Delight in the contrasts of Canada on this journey of ever-changing scenery and dynamic cities featuring Vancouver, Toronto and luxury accommodations on VIA Rail's Canadian

Your vacation begins today as your flight arrives in the West Coast city of Vancouver. As Canada's third-largest metropolis, this destination is steeped in art, culture and fantastic amenities at every turn. You can get your first glimpses on arrival as a private transfer takes you from the airport to your four-star hotel.

The Fairmont Hotel is in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, set among high-end boutiques and impressive art galleries. Known as the "Castle in the City" due to its châteauesque copper-pitched roof, the Hotel Vancouver was built in 1939 as one of Canada's railway hotels. After checking in for two nights, you have the rest of the day to get to know your new surroundings.

Vancouver is one of Canada's top culinary destinations, and the restaurants around the city reflect this. Whether you crave fresh Pacific seafood or international cuisine, there are plenty of options to tempt you. Overnight Vancouver.

Setting out into the city today with a private guide, you can get to know Vancouver's best features in a way not available to larger group tours. Venture into Stanley Park, where stunning leafy expanses and ocean views meet colorful totem poles that celebrate the region's indigenous history.

Moving onto Gastown, you can wander the cobblestone streets, admiring the contrasts of red brick Victorian buildings and the modern boutiques and restaurants that call this trendy neighborhood home. Your tour also uncovers Granville Island, the historic Lions Gate Bridge, and Cyprus Mountain viewpoint before returning you to your hotel.

With the remainder of the day at leisure, you could continue exploring Vancouver at your own pace, perhaps visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery or Museum of Vancouver. You could also venture just outside the city to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to walk amongst the treetops. Overnight Vancouver.

This morning, there is time to revisit your favorite sites throughout Vancouver or walk along one of the many trails throughout the city. You might like to grab a coffee and wander along the seawall, soaking up ocean views.

Later, an included private transfer takes you to Vancouver's train station, where your epic transcontinental journey aboard VIA Rail's Canadian begins. As you step aboard the train, you will be shown to your Prestige Class Cabin, complete with a private restroom and shower. Settle in and enjoy the passing vistas from extra-large picture windows as the Canadian departs Vancouver and begins its journey inland.

For a different perspective, you might like to take in the changing scenery from any of the lounges on the train. Your personal concierge is available to ensure your comfort at every moment, and with complimentary gourmet meals and bar service throughout, this eastbound journey is sure to leave a lasting impression. Overnight train.

Waking on the train this morning, the views are dramatically different than yesterday, with the rugged scenery of the Canadian Rockies passing by your window. Today's route is one of the most scenic of the rail journey, as the train follows the Fraser and North Thompson Rivers. Keep watch for wildlife, including bear and moose, and snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance. Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson - the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies - are also visible before the Canadian passes through Jasper National Park and continues its eastward journey, passing through Alberta's capital city, Edmonton, later today.

After breakfast in the Dining Car, you could explore the amenities aboard the train. You have access to all of the lounges on the train, as well as to the Skyline Car - an exclusive entertainment center with an observation dome offering 360-degree views - and the Park Car, with three different salons and an upper observation deck. Enjoy priority reservations in the Dining Car for dinner and an evening to relax as the route unfolds. Overnight train.

Having left the dramatic peaks and lush forests of Alberta behind, the train continues toward Toronto this morning, entering the mid-point of your journey. The western provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are commonly known as "The Prairies" and are awash with sights of plains, hills, lakes and rivers.

Spend the day enjoying the views of Canada's ever-changing landscape while savoring exclusive access to the Park Car, dining on superb meals and delighting in impeccable service. With a population smaller than Dallas in an area similar in size to Texas, Saskatchewan is perfect for sitting back and watching the world go by. Look for wildlife, such as deer, as the train crosses the southern plains. Later, the Canadian crosses into Manitoba, a province with more than 100,000 lakes stretching up to the shores of the Hudson Bay. Its capital is Winnipeg, considered the geographic capital of Canada, and the train pulls through this fascinating and cultural city tonight before continuing east. Overnight train.

The Canadian Shield is one of the world's largest continental shields, with vast expanses of exposed Precambrian rock and pretty lakes peppered throughout the landscape. The terrain alternates between gently rolling and primarily flat, hinting at the glacial activity here millions of years ago. These visions set the backdrop for today's travels as you pass through Ontario on your third full day aboard the Canadian. A highlight of this stretch of track is Longlac, which, located at the northern tip of Long Lake, played an important role as part of the historic canoe route for fur traders.

Between meals, you could spend some time in the Park Car, enjoying its two salons and observation deck, all of which provide fantastic views of Canada and its constantly changing scenery. Overnight train.

