Trans-Continental Delights with VIA Rail

Tour Information

Step into the Great Hall of Toronto’s grand Union Station as you prepare to join your train to cross the prairies to the Canadian Rockies, travelling in style in refurbished 1950s rail cars. Journey on through Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with golden fields stretching before you and two nights onboard before coming to a stop in the mountain resort of Jasper.

Transfer to coach to continue your journey into the Rockies, taking the scenic Icefields Parkway to Banff, with a stop to explore the Athabasca Glacier and Lake Louise. In Banff you’ll have time to discover its natural attractions and ride the gondola to Sulphur Mountain. Next you’ll cross the Continental Divide to Kamloops, travelling through national parks and spectacular mountain passes, then make your way to Whistler en route to coastal Vancouver.

Day 1

UK – Toronto
After your transatlantic flight into Canada, independent transfer to your overnight hotel
Hotel Comfort Suites City Center

Day 2

Depart Toronto (Via Rail) This morning, check in at Toronto’s Union Station and board VIA Rail’s Canadian for the famous train journey across the prairies to the Canadian Rockies. Travel back in time to the days of classic rail travel. The original stainless steel streamliner railcars, made famous by the Canadian in the 1950s, are totally refurbished with air conditioning, a café car, lounge car, and access for all on board to the dome car. Exclusive to Silver and Blue class: By day, sit back in comfortable armchairs and enjoy the stretch out comfort of your very own accommodation. At night attendants will transform your quarters into cosy bunks or bedroom. Guests have access to the Park Car, always at the tail end of the train whose tapered shape gives the car its distinctive look. (Lunch & Dinner is included today)

Day 3

On-board Via Rail
Continue west through the provinces of Northern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the breadbasket of Canada with its golden wheat fields starching as far as the eye can see. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included today)

Day 4

Arrive Jasper (Via Rail)
This morning awake to arrive in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, after a brief stop continue on for the final leg of your rail journey to Jasper. This small alpine community located in the majestic Canadian Rockies will be home for the next 2 nights. (Breakfast & Lunch is included today)
Hotel Lobstick Lodge

Day 5

Jasper to Banff with Glacier Experience
Travel by coach today via one of the most scenic highways in North America - the Icefield Parkway. Visit the Columbia Icefield that covers an area of over 200 square miles and reaches a depth of 300 yards. Time allows for an Ice Explorer ride (included) on the Athabasca Glacier. Along the way stops will be made at Lake Louise, Bow & Peyto Lakes, the Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. This highway is renowned for sightings of bears, elk, moose & mountain sheep, so keep your camera handy. Please note: mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June
Hotel Banff Ptarmigan Inn

Day 6

Morning Tour of Banff with Gondola Ride
This morning, tour through the town of Banff and its environs. Among the highlights are visits to the Hoodoos (shaped by centuries of wind), Surprise Corner, Sulphur Mountain (gondola ride included), and Tunnel Mountain Drive - which overlooks the splendour of Bow Valley and the Cave and Basin, where Banff’s history began. Enjoy the afternoon on your own to explore this charming resort.

Day 7

Banff to Kamloops (Coach)
Leaving Banff National Park, travel to Yoho National Park where you cross the continental divide. Then on through Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass with spectacular mountain vista’s in every direction. Continue through the Monashee Mountain Range and past Shuswap Lake to Lac Le Jeune Resort. (Lunch & Dinner is included today)
Hotel Lac Le Jeune Resort

Day 8

Kamloops to Whistler (Coach)
Begin the day travelling along Logan Lake route to the gold rush town of Cache Creek, continue the journey south to Lillooet where a stop will be made for lunch (included) Lillooet is known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and was Mile Zero of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. On the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road enjoy breath-taking views of Joffee Glacier and snow capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 8,518 feet. Upon arrival in Whistler you will be transferred to your hotel. (Breakfast & Lunch is included today)
Hotel Listel Whistler

Day 9

Whistler to Vancouver (Coach)
This morning is at leisure to explore Whistler, before departing on a scheduled coach service through the scenic Howe Sound to Vancouver. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs.
Independent transfers to Vancouver airport for your flight back to the UK.
Options to extend in Vancouver at local hotels is available. Please call for details

Day 10

Arrive back in the UK in the early afternoon at your chosen UK airport

What's Included

• Transatlantic flights from/to UK
• VIA Rail service in Silver and Blue class in Private Berth accommodation
• Hotel accommodation in quality 3* hotels for 6 nights
• Driver/Guide from Day 5 to 8
• Tour of Banff
• Gondola Ride on Sulphur Mountain
• Athabasca Glacier ride
• 3 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners (B,L,D)
• Upgraded accommodation available in superior category hotels and Fairmont Deluxe Grade
• Eastbound dates also available