Canada by Train 2011 - 1st Departure
Already Walked for 2011!
British Columbia • Alberta • Saskatchewan • Manitoba
Ontario • Québec • New Brunswick • Nova Scotia
We're excited to bring you the 2011 edition of our Canada by Train Walking Adventure! Everyone seems to love the nostalgic grace of traveling by train. Certainly the Sleeper Touring first-class service offered by our Canadian friends promises an experience to enjoy in style and comfort, but it's the walking element of this Adventure, as always, that makes it unique!
Out of a total of 13 nights crossing Canada, we spend 5 on the train. The other 8 nights are spent in hotels that are strategically located to provide access to the essence of our neighbor to the North. In addition to viewing Canada’s expansive breadth of land from the train, we get off to walk and explore the delights of Vancouver; the wonders of Jasper and Banff National Parks, the highlights of Toronto, Canada's largest city, Montreal, the second largest French-speaking metropolis on the planet; and finally, the lively maritime atmosphere of Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia!
How to Register
To save yourself a spot on this Adventure, contact us to register with a $500 payment as soon as possible. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis! Click here for more registration details.
Second Departure Details
Dates for the second departure are October 8-21, 2011, and the two departures are slightly different. The first departure (October 3-16) includes an extra day in the Banff area, while the second departure (October 8-21) includes an extra day in the Halifax area, at the end of the trip. Click here to view the itinerary for Canada by Train - 2nd Departure.
Canada by Train
DAY 1: OCT 3: 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 at 7:30 pm this evening.
DAY 2: OCT 4: EN ROUTE FROM SEATTLE TO JASPER, ALBERTA: BY TRAIN (B)
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, B.C. we are 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 board VIA Rail’s Canadian train for an overnight passage to Jasper in the luxury Sleeper Touring class.
DAY 3: OCT 5: ARRIVE JASPER (BL)
After breakfast on board, you have the balance of the morning, and most of the afternoon, to explore the tranquil delights of train travel: take in Canadian 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. We arrive Jasper late this afternoon and check into our hotel. The evening is free to explore this quaint mountain village.
DAY 4: OCT 6: JASPER – BANFF BY MOTORCOACH (B)
Jasper National Park Walk - 10 km, rated 1+
A morning walk through forests and around two alpine lakes near Jasper provides our first opportunity to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Following the walk, we drive south along the rugged, spectacular beauty of the Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier, where we have the unique opportunity to walk on a glacier after a fun ride on a Snocoach.
DAY 5: OCT 7: 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 6: OCT 8: BANFF – JASPER TO TORONTO, ONTARIO: BY TRAIN (BD)
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. A return trip along the Icefields Parkway provides a second chance to drink in Rocky mountain magic, with fun stops along the way to Jasper and an evening date aboard the eastbound Canadian train.
DAY 7: OCT 9: RIDING ACROSS SASKATCHEWAN & MANITOBA: BY TRAIN (BLD)
Following a busy schedule in the Rockies, we spend a relaxing day aboard the Canadian train. 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: OCT 10: RIDING ACROSS MANITOBA AND ONTARIO: BY TRAIN (BLD)
We spend another day indulging in the relaxing rhythms of train travel as we roll across the prairies of Saskatchewan and into Manitoba. Our final full day aboard the Canadian takes us through the picturesque lakelands of northern Ontario en route to Toronto.
DAY 9: OCT 11: ARRIVING IN TORONTO: BY TRAIN (B)
Sights of Toronto Walk - 10 km, rated 1
Following a post-breakfast arrival in Toronto, we say “farewell” to the Canadian in anticipation of two full days of activities in the Toronto area. A morning motorcoach tour introduces us to Toronto’s distinctive ethnic neighborhoods, New City Hall, the theatre district, the financial district, and Parliament, as well as providing us with a chance to visit Casa Loma Castle. The afternoon is dedicated to a walk that takes us by many of Toronto’s other highlights, including the CN Tower (world’s tallest free-standing structure), the Art Gallery of Ontario, Lake Ontario, the Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame, and several fascinating museums.
DAY 10: OCT 12: 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 Falls showcases both sides of this amazing cataract of water. We 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! Our day ends back at our hotel in Toronto after a stop for dinner en route. Estimated Price: $85
DAY 11: OCT 13: TORONTO TO HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA: BY TRAIN (BD)
Activities in Montréal, Québec
Montréal French Canadian Walk - 8 km, rated 2
We’re up early this morning to catch the first train bound for Montréal. Arriving before noon, we spend the middle of the day enjoying the sights of the world’s second largest French-speaking metropolis (after Paris). Along the route, we see Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Port, Old Montréal and the financial district, and Montréal’s fascinating and expansive Underground City lying just beneath the pavement. We board the Ocean train just in time for dinner this evening, ready for the final leg of our train odyssey across Canada.
