Canadian Train Odyssey

Canadian Train Odyssey

35K Views
15 Days From

$5212

$4835

Canadian Train Odyssey

15 Days Starting in Toronto and ending in Vancouver

Visiting: Toronto, Toronto. Excursion To Niagara Falls, VIA Rail, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Via Rail The Canadian, Jasper National Park, Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park, Kamloops, Ferry Crossing, Victoria, Vancouver

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

8960-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

0-0

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English
From: $5212 $4835 Operator discount: -$378

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada’s most popular cities. A highlight of this Canada train tour is the 3-day, 3-night journey on VIA Rail’s® the Canadian—a premier continental train—from Toronto to Jasper. In refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars, enjoy views of the ever-changing landscapes as you leisurely travel through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The spectacular landscapes on your train trip are just a part of the amazing scenery you’ll witness on this Canada rail tour. Marvel at thunderous Niagara Falls on your boat cruise past the falls. In the Canadian Rockies, ride the Ice Explorer—an all-terrain vehicle—on Columbia Icefield, an expanse of ice that is 750-feet thick. Stop in breathtaking Lake Louise, where its gorgeous turquoise waters mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Spend time in wondrous Jasper National Park—with its rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, rivers, and abundant wildlife—and Banff National Park, home to majestic mountains and picture-perfect scenery. Also travel through Yoho National Park, with its famous fossils, and Glacier National Park, with its scenic wilderness and wildlife. From the Pacific Coast, sail to Victoria through the scenic Gulf Islands. Throughout this Canada train tour, enjoy included city sightseeing and also have time to explore on your own. You may want to dine at the top of Toronto’s CN Tower, hike in Banff, enjoy Afternoon Tea at Victoria’s Empress Hotel, or shop Vancouver’s Robson Street. See spectacular mountain scenery, stunning lakes, picturesque towns, gentle prairie fields, and exciting cities on this rail tour across Canada—what a fantastic vacation!

Highlights

  • In refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars enjoy views of the ever-changing landscapes

  • Marvel at hypnotic Niagara Falls on your boat cruise past the falls

  • Stop in breathtaking Lake Louise where cold waters mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers

  • Spend time in stunning Jasper National Park—with its rugged mountains glaciers alpine meadows rivers and abundant wildlife

  • Travel through Yoho National Park with its famous fossils and Glacier National Park with its abundant wildlife

Places You'll See

Courtyard By Marriott Downtown Toronto

Tonquin Inn

Lobstick Lodge

Rundlestone Lodge

Irwin's Mountain Inn

The Thompson Hotel & Conference Centre

Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

Sandman Suites On Davie

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Toronto

Location: Toronto

Welcome to Toronto! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.TORONTO Welcome to Toronto! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: Toronto. Excursion To Niagara Falls

Location: Toronto. Excursion To Niagara Falls

Begin the day with an orientation tour of Toronto that includes City Hall, the downtown banking district, Rogers Centre, and the stunning CN Tower. Leave the city and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Sightseeing here includes a Niagara Falls cruise for an exhilarating ride to see the thundering Falls up close. Fall even more in love with the falls with an optional excursion to Skylon Tower for spectacular views and a buffet lunch. Return to Toronto and spend the evening exploring the city sights on your own.NOTE:Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS Begin the day with an orientation tour of Toronto that includes City Hall, the downtown banking district, Rogers Centre, and the stunning CN Tower. Leave the city and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Sightseeing here includes a Niagara Falls cruise for an exhilarating ride to see the thundering Falls up close. Fall even more in love with the falls with an optional excursion to Skylon Tower for spectacular views and a buffet lunch. Return to Toronto and spend the evening exploring the city sights on your own.NOTE:Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.

Day 3: Toronto,Via Rail The Canadian

Location: Toronto

Accommodation Name: On board The Canadian

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

This morning, transfer to Union Station for a departure on The Canadian, VIA Rail’s premier transcontinental train. Spend the next three days and nights on this classic trip across Canada’s heartland. Your Sleeper-Plus class rail cars are refurbished art-deco cars from the 1950s. Domed observation cars let you enjoy views of the Canadian countryside as you roll past Ontario’s landscapes. Chef-prepared meals offer a tempting array of soups, salads, main courses, and desserts.
TORONTO–VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN This morning, transfer to Union Station for a departure on The Canadian, VIA Rail’s premier transcontinental train. Spend the next three days and nights on this classic trip across Canada’s heartland. Your Sleeper-Plus class rail cars are refurbished art-deco cars from the 1950s. Domed observation cars let you enjoy views of the Canadian countryside as you roll past Ontario’s landscapes. Chef-prepared meals offer a tempting array of soups, salads, main courses, and desserts. (L,D)

