Canadian Train Odyssey (8960)

15 days from Toronto to Vancouver

2027 Tour Details

This adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and is filled with national parks, spectacular scenery, and some of Canada’s most popular cities the Canadian® from Toronto to Jasper, with views of changing landscapes through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

Visit Niagara Falls and go on an included sightseeing cruise to experience the thundering Falls up close. Continue to the Canadian Rockie aboard a 3-day, 3-night journey on VIA Rail’s The Canadian® from Toronto to Jasper, with views of changing landscapes through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Visit Jasper National Park, with its rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, rivers, and abundant wildlife. Ride the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier at Columbia Icefield and stop at Lake Louise, where turquoise waters reflect the surrounding peaks. Spend two nights in Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, with time to hike, visit the hot springs or go on an optional helicopter tour for breathtaking aerial views.

From the Pacific Coast, sail across the Strait of Georgia to Victoria. Spend two nights in Victoria, then ferry to Vancouver for another two-night stay. Mountain scenery, glacier-fed lakes, wildlife, and exciting cities– experience it all on this unforgettable rail adventure across Canada!

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).

Your Tour Includes:

• Orientation tours of Toronto, Jasper, Banff, and Victoria, introducing highlights of each destination
• Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for unforgettable up-close views of the Falls
• Travel on VIA Rail’s the Canadian® Sleeper Plus class on a scenic rail journey from Toronto to Jasper through the Canadian Shield and the Canadian Rockies
• Entrance fee to Jasper National Park and Banff National Park, home to glacier-fed lakes, mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife
• Ride on the Ice Explorer across the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefields
• Scenic drive through Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park, passing mountain peaks, waterfalls, and alpine scenery
• Ferry crossing to/from Vancouver Island, sailing through the scenic Strait of Georgia
• Guided city sightseeing in Vancouver, featuring Stanley Park and other city highlights

Save 50% on the Single Supplement on select 2027 Cosmos North America Tours*
Freedom to Travel: Save $200 per couple on select 2027 Cosmos vacations worldwide*
Freedom to Travel: Save $500 per couple on select 2027 Cosmos vacations worldwide*
Canadian Train Odyssey map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners


Notes:

• Visting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and dates of operation.

• Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield (opens in early May), Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion (opens late May to early June), or Moraine Lake optional excursion (opens in early June).

• Furnishings in your VIA Rail train cabin are arranged in armchair style by day. By night, beds are configured to upper and lower bunkbed-style arrangement requiring one guest be able to climb a ladder to the upper bed.

• Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.

• Select departure dates connect with our New York, Washington DC & Niagara Falls Tour (8000).

 Itinerary

Day 1 TORONTO

Welcome to Toronto! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

After checking into your hotel, perhaps do some shopping at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, or sample local specialties at St. Lawrence Market, a historic marketplace that has served the city for more than 200 years.

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Day 2 TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS

Begin the day with an orientation tour of Toronto, including City Hall, the downtown banking district, Rogers Centre, and the iconic CN Tower. Leave the city and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls, where you’ll take an included sightseeing cruise for thrilling up-close views of the thundering Falls. For a different perspective, consider an optional excursion to Skylon Tower for spectacular views and a buffet lunch. Return to Toronto with time to explore the city this evening on your own.

NOTE:
Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.

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Day 3 TORONTO–VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN

This morning, transfer to Union Station to board VIA Rail’s, The Canadian, for a three-day, three-night journey to Jasper. Travel in Sleeper Plus class aboard beautifully restored art deco rail cars. Relax in the domed observation cars and enjoy panoramic views of the Ontario countryside and chef-prepared meals featuring a selection of soups, salads, entrées, and desserts.

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LunchLunch
DinnerDinner

Day 4 VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN

Today, watch the scenery pass by as you travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway’s breathtaking mainline through the ever-changing Canadian landscape. Later, enter Manitoba with a brief stop in Winnipeg.

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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch
DinnerDinner

Day 5 VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN

Today, The Canadian travels through the prairies of Saskatchewan and into Alberta.

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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch
DinnerDinner

Day 6 VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN–JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Arrive in Jasper this morning and enjoy an orientation tour of the townsite. The remainder of the day is free to explore Jasper National Park. Perhaps join an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River with the chance to spot wildlife along the shoreline.

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Day 7 JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Today is at leisure. Consider an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to iconic Spirit Island* where you’ll learn about the history, geology, flora, and fauna of the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Opt to hike one of the park’s trails in search of wildlife or browse the shops in downtown Jasper. Your Tour Director can offer suggestions to make the most of your day.

*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.

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Day 8 JASPER NATIONAL PARK–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–LAKE LOUISE–BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Board your motorcoach this morning stopping at the Columbia Icefield for a tour highlight – a ride aboard the all-terrain Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Continue along the Icefields Parkway to stunning Lake Louise, where turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park for a leisurely two-night stay. Enjoy an orientation tour upon your arrival.

