East Meets West Rail Adventure
10 days
Enjoyable for all
Comfortable transport & accommodations. Any physical activities are optional. Temperate environment. Mostly guided. E.g. a train-bus tour
Trip Overview |
Map |
Itinerary |
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Accommodation |
Traveling across Canada is a dream, and what better way to do it than with the style and comfort of train travel?
Combine a cross country overnight journey with the luxury of Rocky Mountaineer’s daylight sightseeing train and you will be surrounded by spectacular scenery for the entire duration of your vacation!
The East Meets West Rail Adventure gives you a thorough introduction to Canada in just over a week.
Combine a cross country overnight journey with the luxury of Rocky Mountaineer’s daylight sightseeing train and you will be surrounded by spectacular scenery for the entire duration of your vacation!
The East Meets West Rail Adventure gives you a thorough introduction to Canada in just over a week.
Outline
Arrive Vancouver
1 night Vancouver
1 night Kamloops
2 night Banff
1 night Jasper
3 nights Via Rail
1 night Toronto
Depart Toronto
Arrive Vancouver
1 night Vancouver
1 night Kamloops
2 night Banff
1 night Jasper
3 nights Via Rail
1 night Toronto
Depart Toronto
EASTBOUND ITINERARY
Westbound itinerary is the same, but reversed. See below for details.
Day 1 – Your Across Canada Train Adventure Begins – Arrive Vancouver
The multicultural city of Vancouver is the largest in Western Canada. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, this coastal city is known for its laid back atmosphere and welcoming locals. The perfect first stop on your Canadian train trip.
Day 2 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Kamloops
A lonesome wail sounds from the train whistle, and the smell of hot coffee and fresh eggs wafts from the galley, as the Rocky Mountaineer leaves Vancouver on the first leg of its journey to the Rockies. Over lunch you’ll climb the steep Fraser Canyon, venturing out onto the observation deck, you can’t help but notice how clear the air is here. Arrive in the small town of Kamloops for your overnight stay.
Day 3 – Canadian Train Trip Continues – into the Canadian Rockies
Over breakfast anticipation builds for your first sighting of the high peaks of the Rockies. Along the way learn about the history of the railroad and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for elk, Bald Eagles and Bears. Finally you enter the famous Spiral Tunnels - ascending slowly, round and round through the darkness, until, blinking, you emerge to find yourself high in the mountains, surrounded by mighty peaks topped with snow. Overnight in Banff.
Day 4 – In the Canadian Rockies – Explore Banff
Today’s the day to get outside, explore, and see why Banff grows in popularity each year. A guided tour lets you relax in comfort as you learn how natural phenomena have made Banff into an outdoor paradise. Later you explore the town; you’ve just descended Sulphur Mountain and now it towers in the distance, the sweet scent of maple fudge and candy apples wafts onto the street, and groups of friends, yours included, laugh and share the stories of their day.
Day 5 – Deeper into the Canadian Rockies – Banff to Jasper
Welcome the morning by boarding a luxury motorcoach and relaxing in comfort as you head north on a scenic sightseeing tour along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world. An included snocoach ride by Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier will amaze modern day adventurers, and that feeling will intensify as you arrive in Jasper. You are completely surrounded by mountains and trees.
Day 6-8 - Across Canada Train Journey to the East – onboard the Canadian
A cozy cabin with a large picture window and seats that become a comfortable nighttime bed awaits you on the Canadian train. Leave the majestic mountain peaks and glacier lakes of the Canadian Rockies behind, as you travel east toward Canada’s sprawling prairies.
The rich yellows and golds of the prairies are illuminated in the sunlight. In the distance you spot a lone red barn surrounded by a decrepit wooden fence which strikes you as uniquely beautiful. Who knew such flat land could be so stunning?
Day 9 – Continue Across Canada - Enter Lake Country – Arrive in Toronto
Travel past the rolling farmland of rural Ontario, through the vast “Canadian Shield’s” land of lakes and forests before arriving in Toronto.
Step off the train and immediately, the sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you to downtown Toronto. Couples hurry along the sidewalk, rushing to one of Toronto’s big stage productions. A woman shifts her shopping bags as she hails a cab, and the smell of Chinese food wafts by from a bike courier. Multicultural, modern, and exciting, Toronto beckons.
