DAY 1: UK - Toronto.
Fly to Toronto where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: Toronto - Niagara Falls - VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train.
This morning, wake up to the promise of an unforgettable excursion - to the Canadian Niagara Falls, one of the world's greatest natural splendours. Towering to 170 feet, the 12,000-year-old Falls are nothing less than awe-inspiring. As well as soaking up spectacular views of the falls from the rim of the gorge, your sightseeing includes a trip on the Maid of the Mist, which cruises close to the thunderous columns so you can experience their power from the deck. Afterwards, return to Toronto, where this evening, you're invited to join our optional dinner outing to enjoy stunning vistas over the city's illuminated 1,815-foot CN Tower. Next, transfer to the station for your late evening departure on the 'Canadian', VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train, for your classic three-day trip through Canada's heartland. Travelling first class, you'll be accommodated in the Canadian's superb 'Sleeper Touring' railcars - its original 1950's art deco carriages, now refurbished in modern style.
Note: The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favourable conditions which exist from May to the end of October. When unfavourable conditions exist, a walking tour of the scenic tunnels will be offered.
DAY 3: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train.
Today, watch spellbound as your train glides effortlessly through the ever changing vistas that form the heart of this beautiful country. Alternatively, enjoy some of the train's excellent amenities, perhaps chatting over coffee in the comfortable Skyline Car, soaking up the 360º views from the observation dome or relaxing in the luxurious Bullet Lounge. Later, settle into your private sleeping berth for a restful night of moonlit train travel. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train - Winnipeg.
After a brief stop in Winnipeg, the largest city in Canada's Prairies, re-board the 'Canadian' for a memorable journey through the country's stunning, open plains. This evening, savour the on-board cuisine once more, with supper in its exclusive 'Sleeper Touring' dining car. (B, D)
DAY 5: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train - Jasper.
Tuck into a hearty on-board breakfast before a short morning stop in Edmonton, Alberta's capital. Next, continue on towards the scenic highlight of your journey - the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Watch the open prairies as they melt first into deep forests before changing to the glorious snow-tipped peaks, emerald lakes and gleaming glaciers of this epic range. This unspoilt wilderness is rich in wildlife, so you may spot mountain goats, caribou and even grizzlies on your way! This afternoon, arrive in Jasper and disembark for your two night stay. Surrounded by soaring mountains, this charming resort is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy an orientation tour and later why not take our optional raft excursion on the Athabasca River? This leisurely afternoon ride takes you over gentle river rapids amid phenomenal scenery. (B, L)
DAY 6: Jasper.
Make the most of your surroundings today, starting with our optional cruise around stupendous Maligne Lake, the Rockies' second largest glacier-fed lake which is ringed by ice-clad mountains and thick forests. Stop during your cruise to take in Maligne Canyon, whose sheer limestone walls plunge down 164 feet. This evening, perhaps walk one of the many local hiking or wildlife trails.
DAY 7: Jasper - Columbia Icefield - Banff.
Today, bid farewell to Jasper for your journey through Jasper National Park to Banff. This epic Park is the most northerly in the Rockies and combines haunting serenity with jaw-dropping mountains, glistening glaciers and crashing falls. On the way, stop at the Columbia Icefield, a 325-kilometre sheet of snow for an exciting snowcoach ride over the 1,200-foot thick Athabasca Glacier, a 6 kilometre tongue of ice. Next, revel in the mountain and lake scenery as you travel the Icefield Parkway to Banff.
DAY 8-9: Banff.
Nestling in Banff National Park, Banff draws nature-lovers year round with its outdoor attractions. You have two whole days to explore this scenic area, so why not start with a thrilling optional helicopter ride, giving you a unique birds-eye view over the snow-clad peaks. Don't miss the optional gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for amazing views, and a stop at beautiful Bow Falls.
DAY 10: Banff - Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops.
Another rail adventure begins today as you board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for an unforgettable, two day, all-daylight journey. Enjoy a delicious breakfast as your train sets off along the legendary Kicking Horse route, which traces the historic transcontinental railroad linking Canada's East and West. On the way, marvel at rugged Yoho National Park, where your train passes through the incredible Spiral Tunnels, a series of cork-shaped mountain tunnels. Other highlights include the spectacular Rogers Pass, which winds through glittering glaciers and dark tunnels. After continuing past ranchlands and picturesque Shuswap Lake, arrive in Kamloops, gateway to British Columbia's interior. (B, L)
DAY 11: Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver.
All aboard again today as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Thompson River and majestic Fraser Canyon - a stunning, 600-foot walled gorge. En route, you'll see the legendary Hell's Gate, a thundering fall which powers millions of gallons of water through the narrowest point of Fraser Canyon. From there, through the dramatic Pacific Coastal Mountains, arriving in Vancouver in the early evening. (B, L)
DAY 12: Vancouver - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
DAY 13: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 7,500ft.
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