Itinerary - 10 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 Delta Chelsea Toronto for a 2 night stay.

The Delta Chelsea is in the heart of Toronto and prides itself on excellent customer service. You really are welcomed with a smile and the staff goes that extra mile to help out. Rooms are large and modern with great views over the city. There are plenty of places to eat around the hotel Delta Suites and Chinatown is a pleasant stroll away.

While staying in Toronto we recommend booking a day trip by bus to the nearby Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls are on the border of Canada and America, just 75 miles south of Toronto. 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. During summer bask in the “Dome” observation car and look out for bears picnicking by the side of the tracks.

Day 4 - The Canadian Shield to Winnipeg

The train travels onwards across the Canadian Shield area through the settlements Hornepayne where you often get a chance to stretch your legs when the train stops for a few hours, Capreol, Gogama, 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. The forest seems to go on forever in this part of Canada.

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 Manitoba and is located on the Red, Assiniboine and Seine Rivers. The area where the rivers meet is known as The Forks and is a regenerated 19th Century quarter with some character. 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 prairies to the border into the Saskatchewan. Overnight the train goes through several settlements including Melville, Watrous, Saskatoon and Unity before crossing into Alberta.

Day 6 - Edmonton to Jasper & The Canadian Rockies

Early morning sees the train arrive in Edmonton for a brief stop before travelling through the small town of Edson where you catch your first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies.

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 mountains really are an impressive sight all the way to Jasper – snow-covered peaks and clear blue lakes. The Canadian train pulls into Jasper around midday. Check-in for your 2 night stay at the Chateau Jasper, leaving the rest of the day to settle in to your hotel and begin to explore.

Railbookers recommends booking an evening wildlife tour to get to know your wild neighbours!

Days 7-8 - In Jasper & onto Vancouver

You have a full day to explore Jasper and the National Park. Railbookers recommends some river rafting – there are gentle or more rugged options available. Why not get your hiking shoes on and experience a bit of the real Canada? You can even take a chauffeur driven Harley Davidson ride, complete with side-car!

The Canadian departs Jasper early afternoon for the last stretch of your journey to Vancouver.

Railbookers recommends Why not stay a few more days in the Rockies? Hire a car and explore Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary – superb scenery, real wildlife, hiking, glacier visits and great skiing in winter.

Days 8-9 - 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.

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

Day 10 - Fly Vancouver to London

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