DAY 12: OCT 14: ARRIVING IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (BL)
Today’s route rolls through the Maritime Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We arrive in Halifax late this afternoon; the evening is free to get acquainted with the city on the sea.
DAY 13: OCT 15: ACTIVITIES IN HALIFAX (BD)
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 the French Fortress Louisbourg, Halifax’s excellent natural harbor and well-fortified, 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 rendezvous this evening to reminisce together at our Farewell Dinner.
DAY 14: OCT 16: RETURN HOME FROM HALIFAX (B)
Airport shuttles are available from the hotel today, courtesy of WAI, and can be scheduled to suit your departure time. We say farewell to friends old and new, and return home with a new appreciation for the breadth of history, culture, and scenery offered by our neighbor to the North, as we explored Canada by Train!
What's Included
Canada by Train
October 3-16, 2011 l 14 Days
l $4950 (See berth choices below)
Including
- Airport to hotel group transfers on first and last day*
- All train travel
- Amtrak day train from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C.
- Sleeper Touring class accommodations aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian train from Vancouver to Toronto
- Business class from Toronto to Montréal
- Sleeper class accommodations aboard VIA Rail’s Ocean train from Montréal to Halifax
- Superior tourist-class (3-star), or better, hotel accommodations in Seattle, Jasper, Banff, Toronto, and Halifax
- 22 meals: Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners as denoted (BLD)
- All other land travel as outlined
- 7 IVV-sanctioned walks as listed
- Fees for walking credit
- All tipping for local guides and coach drivers
- WAI guide service throughout
- Single supplements are available for hotel portion of trip: $625 (See berth choices below)
- Entrance fees/admission to:
- Jasper and Banff National Parks (Alberta)
- Athabasca Glacier Snocoach ride (Alberta)
- Athabasca Falls along the Icefields Parkway (Alberta)
- Guided coach tour in Toronto (Ontario)
- Casa Loma Castle in Toronto (Ontario)
- Guided walk in Montréal (Québec)
- More fun stops than we can list!
Optional Excursion
- All-day outing to Niagara Falls, including walk and Maid of the Mist excursion – Ontario (Day 10)
*Details of transfers provided are listed in Adventure Advice memo sent upon receipt of tour registration.
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TRAINS
Three categories of rooms are available on the overnight trains with three different prices. VIA Rail also provides a discount for travelers over 60 years of age, which makes determining your Adventure price almost as challenging as reading an IRS tax table (but a lot more fun!).
Vancouver to Toronto:
4 nights on the Canadian train, Sleeper Touring class
- Double Accommodation w/out facilities – two passengers in bunk-style beds without the toilet and washbasin – bathroom facilities are just around the corner.
- Double Room – two passengers in bunk-style bed accommodation with a toilet and washbasin en suite.
- Single Room – toilet and washbasin en suite; the bed covers the toilet at night.
One well-maintained shower is available in each car.
Montréal to Halifax:
1 night on the Ocean train, Sleeper class
- Double Accommodation w/out facilities – this train does not include this type of cabin. Travelers choosing this option will be placed in Double Rooms below.
- Double Room – for passengers traveling two per room, has a toilet, washbasin, and shower en suite.
- Single Room – for passengers traveling without a roommate, has a toilet and washbasin en suite; the shower is just around the corner.
BERTH CHOICES |
Age 60+ |
Under Age 60 |
| Double accommodation
w/out facilities |
$4950 |
$5150 |
| Double room |
$5490 |
$5675 |
| Single room |
$5460 |
$5650 |
All prices are listed per person.
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Registration Details
To reserve your spot on this adventure, please mail the Registration Form along with a $500 per person deposit, or call in with your credit card. Make checks payable to Walking Adventures International. VISA, MasterCard, and Discover also accepted.
The General Tour Conditions contain important information you should read before you register.
Mail payments to:
Walking Adventures International
PO Box 871000
Vancouver WA 98687-1000
USA
Travel Insurance
Walking Adventures has negotiated with an insurance carrier to provide travel insurance in the form of a Preferred Benefits™ policy. We are pleased to make this package available and believe that it will provide travelers with an important element of security at a reasonable price.
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