Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver, the starting point for your rail journey across Canada. You will transfer on your own from the airport to your hotel, and once checked in, you will have the rest of the day to get acquainted with your new coastal surroundings. Included is admission to the Vancouver Lookout, offering panoramic views of the city. Overnight Vancouver.
Day 2 - VIA Rail Vancouver to Jasper
After a leisurely breakfast on your own this morning, you will be transferred to Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station where your train, VIA Rail’s Canadian, will be waiting. Arrive at the rail station 1 hour prior to boarding, and head straight to the special check-in area for Sleeper Plus passengers. Once onboard, the staff will see that you are settled into your room. Your bedroom is VIA Rail's "top of the line" accommodations in which our sitting room by day converts to upper and lower berths at night. As a Sleeper Plus passenger, your fare includes all meals, use of any of the lounges and access to the domed skyline care for spectacular viewing. The VIA Rail staff will brief you on the dining schedule and will inform you that hot tea and coffee are available in the lounge area throughout the day and evening. Take a look around as the city scenery fades into the distance and views of the plains and prairies immerge. Overnight train.
Day 3 - Jasper
The Canadian will arrive in Jasper where you will be transferred to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The Lodge is wilderness luxury at its finest. The day is yours to enjoy the splendor of nature. Perhaps set out on a walk or hike through the woods, enjoy the offerings of Jasper townsite or relax in the spa. Overnight Jasper.
Day 4 - Jasper
You are at leisure to enjoy the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, or venture out and skate on Lac Beauvert, cross country ski, go dog sledding or visit some of the town's local establishments. Overnight Jasper.
Day 5 - Jasper
Today brings another full day to explore Jasper. You may wish to embark on a guided excursion to Maligne Canyon to see rivers and waterfalls frozen in time. The delicate frozen cascades of Angel Falls and the Queen are a spectacular sight not to be missed! Overnight Jasper.
Day 6 - Jasper to Toronto
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge will take you to the station this morning after breakfast on your own. Your VIA Rail attendant will see that you are settled into your room for the continuation of your trip. Moving through the mountains, it is the perfect time to head up to the domed sightseeing car. Check out panoramic views of the impressive landscape; you may even spot a moose or bear. Your concierge will ensure your room is converted into sleeping quarters for the night. Overnight train.
Day 7 & 8 - En Route to Toronto
Continuing on, the Canadian will move through stunning peaks of the Canadian Rockies, into the vast prairie lands of Saskatchewan and even near the junction of the Red, Assiniboine and Seine Rivers as you approach Winnipeg, the previous capital of Canada’s fur trade. You will love the up-close look at nature as the train winds through Manitoba’s emerald green forests, lakes, streams; natural beauty abounds as far as the eye can see. Moving closer to Toronto, the Canadian Shield comes into view. This region of billion-year-old rock lies between the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay. Here, ancient glaciers scoured thousands of lakes, clean-bottomed and filled them with remarkably clear water. On their rocky shores, outcroppings of granite, pink, grey, and black for rounded boulders that breathtakingly tower over the tracks. Overnight train. (2B, 2L, 2D)
Day 9 - Arrive Toronto
Make the most of your last day on the train before pulling into Toronto this afternoon. Upon arrival, collect your bags and transfer on your own to your centrally located hotel. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with this cosmopolitan town located on beautiful Lake Ontario. This evening, dine at one of Toronto's more than 7,000 restaurants that reflect tastes, cultures, and ingredients from around the world. From upscale to comfort food, you will find dining experiences and culinary adventures to satisfy any craving. Overnight Toronto. (B, L)
Day 10 - End of Tour
As you wake today, soak in Canada’s unique ambiance one last time as you reflect on the adventures of this tour. You will be transferred by shuttle to the airport, at which time your winter adventure comes to a close.