the city skyline, or you can get off at Centre Island for a walk or cycle.
Later you can visit the iconic CN tower where, if the skies are clear, you can get amazing views, or wander down to St Lawrence Market for some delicious local food. Almost all of New York’s broadways and musicals were previously in Toronto and there is still a show nearly every night, a great way to spend your evening if you want to toe-tap along in your seats!
Day 3 – Niagara Falls boat tour
Today you’ll head out to experience one of Canada’s most iconic natural wonders, Niagara Falls. You’ll be collected from your hotel in Toronto and driven around an hour and a half to reach the falls, where you’ll hop on the famous ‘Hornblower’ to see the cascading falls up close. Before boarding the boat, you’ll be handed a rain poncho in preparation for the spray that travels across the river as you edge closer to the powerful falls.
Once you’re back on dry land, you will continue onto the wine region around Niagara-on-the-Lake. Here, you’ll taste local wines and soak up the relaxed atmosphere among the rolling vineyards and beautiful countryside.
Day 4 – Board the Canadian train towards Jasper
Today, your rail adventure across Canada begins as you board the legendary Canadian. Settle into your comfortable seat or sleeper cabin and watch the scenery pass outside your window. As the train leaves the city behind, you’ll travel past sparkling lakes, dense forests and small rural communities, which is the perfect introduction to Canada’s vast and ever-changing landscapes. Be sure to spend some time in the panoramic dome car, where you’ll have the best views of the journey ahead.
Day 5 & 6 – Across Canada by rail
Over the next few days, you’ll travel through the heart of Canada, watching the scenery change from the forests and lakes of the Canadian Shield to the wide open prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, before reaching the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. The train makes short stops in cities such as Winnipeg and Edmonton, but the real highlight is the journey itself. Settle back, relax and enjoy one of the world’s great rail journeys as Canada’s vast landscapes unfold outside your window.
Day 7 – Arrival in Jasper in the Rocky Mountains
Today you arrive in Jasper, surrounded by the towering peaks, turquoise rivers and pine forests of the Canadian Rockies. Even the journey into town is a highlight, with incredible mountain scenery unfolding outside your window. After checking into your centrally located hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Wander through Jasper’s laid-back streets, browse the local shops, stop for a coffee or simply soak up the fresh mountain air before the next stage of your adventure.
Day 8 & 9 – Jasper National Park
The next few days are yours to explore Jasper National Park at your own pace. Head out on one of the many hiking trails, visit the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake or keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including elk, moose and, if you’re lucky, bears. You could also take a scenic boat trip or drive part of the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Prefer to take it easy? Jasper’s mountain scenery is never far away, making even a gentle stroll through town a memorable experience. You’ll stay in the same centrally located hotel throughout your time in Jasper.
Day 10 & 11 – Train journey through the Rockies to Vancouver
Today, you’ll board the train and continue your journey on the Canadian, heading west towards the Pacific Ocean. This stretch is one of the most scenic parts of the trip, as the train winds through the Rocky Mountains, passing deep valleys, waterfalls and fast-flowing rivers. As you move further west, the landscape gradually changes into rolling hills and lush greenery before reaching the Pacific coast. Along the way, you’ll pass through places such as Kamloops, before finally arriving in Vancouver. On arrival, you’ll check into your centrally located hotel and have the rest of the day to settle in.
Day 12 – Explore Vancouver
Now you have arrived in Vancouver, we have left the day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Surrounded by mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it’s one of Canada’s most beautifully located cities. Walk or cycle the famous Stanley Park Seawall, wander through the historic streets of Gastown or browse the markets and waterfront cafés on Granville Island. If the skies are clear, you’ll be treated to spectacular views across the city to the mountains beyond.
If you’d like to make the most of your time here, we can arrange bike hire or even a memorable seaplane flight for a bird’s-eye view of Vancouver and its stunning coastline. Speak to your travel specialist for more information.
Day 13 – Time to head home
Depending on your flight time, you may have a few final hours to spend in Vancouver, pick up some last-minute souvenirs or enjoy a coffee before heading to the airport for your journey home. As you leave Canada behind, you’ll take with you memories of vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes and one of the world’s greatest rail journeys.
This itinerary includes a stop in Jasper so you can experience the spectacular Canadian Rockies, but it’s fully flexible. Whether you’d prefer to travel in Economy or Sleeper Plus, take the train straight through, travel in the opposite direction or add extra stops along the way, we’ll tailor the journey to suit you.
Accommodation