Enjoy breakfast and brunch in the Dining Car as the final miles of this epic journey through Western and Central Canada lie ahead. The Canadian leaves the wide-open spaces of rural Canada behind, and suburban and urban scenery guide the way to Toronto's Union Station.

Toronto's Union Station is Canada's largest and most elegant train station. Its Great Hall looks like a temple to the railroad, and its limestone exterior features 22 Romanesque columns. And this is just one of Toronto's iconic buildings you will see today; your accommodations for the next two nights are at the Fairmont Royal York, another elegant Canadian Pacific Railroad hotel. After disembarking the train, transfer independently to your hotel to check in, and then you are free to explore Toronto.

Peruse the iconic markets, such as the St. Lawrence Market for a famous peameal bacon sandwich or Kensington Market to savor its street food, vibrant murals and shop fronts. Or, stroll along the waterfront as you gaze at the city's skyscrapers. Overnight Toronto.

The most populous city in Canada, Toronto is a melting pot of culture, history and art, and it is yours to uncover today on a private guided tour. Your guide picks you up from your hotel and proceeds to some of the city's most famous landmarks, offering insightful commentary and local stories along the way.

See Toronto's attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, and admire the city's magnificent architecture during your four-hour tour. Returning to your hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax at your hotel with its skylit indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms or to continue exploring at leisure.

Toronto is home to more than 9,300 restaurants, whose menus represent cultures and flavors from around the world. Find traditional Canadian dishes, such as poutine, alongside offerings like shawarma and fresh fish on your final night in Canada. Overnight Toronto.

Spanning from Vancouver on the Pacific Coast to Toronto on Lake Ontario, this remarkable journey has been the most luxurious way to travel across Canada. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and the Fairmont Royal York provided top-of-the-line accommodations in your bookend cities, and your time on the Canadian was complemented by Prestige Class service. Complete with private sightseeing and some of Canada's best scenery, this has been an unparalleled adventure.

After checking out of the hotel this morning, your trans-Canada tour comes to a close. Enjoy an included private transfer to Toronto's airport for your flight home. If you wish to extend your stay in Toronto, speak to a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights.

On The Canadian, we experience an epic journey through Canada, highlighting constantly changing landscapes and dramatic scenery. The train ventures between coastal Vancouver, the stunning Rocky Mountains and the modern city of Toronto on a 2,775-mile route, providing travellers with up to four nights of classic overnight rail travel.

The Canadian is a truly iconic train and transports us across the country in the comfort of restored carriages. Enjoy freshly prepared meals while onboard and beautiful, ever-changing views from the panoramic windows of the Sightseer's Lounge. Sleeper Plus travellers have access to the Park Car, including the Bullet Lounge, in the evenings, whereas Prestige Class guests have all-day access to the Park Car, including reserved seats in the dome area. We travel in semi-private curtained berths in Sleeper Plus Class on The Canadian; however, upgrades to private Sleeper Plus cabins with private restrooms and shared shower facilities and luxurious private cabins in Prestige Class, complete with en suite bathrooms, are available on request.

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The Canadian is a truly iconic train and transports us in restored carriages across the country in comfort. Enjoy freshly prepared meals while on board and spend relaxed daytime hours lounging in the armchairs of the Bullet Lounge, where panoramic windows immerse us in beautiful, everchanging landscapes. We travel in comfortable curtained berths on The Canadian. Upgrading to Prestige Class is available on request.

Toronto is a city that has grown up around this grand landmark - The Fairmont Royal York luxury hotel. Just steps away from our famous doors in the heart of Canada's largest metropolis is an exciting mix of activities and attractions that will leave you exhilarated. From the theater, entertainment and financial districts, to shopping, sightseeing, and world-class sports facilities, The Fairmont Royal York hotel truly is ''at the center of it all'' in Toronto. Standing in the very heart of downtown Toronto, The Fairmont Royal York luxury hotel provides all of the facilities and services one would expect of a world-class city. In any of our five superior restaurants and four lounges of our downtown Toronto hotel, guests may savor sumptuous cuisine and famous cocktails, while those here on business can use the hotel's Xerox Business Center to get the job done. After a day of sightseeing or business meetings, guests can relax in the spa and fitness center. Featuring an indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art exercise equipment, steam bath facilities and exceptional spa treatments, no matter what brings you to this landmark downtown hotel in Toronto, your every need will be graciously met.  

A stone's throw from the Vancouver Art Gallery, the 4-Star Fairmont Hotel was built in 1939 in the Downtown area of the city and boasts a sophisticated restaurant and a bar serving food and drinks from around the world. There's a spa to relax in, as well as a fitness center and an indoor pool. Elegantly and traditionally furnished, the guest rooms are air-conditioned and include a flat-screen TV, minibar, bathrobes, and tea & coffee-making facilities.

• Upgrade your accommodations or class of service on the train
• Upgrade your room category at select hotels
• Add private transfers

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.