Get out and explore Canada’s most invigorating city.
Day 10 – With Fond Memories Made – Depart Toronto
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your across Canada train vacation comes to an end.
Westbound itinerary is the same, but reversed. See below for details.
Day 1 – Your Across Canada Train Adventure Begins – Arrive Vancouver
The multicultural city of Vancouver is the largest in Western Canada. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, this coastal city is known for its laid back atmosphere and welcoming locals. The perfect first stop on your Canadian train trip.
Day 2 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Kamloops
A lonesome wail sounds from the train whistle, and the smell of hot coffee and fresh eggs wafts from the galley, as the Rocky Mountaineer leaves Vancouver on the first leg of its journey to the Rockies. Over lunch you’ll climb the steep Fraser Canyon, venturing out onto the observation deck, you can’t help but notice how clear the air is here. Arrive in the small town of Kamloops for your overnight stay.
Day 3 – Canadian Train Trip Continues – into the Canadian Rockies
Over breakfast anticipation builds for your first sighting of the high peaks of the Rockies. Along the way learn about the history of the railroad and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for elk, Bald Eagles and Bears. Finally you enter the famous Spiral Tunnels - ascending slowly, round and round through the darkness, until, blinking, you emerge to find yourself high in the mountains, surrounded by mighty peaks topped with snow. Overnight in Banff.
Day 4 – In the Canadian Rockies – Explore Banff
Today’s the day to get outside, explore, and see why Banff grows in popularity each year. A guided tour lets you relax in comfort as you learn how natural phenomena have made Banff into an outdoor paradise. Later you explore the town; you’ve just descended Sulphur Mountain and now it towers in the distance, the sweet scent of maple fudge and candy apples wafts onto the street, and groups of friends, yours included, laugh and share the stories of their day.
Day 5 – Deeper into the Canadian Rockies – Banff to Jasper
Welcome the morning by boarding a luxury motorcoach and relaxing in comfort as you head north on a scenic sightseeing tour along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world. An included snocoach ride by Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier will amaze modern day adventurers, and that feeling will intensify as you arrive in Jasper. You are completely surrounded by mountains and trees.
Day 6-8 - Across Canada Train Journey to the East – onboard the Canadian
A cozy cabin with a large picture window and seats that become a comfortable nighttime bed awaits you on the Canadian train. Leave the majestic mountain peaks and glacier lakes of the Canadian Rockies behind, as you travel east toward Canada’s sprawling prairies.
The rich yellows and golds of the prairies are illuminated in the sunlight. In the distance you spot a lone red barn surrounded by a decrepit wooden fence which strikes you as uniquely beautiful. Who knew such flat land could be so stunning?
Day 9 – Continue Across Canada - Enter Lake Country – Arrive in Toronto
Travel past the rolling farmland of rural Ontario, through the vast “Canadian Shield’s” land of lakes and forests before arriving in Toronto.
Step off the train and immediately, the sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you to downtown Toronto. Couples hurry along the sidewalk, rushing to one of Toronto’s big stage productions. A woman shifts her shopping bags as she hails a cab, and the smell of Chinese food wafts by from a bike courier. Multicultural, modern, and exciting, Toronto beckons.
Get out and explore Canada’s most invigorating city.
Day 10 – With Fond Memories Made – Depart Toronto
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your across Canada train vacation comes to an end.
Options & Upgrades
This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
- Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the great scenery, excellent food and an outdoor viewing platform allowing wonderful photographic opportunities make this option a must.
- Optional Kamloops Entertainment:
- Two River Junction Dinner & Musical Revue - a humorous take on Canadian Rail history
- The Great Canadian Lumberjack Show - see the amazing feats of talented woodsmen - Extra nights/tours may be added to the start or end of this trip (ask us)
Accomodation
Standard, Superior & Deluxe
Standard, Superior & Deluxe
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Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS
- Overnight train trip across Canada with VIA Rail
- Rocky Mountaineer's scenic daylight rail journey
- The Canadian Rockies & the glaciers of the Icefields Parkway
- Towns of Banff & Jasper
Testimonials
It really was a trip of a lifetime made perfect by the whole organization. From arriving at our hotel in Vancouver to departing from our hotel in Calgary everything ran like clockwork and I would like to congratulate Fresh Tracks on a job well done. The coach driver /guides were incredibly well informed and made our day trips so enjoyable.
