Canada Coast to Coast

20 Days

Halifax to Vancouver

  • Countries

    Canada

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Overview

The most scenic trans-Canada train vacation. Discover Canada from coast to coast on the historic trans-Canadian railway. Experience five incredible rail journeys from coast to coast. Enjoy authentic local experiences along the way. Your itinerary can be personalized to suit your dreams and needs: Decide your desired budget, choose your own activities and experiences, and have all the details of your trip arranged for you.

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Sample Itinerary

Arrive in Halifax

Welcome to Halifax, the largest port in Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Discover the blend of Acadian, Irish, and British history as you stroll the historic cobblestone streets. 

Discover Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a rich sea-faring history and rugged coastlines with fishing villages perched above the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy exploring some of the province's scenic highlights.


You have 3 options to choose from today:

  • Private Peggy's Cove and Halifax Sightseeing
  • Halifax Food Walking Tour
  • Private Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Aspotogan Peninsula Tour

VIA Rail - Depart Halifax

Board the Ocean train in Halifax and travel across the rural landscapes of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Pass picturesque farmland, rivers, forests, and small towns near the Bay of Fundy and Chaleur Bay.

VIA Rail - Arrive in Quebec City

After following the shores of the St. Lawrence River, arrive in Quebec City early this morning. This afternoon, discover the old part of the city, or head out to explore the nearby countryside.   


You have 3 options to choose from today:

  • Quebec Countryside Tour by Motorcoach
  • Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Walking Tour
  • Quebec City Sightseeing Cruise

Explore Quebec City

With a delicious coffee in hand, spend the day exploring Old Quebec's 17th-century fortifications and winding cobblestone streets.  


You have 3 options to choose from today:

  • Gourmet Food Walking Tour
  • Old Quebec City Walking Tour
  • Quebec City Sightseeing Bus Tour

VIA Rail – Quebec City to Montreal

Journey a short distance by train through Quebec’s picturesque countryside to Montreal. Montreal is unique as it is the largest French-speaking city in North America.

Explore Montreal

Montreal is renowned for its European feel with its rich history, architecture and churches. Explore the city on your choice of tour.


You have 3 options to choose from today:

  • Small Group Sightseeing Tour of Montreal
  • Private Walking Tour of Old Montreal
  • Private Food Walking Tour

VIA Rail – Montreal to Toronto

The Corridor Train carries you into the next province of Canada – Ontario. 

Explore Toronto or Niagara Falls

You have the day to explore Toronto or venture out to see the famous Niagara Falls. 


You have 3 options to choose from today:

  • Niagara Falls Day Tour
  • Food Walking Tour in Toronto
  • Toronto Sightseeing Tour and CN Tower Dinner

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

Board the Canadian train in Toronto and begin your transcontinental journey west. Admire the views as you leave Canada's largest city behind and travel north into Ontario’s picturesque lake country. 

VIA Rail - Ontario

Head west through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and into the province of Manitoba. See ancient, exposed rock, boreal forest, and countless lakes. Keep an eye out for fishing cabins perched on tiny islands, as well as moose and bears.

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Alberta. Fields of green and gold stretch endlessly under an immense blue sky. When you look out the window, spot rustic barns and small farming towns.

VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper

See the magnificent Rocky Mountains early this morning as you get close to Jasper. This laid-back mountain town lies in the heart of Jasper National Park.


You have 2 options to choose from today:

  • Jasper Evening Discovery Tour
  • Jasper Skytram

Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise

Travel from Jasper to Lake Louise along the world-famous Icefields Parkway — one of the most scenic roads in North America. 


You have 2 options to choose from today:

  • Icefields Parkway Tour to Lake Louise
  • Private Icefields Sightseeing with Heli-Tour (Extra Cost)

Lake Louise to Banff

Spend the morning admiring Lake Louise's turquoise waters and glacier-clad peaks. Relax, stroll by the lake, or browse the hotels' souvenir shops. Later on, a transfer takes you to the bustling mountain town of Banff.

Explore Banff National Park

Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air and head out for a day of exploration.


You have 3 options to choose from today:

  • Banff Sightseeing Tour and Gondola Ride
  • Banff E-Bike Tour
  • Cowboy Cookout Lunch by Horse-Drawn Wagon

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Banff to Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train and begin your Canadian Rockies rail journey. Just sit back and admire the breathtaking beauty as you pass Banff and Yoho national parks.

Rocky Mountaineer Train – Kamloops to Vancouver

Enjoy another day of delicious food and excellent service on Rocky Mountaineer. See dramatic changes in the landscape as you travel from Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior, to the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver.

Explore British Columbia

Discover Vancouver's top attractions, visit the famous resort town of Whistler, or take a day trip to Vancouver Island.


