With the most elegant and opulent private railway carriages available, Uncommon Journeys operates more private and special trains than any other travel operator in North America. Our railway cars have been acclaimed in such prestigious publications as Gourmet, Town & Country and Sunset magazines. Also widely regarded as one of the nation's most experienced and elegant travel companies specializing in Ocean Liner Travel, Uncommon Journeys is proud to be one of Cunard Line's top Inner Circle agencies, a distinction shared by few other travel companies, and is a top producer for Holland America Line, and Silversea Cruises.
We have many more rail tours available -- please let us know what you are looking for and the date you are interested in traveling so we can suggest available tours.
Great Canadian Train Ride
Follow the legendary Canadian National Route which pioneered the exploration and settlement of Canada's vast wilderness.
For many decades, one of the 'must-do' holidays on every travelers list has been the legendary cross-Canada train trip, from Toronto to Vancouver, across the Dominion in vista-dome comfort. At Train Holidays, we have long believed that only one addition could make this idea better: Leisurely hotel stays in each great part of Canada along with intelligent, comprehensive sightseeing. For those travelers to whom 'how' they get somewhere means as much as what they do, we offer up the most acclaimed train in North America, Via Rail's showcase 'Canadian' where all of our guests enjoy First Class sleeping car accommodations in 'Silver & Blue' class with all meals aboard included. Guests enjoy access to the splendid art deco dining car, the signature dome cars with all-around viewing and the famous 'Park Car' with its Bullet Lounge and Mural Bar.
As befits an elegant holiday, we have included some very stylish events 'ashore' as well, including dinner in Toronto at the chic Canyon Creek Grill, a stylish dinner at Le Beaujolais in Banff, and an indulgent two-day stay in Vancouver at the beautifully situated Hyatt Regency Hotel, an elegant luxury hotel of great style.
In the Rockies, our guests enjoy five days of sightseeing including Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise as well as seldom-visited places like Moraine Lake, Maligne Canyon and Bridal Veil Falls. All sightseeing is included.
Dates & Rates:
This tour departs early October with a rate of $3,995 per person.
Itinerary:
- Guests arrive in Toronto today and check into the Hotel Intercontinental for our two-night stay in Canada's largest city, exciting Toronto, with the balance of the day and evening at leisure.
- All day free for further exploring this wonderful city, highlighted by a welcome dinner at the acclaimed Canyon Creek Grill, a favorite haunt of the great and near-great in Toronto. Overnight at the Hotel Intercontinental. (D)
- The big day as we depart the hotel this afternoon and board the legendary 'CANADIAN' at Union Station for our journey west. The stunning train is a perfect 1950's time capsule with the famed Vista-dome cars, a real old-fashioned dining car and first rate dining and service. Tonight we join for cocktails in the swank, end of train 'Bullet Lounge' before our welcome aboard dinner in the art deco diner as we roll west over the Canadian National Railway. (L,D)
- All day is spent crossing the Canadian Prairies aboard the Canadian. Civilized amenities abound including hot showers, a special lounge just for First Class passengers, and the best dining on any train in North America, deluxe train travel at its very best in a manner that has all but vanished. (B,L,D)
- Overnight on train en-route as the Canadian speeds across the great prairielands over the Canadian National Railway. (B,L,D)
- After lunch the Canadian begins its ascent of the eastern slope of the Rockies, a not to be missed spectacle. This afternoon, we arrive in gorgeous Jasper and transfer to the Amethyst Lodge for our two-night stay in this magical and unspoiled mountain hamlet. All evening free to relax in this glorious setting. (B,L)
- All morning to sleep in with a midday excursions to stunningly beautiful Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake with its haunting views of Spirit Island. A final overnight in Jasper to enjoy the unhurried charm of this small town. (B,L)
- A stunning day of sightseeing as we travel to Banff via the Columbia Icefields Parkway and enjoy a ride on the Glacier itself on a ‘Sno-coach’ stopping for lunch en route before our arrival at the Banff Park Lodge with its oversized rooms and great location. (B)
- A full day to enjoy Banff beginning with the gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain followed by a visit to the Banff Hot Springs that have made this village famous. Later tonight, our special dinner at Le Beaujolais. (B D)
- Another magical day with a sightseeing tour to Yoho National Park that takes in Bridal Veil Falls, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with all afternoon at leisure to further enjoy Banff. (B,L)
- We depart this morning after breakfast bound for Jasper with a special sightseeing tour north over the Icefields Parkway stopping at Peyto Lake and Sunwapta Falls en route. We have included a special lunch today before we board the westbound CANADIAN, featuring spectacular views of the Rockies from its many vista-dome cars, one of the great travel treats in the World. Drinks in the classic Observation Lounge are a highlight tonight followed by dinner in the diner as we roll west over the historic Canadian National Rwy. A good night’s sleep awaits in comfortable Pullman sleeping cars. (B,L,D)
- The CANADIAN arrives in Vancouver after breakfast time and we have a brief city sightseeing tour of this beautiful city, Canada's third largest. The balance of the day is at leisure. Particularly recommended for viewing are nearby Robson Street with its shops, galleries and boutiques and famous Stanley Park with its commanding views. Guests have time, if they would like, to take the scenic day trip by Ferry to lovely, and very British, Victoria. Tonight is our special farewell dinner, a nice way to say goodbye to newfound friends. Overnight is spent in sumptuous comfort at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (B, D)
- Guests depart for home today! Welcome home! (B)
Features:
- Fully hosted by a professional tour manager.
- Three-day/two-night in Toronto at the superbly located Hotel Intercontinental.
- Passage from Toronto to Jasper and Vancouver aboard VIA Rail's acclaimed vista-domeliner 'The Canadian' in First Class sleeping car accommodations including all meals whilst aboard.
- Three-nights accommodation in Banff at the ultra-luxe Banff Park Lodge in superior rooms.
- Two-night stay in Jasper at Chateau Jasper with Jasper sightseeing including seldom visited Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon.
- Columbia Icefield Sno-coach tour atop Athabasca Glacier.
- Banff sightseeing tour including the famous Gondola ride and a visit to Banff Hot Springs.
- Lake Louise sightseeing tour including lunch at fabled Chateau Lake Louise!
- Vancouver city sightseeing tour upon arrival in Vancouver.
- Overnight deluxe stay in Vancouver at the Hyatt Regency Hotel including breakfast.
- Farewell dinner in Vancouver.
- Low-cost Amtrak transfer to Seattle available.