Mom and I have just completed our much dreamed of Trip across Canada by Rail that Fresh Tracks put together for us. Everything, every little thing was so wonderful, well planned and glitch-free that I wanted to thank you and congratulate you on a job extremely well done.
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
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Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
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2009 Package Start Dates
Starting in Vancouver
Monday and Wednesdays
Apr 15,20,29
May 4,6,11,13,18,20,25,27
Jun 1,3,8,10,15,17,22,24,29
Jul 1,6,8,13,15,20,2227,29
Aug 3,5,10,12,17,19,24,26,31
Sep 2,7,9,14,16,21,23,28,30
Oct 5,7,12
Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
• VIA Rail’s 3-night rail trip between Toronto and Jasper; 2 nights bedroom or roomette accommodation
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Banff - Standard and Superior includes Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service while Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service
• 6 nights accommodation in Standard or Superior hotels
• 3-hour Banff sightseeing tour with Sulphur Mountain Gondola (Gondola from May 1st, 08 onwards only)
• Icefields Parkway tour between Jasper and Lake Louise, venture on to the Athabasca glacier aboard the famous Ice fields explorer (May 1st onwards)
• Rail station transfers in Kamloops
• 4 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Rocky Mountaineer fuel surcharge $30 pp
• Transfers, unless otherwise stated
• National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Luggage handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)
Starting in Vancouver
Monday and Wednesdays
Apr 15,20,29
May 4,6,11,13,18,20,25,27
Jun 1,3,8,10,15,17,22,24,29
Jul 1,6,8,13,15,20,2227,29
Aug 3,5,10,12,17,19,24,26,31
Sep 2,7,9,14,16,21,23,28,30
Oct 5,7,12
| Standard Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade | |||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | USD$ | CAD$ | |
| Apr 15 - Apr 22 2009 | 2,121 | 2,547 | 2,397 | 2,879 | 549 | 620 |
| Apr 23 - May 22 2009 | 2,464 | 3,035 | 2,784 | 3,430 | 779 | 880 |
| May 23 - Oct 7 2009 | 3,475 | 4,221 | 3,927 | 4,770 | 779 | 880 |
| Oct 12 2009 | 3,101 | 3,655 | 3,504 | 4,130 | 779 | 880 |
| Superior Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade | |||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | USD$ | CAD$ | |
| Apr 14 - Apr 22 2009 | 2,440 | 3,091 | 2,757 | 3,493 | 549 | 620 |
| Apr 23 - May 18 2009 | 2,790 | 3,669 | 3,153 | 4,146 | 779 | 880 |
| May 19 - Oct 7 2009 | 3,887 | 5,020 | 4,393 | 5,673 | 779 | 880 |
| Oct 12 2009 | 3,339 | 4,106 | 3,773 | 4,640 | 779 | 880 |
| Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| Apr 14 - Apr 22 2009 | 3,192 | 3,966 | 3,607 | 4,481 |
| Apr 23 - May 18 2009 | 3,906 | 5,032 | 4,414 | 5,686 |
| May 19 - Oct 7 2009 | 4,463 | 5,962 | 5,043 | 6,737 |
| Oct 12 2009 | 3,952 | 4,939 | 4,466 | 5,581 |
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
• VIA Rail’s 3-night rail trip between Toronto and Jasper; 2 nights bedroom or roomette accommodation
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Banff - Standard and Superior includes Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service while Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service
• 6 nights accommodation in Standard or Superior hotels
• 3-hour Banff sightseeing tour with Sulphur Mountain Gondola (Gondola from May 1st, 08 onwards only)
• Icefields Parkway tour between Jasper and Lake Louise, venture on to the Athabasca glacier aboard the famous Ice fields explorer (May 1st onwards)
• Rail station transfers in Kamloops
• 4 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Rocky Mountaineer fuel surcharge $30 pp
• Transfers, unless otherwise stated
• National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Luggage handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)
