Trip Dates & Tariffs - 2005
Vancouver to Montreal
July 28 - August 5 **Waitlist Only**
Montreal to Vancouver
August 6 - 14 **Waitlist Only**
Note: Both trips are sold out, you might want to consider one of our Rocky Mountaineer Trans-Canada trips, or our Transcontintal trip from Los Angeles to Washington DC in March. (MORE) |
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Itinerary
The legendary Trans-Canada rail line is one of the world's great train journeys — climbing from the Pacific Coast over the majestic Canadian Rockies. As the world passes by, this 3,200 mile journey offers a chance to slow down, settle back and experience the colorful history and striking beauty of the Canadian provinces on board the beautifully restored American Orient Express. Our journey begins on the Pacific Coast in Vancouver and continues through the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, stopping at the breathtaking Jasper National Park. As we pass the vast prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, we continue to Winnipeg and skirt the Lake of the Woods, in U.S. territory, before arriving in Ottawa — the nation’s capital. The train journey ends in Montreal, with its accents of old world French colonial charm. An epic journey indeed!
Optional pre/post trip Lodging
Call us for special hotel rates at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver and/or The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal.
Day 1 — Vancouver / Board the American Orient Express
In the early afternoon, we meet at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver for a welcome reception. We then board the American Orient Express and settle in for our first night on the train.
Day 2 — Kamloops to Jasper, Alberta
The sun climbs into the sky as we continue across trestle bridges and through tunnels, passing the 300 foot Pyramid Falls. The day is spent enjoying the amenities of the train. Near the Alberta border, we skirt snow-capped Mount Robson — which at 12,972 feet is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies — and cut through Yellowhead Pass to Jasper. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Jasper National Park, Alberta
After breakfast on the train, we board motorcoaches for the largest of Canada’s national parks — Jasper, a rugged and magnificent place. We embark on an expedition across the Athabasca Glacier, part of the 130-square-mile Columbia Icefield, traveling by Snowcoach. In the afternoon, we continue touring Jasper by coach before transferring back to the train for an evening of fine dining, relaxation and overnight on board. Optional tours to Lake Louise and Maligne Valley can be arranged. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Jasper through Alberta & Saskatchewan
This morning, after breakfast on board, we enjoy free-time to explore the city of Jasper or choose a Maligne Lake boat tour. Continuing through the Rockies, as we follow routes traveled by the region’s earliest explorers and settlers, the day is spent enjoying the amenities of the train. In central Alberta, sprawling sage-covered cattle ranches pass by our windows and transform, as we continue east, into a vast agricultural patchwork of amber fields of wheat, pink fronds of barley and pale yellow crops of rapeseed. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Upon arriving in Saskatoon, we enjoy breakfast on the train before setting out to explore this spectacular region. At the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, we spend the day touring the museum. This park is an archaeological treasure with 19 historic sites where such items as a medicine wheel and stone cairns have been found. Back on board this evening, we enjoy dinner and overnight en route to Winnipeg. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Winnipeg, Manitoba
Breakfast is served on the train before departing for a city tour of Winnipeg, which began as a frontier trading post built at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. Today, we tour the city and enjoy lunch at the historic Hotel Fort Garry. This evening, the train dips into U.S. territory to skirt the Lake of the Woods, which is abundantly populated with birds, including bald eagles and loons. The evening is spent on board with dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Thunder Bay, Ontario
Situated on the northern shores of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay has a long history as a frontier town. In the 1800s, the town was a mecca for the booming fur trade, with convenient access to commercial routes of the Great Lakes. Today, we visit Fort William — a period frontier settlement that accurately depicts the scenery and lifestyle of Canada’s 19th century frontier period. After a day of exploring, we transfer back to the train for dinner and overnight en route to our next destination. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Across Ontario
Today, we enjoy the amenities of the train as we cross the Canadian Shield into Ontario and continue traveling toward the eastern edge of this 1,000-mile stretch of water-pocked bedrock. It took 20,000 men to lay these tracks. Tonight, there is a special farewell cocktail reception and dinner on board before overnighting en route to Ottawa. (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Ottawa, Ontario & Montreal, Quebec
After breakfast on board, we tour Canada’s capital city of Ottawa and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. This national museum of human history houses more than 3.75-million artifacts. This afternoon, lunch is served on board as the train continues to our final destination of Montreal. Famous for its French flavor and Quebecois flair, this city is great for touring and nightlife. (B,L) |
