The Canadian Train | Trans Canada Rail Holiday Adventure

Day 1

Toronto

Fly into Toronto, Ontario from the UK (we will include the flights in your holiday itinerary) and take a taxi into downtown (we can arrange a private transfer to meet you for that extra piece of comfort if preferred).

3 nights Toronto

Day 2

Toronto

Spend the day exploring Toronto. Visit the CN Tower, one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. The observation deck offers panoramic vistas of the city and Lake Ontario, providing a perfect introduction to the city’s skyline. Take a stroll through the vibrant St. Lawrence Market, sampling local delicacies like peameal bacon sandwiches or fresh produce from the farmers’ stalls. Explore the historic Distillery District with its cobblestone streets, artisan shops, galleries, and cafes housed in beautifully restored Victorian buildings. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario, which would satisfy cultural interests, with both offering world-class collections in natural history and fine art.

Day 3

Niagara Falls

Take a full-day trip to Niagara Falls where you can visit the Table Rock Welcome Centre for breathtaking views of the Horseshoe Falls. Then experience the Journey Behind the Falls for a closer look at the waterfalls from observation decks. Embark on the famous Hornblower Niagara Cruise to get up close to the falls by boat. Enjoy and included lunch with a view at one of the many restaurants overlooking the falls.

In the afternoon, explore the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens or take a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car for panoramic views of the river. Then, visit the nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for its charming streets and historic sites. Conclude the trip with a wine tasting at a local winery before heading back to Toronto, returning by evening with lasting memories of the falls and the surrounding beauty.

Days 4

Toronto to Winnipeg

Departing on a Sunday or Wednesday morning, embark on a scenic journey aboard VIA Rail from Toronto to Winnipeg. Settle into your cabin and begin your trip with views of Toronto’s skyline and the shores of Lake Ontario, then venture through Ontario’s charming small towns and rural farmlands. As the train enters the Canadian Shield, you’ll be captivated by rugged forests, shimmering lakes, and the majestic beauty of northern Ontario. Traveling along the stunning shoreline of Lake Superior, the landscape transitions to the wide open prairies of Manitoba, offering endless skies and vast horizons. Arrive into Winnipeg in the evening the next day.

1 night on The Canadian VIA Rail train

Day 5-7

Winnipeg

Over the next 2 days enjoy everything Winnipeg has to offer. Explore the Forks, a historic site and bustling market by the river, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy local arts. Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a striking architectural wonder that offers immersive exhibits on human rights. Take a walk through Assiniboine Park, home to the beautiful Assiniboine Park Zoo and the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. Immerse yourself in history at the Manitoba Museum, which showcases the province’s rich heritage. Discover the Royal Canadian Mint, where Canadian coins are minted. Spend the afternoon at St. Boniface, Winnipeg’s French quarter, and explore the St. Boniface Cathedral and charming cafes. Take a relaxing stroll along the Red River or a visit to Kildonan Park to experience the city’s natural beauty.

3 nights Winnipeg

Day 8-9

Winnipeg to Jasper

Departing on a Monday or Thursday evening, embark on a scenic journey aboard VIA Rail from Winnipeg to Jasper. Settle again into your cabin and start your adventure by crossing the wide prairies of Manitoba, where you’ll see endless fields and sweeping skies. As you enter the majestic Saskatchewan River Valley, the scenery transitions to rugged foothills and forests. Traveling through the Rocky Mountain foothills, the train offers spectacular views of towering peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forests as you approach the iconic Canadian Rockies. The final stretch takes you into Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with panoramic vistas of mountains, glaciers, and pristine wilderness. This scenic route is a perfect blend of prairie beauty and mountain grandeur, making it a must-see for nature lovers. Arrive into Jasper early morning after 2 nights on the train

2 nights on The Canadian VIA Rail train

Day 10-13

Jasper

Arrive early into beautiful Jasper in British Columbia. Leave your lugagge at your hotel and explore Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Recovering from recent wildfires, Jasper is a beautiful area of the Canadian Rockies.  Regrowth is already beginning and there is lots to see and do. Take a hike on one of the many trails, such as the easy Maligne Canyon or the more challenging Mount Edith Cavell trail, to experience the breathtaking alpine beauty. Take a tour down to Maligne Lake and head out on a boat tour to see the stunning Spirit Island, or opt for a scenic gondola ride to the top of Whistler Mountain for panoramic views. Take a rafting trip down the Athabasca River for a thrilling experience. Visit Jasper’s wildlife hotspots, where you can spot elk, deer, and other animals in their natural habitats. Finish your trip with a relaxing soak in the Miette Hot Springs, known for its rejuvenating thermal waters. Jasper offers an ideal mix of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation amidst spectacular natural beauty.  Also take the opportunity to head down the Icefields Parkway for a day trip to the Athabasca Glacier and Skywalk.

4 nights Jasper (you could expand this to 7 nights in the Rockies and head to Banff and Lake Louise. You could also choose to carry on to Calgary and fly back to the UK instead of heading back to Jasper and the train carrying you on to Vancouver).

Day 14

Jasper to Vancouver

Depart Jasper early morning and travel through the Canadian Rockies, offering dramatic views of jagged peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes. As you move west, the landscape transforms into the Cariboo Plateau with rolling hills and expansive valleys, before crossing the Fraser River Gorge. You’ll also pass through charming small towns like Kamloops and witness the gradual transition into the coastal forests of British Columbia. The final stretch brings you closer to Vancouver, where the majestic mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, providing a perfect ending to this unforgettable scenic journey. Arrive early the next morning.

1 night on The Canadian VIA Rail train

Day 15-17

Vancouver

Spend the next few days exporing the best of Vancouver. Discover Stanley Park, one of the city’s most iconic attractions, where you can bike or stroll along the scenic Seawall, visit the Vancouver Aquarium, and enjoy views of the city skyline, mountains, and ocean. Spend an afternoon shopping and dining in the vibrant Granville Island, known for its public market, artisan shops, and waterfront restaurants. Take a trip up the Grouse Mountain Skyride for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding wilderness. Hike the Grouse Grind and visit the wildlife refuge, then on the same day visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to walk across one of the world’s most scenic suspension bridges and explore the surrounding forest trails.

Immerse yourself in Vancouver’s cultural scene by visiting the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, which showcases First Nations art and history. Spend the afternoon in Kitsilano Beach, relaxing by the ocean or enjoying water activities. Head out on a wildlife watching trip by zodiac and spot sea otters and whales. End your trip by exploring the eclectic shops and dining options in the trendy Main Street area or enjoy a stroll along English Bay at sunset. Vancouver offers a perfect balance of nature, culture, and city life.

3 nights Vancouver

Day 18

Vancouver

Time to say goodbye with fond memories of your amazing Canada holiday and fly overnight back home to the UK.