Summary
Short description
An awe-inspiring journey from far-flung Manitoba to the heart of the Canadian Rockies
Highlights
- Explore historic Winnipeg
- Enjoy the first-class service and standout facilities of The Canadian, one of Canada's finest rail experiences
- Break the journey in Saskatoon and discover ranch life at La Reata Ranch in the heart of the Saskatchewan prairies
- Spend time in Edmonton with its acclaimed gastronomic scene and First Nations history
- Explore the Canadian Rockies from your base in Jasper
In Brief
- 2 Nights Winnipeg
- 1 Night The Canadian
- 1 Night Saskatoon
- 2 Nights Kyle
- 1 Night Saskatoon
- 3 Nights Edmonton
- 1 Night The Canadian
- 2 Nights Jasper
- 2 Nights Calgary
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | Mountains | Natural world | Rail holidays
Taking its place among north America's most spectacular rail journeys, this epic adventure sees you travel from Winnipeg in the central Canadian province of Manitoba all the way to Calgary, Alberta, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. It's an impossibly scenic trip, which traverses the golden prairies of Saskatchewan before heading on to Edmonton then Jasper in the very heart of Canada's mighty western ranges. Along the way, you'll be treated to the gracious hospitality, superb amenities, and glass-windowed viewing carriages of VIA Rail's flagship service – The Canadian.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
UK to Winnipeg
Relax with complimentary airport lounge access before boarding your flight to Manitoba's capital city Winnipeg. On arrival, you'll make your way to your centrally located hotel. Winnipeg, known affectionately as "The Peg", is set at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, its attractions including the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature, the superb Winnipeg Art Gallery, the historic districts of The Forks and Lower Fort Garry and the Exchange District with its abundance of early 20th-century architecture.
Stay: Inn at the Forks, Winnipeg (Superior)
Day
3
The Canadian: Winnipeg to Saskatoon
With a final day to explore, perhaps take in a Winnipeg food tour, or a trip along the Red River to Lake Winnipeg, where you'll find Manitoba's finest sandy beaches. Then, in the evening, it's time to head to the station to board The Canadian – VIA Rail’s flagship service, linking Winnipeg with the city of Saskatoon. For the ultimate in comfort, we recommend the Sleeper Plus class. With two-bed cabins onboard, complete with lounge access and cars with glass ceilings, it's a truly stylish way to travel.
Stay: The Canadian, Sleeper Plus
Day
4
Saskatoon
With a morning arrival in Saskatchewan's largest city, Saskatoon, we highly recommend making the short journey to the nearby UNESCO nominated Wanuskewin Heritage Park, where you’ll be able to learn how plains bison have been reintroduced onto the land. It’s a First Nations past that dates back over 6,000 years, showcased across hiking trails and interactive exhibits. Otherwise, take the chance to explore the city itself, with its riverside trails, storied streets and soul-satisfying food.
Stay: Hilton Garden Inn, Saskatoon (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
5-6
La Reata Ranch
This morning collect your car hire and leave Saskatoon for the drive south to La Reata Ranch, a working cattle ranch nestled in the Saskatchewan River Valley, along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker. Experience the cowboy way of life as you enjoy a real-life ranching adventure, including a stay in a cosy wood cabins coupled with the likes of horseback riding and boating and fishing on Lake Diefenbaker.
Stay: La Reata Ranch, Kyle (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Saskatoon
Leave your ranching days behind and head north through the Prairies and back to Saskatoon, dropping off your rental car on arrival Then, back in the city, you'll have more time to explore more of its riverside parks, intriguing museums and superb Remai Modern art gallery before ending each day in your plush accommodation.
Stay: Hilton Garden Inn, Saskatoon (Superior)
Day
8
The Canadian: Saskatoon to Edmonton
Depart in the morning from Saskatoon for the daytime journey to Edmonton, relax as The Canadian glides through golden prairie fields, and towards the majestic Rockies. Along the way, you'll be treated to included gourmet meals served in the dining car, showcasing traditional Canadian cuisine and exquisite regional specialities. There's even the chance for wine tastings, presentations and musical performances on selected departures. By day, simply take in the passing landscapes, best viewed from the glass-ceilinged Skyline or Panorama cars.
Stay: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Edmonton (Superior)
Meals: L D
Days
9-10
Edmonton
Spend the following days exploring some of Edmonton's highlights, which include the Royal Alberta Museum, Fort Edmonton Park and the Muttart Conservatory. The vast West Edmonton Mall is worth a visit just for the sheer spectacle where, along with an extensive array of shops, you'll find the Vegas-style Palace Casino, Red's, Planet Hollywood, Jubilations dinner theatre and much more.
Stay: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Edmonton (Superior)
Day
11
The Canadian: Edmonton to Jasper
After a free day to explore, you'll re-join The Canadian this evening, perhaps pausing for a nightcap in the lounge before settling into your cosy Sleeper Plus cabin for the overnight journey to Jasper. Wake to the scenery of the magnificent Canadian Rockies and enjoy a continental breakfast, served in your cabin.
Stay: The Canadian, Sleeper Plus
Meals: B
Day
12
Jasper
Arrive into Jasper after a night onboard the Canadian and check into your accommodation, conveniently located a stone's throw from the station. The rest of the day is free to explore. Having started life as a tent city, serving the construction of the railway, today this quaint mountain village is a popular spot on the Rockies' well-trodden tourist trail. It's also the jumping-off point for trips into its eponymous national park, with the deep turquoise of Maligne Lake – one of the most photographed in the world – among a catalogue of highlights.
Stay: Forest Park Hotel (Formerly Sawridge Inn), Jasper (Superior)
Day
13
Jasper
Today you'll be introduced to Jasper on a short tour of the town before heading across the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. A century after Mary Schaeffer's remarkable adventure, discover "World renowned" Maligne Lake for yourself. A stop at Maligne Canyon offers views of the river thundering through a series of waterfalls in a gorge 10,000 years in the making. Farther up the valley, you will stop to solve the mystery of the disappearing Medicine Lake, before reaching Maligne Lake for an interpretive boat cruise bound for Spirit Island.
Stay: Forest Park Hotel (Formerly Sawridge Inn), Jasper (Superior)
Day
14
Jasper to Calgary
Leave Jasper and enjoy the wildlife, pristine lakes, and breathtaking mountain peaks along the world famous Icefields Parkway. Visit the natural wonder of the Columbia Icefield - one of the largest expanses of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Step onboard an Ice Explorer for an interpretive adventure onto the Athabasca Glacier. At the Glacier Skywalk, enjoy the unobstructed view on a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley, before carrying on south to Calgary.
Stay: Hotel Le Germain, Calgary (Superior)
Meals: L
Day
15
Calgary
Calgary is a city which at once buzzes with innovative energy while also embracing its rich Western heritage. Enjoy a visit to the iconic Calgary Tower (admission included). then perhaps visit the excellent Heritage Park Historical Village on the city’s south side – a “living museum” representing turn off the-century Calgary with costumed interpreters, a steam train and scale-model sternwheeler and an old fashioned candy store. In the evening, take the chance to embrace Calgary’s vibrant entertainment and culinary scene.
Stay: Hotel Le Germain, Calgary (Superior)
Day
16
Calgary to UK
Today enjoy more free time in Calgary before heading to the airport to board your overnight flight home, arriving in the UK on day 17.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
16-day tailor-made rail journey
from £0 pp incl. flights
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