You have 3 options to choose from today:

  • Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour
  • Whistler Day Tour
  • Vancouver and the North Shore Tour

Depart Vancouver

After travelling thousands of miles by train, say farewell to Canada as your trip comes to an end. 

Personalize this Itinerary

Most Popular Ways to Personalize this Itinerary

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Add a visit to PEI

Pay a visit to beautiful Prince Edward Island, home of red sandy beaches, great seafood, picturesque farms and - of course - Anne of Green Gables. We can include a car rental, or transfers with guided experiences.

A humpback whale is jumping out of the water with mountains in the background on an Alaskan Cruise.

Add an Alaska Cruise

Ask us to pair you up with your style of cruise and discover Alaska's spectacular Inside Passage.

A room with a couch and a table on VIA Rail’s train.

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Prestige Class is a luxury experience. Available on VIA Rail’s The Canadian Train between Vancouver and Toronto, this spacious double cabin includes a special concierge service throughout your journey. This is one of our most popular upgrade options.

Celebrate an occasion

Honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, or the fulfillment of a lifelong goal, our team is ready to make it a celebration to remember. From arranging a bottle of champagne to putting together a helicopter picnic for two on top of a mountain at sunset, we're ready to make your dreams a reality.

Add a visit to PEI

Pay a visit to beautiful Prince Edward Island, home of red sandy beaches, great seafood, picturesque farms and - of course - Anne of Green Gables. We can include a car rental, or transfers with guided experiences.

Add an Alaska Cruise

Ask us to pair you up with your style of cruise and discover Alaska's spectacular Inside Passage.

Why Fresh Tracks?

"Based in Vancouver, we’re a team of Canadian Insiders that love helping visitors have the best possible experience in our vast country. We’ve been all over the continent (because we love to travel too) and have used our Insider knowledge to create personalized vacations for travelers from around the world since 1996."

"Insider Expertise"

"We live and breathe Canada. Our Insiders love to travel and we do a lot of it in Canada so that we know this vast country from west coast mountains to northern tundra to eastern glades. We have connections and knowledge of every town and excursion and would love to share our expertise with you so you can experience the best of Canada to suit your interests."

"Why We're Different"

"Our secret recipe for planning life-changing vacations is based on collaboration between us and our customers. You bring your ideas, dreams and wishes. And we'll give you Insider advice and peace of mind. On every Fresh Tracks Canada adventure, we take people into the thick of a truly Canadian experience. The range of options is as diverse as the land we call home. Just like every traveller is unique, each trip is personalized to offer a real Canadian story."

"Working Together"

"We believe in working together to connect the dots between where you are now and your ideal Canadian vacation. We discuss your ideas and personal preferences, and use our Insider knowledge to save you hours of pointless internet trawling. We take the time to get to know you so that we can recommend the bits of Canada that we think you'll like the best."

Trains Used:

Rocky Mountaineer & VIA RAIL

Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury sightseeing train between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. The train features glass-dome cars with oversized windows offering panoramic views. Gourmet meals are served onboard. The train stops at night, and guests sleep in hotels before continuing their journey in daylight.


VIA Rail’s   The Canadian train travels across the country between Toronto in Eastern Canada and Vancouver on the West Coast. The Canadian is a sleeper train where guests stay onboard for 1 to 4 nights, depending on their start and end points. Guests can opt for Sleeper Plus or Prestige classes, which feature private cabins, meals in the dining car and access to viewing cars.

  • Inclusions
    • Hotel accommodation
    • Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
    • Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
    • Meals onboard the train
    • Choice of unique guided activities
    • Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
    • Airport and train station transfers
    • Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
    • Electronic travel documentation package
    • Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support
  • Highlights
    • The ultimate Trans-Canada train experience
    • Choice of unique small group excursions
    • Spectacular two days on the Rocky Mountaineer train
    • Four nights aboard VIA Rail sleeper train
    • Scenic wonders of Lake Louise, Niagara Falls, and Peggy's Cove
  • Fresh Tracks Benefits

    We make it easy to plan a worry-free seamless travel experience in Canada by combining our insider knowledge with your personal preferences. Your trip is personalized to your needs and all components are booked for you, so you can just relax and enjoy your experience.


    Benefits of booking your Canadian trip with Fresh Tracks

    • We make it really easy!
    • Our itineraries are built for you around your specific needs, interests and budget.
    • We promise friendly and personal service every step of the way.
    • Consider us your personal contact in Canada before and during your trip.
    • We are experts in creating personalized itineraries in Canada.
    • We're based in Vancouver with first-hand 'insider' knowledge of Canada.
    • Since 1996, we have personalized more than 25,000 Canadian vacations.

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