Across Canada & Mountains in the Spring – Winnipeg to Prince Rupert Roundtrip

Roundtrip from Winnipeg - 11 days – 10 nights tour.

Thursday, June 5, 2024 to Sunday, June 16, 2024

Our annual group tour to Prince Rupert to enjoy spring or early summer in the Canadian Rocky & Coastal Mountains travelling roundtrip by rail from Toronto, Ontario to Northern British Columbia and the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

WHAT THE TOUR INCLUDES:

DAY 1 – All Aboard the train to start our journey West.  

Starting from Winnipeg downtown Union Station, for the scheduled evening departure, guests will board VIA’s westbound train The CANADIAN in Touring - Sleeping car class. Once onboard settle into your sleeping car accommodation before moving around the train as you like and take in the views from the train’s lounge, activity and dome cars and overnight on the night on the train.

DAY 2 – Continuing west thought Saskatchewan and into Alberta.

This morning travel through the western part of the Province of Saskatchewan and into Alberta. Stretch your legs on the platform in the Provincial Capital of Edmonton.  Breakfast and lunch and dinner will be enjoyed on the train and again overnight in your sleeping car space. Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

DAY 3 – Arriving in the Canadian Rockies and the town of Jasper.  

Awake to the Canadian Rockies and scheduled arrival into Jasper to explore this picturesque mountain town and region. We plan to literally explore from the bottom to the top so we can experience the natural beauty of Jasper National Park.  First we will visit the scenic Maligne Canyon to marvel and its beauty from the trails and bridges over what is called the deepest canyon in the Canadian Rockies. This afternoon we will enjoy more Mountain scenery on what has been called the “Best Boat Cruise in Canada” from our tour boat as it traverses the turquoise water of the Maligne Lake.  After and exciting arrival day in the Mountains we will transfer back to Jasper and check into our hotel.  This remainder of the day will be free time to explore more of town and overnight here in Jasper.  Meals included today: Breakfast.

DAY 4 – More Alberta Mountain views and cross the border to British Columbia.

Sleep in or take some time to do some shopping here in Jasper before our mid-day boarding and departure of VIA RAIL’s Jasper- Prince George train for Day 1 of this (daylight only) trip viewing the Canadian Rockies of Alberta and British Columbia. Travel on Canada’s least know but possibly most scenic train though Northern BC to enjoy the stunning views from the isolated route of this train as we travel toward the interior of the province and eventually the Pacific coastline.  The train also has a Park observation car with a wraparound lounge area at the train's end and an upper dome area with 360 degree views and lounge areas in the lower part of the car for viewing of the countryside the train travels through in great comfort.  Our guide or onboard VIA staff will keep you informed of when to have your camera ready for that memorable photograph.  There will be lunches and dinners on the train (served at your seat) for those on the tour and arriving in Prince George at the end of the day we will transfer and check into our hotel here. Meals included today: Dinner.

DAY 5 – Stunning scenery from Prince George to Prince Rupert and the Pacific Coast.  

Awake in Prince George this morning before our transfer to the train station here and board VIA RAIL’S Jasper - Prince Rupert train for Day 2 to enjoy a full day of travel.  Outside the dome car’s windows (and all of the train's windows for that matter) guests will first view BC’s ranch country, mountain glaciers, stunning canyons, Coastal Mountains and the amazing Skeena River route that the travels alongside later in the day (watch for seals and otters in the river) for possibly the most scenic views in Canada from a passenger train.  The vegetation gets lusher and the river will get wider and wider before we see the Pacific Ocean as we arrive in Prince Rupert BC on the Pacific Coast and transfer to the hotel where we will overnight. Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

DAY 6 – Making the most of a full day to visit Prince Rupert and area.

Today will be full day experiencing this area of BC`S North West Coast and our time here will be spent enjoying local history; First Nation’s culture, the wildlife of Prince Rupert and heritage of the area include a guided tour of the preserved National Historic Site - The North Pacific (former salmon) Cannery and Fishing Village in nearby Port Edward. In Prince Rupert itself we will visit the Museum of Northern BC to learn about the Haida people and history of the area.  We will also enjoy the Prince Rupert Port Interpretive Centre followed by free time to explore the shops and restaurants in what is called the COWS BAY area of Prince Rupert.  Those on the tour will also enjoy a special dinner at a great location overlooking the Pacific Ocean and again overnight at our Prince Rupert Hotel (that even has an outdoor hot tub overlooking the Pacific Ocean!). Meal included today: Dinner.

