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Canadian Train Odyssey

TorontoVancouver
Overview
  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Personalise Your Trip
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DOWNLOAD ITINERARY
CANADIAN TRAIN ODYSSEY
8960TORONTOVANCOUVER
Leisurely On the go
Meals
Breakfast: 2 Lunch: 3 Dinner: 3
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi (where available)
Accommodation
Rooms with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, tips and service charges
HighLights
  • Sightseeing Cruise, Niagara Falls
  • VIA Rail Train Journey
  • Jasper National Park, Alberta
  • Ice Explorer Ride, Columbia Icefield
  • Banff National Park
  • Butchart Gardens, Victoria
  • DAY 1:   TORONTO
    Welcome to Toronto! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3pm-6pm to answer any questions. Toronto is considered the most culturally diverse city in the world with its population representing a wide range of ethnicities and languages. Once checked into your hotel, perhaps do some shopping at nearby Eaton Centre or venture a little further and check out the Hockey Hall of Fame or try some local culinary treats at St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark over two centuries old.
  • DAY 2:   TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS
    Begin the day with an orientation tour of Toronto that includes City Hall, the downtown banking district, Rogers Centre, and the stunning CN Tower. Leave the city and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Sightseeing here includes a Niagara Falls cruise for an exhilarating ride to see the thundering Falls up close. Fall even more in love with the falls with an optional excursion to Skylon Tower for spectacular views and a buffet lunch. Return to Toronto and spend the evening exploring the city sights on your own. NOTE: Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favourable weather and/or river conditions. Favourable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavourable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.
  • DAY 3:   TORONTO-VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
    This morning, transfer to Union Station for a departure on The Canadian, VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train. Spend the next three days and nights on this classic trip across Canada's heartland. Your Sleeper-Plus class rail cars are refurbished art-deco cars from the 1950s. Domed observation cars let you enjoy views of the Canadian countryside as you roll past Ontario's landscapes. Chef-prepared meals offer a tempting array of soups, salads, main courses, and desserts. (L,D) 
  • DAY 4:   VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
    Today, watch the scenery as you whisk by the ever-changing Canadian landscape and travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway's breathtaking mainline. (B,L,D) 
  • DAY 5:   VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
    The Canadian glides through Winnipeg, before continuing the journey through Manitoba's prairies and into Saskatchewan. (B,L,D) 
  • DAY 6:   VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN-JASPER NATIONAL PARK
    Arrive in Jasper this morning and enjoy an orientation tour of the townsite. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy the ambiance of this wonderous mountain setting. Go with the flow on an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River. 
  • DAY 7:   JASPER NATIONAL PARK
    Today is at leisure. Make your day magical with an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to the much-photographed Spirit Island*. On the return journey, stop to view mighty Maligne Canyon. This afternoon, perhaps hike on the trails and watch for wildlife, or stroll the streets of Jasper.   *This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June. 
  • DAY 8:   JASPER NATIONAL PARK-COLUMBIA ICEFIELD-LAKE LOUISE-BANFF NATIONAL PARK
    Board your motorcoach this morning and journey through Jasper National Park, stopping along the way at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet (250 metres) thick! Continue down Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, known for its stunning turquoise waters that mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park for a leisurely 2-night stay. An orientation tour highlights Banff's unspoiled beauty.
  • DAY 9:   BANFF NATIONAL PARK
    The day is free to independently explore. Perhaps stroll Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare with boutiques and souvenir shops in this resort town or hike in some of the surrounding 2,564 square miles of parkland which are home to wildlife, including elk, deer, and grizzly bear. Take your day higher with an awe-inspiring optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies! Your Tour Director can offer many suggestions for activities and dinner. 
  • DAY 10:   BANFF NATIONAL PARK-YOHO NATIONAL PARK-GLACIER NATIONAL PARK-KAMLOOPS
    This morning, leave Banff National Park and travel over Kicking Horse Pass on the Continental Divide. Travel through Yoho National Park, where pre-Cambrian fossils were discovered, and Glacier National Park, where recreational mountain climbing was introduced to North America a century ago. Late this afternoon, arrive at the cattle-ranching center of Kamloops.
  • DAY 11:   KAMLOOPS-FERRY CROSSING-VICTORIA
    As you travel through the Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your afternoon ferry for the spectacular crossing to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival, take time to smell the roses on an optional excursion to see the 55-acres of incredible floral displays at world famous Butchart Gardens. Later, enjoy sightseeing in Victoria including the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider taking a relaxing stroll along the lovely Waterfront Promenade.
  • DAY 12:   VICTORIA
    Enjoy a day at leisure with time to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer. Visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, tour the Parliament Building, have Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, or shop along Government Street. Perhaps have an adventure at sea on an optional whale and wildlife watching cruise.
  • DAY 13:   VICTORIA-FERRY CROSSING-VANCOUVER  
    This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-like climate. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and many other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Robson Street and experience British Columbia's premier shopping and entertainment location.  
  • DAY 14:   VANCOUVER  
    Today is at leisure for independent sightseeing or join us for unforgettable optional excursions, featuring one of the world's most scenic drives along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler or elevate your adventure on an optional aerial tram ride up the mountain for exquisite views and a walk through a rainforest canopy at Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge. . 
  • DAY 15:   VANCOUVER  
    Your holiday ends this morning. 
View Map
Map
BookDates & Prices
This adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada’s most popular cities. A highlight of this Canada train tour is the 3-day, 3-night journey on VIA Rail’s® the Canadian—a premier continental train—from Toronto to Jasper. In refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars, enjoy views of the ever-changing landscapes as you leisurely travel through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The spectacular landscapes on your train trip are just a part of the amazing scenery you’ll witness on this Canada rail tour. Marvel at thunderous Niagara Falls on your boat cruise past the falls. In the Canadian Rockies, ride the Ice Explorer—an all-terrain vehicle—on Columbia Icefield, an expanse of ice that is 750-feet thick. Stop in breathtaking Lake Louise, where its gorgeous turquoise waters mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Spend time in wondrous Jasper National Park—with its rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, rivers, and abundant wildlife—and Banff National Park, home to majestic mountains and picture-perfect scenery. Also travel through Yoho National Park, with its famous fossils, and Glacier National Park, with its scenic wilderness and wildlife. From the Pacific Coast, sail to Victoria through the scenic Gulf Islands. Throughout this Canada train tour, enjoy included city sightseeing and also have time to explore on your own. You may want to dine at the top of Toronto’s CN Tower, hike in Banff, enjoy Afternoon Tea at Victoria’s Empress Hotel, or shop Vancouver’s Robson Street. See spectacular mountain scenery, stunning lakes, picturesque towns, gentle prairie fields, and exciting cities on this rail tour across Canada—what a fantastic holiday

