Itinerary - 8 Night Holiday By Air

Day 1-3 Toronto and Niagara Falls

Fly with British Airways from London to Toronto. On arrival in Toronto check-in at the Hilton Toronto for a 2 night stay.

The Hilton Toronto Hotel is a contemporary hotel with stylish and modern bedrooms and suites. Enjoy dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and world cuisine at the Tundra Restaurant. The hotel has a swimming pool and fitness centre. The hotel is in the centre of Toronto, opposite the Four Seasons Centre of Performing Arts, and within walking distance to the CN Tower.

While staying in Toronto we recommend booking a day trip to the nearby Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls are on the border of Canada and America, just 75 miles south of Toronto. You can take the train or a bus to the Falls. Once at Niagara Falls wander through Queen Victoria Park's elegant gardens for views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, take a trip in the Whirlpool Aero Car (cable car), or watch the Falls from the "Journey Behind the Falls" viewing platforms and tunnels. The day trip can be pre-booked at an additional cost - please call for details.

Day 3 - Toronto across the Canadian Shield

You board Via Rail Canada's flagship train "The Canadian" at Toronto's Union Station at 10pm (which gives you an extra day free to explore Toronto).
Settle into your double Sleeper Touring Cabin as the train travels overnight across the geological area known as the Canadian Shield. The train travels through Washago on Lake Couchiching, and on to Parry Sound and Sudbury (known as the Nickel Capital of Canada). During winter look out for snow covered plains, frozen lakes and clear star filled skies.

Day 4 - The Canadian Shield to Winnipeg

The train travels onwards across the Canadian Shield area through the settlements of Capreol, Gogama, Hornepayne, Longlac (situated on Long Lake), Armstrong (at the northern tip of Lake Nipigon), Sioux Lookout, and across the Ontario-Manitoba Border. The train travels through Whiteshell Provincial Park which includes 200 lakes - some of which were formed by meteors.

Day 5 - Winnipeg

The train arrives into Winnipeg early in the morning, and you have half a day to explore this multi-cultural city.
Winnipeg is the capital of the Manitoba region and is located on the Red, Assiniboine and Seine Rivers. The area where the rivers meet is known as The Forks and is the centre of the city. Relax with a coffee overlooking the marina, shop for local crafts at the Forks Market, and rail enthusiasts should visit the Winnipeg Railway Museum. Winnipeg's Art Gallery is worth a visit to see the world's largest collection of Inuit art.
You re-join the train at midday and the train continues across the border into the Saskatchewan region. Overnight the train goes through several settlements including Melville, Watrous, Saskatoon and Unity before crossing over into the Alberta region.

Day 6 - Edmonton and The Canadian Rockies

The train arrives in Edmonton for a brief stop before travelling through the small town of Edson where passengers can enjoy their first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies.

The Canadian Rockies cover a vast area of Western Canada, and the area includes the National Parks of Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho which together make up the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site.

The train pulls into the famous winter sports resort of Jasper in the afternoon before continuing its journey into the heart of the Rockies.

Days 7-9 - Vancouver

Your journey on board "The Canadian" train ends in the British Columbian city of Vancouver. In Vancouver you check-in for a 2 night stay at the Delta Suites Vancouver.

Delta Suites in Vancouver offer comfortable accommodation in a modern building. Bedrooms are spacious and furnished with modern facilities. Enjoy lunch or dinner in the hotel's New York style restaurant the "Manhattan", work out in the fitness centre of the 4th floor, or enjoy a spa treatment in the privacy of your bedroom. Delta Suites are located in the centre of Vancouver, close to Stanley Park and one block from Gastown.

Add extra nights in Vancouver and take the opportunity to go whale-watching (pre-bookable at extra cost - please call for details).

Day 9 - Fly Vancouver to London

Fly with British Airways on an overnight flight from Vancouver to London.