THE CANADIAN EXPRESS - TORONTO TO VANCOUVER

2008 Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Toronto
Welcome to Toronto, Canada's largest city and one of the most dynamic and multicultural metropolitan areas in North America. Once you have retrieved your luggage take a taxi, private limousine or airport bus (not included) to downtown Toronto and your accommodation for the night at the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this exciting city.

Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont room

Day 2 - VIA Rail - Toronto / Ontario
Let the journey begin! This morning walk to the Via Rail Station accessible by and underground walkway from the hotel. Your rail adventure across Canada begins at the Toronto Union Station in the mooring as VIA Rail's Canadian rolls westward out of Union Station. You are retracing a journey that started over 120 years ago on a ribbon of steel that still connects Canada from coast to coast. On the first leg of this epic adventure, the Canadian travels through some of the most isolated regions in Ontario. Enjoy private bedroom accommodation, meals in the private dining car and the Silver and Blue lounge and dome car.

Overnight VIA Rail in a private bedroom

Day 3 - VIA Rail - Ontario / Manitoba / Saskatchewan
Today the journey continues through the vast forest and lake country of Ontario. From the isolated lumber community of Sioux Lookout to the Manitoba capital of Winnipeg, the Canadian rarely is interrupted by civilization. The train rolls relentlessly westward passing pristine lakes, forests and nature rich marshes. Soon the vast wheatfields of Saskatchewan present themselves in golden splendour. If you're lucky you might just catch the electrifying action of a prairie lightning storm before you turn in for the night.

Overnight VIA Rail in a private bedroom

Day 4 - VIA Rail - Saskatchewan / Alberta / British Columbia
While the oil and natural gas industries dominate the Alberta economy, it is the gentle rolling hills of grain and herds of contented cattle that dominate the landscape this morning. Later the Canadian will make a short stop in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta before heading westward along the banks of the mighty Athabasca River and into the Rocky Mountains. Mid-afternoon you will have the opportunity to briefly view the resort of Jasper before the Canadian once again rolls on toward the Pacific. Soon the majestic peaks of 12,987 ft Mount Robson herald the Canadian's entry into British Columbia. As night falls the train follows along the banks of the mighty Thompson River towards its final destination. Tonight will be a good night to sit up late in the dome and watch the spectacular display of stars framed by the jagged peaks of the mountains.

Overnight VIA Rail in a private bedroom

Day 5 - Arrive Vancouver / Day at Leisure
Enjoy the early morning solitude as the Canadian silently slips through the early morning mist of the Fraser Valley on the final hours of its journey to Vancouver. As the train slowly pulls into Pacific Station you'll have time to reflect on the grand journey you have completed. You have traveled over 4500 kilometres from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans and seen Canada as only a privileged fashion. You will still have a full day to explore this exciting pacific coast metropolis. Your Vancouver accommodation is in the centrally located Residence Inn by Marriott. It is a short taxi (on your own) ride from the railway station. It may not be possible to check-in until after noon but the hotel will gladly store your luggage so that you can be free to explore this fascinating city.

Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)

Day 6 - Depart Vancouver
Today you will transfer (on own) to the Vancouver International Airport in time for your flight departure home.

• 2 nights accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
• 3 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail's Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver in Silver & Blue Class
• Personalized documentation package

• Meals not listed as included
• Airport transfers
• Gratuities rail personnel and hotel staff
• Optional Activities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)

2009 Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Toronto
Welcome to Toronto, Canada's largest city and one of the most dynamic and multicultural metropolitan areas in North America. Once you have retrieved your luggage take a taxi, private limousine or airport bus (not included) to downtown Toronto and your accommodation for the night at the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this exciting city.

Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont room

Day 2 – Toronto at Leisure / VIA Rail - Toronto / Ontario
Today is at leisure to explore Toronto.  Your train adventure across Canada begins this evening (approximately 9:30pm) as VIA Rail's Canadian train rolls out of Union station. You are retracing a journey that started over 120 years ago on a ribbon of steel that still connects Canada from coast to coast. On the first leg of its epic journey across Canada, the Canadian travels through some of the least populated regions as it crosses Canada's largest province, Ontario. Enjoy private bedroom accommodation, meals in the private dining car and relax in the 'Silver & Blue Lounge' or Dome car.

Overnight VIA Rail in a private bedroom

Day 3 & 4 - VIA Rail - Ontario / Manitoba / Saskatchewan
Today the journey continues through the vast forest and lake country of Ontario. From the isolated lumber community of Sioux Lookout to the Manitoba capital of Winnipeg, the Canadian rarely is interrupted by civilization. The train rolls relentlessly westward passing pristine lakes, forests and nature rich marshes. Soon the vast wheatfields of Saskatchewan present themselves in golden splendour. If you're lucky you might just catch the electrifying action of a prairie lightning storm before you turn in for the night.

Overnight VIA Rail in a private bedroom

Day 5 - VIA Rail - Saskatchewan / Alberta / British Columbia
While the oil and natural gas industries dominate the Alberta economy, it is the gentle rolling hills of grain and herds of contented cattle that dominate the landscape this morning. Later the Canadian will make a short stop in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta before heading westward along the banks of the mighty Athabasca River and into the Rocky Mountains. Mid-afternoon you will have the opportunity to briefly view the resort of Jasper before the Canadian once again rolls on toward the Pacific. Soon the majestic peaks of 12,987 ft Mount Robson herald the Canadian's entry into British Columbia. As night falls the train follows along the banks of the mighty Thompson River towards its final destination. Tonight will be a good night to sit up late in the dome and watch the spectacular display of stars framed by the jagged peaks of the mountains.

Overnight VIA Rail in a private bedroom

Day 6 - Arrive Vancouver / Day at Leisure
Enjoy the early morning solitude as the Canadian silently slips through the early morning mist of the Fraser Valley on the final hours of its journey to Vancouver. As the train slowly pulls into Pacific Station you'll have time to reflect on the grand journey you have completed. You have traveled over 4500 kilometres from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans and seen Canada as only a privileged fashion. You will still have a full day to explore this exciting pacific coast metropolis. Your Vancouver accommodation is in the centrally located Residence Inn by Marriott. It is a short taxi (on your own) ride from the railway station. It may not be possible to check-in until after noon but the hotel will gladly store your luggage so that you can be free to explore this fascinating city.

Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)

Day 7 - Depart Vancouver
Today you will transfer (on own) to the Vancouver International Airport in time for your flight departure home.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 2 nights accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
• 4 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail's Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver in Silver & Blue Class
• Personalized documentation package

PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Meals not listed as included
• Airport transfers
• Gratuities rail personnel and hotel staff
• Optional Activities
• Goods and Services tax (GST)
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)

*Triple, quad and children rates available upon request.