Canada by Train

Day 1

EN ROUTE TO SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

The Adventure begins in Seattle, Washington, our jumping off point for an ocean-to-ocean train trip through Canada, our neighbor to the north. Because travelers are arriving throughout the day, our only group activity is a welcome reception this evening.

Day 2

EN ROUTE FROM SEATTLE TO JASPER, ALBERTA: BY TRAIN (B,D)
Activities in Vancouver, B.C.
Stanley Park Walk - 10 km, rated 2

An early morning start takes us to the Amtrak train station for the trip north to Canada. Upon arrival in Vancouver, we’ll be transported by bus to Stanley Park. Considered North America’s third largest urban park, Stanley Park has a Seawall Walk that encircles the peninsula and offers wonderful views of downtown Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet, Lion’s Gate Bridge, and English Bay. This evening we’ll board VIA Rail’s Canadian train for an overnight passage to Jasper in the luxury Silver & Blue class.

Day 3

JASPER - BANFF: BY MOTORCOACH (B)

After breakfast on board, consider a trip to the Park Car to admire the ever-changing panoramas of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. The Upper Observation Deck provides a dome with 360-degree views of these dramatic mountain vistas. Upon arrival in Jasper, there’s time for lunch and a bit of browsing through the shops of this quaint mountain village before our coach motors south along the rugged, spectacular beauty of the Icefields Parkway to Banff, another Rocky Mountain resort town in Banff National Park.

Day 4

ACTIVITIES IN BANFF (B)
Banff National Park Walk - 12 km, rated 2

All day is set aside to enjoy this charming mountain resort, with three walk routes available to explore the offerings of the Banff area. An abundance of Rocky Mountain scenery, a plethora of trails, and a multitude of irresistible shops and galleries in the village of Banff provide something for everyone during this interlude in Alberta.

Day 5

BANFF - JASPER: BY MOTORCOACH (B)
Lake Louise Walk - 5 km, rated 1+

Another full day in the Rockies begins with a drive to Lake Louise. Our walk skirts the shoreline of this mountain gem set beneath Victoria Glacier, offering postcard-perfect views of Chalet Lake Louise. Following the walk, we return north along the Icefields Parkway, stopping at Athabasca Glacier for a fun Snocoach ride onto the surface of the ice.

Day 6

EN ROUTE FROM JASPER TO TORONTO, ONTARIO: BY TRAIN (B,L,D)
Jasper National Park Walk - 10 km, rated 1+

A morning walk through forests and around two alpine lakes near Jasper gives us a final opportunity to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Around noon, we reboard the Canadian to resume our eastward train journey. You have the balance of the day to explore the tranquil delights of train travel: take in more Rocky Mountain splendors in the Observation Deck, relax with a book in the Bullet Lounge, or chat with friends in the welcoming armchairs of your sleeper car as the scenery rolls past the oversized picture windows.

Day 7

RIDING ACROSS SASKATCHEWAN & MANITOBA: BY TRAIN (B,L,D)

After our busy schedule in the Rockies, we spend today indulging in the relaxing rhythms of train travel as we roll across the prairies of Saskatchewan and into Manitoba. At breakfast, your table will be surrounded by endless acres of fertile prairie farmland. Take afternoon tea amidst a panorama of expansive forests studded by sparkling lakes, and anticipate another night rocking to sleep in the haven of your quarters – after the on-board crew has transformed your room into a bed, with pillows fluffed and blankets turned down!

Day 8

ARRIVING IN TORONTO: BY TRAIN (B,L,D)

Our final day aboard the Canadian takes us through the picturesque lakelands of northern Ontario and into Toronto, sprawled along the north shore of Lake Ontario. Following dinner aboard the train, we arrive in Toronto and transfer to our nearby hotel for a three-night stay.

Day 9

ACTIVITIES IN TORONTO (B)
Sights of Toronto Walk - 10 km, rated 1

A morning motorcoach tour introduces us to some of Toronto’s distinctive ethnic neighborhoods – New City Hall, the theatre district, the financial district, Parliament, and other sights unique to Canada’s largest city! The afternoon is set aside for a walk that takes us by many of Toronto’s other highlights, including the CN Tower (world’s largest free-standing structure), the Art Gallery of Ontario, Lake Ontario, the Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame, and several fascinating museums.

Day 10

ACTIVITIES FROM TORONTO (B)
Niagara Falls Walk - 15 km, rated 1 (optional)

Today is free to enjoy more of the charms of Toronto, or consider joining us for an all-day optional excursion to Niagara Falls. One of North America’s most memorable sights is just a couple of hours away on the border with New York state. An excellent walk at Niagara showcases both sides of this amazing cataract of water. We’ll spend the bulk of the day enjoying the spectacle from all angles, including a boat ride into the liquid inferno on the Maid of the Mist cruise below the falls! A full day ends back at our hotel in Toronto after a stop for dinner en route.

Day 11

EN ROUTE FROM TORONTO TO HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA: BY TRAIN (B,D)
Activities in Montreal, Québec
Montreal French Canadian Walk - 10 km, rated 2

We are up early this morning to catch the first train bound for Montreal. Arriving before noon, we spend the middle of the day with local walkers enjoying the sights of the world’s second largest French-speaking metropolis (after Paris). Along the route, we’ll see Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Port, Old Montreal and the financial district, and the fascinating and expansive underground city lying beneath the pavement. We board the Ocean train just in time for dinner this evening, to enjoy the final leg of our train odyssey across Canada.

Day 12

ARRIVING IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (B)
Halifax, Nova Scotia Walk 10 km, rated 2

Today’s route rolls through the Maritime Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We’ll arrive in Halifax late this afternoon to spend the evening within the environs of our hotel.

Day 13

ACTIVITIES IN HALIFAX (B,D)
Halifax Waterfront & Citadel Walk - 10 km, rated 2

Halifax is one of the oldest and most interesting towns in Eastern Canada. Settled by the English in the mid-18th century as a response to Fortress Louisbourg, Halifax’s excellent natural harbor and well-defended, though never-attacked fortress brought prosperity to the young town, which became the region’s commercial and financial center. The entire day is free to explore the waterfront, do a little shopping, or visit some of the fascinating museums along an excellent walk route. We’ll rendezvous this evening to reminisce together at our Farewell Dinner.

Day 14

RETURN HOME FROM HALIFAX (B)

An early morning departure takes us to the Halifax International Airport, where we’ll say farewell to friends old and new before returning home. Certainly we had a satisfying taste of the breadth of history, culture, and scenery offered by our neighbor to the north as we explored Canada by Train!