Day 4: Via Rail The Canadian

Location: VIA Rail

Accommodation Name: On board The Canadian

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, watch the scenery as you whisk by the ever-changing Canadian landscape and travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway’s breathtaking mainline.
VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN Today, watch the scenery as you whisk by the ever-changing Canadian landscape and travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway’s breathtaking mainline. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Via Rail The Canadian

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saskatchewan

Accommodation Name: On board The Canadian

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Canadian glides through Winnipeg, before continuing the journey through Manitoba’s prairies and into Saskatchewan.
VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN The Canadian glides through Winnipeg, before continuing the journey through Manitoba’s prairies and into Saskatchewan. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Via Rail The Canadian,Jasper National Park

Location: Via Rail The Canadian, Jasper National Park

Arrive in Jasper this morning and enjoy an orientation tour of the townsite. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy the ambiance of this wonderous mountain setting. Go with the flow on an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River.VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN–JASPER NATIONAL PARK Arrive in Jasper this morning and enjoy an orientation tour of the townsite. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy the ambiance of this wonderous mountain setting. Go with the flow on an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River.

Day 7: Jasper National Park

Location: Jasper National Park

Today is at leisure. Make your day magical with an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to the much-photographed Spirit Island*. On the return journey, stop to view mighty Maligne Canyon. This afternoon, perhaps hike on the trails and watch for wildlife, or stroll the streets of Jasper. *This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.JASPER NATIONAL PARK Today is at leisure. Make your day magical with an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to the much-photographed Spirit Island*. On the return journey, stop to view mighty Maligne Canyon. This afternoon, perhaps hike on the trails and watch for wildlife, or stroll the streets of Jasper. *This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.

Day 8: Jasper National Park,Columbia Icefield,Lake Louise,Banff National Park

Location: Jasper National Park, Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Banff National Park

Board your motorcoach this morning and journey through Jasper National Park, stopping along the way at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet (250 meters) thick! Continue down Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, known for its stunning turquoise waters that mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park for a leisurely 2-night stay. An orientation tour highlights Banff’s unspoiled beauty.JASPER NATIONAL PARK–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–LAKE LOUISE–BANFF NATIONAL PARK Board your motorcoach this morning and journey through Jasper National Park, stopping along the way at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet (250 meters) thick! Continue down Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, known for its stunning turquoise waters that mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park for a leisurely 2-night stay. An orientation tour highlights Banff’s unspoiled beauty.

Day 9: Banff National Park

Location: Banff National Park

The day is free to independently explore. Perhaps stroll Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare with boutiques and souvenir shops in this resort town or hike in some of the surrounding 2,564 square miles of parkland which are home to wildlife, including elk, deer, and grizzly bear. Take your day higher with an awe-inspiring optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies! Your Tour Director can offer many suggestions for activities and dinner.BANFF NATIONAL PARK The day is free to independently explore. Perhaps stroll Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare with boutiques and souvenir shops in this resort town or hike in some of the surrounding 2,564 square miles of parkland which are home to wildlife, including elk, deer, and grizzly bear. Take your day higher with an awe-inspiring optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies! Your Tour Director can offer many suggestions for activities and dinner.

Day 10: Banff National Park,Yoho National Park,Glacier National Park,Kamloops

Location: Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park, Kamloops

Accommodation Name: Best Western Premier Kamloops

This morning, leave Banff National Park and travel over Kicking Horse Pass on the Continental Divide. Travel through Yoho National Park, where pre-Cambrian fossils were discovered, and Glacier National Park, where recreational mountain climbing was introduced to North America a century ago. Late this afternoon, arrive at the cattle-ranching center of Kamloops.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK–YOHO NATIONAL PARK–GLACIER NATIONAL PARK–KAMLOOPS This morning, leave Banff National Park and travel over Kicking Horse Pass on the Continental Divide. Travel through Yoho National Park, where pre-Cambrian fossils were discovered, and Glacier National Park, where recreational mountain climbing was introduced to North America a century ago. Late this afternoon, arrive at the cattle-ranching center of Kamloops.