Traveller Notes
- Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi where available. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
- Private berth on VIA Rail’s the Canadian® train from Toronto to Jasper in Sleeper Plus class and a ferry crossing to/from Vancouver Island are included.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favourable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.
- Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion, which opens in mid to late May to early June.

Map

Leisurely On the go

15
Days
1
Country
Country
Meals
2breakfasts;
3lunches;
3dinners;
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi (where available)
Accommodation
Rooms with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, tips and service charges
Tour Code
8960
Tour Style
Train Journeys
Highlights
Sightseeing Cruise, Niagara Falls
VIA Rail Train Journey
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Ice Explorer Ride, Columbia Icefield
Banff National Park
Butchart Gardens, Victoria

Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS
Day 1

TORONTO

Welcome to Toronto! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3pm-6pm to answer any questions. Toronto is considered the most culturally diverse city in the world with its population representing a wide range of ethnicities and languages. Once checked into your hotel, perhaps do some shopping at nearby Eaton Centre or venture a little further and check out the Hockey Hall of Fame or try some local culinary treats at St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark over two centuries old.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 2

TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS

Begin the day with an orientation tour of Toronto that includes City Hall, the downtown banking district, Rogers Centre, and the stunning CN Tower. Leave the city and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Sightseeing here includes a Niagara Falls cruise for an exhilarating ride to see the thundering Falls up close. Fall even more in love with the falls with an optional excursion to Skylon Tower for spectacular views and a buffet lunch. Return to Toronto and spend the evening exploring the city sights on your own. NOTE: Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favourable weather and/or river conditions. Favourable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavourable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 3

TORONTO-VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN

This morning, transfer to Union Station for a departure on The Canadian, VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train. Spend the next three days and nights on this classic trip across Canada's heartland. Your Sleeper-Plus class rail cars are refurbished art-deco cars from the 1950s. Domed observation cars let you enjoy views of the Canadian countryside as you roll past Ontario's landscapes. Chef-prepared meals offer a tempting array of soups, salads, main courses, and desserts. (L,D) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 4

VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN

Today, watch the scenery as you whisk by the ever-changing Canadian landscape and travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway's breathtaking mainline. (B,L,D) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 5

VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN

The Canadian glides through Winnipeg, before continuing the journey through Manitoba's prairies and into Saskatchewan. (B,L,D) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 6

VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN-JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Arrive in Jasper this morning and enjoy an orientation tour of the townsite. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy the ambiance of this wonderous mountain setting. Go with the flow on an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 7

JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Today is at leisure. Make your day magical with an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to the much-photographed Spirit Island*. On the return journey, stop to view mighty Maligne Canyon. This afternoon, perhaps hike on the trails and watch for wildlife, or stroll the streets of Jasper.   *This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 8

JASPER NATIONAL PARK-COLUMBIA ICEFIELD-LAKE LOUISE-BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Board your motorcoach this morning and journey through Jasper National Park, stopping along the way at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet (250 metres) thick! Continue down Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, known for its stunning turquoise waters that mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park for a leisurely 2-night stay. An orientation tour highlights Banff's unspoiled beauty.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 9

