Overview
Operated by ?
The spectacular landscapes on your train trip are not the only stunning scenery you’ll witness on this Canada rail tour. Marvel at hypnotic 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 1,200-feet thick. 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—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 abundant wildlife. From the Pacific Coast, sail to Victoria through the scenic Gulf Islands. In Victoria, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays.
Throughout this Canada train tour, enjoy sightseeing in the cities and time to explore on your own. You may want to dine at the top of Toronto’s CN Tower, take an optional float trip on the Athabasca River in Jasper, hike in Banff, enjoy Afternoon Tea at Victoria’s Empress Hotel, or shop Vancouver’s Robson Street.
See Canada’s spectacular mountain scenery, stunning lakes, picturesque towns, gentle prairie fields, and exciting cities on this Canadian rail tour—what a fantastic vacation!
Small Group Discovery
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Highlights
Sightseeing cruise
TORONTOSightseeing
VIA RAIL
Journey on VIA Rail’s the Canadian in Sleeper Plus class
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Orientation tour; stay two nights inside Jasper National Park
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD
Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Orientation tour; stay two nights inside Banff National Park
VICTORIASightseeing; visit Butchart Gardens
VANCOUVERSightseeing; Stanley Park
2022 Tour itinerary
Total meals included:
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
TORONTO
Day1
Welcome to Toronto! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS
Day2
Leave bustling Toronto and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Sightseeing here includes the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise past the world-famous falls. Return to Toronto and enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes City Hall, the downtown banking district, Rogers Centre, and stunning CN Tower—more than a third of a mile high. Spend the evening exploring the city sights on your own, or join the optional outing that combines dinner with the spectacular sight of Toronto’s skyline from the CN Tower.
NOTE:
Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. When unfavorable conditions exist, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.
TORONTO–VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
Day3
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.
Meals included:
- Lunch
- Dinner
VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
Day4
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
Day5
The Canadian glides through Winnipeg, before continuing the journey through Manitoba’s prairies and into Saskatchewan.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN–JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Day6
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 delightful mountain setting.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Day7
Consider an optional trip to Maligne Lake for a narrated cruise to much-photographed Spirit Island. On the return journey, stop to view mighty Maligne Canyon. With free time this afternoon, maybe hike on the trails and watch for wildlife, or stroll the streets of Jasper. Perhaps an optional float trip on the Athabasca River to end the day?
JASPER NATIONAL PARK–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–LAKE LOUISE–BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Day8
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, where cold waters mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park for a leisurely 2-night stay. An orientation tour includes Banff’s unspoiled beauty.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Day9
This morning, consider an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. The day is free to independently explore this resort town located within Banff National Park. Stroll Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare of boutiques and souvenir shops. The surrounding 2,564 square miles of parkland are home to wildlife, including elk and grizzly bear. This evening, your Tour Director will suggest an optional horse-drawn wagon ride along scenic trails, followed by a BBQ Steak dinner.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK–YOHO NATIONAL PARK–GLACIER NATIONAL PARK–KAMLOOPS
Day10
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.
KAMLOOPS–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA
Day11
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 world-famous Butchart Gardens, the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider strolling along the Waterfront Promenade.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
VICTORIA
Day12
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, a whale-watching cruise on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and fine shopping along Government Street.
VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER
Day13
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.
VANCOUVER
Day14
Today is at leisure for independent sightseeing. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés. Or, re-visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, art galleries, and street vendors.
VANCOUVER
Day15
Your vacation ends this morning.
Things to note
Maximum elevation on tour: 9,900 ft.Extend your stay
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
First-Class
Whether you want to relax or take in the sights of downtown Toronto, this hotel is the perfect place to stay.
Location
475 Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- ATM
- Laundry Available
- Hot Tub
- Fitness Room
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
Lobstick Lodge
First-Class
Lobstick Lodge is located in a secluded mountain setting near east end of town, 5 blocks from CNR station. Enjoy large open rooms with spectacular mountain views right outside your window.
Location
94 Geikie Street, Jasper, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Spa Services
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Hot Tub
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- ATM
- Business Center
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Concierge desk
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Currency Exchange
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Cable/Satellite
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Voicemail
Irwin's Mountain Inn
Superior Tourist-Class
Conveniently located right on Banff Avenue close to the heart of downtown Banff, we are proud to offer our guests recreation and relaxation opportunities. The El Toro Restaurant serving Breakfast and Dinner, 8 Person Hot Tub, Fitness Centre, Close to Local Transportation, Complimentary guest computer kiosk, available 24 hours, Complimentary Wireless Internet, Coin Laundry, Safety Deposit Boxes available at the front desk, individual Air Conditioning units.
Location
429 Banff Ave, Banff, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Hot Tub
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Gift Shop
- Spa Services
- Laundry Available
- Pool
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Alarm Clock
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Desk
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Television
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Phone
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
First-Class
Located in the center of downtown, the Royal Scot hotel & Suites is just a short walk to Victoria's famous Inner Harbour as well as shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions. The hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, concierge service, guest laundry, gift shop, business center, Internet access, restaurant, and lounge.
Location
425 Quebec Street, Victoria, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Ice Machine
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Pool
- Elevator
- Laundry Available
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Spa Services
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Climate Control
- Smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Television
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- Voicemail
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Daily Housekeeping
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Newspaper
Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Center
Superior Tourist-Class
Located in the heart of the theater district in downtown Vancouver, the hotel features 302 comfortable guestrooms, an indoor pool, and three restaurants.
Location
180 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Concierge desk
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- ATM
- Spa Services
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
- Ice Machine
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Smoking Rooms
- Daily Housekeeping
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- Pay Movies
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
