Itinerary Details
Canadian Train Odyssey
Day 1: TORONTO Welcome to Toronto! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.
After checking into your hotel, perhaps do some shopping at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, or sample local specialties at St. Lawrence Market, a historic marketplace that has served the city for more than 200 years.
Day 2: TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS Begin the day with an orientation tour of Toronto, including City Hall, the downtown banking district, Rogers Centre, and the iconic CN Tower. Leave the city and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls, where you’ll take an included sightseeing cruise for thrilling up-close views of the thundering Falls. For a different perspective, consider an optional excursion to Skylon Tower for spectacular views and a buffet lunch. Return to Toronto with time to explore the city on your own.
NOTE:
Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.
Day 3: TORONTO–VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN This morning, transfer to Union Station to board VIA Rail’s, The Canadian, for a three-day, three-night journey to Jasper. Travel in Sleeper Plus class aboard beautifully restored art deco rail cars. Relax in the domed observation cars and enjoy panoramic views of the Ontario countryside and chef-prepared meals featuring a selection of soups, salads, entrées, and desserts. (L,D)
Day 4: VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN Today, watch the scenery pass by as you travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway’s breathtaking mainline through the ever-changing Canadian landscape. (B,L,D)
Day 5: VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN Today, The Canadian travels through Winnipeg before continuing across 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 the day is free to explore Jasper National Park. Perhaps join an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River with the chance to spot wildlife along the shoreline.
Day 7: JASPER NATIONAL PARK Today is at leisure. Consider an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island* where you’ll learn about the history, geology, flora, and fauna of the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Opt to hike one of the park’s trails in search of wildlife or browse the shops in downtown 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 stopping at the Columbia Icefield for a tour highlight – a ride aboard the all-terrain Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Continue along the Icefields Parkway to stunning Lake Louise, where turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park for a leisurely two-night stay. Enjoy an orientation tour upon your arrival.
Day 9: BANFF NATIONAL PARK The day is free for independent exploration. Perhaps start your day with an optional helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. Or hike, bike, shop in the townsite, or relax at the hot springs. Your Tour Director can offer suggestions for activities and dining.
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. Continue through Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park, enjoying views of mountain peaks, forests, and rivers along the way. Late this afternoon, arrive in Kamloops, a historic cattle-ranching center.
Day 11: KAMLOOPS–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA Travel through the Coast Mountains to the Pacific coast, where the landscape changes from dry interior valleys to lush alpine forests. Board your afternoon ferry for the scenic crossing to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival, consider joining an optional excursion to Butchart Gardens and explore its 55 acres of floral displays. Later, enjoy sightseeing in Victoria, including the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, perhaps take a stroll along the beautiful waterfront. (B)
Day 12: VICTORIA Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Victoria. Perhaps visit the Royal BC Museum, tour the Parliament Building, enjoy afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, or browse the shops along Government Street. Or choose an optional whale and wildlife watching cruise seeking out whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
Day 13: VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver. City sightseeing includes Stanley Park and other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Vancouver on your own. Perhaps visit Robson Street, one of British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment districts, or take a water taxi to Granville Island to visit its Public Market and waterfront cafés.
Day 14: VANCOUVER Enjoy a day at leisure for independent sightseeing. Or choose an unforgettable optional excursion, featuring a trip to Whistler on one of the world’s most scenic drives along the Sea to Sky Highway or an 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 vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.
