Trans Canadian Rail

Discover this vast, spectacular country on this east to west coast rail journey that visits many of Canada’s natural wonders and passes through countless mesmerising landscapes. Your journey begins in the cosmopolitan city of Toronto and finishes in the stunning harbourside city of Vancouver. This comprehensive rail tour is the perfect introduction for the first time Canada visitor. Choose to upgrade your hotels and class of rail travel for the ultimate experience!

Tour overview
•   City tour of Toronto
•   Full day tour of Niagara Falls including a trip on the 'Maid of the Mist' boat
•   Three nights on board the 'Canadian' train travelling through wheat fields, prairies and lakes
•   Discover Jasper National Park - visit Maligne Canyon, cruise on Maligne Lake, take a tram ride or go whitewater rafting
•   Be driven along one of the world's most picturesque roads from the Icefields Parkway to Banff
•   Optional ride on the 'Ice Explorer' on Athabasca Glacier
•   Explore the pretty village of Lake Louise including its train station made famous in Doctor Zhivago
•   Tour of Banff National Park and its stunning scenery

•   Journey on the famous Rocky Mountaineer to the Pacific Coast
•   Hop on/off trolley ride sightseeing in Vancouver
•   Sail through the Gulf Islands to Victoria on Vancouver Island
•   Time at leisure in Vancouver

Guide

Trans Canadian Rail is escorted by a local guide on sightseeing excursions only.

MEAL PLAN
• Prices include breakfast on Day 4, 5, 6, 11 and Day 12; lunch on Day 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 and Day 12; dinner on Day 4 and Day 5.
ACCOMMODATION
• Is available in a choice of three star or five star hotels, but in remote areas such as National Parks or small towns this standard may not exist and accommodation may be simpler. Berth or cabin accommodation is available on board The Canadian or Red or Gold Leaf onboard the Rocky Mountaineer as described. Hotels will be confirmed with final itineraries.
GRATUITIES
• We recommend between 10-15% for waiting staff, barmen and guides and smaller amounts for doormen and porters.
NB
• No airport transfers are included in this itinerary.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO TORONTO
On arrival make your own way to your Toronto hotel, where you will spend the next two nights. The following day, experience a tour of this diverse city which includes highlights such as the provincial Parliament Buildings, City Hall and Chinatown. For a bird’s eye view of the city’s skyline, head to the top of the CN Tower which is located near the waterfront area. If you’re in need of some retail therapy, walk to the Eaton Centre, one of the most popular shopping malls in the city.

DAY 3 - TORONTO AND THE CANADIAN TRAIN
A full day tour to mighty Niagara Falls is included today. The route to Niagara takes you through the lush fruit-growing district of the Niagara Peninsula. Board the ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat taking you to the foot of Horseshoe Falls. After lunch, return to Toronto via the quaint and picturesque resort of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This beautifully preserved town has many charming stately homes and is home to some of the best tasting wines from the surrounding vineyards. On your return to Toronto collect your baggage and make your way to Toronto's Union Station and embark the 'Canadian'. Sit back and relax and enjoy your three night rail journey as you travel west through pretty lakeside scenery before you emerge on to the wide open prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The seemingly endless fields of wheat are amazing.

DAY 6 - THE CANADIAN TRAIN AND JASPER NATIONAL PARK
By early morning today, you will have crossed the vast expanse of prairie flatland in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and will be approaching the imposing silhouette of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the spectacle of nature as the train enters Jasper National Park. Arrive in Jasper at lunchtime and transfer on your own to the hotel of your choice for a two night stay. Enjoy the following day in Jasper at leisure, perhaps explore Maligne Canyon or take a cruise on Maligne Lake, enjoy a ride on the Jasper Tramway, or for the more adventurous ride the river currents on a whitewater rafting tour.

DAY 8 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE LOUISE
An unforgettable day lies ahead as you depart by coach for the dramatic drive south along the Icefields Parkway to Banff, one of the most picturesque roads in the world. Witness snowcapped mountain peaks and stunning landscapes, the awe inspiring beauty that surrounds you will take your breath away. A stop will be made at the Columbia Icefield where you can enjoy an optional ride on the ‘Ice Explorer’ on Athabasca Glacier. Continuing just beyond the glacial shelf, you arrive at Lake Louise - a shimmering lake reflecting the majesty of the Victoria Glacier. Overnight in Lake Louise.

DAY 9 - LAKE LOUISE TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Take time this morning to explore the pretty village of Lake Louise including its train station which was made famous in the film Doctor Zhivago. Today you will be transferred through the winding roads of Banff National Park to the popular summer resort of Banff, which will be your base for the next two nights. The following morning discover the town of Banff and its natural surroundings on a three hour sightseeing tour. The tour will show you some of Banff National Park's many highlights, including curiously shaped 'Hoodoos' rocks that have been carved by centuries of erosion, Surprise Corner and Tunnel Mountain Drive, overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Bow River Valley. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure exploring this picturesque alpine town.

DAY 11 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK TO KAMLOOPS
Today you will board the famous Rocky Mountaineer heading west to the Pacific Coast. This unique daylight service allows you to view some of the most spectacular sights of the Rocky Mountains over mountain passes, through remarkable tunnels and along rocky lake shores. Arrive in Kamloops early evening for an overnight stay.

DAY 12 - KAMLOOPS TO VANCOUVER
Rejoin the Rocky Mountaineer this morning as your journey takes you along the dramatic Thompson and Fraser Rivers, where you will witness desert like landscapes, pristine forests and lush green fields. Arrive in the Pacific coastal city of Vancouver late afternoon and transfer to your chosen hotel for three nights. Enjoy a captivating tour of Vancouver’s highlights the following morning on your hop on/off trolley ride which includes visits to the colourful totem poles of scenic Stanley Park, English Bay, historic Gastown and Chinatown.

DAY 14 - VANCOUVER
Leave Vancouver for the day, sailing  through the scenic Gulf Islands to Victoria on Vancouver Island. A visit to the acclaimed and 'must see attraction' Butchart Gardens is included on arrival before you continue on to Victoria for a sightseeing tour that encompasses stately homes, gardens and the University of Victoria and Beacon Hill Park, before returning to Vancouver early evening.

DAY 15 - VANCOUVER TO LONDON
Final day at leisure before making your own way to Vancouver airportahead of your onward flight.