DAY 7 -Another full travel day of stunning scenery by rail as we start travelling east.

This morning transfer to the Prince Rupert train station to board the train again on VIA Rail’s Prince Rupert- Prince George train for Day 3 of this scenic rail journey for the group to experience the Eastward journey on this (daylight only) train. Rail Travel Tours guests will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on the train. Outside the trains windows view BC’s Coastal Mountains and the amazing Skeena River. Photograph the Hudson Bay Mountain and Kathleen Glacier. After again enjoying the awesome scenery of Northern BC overnight at our Prince George hotel. Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

DAY 8 – More mountain views while returning by rail to Jasper.  

Awake to again enjoy breakfast at the hotel before the short transfer to the Prince George station and board the train to enjoy Day 4 of this (daylight only) trip viewing the ranch country of Northern BC, we enjoy, later in the day, lunch on the train, and the route will pass – Mount Robson - the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies before returning to Jasper Alberta to again overnight here. Meals included today: Breakfast & lunch.

DAY 9 – Daytrip on the Columbia Icefields Parkway.  

Always a favorite with past guests our day in the Rockies will be enjoyed by travelling south by bus on the renowned Icefields Parkway.  We will visit the Icefields Interpretive Centre before experiencing a planned tour on the Athabasca Glacier on the Pursuit Columbia Glacier Explorer tour on their unique Sno-Coach vehicle.  After this we make our way back to town and stop at Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls before arriving back in Jasper after a memorable day.   Overnight at our Jasper Hotel – but before you head to bed sit in the rooftop hot tub as the sun sets behind the Canadian Rockies.  Meals today on your own to enjoy the best of Jasper.

DAY 10 – Return to the Canadian to again enjoy the Rockies from our eastbound train.  

Today we start with your last opportunities to do some souvenir shopping along Connaught Avenue or enjoy the mountain air and scenery.  We will enjoy the Jasper heritage train station before boarding the scheduled eastbound Canadian to again view the Rockies in daylight.  Also onboard the train guests will enjoy both lunch and later in the day dinner prepared by the Rail VIA chefs and again overnight on the train. Meals included today: Lunch & dinner.

DAY 11 – Great views of the scenery of Saskatchewan & Manitoba before returning home

Awake to view the province of Saskatchewan and later today enjoy great views of the Qu'Appelle Valley and the prairies of Manitoba. Today will be your last day on the train and this evening will be your scheduled arrival back in downtown Winnipeg to end what past guests have told us - "This was the most scenic Canadian rail journey we ever took part in" and thrilled how well Rail Travel Tours took care of them. Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Pricing Details:

All pricing in Canadian Dollars

Per Person Double Occupancy: (Train Section) - $5,295.00

Per Person Double Occupancy: (Train Cabin) - SOLD OUT - Call to be put on the waitlist

Per Single Occupancy: (Train Cabin for One) – Space To Be Confirmed – Call for availability & pricing

Additional Notes:

Call us to RESERVE your space by calling toll free 1-866-704-3528

• A $250.00 per person deposit, processed with Visa, MasterCard, is required to hold space.
• Balance of tour cost to be paid approximately 44 days prior to departure.
• Price above is shown in Canadian Dollars prior to 5% GST.
• Additional pre-tour and post tour hotel stays can be included and recommended .
• Rail Travel Tours is not responsible for late bookings if train or hotel space is sold out, we highly recommend reserving early guaranteeing your inclusion on the tour.
• Changes may be made to the final itinerary due to situations out our control but rest assured we will use our experience to deliver a unique experience that our customers have enjoyed in the past.

Let our knowledge of Canada’s world renowned rail journey work for you.  Those who reserve with us receive an industry leading detailed travel information kit with route guides, tickets, well located hotels, a variety of attractions, sights and activities, maps, travel info and more.  Our detailed final itinerary has hints and suggestions for the benefit of your trip that we have learned over the years in our experience and listening to our customers.  We look forward to sharing our passion for Canada by rail when you travel with us…