Canadian Rail Explorer (Ground Only)

DAY 1

Saturday 22nd March
After making your own flight arrangements to Canada, you will meet the group at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel and, after check-in, we will spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore our new surroundings.

DAY 2

Sunday 23rd March
After breakfast this morning, we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Montréal by coach and by foot visiting many top attractions and historical sites including Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park, Olympic Stadium, and Old Montréal. This afternoon is spent at leisure to explore this vibrant city further walking the cobbled streets, discovering exquisite architecture, and indulging in fine dining.

DAY 3

Monday 24th March
Today, we depart on the morning train to Toronto travelling this scenic route in Business Class and enjoying our lunch on board with a glass of wine and, on arrival, we make our way to the Royal York to check-in for our two-night stay. This afternoon, we enjoy free time to explore Toronto with its iconic architecture, fascinating museums and galleries, and superb shopping plus no trip would be complete without visiting the CN Tower for incredible views over the city.

DAY 4

Tuesday 25th March
Our adventure today takes us to the magnificent Niagara Falls for a full day excursion discovering the top attractions along Niagara Parkways including the Floral Clock and Queenston Heights. We enjoy time at the Falls to appreciate this awe-inspiring force of nature, visit the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and take our lunch at the top of the Skylon Tower, a remarkable restaurant with stunning views at 775ft above the Falls!

DAY 5

Wednesday 26th March
After breakfast this morning, we begin our iconic journey aboard The Canadian travelling 2,775 miles over four days and nights through breathtaking scenery from Toronto to Vancouver. We enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, fruit, and cookies throughout our journey plus delicious meals served in the comfortable dining car with fantastic views. We also have access to the Skyline car with its observation dome where the windows extend to the ceiling allowing for breathtaking panoramic views.

DAY 6

Thursday 27th March
Today, we continue our rail journey through the Canadian Shield, a surprisingly sparsely populated area, taking us to Winnipeg past beautiful still waters, vast lakes, intricate ponds, and superb forests.

DAY 7

Friday 28th March
The scenery changes dramatically today as we travel towards Edmonton across the wide-open Prairies of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta past rolling grassland, farms, woods, and fields. We cross the 845m long Fabyan Trestle Bridge over the Battle River arriving in Edmonton in the evening where the downtown skyscrapers can be seen glittering in the distance.

DAY 8

Saturday 29th March
Today, we race towards the Rocky Mountains through an avenue of fir trees as we approach Jasper along the stunning Athabasca River. The beautiful scenery continues around every bend, passing the imposing Mount Robson, slowing for the striking Pyramid Falls, crossing the North Thompson River, and following the Fraser River Canyon to Vancouver.

DAY 9

Sunday 30th March
We arrive in Vancouver in the morning and join our guided coach tour of the highlights of this modern city visiting the vibrant Granville Island and Stanley Park, Vancouver's largest urban park with 400 hectares of natural West Coast rainforest. Afterwards, we transfer to the Waterfront for the next three nights and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 10

Monday 31st March
After breakfast this morning, we travel by coach and scenic ferry through the islands to colonial Victoria on Vancouver Island where we enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Inner Harbour, Craigdorrach Castle, and Fisherman's Wharf. We enjoy free time to venture further and explore the waterfront and market before returning to Vancouver.

DAY 11

Tuesday 1st April
Today, we enjoy a full day at leisure in Vancouver with our included day pass covering the Skyrail system, ferries to North Vancouver, and buses. Why not ride the Grouse Mountain Cableway, walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge, visit New Westminster Market, or discover the fishing village of Steveston.

DAY 12

Wednesday 2nd April
After our fantastic Railtrail adventure, you will make your way independently to the airport for your chosen flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner