18 Day West To East Across Canada By Rail

18 Day West To East Across Canada By Rail

  • Independent travel
  • 18 days
  • Vancouver to Halifax
  • May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
  • Tour code 18WTE

About this tour

Rail is a relaxing way to view the spectacular changing scenery as you travel across each diverse province. You will experience varied landscapes and culture from the vibrancy of the Pacific Coast to the hospitality and lively music of the Atlantic Maritimes on the East Coast.

Trip highlights

  • Full day Icefield Parkway tour
  • Ice Explorer ride
  • Glacier Skywalk pass
  • Toronto hop-on hop-off city tour
  • Ripley's Aquarium
  • Ontario Science Centre
  • Full day tour to Niagara Falls including a boat ride
  • Ottawa hop-on hop-off city tour
  • Morning walking tour of Old Montréal
  • National Gallery of Canada
  • Afternoon Montréal coach tour
  • Québec City walking tour
  • Québec City helicopter tour
  • Afternoon tour to Beaupre Coast and Montmorency Falls
  • Discovery cruise on the St. Lawrence River
  • Halifax city tour

Day by day

  1. Day 1 Vancouver - Jasper overnight onboard VIA Rail

    There's no better way to tour western Canada than aboard a train Enjoy breathtaking scenery every second of the journey between Canada's largest city and the Pacific coast on board the Canadian. In the space of four nights and three days, you'll get to see the lakes in Northern Ontario, the lush boreal forest, the western Prairies, and the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Onboard the Canadian, you'll discover the beauty of Canada's landscape and cities at a pace that allows you to be in-tune with the nature around you.

  2. Day 2 Jasper

    Arrive in Jasper and spend the afternoon perhaps taking a wildlife tour, going up the Jasper Tram or visiting the famous Maligne valley.

    Overnight: Jasper
  3. Day 3 Icefield Parkway and Columbia Icefield sightseeing (Small Coach)

    Picture this. You are standing on a sheet of ice as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall surrounded by glaciers that hang all about you! It's not hard to feel like the first person to set eyes on this awesome sight! A tour to the Columbia Icefields allows you to experience a moment in time when Ice was King and silence ruled the forest floor! Arriving at the Icefields, you will have time to take the Ice-Explorer up and on to the Athabasca Glacier for a 90 min tour or if you'd prefer you can enjoy the services and view from the Icefields Interpretive centre.

    Overnight: Jasper
  4. Day 4 Jasper - Toronto overnight on board VIA Rail

    Whether it's breathtaking views, friendly service or world-class food, this train has been creating unforgettable moments for decades, for over a hundred thousand passengers every year.

  5. Day 5 Day 5 - 6: On board VIA Rail

    Explore the forests, prairies, lakes and the majestic Rocky Mountains all within 2 days onboard VIA Rail. Witness the stunning landscapes while relaxing in the comfort of the train as you travel.

  6. Day 6 Toronto

    Join Toronto's original and most comprehensive fully narrated hop-on hop-off tour through the city, visiting the CN Tower, Skydome, Toronto Harbour front, Casa Loma Castle, the Eaton Centre, Hockey Hall of Fame and Yorkville. Included in your pass is an elevation ride to the top of the CN Tower and entrance to Ripley's Aquarium.

  7. Day 7 Niagara Falls Day Tour (Coach)

    This breathtaking full-day tour will take you through the orchard-laden Niagara Peninsula to Niagara Falls. Enjoy a buffet lunch overlooking the falls. Join a boat ride to the base of the majestic Horseshoe Falls. Stop at he observation deck of the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the Floral Clock. On your return discover the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-lake, visiting a local country market and touring a winery.

  8. Day 8 Toronto - Ottawa on board VIA Rail

    The landscape is dotted with small villages and surrounded by maple forests and rich pasture land as you travel to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada.

    Overnight: Ottawa
  9. Day 9 Ottawa Sightseeing (Coach)

    Sit back and relax on an open-top double-decker or historic trolley as your professional guide shows you the nation's capital with its many historical landmarks, scenic waterway and beautiful parks. Your ticket is valid for one day allowing you time to hop-on and hop-off at your leisure.

    Overnight: Ottawa
  10. Day 10 Ottawa - Montreal on board VIA Rail

    Travel through rural Ontario as you cross into Quebec at Coteau, where the rail line joins the Toronto - Montreal line. Cross the Ottawa River to Dorval and onwards downtown to the central station. Explore the west side of Old Montreal on a 90-minute walking tour showcasing its French heritage and rich architecture.

    Overnight: Montréal
  11. Day 11 Montreal Sightseeing (Coach)

    Take in over 200 points of interest including a photo stop of Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, Old Montreal, the French Quarter and Mount Royal on a three hour city tour. This afternoon join a discovery cruise on the St Lawrence River.

    Overnight: Montréal
  12. Day 12 Montreal - Quebec City on board VIA Rail

    Following the St. Lawrence River, pass from city suburbs to the rural landscapes of forests and rich pastures, dotted with tiny villages that extend to Quebec City, the oldest walled city in North America and hear to the French Canadian culture of Canada. This evening enjoys a 3-course dinner in the heart of Old Quebec.

  13. Day 13 Quebec City Sightseeing (Coach)

    With a professional local guide, join a leisurely walking tour where you will explore the architecture, historical sites and significant events in Quebec's history. In the afternoon travel by coach for a tour to the Beaupre Coast and Montmorency Falls.

    Overnight: Québec City
  14. Day 14 Quebec City - Halifax overnight on board VIA Rail

    This morning enjoy an un forgettable experience on a helicopter tour of Quebec City and surrounds. This evening board VIA rail's Ocean train and settle into your cozy private Cabin. You're rocked to sleep as you leave French Canada behind and travel to Halifax.

  15. Day 15 Halifax

    Wake to views of the Atlantic Ocean, rolling hills, and quaint coastal villages that appear frozen in time as you travel into the Atlantic Maritimes. Arrive into Halifax in the early evening.

    Overnight: Halifax
  16. Day 16 Halifax Sightseeing (coach)

    On a Halifax city tour, you will be introduced to one of North America's most unique and captivating cities. View historic properties, such as the Spring Garden Road area, Old Town Clock, St. Paul's Churchy, residential areas and much more. The tour includes the Titanic Burial Site and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Park. In the afternoon travel to Peggy's Cove, which has been an artist and explorers paradise for well over 150 years. This picture-postcard village, on the rugged Atlantic shoreline, stand on a solid rock about the crashing surf.

    Overnight: Halifax
  17. Day 17 Halifax

    Your package ends with a check out from your hotel. We suggest an add-on packaging to Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. Canada's birthplace is a very picturesque seaside city, rich in history, from here you can travel the island and visit the site of Anne of Green Gables.

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What's included

  • 12 nights of accommodation
  • VIA Rail private cabin for two from Vancouver to Toronto
  • VIA Rail private cabin for two from Québec City to Halifax
  • Meals on board the train
  • Sightseeing and attractions as listed

What's not included

  • Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Pre/post accommodation
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
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