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Day 9 BANFF NATIONAL PARK

The day is free for independent exploration. Perhaps take an optional helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. Or hike, bike, shop in the townsite, or relax at the hot springs. Your Tour Director can offer suggestions for activities and dining.

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Day 10 BANFF NATIONAL PARK–YOHO NATIONAL PARK–GLACIER NATIONAL PARK–KAMLOOPS

This morning, leave Banff National Park and travel over Kicking Horse Pass on the Continental Divide. Continue through Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park, enjoying views of mountain peaks, forests, and rivers along the way. Late this afternoon, arrive in Kamloops, a historic cattle-ranching center.

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Day 11 KAMLOOPS–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA

Travel through the Coast Mountains to the Pacific coast, where the landscape changes from dry interior valleys to lush alpine forests. Board your afternoon ferry for the scenic crossing to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival, consider joining an optional excursion to Butchart Gardens and explore its 55 acres of floral displays. Later, enjoy sightseeing in Victoria, including the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, perhaps take a stroll along the beautiful waterfront.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 12 VICTORIA

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Victoria. Perhaps visit the Royal BC Museum, tour the Parliament Building, enjoy afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, or browse the shops along Government Street. Or choose an optional whale and wildlife watching cruise seeking out whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.

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Day 13 VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER

This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver. City sightseeing includes Stanley Park and other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Vancouver on your own. Perhaps visit Robson Street, one of British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment districts, or take a water taxi to Granville Island to visit its Public Market and waterfront cafés.

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Day 14 VANCOUVER

Enjoy a day at leisure for independent sightseeing. Or choose an unforgettable optional excursion, featuring a trip to Whistler on one of the world’s most scenic drives along the Sea to Sky Highway or an adventure on an optional aerial tram ride up the mountain for exquisite views and a walk through a rainforest canopy at Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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Day 15 VANCOUVER

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.

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 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

PETER CHOBANOV

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

I am a geographer, so what better job can one have than to show off my country! Born and raised in Ontario, I make Quebec my home today. I met my wife on the job and our kids were born into my world as a tour director. I wouldn't have it any other way! Travel is a passion and I love to share the beauty of my country from the Atlantic to the Pacific and all parts in between. Whether it¿s a personal tale, a yarn about fishing, government intrigue, or a close-up bear encounter, I love to tell a Canadian story (or 10), which makes for a more personal and compelling journey. After all, isn't that what travel is all about?

Tour Director - PETER CHOBANOV

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Toronto
Jasper National Park
Banff National Park
Victoria
Vancouver

Toronto

Skylon Tower & buffet

Skylon Tower & buffet

Enjoy your meal from 775 feet above the Falls, the Summit Suite Buffet provides both the best view of Niagara Falls and fine food for a truly legendary Niagara Falls dining experience.

Price Range: $

Jasper National Park

Athabasca River Float Trip

Athabasca River Float Trip

Enjoy some of Jasper National Park's very best scenery from water level on this exciting rafting float trip along the Athabasca River!

Price Range: $$

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Immerse yourself in the very essence of the Canadian Rockies on this exceptional cruise across the glacial waters of Maligne Lake to legendary Spirit Island!

Price Range: $$

Ultimate Jasper Nature Walk

Ultimate Jasper Nature Walk

Experience the majestic scenery of Jasper National Park on foot. This guided nature walk will feature a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and stunning glacial lakes. Your licensed interpreter will lead this leisurely walk as you explore the abundant flora and fauna along these routes that often offer incredible opportunities to spot wildlife. Marvel at snow-capped peaks during the months of May and early June, in mid-summer the forest and alpine meadows are ablaze in glorious wildflower shades of red, blue, yellow and white. By late August and through the month of September, the mountain landscapes glow with the red, orange, and gold of the Larch and Aspen trees.

Price Range: $$

Banff National Park

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter Tours

Discover unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies and the Banff National Park region by helicopter. There are several options to choose from, but all deliver spectacular opportunities for a once in a lifetime experience in the Rockies.

Price Range: $$$$

Victoria

In Full Bloom: Butchart Gardens

In Full Bloom: Butchart Gardens

Step into a world of color, fragrance, and natural beauty at the iconic Butchart Gardens, a 121-year-old 55-acre dispay garden. Whether you're a passionate gardener, a photography enthusiast, or just in search of a peaceful escape, these enchanting gardens offer something for everyone.

Price Range: $

Marine Wildlife & Whale-Watching Expedition

Marine Wildlife & Whale-Watching Expedition

Discover the wildlife wonders of Vancouver Island during this inspiring cruise in search of the area's abundant marine animals and pods of orca whales!

Price Range: $$$

Vancouver

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge

From suspension bridges and treetop viewing platforms, to fish ladders and mountain gondolas, this sightseeing tour to Vancouver's North Shore is the ultimate tour for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

Price Range: $$$$

Sea to Sky Sights + Whistler

Sea to Sky Sights + Whistler

Experience one of the world's most scenic drives as you journey along the Sea to Sky Highway to the majestic resort of Whistler, home to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games!

Price Range: $$$$



The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).