BANFF NATIONAL PARK

The day is free to independently explore. Perhaps stroll Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare with boutiques and souvenir shops in this resort town or hike in some of the surrounding 2,564 square miles of parkland which are home to wildlife, including elk, deer, and grizzly bear. Take your day higher with an awe-inspiring optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies! Your Tour Director can offer many suggestions for activities and dinner. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 10

BANFF NATIONAL PARK-YOHO NATIONAL PARK-GLACIER NATIONAL PARK-KAMLOOPS

This morning, leave Banff National Park and travel over Kicking Horse Pass on the Continental Divide. Travel through Yoho National Park, where pre-Cambrian fossils were discovered, and Glacier National Park, where recreational mountain climbing was introduced to North America a century ago. Late this afternoon, arrive at the cattle-ranching center of Kamloops.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 11

KAMLOOPS-FERRY CROSSING-VICTORIA

As you travel through the Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your afternoon ferry for the spectacular crossing to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival, take time to smell the roses on an optional excursion to see the 55-acres of incredible floral displays at world famous Butchart Gardens. Later, enjoy sightseeing in Victoria including the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider taking a relaxing stroll along the lovely Waterfront Promenade.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 12

VICTORIA

Enjoy a day at leisure with time to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer. Visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, tour the Parliament Building, have Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, or shop along Government Street. Perhaps have an adventure at sea on an optional whale and wildlife watching cruise.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 13

VICTORIA-FERRY CROSSING-VANCOUVER  

This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-like climate. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and many other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Robson Street and experience British Columbia's premier shopping and entertainment location.  

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 14

VANCOUVER  

Today is at leisure for independent sightseeing or join us for unforgettable optional excursions, featuring one of the world's most scenic drives along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler or elevate your adventure on an optional aerial tram ride up the mountain for exquisite views and a walk through a rainforest canopy at Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge. . 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 15

VANCOUVER  

Your holiday ends this morning. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW
*

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (1)

Default
Start trip: Toronto
End trip: Vancouver
Selected
Add On
Start trip: +7 days in Toronto
End trip: Vancouver

Extend your holiday with a 7-night Holland America cruise through spectacular Alaska. Watch for wildlife and marvel at glaciers as you cruise along the famous Inside Passage. (8965)

Tour directors

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. We’d like you to meet a Tour Director who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your tour.

Chobanov, Peter

I am a geographer, so what better job can one have than to show off my country! Born and raised in Ontario, I make Quebec my home today. I met my wife on the job and our kids were born into my world as a tour director. I wouldn't have it any other way! Travel is a passion and I love to share the beauty of my country from the Atlantic to the Pacific and all parts in between. Whether it¿s a personal tale, a yarn about fishing, government intrigue, or a close-up bear encounter, I love to tell a Canadian story (or 10), which makes for a more personal and compelling journey. After all, isn't that what travel is all about?

This adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada’s most popular cities. A highlight of this Canada train tour is the 3-day, 3-night journey on VIA Rail’s® the Canadian—a premier continental train—from Toronto to Jasper. In refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars, enjoy views of the ever-changing landscapes as you leisurely travel through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The spectacular landscapes on your train trip are just a part of the amazing scenery you’ll witness on this Canada rail tour. Marvel at thunderous Niagara Falls on your boat cruise past the falls. In the Canadian Rockies, ride the Ice Explorer—an all-terrain vehicle—on Columbia Icefield, an expanse of ice that is 750-feet thick. Stop in breathtaking Lake Louise, where its gorgeous turquoise waters mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Spend time in wondrous Jasper National Park—with its rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, rivers, and abundant wildlife—and Banff National Park, home to majestic mountains and picture-perfect scenery. Also travel through Yoho National Park, with its famous fossils, and Glacier National Park, with its scenic wilderness and wildlife. From the Pacific Coast, sail to Victoria through the scenic Gulf Islands. Throughout this Canada train tour, enjoy included city sightseeing and also have time to explore on your own. You may want to dine at the top of Toronto’s CN Tower, hike in Banff, enjoy Afternoon Tea at Victoria’s Empress Hotel, or shop Vancouver’s Robson Street. See spectacular mountain scenery, stunning lakes, picturesque towns, gentle prairie fields, and exciting cities on this rail tour across Canada—what a fantastic holiday

Traveller Notes
- Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi where available. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
- Private berth on VIA Rail’s the Canadian® train from Toronto to Jasper in Sleeper Plus class and a ferry crossing to/from Vancouver Island are included.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favourable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.
- Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion, which opens in mid to late May to early June.

Map

Leisurely On the go

15
Days
1
Country
Country
Meals
2breakfasts;
3lunches;
3dinners;
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi (where available)
Accommodation
Rooms with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, tips and service charges
Tour Code
8960
Tour Style
Train Journeys

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