Day 11: Kamloops,Ferry Crossing,Victoria

Location: Kamloops, Ferry Crossing, Victoria

As you travel through the Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your afternoon ferry for the spectacular crossing to Vancouver Island. Sightseeing in Victoria includes the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider taking a relaxing stroll along the lovely Waterfront Promenade.KAMLOOPS–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA As you travel through the Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your afternoon ferry for the spectacular crossing to Vancouver Island. Sightseeing in Victoria includes the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider taking a relaxing stroll along the lovely Waterfront Promenade.

Day 12: Victoria

Location: Victoria

Be sure to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, and fine shopping along Government Street. Take time to smell the roses on an optional excursion to see the 55-acres of incredible floral displays at world famous Butchart Gardens or have an adventure at sea on an optional whale and wildlife watching cruise.VICTORIA Be sure to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, and fine shopping along Government Street. Take time to smell the roses on an optional excursion to see the 55-acres of incredible floral displays at world famous Butchart Gardens or have an adventure at sea on an optional whale and wildlife watching cruise.

Day 13: Victoria,Ferry Crossing,Vancouver

Location: Vancouver

Accommodation Name: Sandman Suites on Davie

This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-like climate. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and many other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Robson Street and experience British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment location.
VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-like climate. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and many other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Robson Street and experience British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment location.

Day 14: Vancouver

Location: Vancouver

Today is at leisure for independent sightseeing or join us for unforgettable optional excursions, featuring one of the world’s most scenic drives along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler or elevate your adventure on an optional aerial tram ride up the mountain for exquisite views and a walk through a rainforest canopy at Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge.VANCOUVER Today is at leisure for independent sightseeing or join us for unforgettable optional excursions, featuring one of the world’s most scenic drives along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler or elevate your adventure on an optional aerial tram ride up the mountain for exquisite views and a walk through a rainforest canopy at Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Day 15: Vancouver

Location: Vancouver

Your vacation ends this morning.
VANCOUVER Your vacation ends this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodations

    Stay in comfort at selected hotels including Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto, Marmot Lodge, Lobstick Lodge, Rundlestone Lodge, Best Western Premier Kamloops, Royal Scot Hotel & Suites, and Sandman Suites on Davie.

  • Sightseeing Highlights

    Enjoy the breathtaking views of Canada's landscapes from refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars, marvel at Niagara Falls, explore the stunning Jasper National Park, travel through Yoho and Glacier National Parks, and experience the vibrant cities of Toronto and Vancouver.

  • Meals

    2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.

  • Transportation

    Travel aboard VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train, The Canadian, for a classic trip across Canada's heartland. Experience the Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield and enjoy ferry crossings to Vancouver Island.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    Visit stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Yoho National Park.

What's Not Included

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is recommended but not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours and activities not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and telephone calls, are not included.

  • Meals not mentioned

    Any meals not listed in the inclusions are not covered.

Meals

2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Notes

Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion, which opens in mid to late May. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.

Furnishings in your VIA Rail train cabin are arranged in armchair style by day. By night, beds are configured to upper and lower bunkbed-style arrangement requiring one guest be able to climb a ladder to the upper bed.

Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.

UNESCO Sites

Banff National Park|Jasper National Park|Yoho National Park

Accommodation

Toronto:Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
Jasper National Park:Tonquin Inn
Jasper National Park:Lobstick Lodge
Banff National Park:Rundlestone Lodge
Banff National Park:Irwin's Mountain Inn
Kamloops:The Thompson Hotel & Conference Centre
Victoria:Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Vancouver:Sandman Suites on Davie

Check out our Q&As

  • What are the highlights of the Canadian Train Odyssey tour?

    The highlights of the Canadian Train Odyssey tour include enjoying views of the ever-changing landscapes in refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars, marveling at hypnotic Niagara Falls on a boat cruise, stopping in breathtaking Lake Louise, spending time in stunning Jasper National Park, and traveling through Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park.

  • What type of accommodations are included in the tour?

    The accommodations included in the tour are Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto, Marmot Lodge, Lobstick Lodge, Rundlestone Lodge, Best Western Premier Kamloops, Royal Scot Hotel & Suites, and Sandman Suites on Davie.

  • Are meals included in the Canadian Train Odyssey tour?

    Yes, the tour includes 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.

  • What UNESCO World Heritage Sites will be visited during the tour?

    The UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited during the tour include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Yoho National Park.

  • Is airfare included in the tour package?

    No, international and domestic airfare is not included in the tour package.

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The transportation during the tour includes travel aboard VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train, The Canadian, the Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, and ferry crossings to Vancouver Island.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

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Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

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Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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