This breathtaking 12-day panoramic vacation crosses Canada using two scenic railroads. Enjoy sightseeing in Toronto and a Maid of the Mist cruise at Niagara Falls before boarding the art deco cars of VIA Rail’s Canadian train for your rail journey through Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Disembark in Jasper for a thrilling snocoach ride on the Columbia Icefield and the spectacular sights of Lake Louise and Jasper and Banff National Parks. Next, board the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day, all-daylight rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific coast, stopping in Kamloops en route. Your trip ends with visits to sophisticated Vancouver and charming Victoria. This is an excellent choice of vacation to see all of Canada.

Monday, July 13
Welcome to Toronto! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the Welcome Reception. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure!

Tuesday, July 14
Drive south along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. You’ll board the Maid of the Mist for a thrilling boat ride to view the thundering falls from river level. Before leaving the area, see the Floral Clock. We’ll return to Toronto for an orientation tour of the downtown area. After free time for dinner, we’ll board The Canadian. B

Wednesday, July 15
Watch the scenic countryside from your windows as you relax in first-class refurbished art deco cars from the 1950’s. Travel through “Cottage Country”, a favorite retreat for the city dwellers of southern Ontario. We’ll continue past the sparkling lakes and sun-dappled forests of northern Ontario. Try the observation dome for unparalleled views or enjoy quiet conversation in one of the comfortable lounges. B, L, D

Thursday, July 16
Enter Manitoba with its endless golden prairies and vast cultivated fields. Arrive this morning in Manitoba’s capital city of Winnipeg where you’ll disembark for a city sightseeing tour. B, L, D

Friday, July 17
From Winnipeg to Jasper, the train roughly parallels the famed Yellowhead Route, Canada’s historic trail of westward expansion. Arrive in Jasper this afternoon with the remainder of the day free. B, L

Saturday, July 18
This morning enjoy an excursion to Maligne Lake for a fully narrated cruise to Spirit Island. After your cruise, the balance of the day is at your leisure. B, D

Sunday, July 19
This morning travel through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the 1,000 foot-thick Columbia Icefield for a thrilling Ice Explorer Ride. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. B,D

Monday, July 20
Sightseeing today includes a visit to Sulphur Mountain for a ride on the Banff Gondola complete with panoramic views of Banff’s spectacular scenery. We’ll also visit Bow Falls and the Hoodoos before our free afternoon. B

Tuesday, July 21
This morning we’ll depart from Banff’s train station aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. Begin by crossing the Continental Divide and climbing Kicking Horse Pass before winding through the engineering feat of the Spiral Tunnels. We’ll travel through the dramatic domain of Yoho National Park and enter the heart of the Selkirk Mountains before passing the spectacular sights of Glacier National Park, the Monashee Mountains and Shuswap Lake. We’ll end today’s journey in Kamloops where you can spend your evening at your leisure. B,L

Wednesday, July 22
This morning we’ll board our train and witness dramatic changes in scenery en route to Vancouver. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Upon arrival in Vancouver, we’ll transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure. B, L

Thursday, July 23
This morning we’ll have a city tour of Vancouver, including the harbor and beaches, Chinatown and Stanley Park. The balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a Farewell Celebration Dinner, a perfect finale for your vacation. B, D

Friday, July 24
After breakfast, we’ll be transferred to the airport for our return trip home. B

Please Note:

•Air Travel: A passport is required for air travel between the U.S. and Canada.
•Land & Sea Travel: The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website as of June 12, 2008.
•On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.
•If you are bringing children on the tour other than your own, customs is requiring that you have a registered letter of approval from their parents.