Toronto to Vancouver by Rail

Day 2: Toronto / Board VIA Rail’s The Canadian / Hornepayne
Day 3: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Day 4: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan / Edmonton, Alberta
Day 5: Jasper / Kamloops, British Columbia
Day 6: Vancouver
Day 7: Vancouver / Depart for U.S.

VIA Rail Canada, like other passenger railways in North America, operates on tracks owned by freight companies. While VIA Rail strives for on-time departures and arrivals, increased freight traffic on the railway will often cause delays. These delays could result in a delayed departure from Toronto, delayed arrival to Vancouver, and shortened / limited time off of the train. The majority of your time on this tour will be spent aboard the train, as the primary focus is simply to unplug and embrace the journey. Onboard services are guaranteed and any changes to the schedule will be communicated and updated as the journey continues.

Day-to-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Welcome to Canada! After arrival, transfer to the Fairmont Royal York—a beautiful, historic property ideally situated steps away from Union Station and minutes from Toronto’s main attractions.

This evening, relax and mingle with fellow travelers during a special welcome reception.
Overnight: Fairmont Royal York (R)

Day 2: Toronto / Board VIA Rail’s The Canadian / Hornepayne
This morning, we’ll walk across the street to Toronto Union Station to embark upon the journey on rails. Delight in a special mimosa toast to celebrate the departure and an exciting week ahead.

While The Canadian travels across Ontario, venture into the Prestige Park car to embrace the constantly changing scenery and capture endless photo opportunities from the upper-level dome. Combine the passing views with equally outstanding cuisine in the train’s dining car, prepared by onboard chefs using specially sourced, local ingredients from the regions through which you will pass.

This evening, fall asleep to the steady sound of the rails and open your blinds to greet the morning’s lovely panoramic views.
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 3: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today offers scenes of boundless prairies as the train continues to Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Look forward to daily informative discussions by the travel director and concierge staff, and take advantage of chances to spot wildlife, including black bears, wolves, and eagles. During the stop in Winnipeg, if time allows, guests can walk and explore the sights, including an outside visit to Forks Market. Remember that excursions off the train are contingent on how timing operates as The Canadian rolls along. Pack your sense of flexibility and ease into a relaxed mode of “cruise control” while an attentive staff caters to your needs and keeps you informed.
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 4: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan / Edmonton, Alberta
Today it’s all aboard for Saskatoon. Visit one of the beautiful observation cars to witness the passing landscape, stop into the Prestige Park Car to taste some of Canada’s top-tier varietals with freshly made hors d’œuvres, or perhaps grab a pal and a window seat for a friendly game of cards.
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 5: Jasper / Kamloops, British Columbia 
Today is your final full day aboard the train, with planned, brief stops in Jasper and Kamloops. Admire the dramatic and ever-changing landscape as the train navigates the Canadian Rockies and unveils a world of raw and rugged beauty. Marvel at the scenery along the Fraser River and the incredible obstacles overcome to build a railway here.

One of today’s highlights will include Hell’s Gate, the most slender part of the Fraser River. It is aptly named for its narrow cliff walls that create a funneling effect for hundreds of millions of liters of water rushing through every minute. For perspective, consider the volume of Niagara Falls—Hell’s Gate is double that. Capture the soaring cliffs and churning waters of the mighty river with your camera during this memorable experience.
Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 6: Vancouver
This morning, breakfast will be onboard the train before disembarking in Vancouver, followed by a guided city tour. This tour includes the world-famous Stanley Park and totem poles, the interesting Chinatown and Gastown, and free time for souvenir shopping in artists’ stalls on Granville Island.

Afterward, enjoy free time to capture the sights and sounds of this bustling metropolis. Or perhaps indulge in the luxurious amenities at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

This evening, dinner is at leisure. Choose from dozens of restaurant options conveniently located near the hotel. Then rejoin fellow travelers for a special farewell wine and dessert reception to toast the grand finale of this wonderful journey.
Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (B,R)

Day 7: Vancouver / Depart for U.S.
After breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to Vancouver International Airport for flights home. Guests continuing on the optional post-tour will take the ferry to Victoria. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

Program Highlights:

• • Enjoy the serenity of travel by rail as you spend four days unplugged from the outside world, with the beauty of the Canadian wilderness unfolding before you.
  • Relax at leisure within your private Prestige Class stateroom—providing 50% more living space than other class cabins—featuring a picture window that’s 60% larger than standard cabin windows, a leather couch by day that transforms into a comfortable double bed with luxury linens by night, heated floors and walls, private en suite bathroom with shower, flat-screen TV, and turndown service.
  • Prestige Class amenities also include a small travel group size (26 guests max), dedicated concierge service, priority seating in the dining car, and complimentary snacks and beverages in the Park Car 24 hours a day.
  • Awake each day to majestic, panoramic views outside your cabin’s picture window. Inside The Canadian, many amenities await you among the first-class, art deco-style cars, with abundant leisure time to enjoy them all.
  • From your stateroom, or from the Prestige Park car’s lounge and dome seating, admire the vastness and diversity of Canada—starting at the shores of Lake Ontario, traversing across five provinces—including expansive prairies and the Canadian Rockies—and ending in Vancouver.
  • Savor the best in Canadian cuisine with a selection of local and regional specialties prepared by onboard chefs and served on the dining car’s elegant china. Three-course lunches and five-course dinners include specialties like Veal Chop with Cajun Spices, Canadian Lake Trout, and Pan-Seared Duck, served with complimentary beer or wine.
  • Learn about the landscape, history, and people of Canada’s provinces through onboard lectures and presentations.
  • Set out on a guided panoramic city tour of Vancouver.
  • What’s Included: 2 nights luxury hotel accommodations; 4 nights accommodations in Prestige Class onboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian; 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners (snacks and bar orders are included while aboard the train); special welcome and farewell receptions; full guiding services of an Orbridge Travel Director; gratuities for Orbridge Travel Director, onboard guides, drivers, porters, VIA Rail attendants, and wait staff for included meals; and airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times.