From the Pacific to the Great Lakes: A Cross-Country Journey by Sleeper Train

Journey from the Pacific to the Great Lakes on this unforgettable cross-Canada rail odyssey, combining scenic sleeper-train travel with the natural wonders of the Rockies and Niagara Falls.

Starting From £4,599 Per Person

From: UK Airport

Best Time to Visit May - October
Your Scenic Journey Vancouver, Jasper, Banff, Toronto
Scenic Rail Journeys The Canadian (Jasper to Toronto)
Excursions & Activities Icefields Parkway and Rockies Discovery Tour & Daytrip to Niagara Falls

Overview

Embark on an extraordinary rail adventure across Canada, travelling eastbound from the Pacific Coast to the vibrant heart of Toronto. This unforgettable journey blends the natural grandeur of the Canadian Rockies with the timeless romance of long-distance train travel aboard VIA Rail’s “The Canadian.”

Begin your journey in the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, where mountain and ocean views frame a lively urban scene. From there, travel in comfort and style through ever-changing landscapes , from snow-capped peaks and glassy lakes to vast prairies and charming towns, as the train winds its way across this remarkably picturesque country.

Discover the alpine wonders of Jasper and Banff, cruise on turquoise waters, and experience the legendary Icefields Parkway before continuing east to cosmopolitan Toronto, where a spectacular day trip to Niagara Falls marks the perfect end to your cross-Canada odyssey.

Trip Highlights

  • Travel coast to coast across Canada aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian sleeper train
  • Discover Jasper National Park and cruise the stunning Maligne Lake
  • Journey the spectacular Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff
  • Witness the power and splendour of Niagara Falls on a guided day trip

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Vancouver & Toronto
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Jasper
  • 4-nights accommodation aboard VIA Rail
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Banff

Transport

  • Flights from UK to Vancouver and return from Toronto
  • VIA Rail The Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper, Jasper to Toronto

Excursions

  • Hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Vancouver
  • Explore Jasper Tour with Maligne Cruise
  • Icefields Parkway and Rockies Discovery Tour from Jasper to Banff
  • Daytrip to Niagara Falls

Day’s Itinerary

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Vancouver

Fly from the UK to Vancouver and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Settle in and enjoy the evening at leisure in this dynamic coastal city, surrounded by ocean, forest, and mountains. (Overnight in Vancouver)

Vancouver

Enjoy exploring at your own pace with a 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour pass, allowing you to discover Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, and more. (Overnight in Vancouver)

Vancouver to Jasper

Step aboard the iconic VIA Rail “The Canadian” for your eastbound journey. Relax in your Sleeper Plus cabin as the train glides through the lush Fraser Valley and into the majestic Canadian Rockies. (Overnight onboard VIA Rail)

Jasper

Wake to breathtaking views as you arrive in Jasper National Park. The rest of the day is free to explore the charming alpine town, surrounded by mountain peaks and abundant wildlife. (Overnight in Jasper)

Jasper

Enjoy a guided excursion to the stunning Maligne Lake, where a scenic cruise offers panoramic views of Spirit Island and surrounding glaciers. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore Jasper further. (Overnight in Jasper)

Banff

Travel along one of the world’s most spectacular routes , the Icefields Parkway , on a guided coach tour to Banff. Admire turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, and the impressive Athabasca Glacier en route. (Overnight in Banff)

Jasper

Return to Jasper by comfortable shuttle transfer, retracing part of your scenic mountain route. Spend a final evening surrounded by the serenity of the Rockies. (Overnight in Jasper)

Jasper to Toronto

Rejoin VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” for the ultimate transcontinental rail experience. Relax in your private cabin and enjoy first-class service as you journey eastward across Alberta’s prairies. (Overnight onboard VIA Rail)

Jasper to Toronto

Watch the ever-changing scenery unfold , endless golden plains, forested valleys, and charming rural towns , as you continue your cross-country voyage. (Overnight onboard VIA Rail)

Jasper to Toronto

As the train enters Ontario, enjoy a day of relaxation and reflection onboard, soaking in the passing landscapes from the observation car. (Overnight onboard VIA Rail)

Toronto

Arrive in Toronto, Canada’s vibrant metropolis on the shores of Lake Ontario. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace , perhaps visiting the CN Tower or harbourfront district. (Overnight in Toronto)

Toronto

Take a full-day excursion to Niagara Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Witness the thundering cascades up close before returning to Toronto for a final evening in the city. (Overnight in Toronto)

Return home

Transfer from your hotel to Toronto Airport for your return flight to the UK, bringing your unforgettable Canada Grand Rail Odyssey to a close. (Overnight flight)

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£4,799 Per Person 10-Days

Best Time: January - September

From: UK Airport

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Vancouver, Lake Louise & Banff
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Kamloops & Calgary
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Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about your rail holiday?

What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?

All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.

Can you customise my itinerary?

Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.

What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?

If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.

Do I need to print my train tickets?

We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.

What financial protection do you provide?

We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.

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