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History and Culture

Culture and history rail vacations

Whether you have a penchant for French architecture or a palette for Indigenous cuisine, we know exactly where you need to be to soak in Canada’s history and culture. Our cultural trips go beyond bus tours of Canada’s main hotspots to include the hidden gems you can only find on small group tours led by local guides. We can personalize your Canadian vacation to suit you.

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Discover Canadian history and culture

Indigenous woman performing a traditional welcome song

Indigenous Guides share their culture

Canada’s diverse First Nations communities share a deep connection to the land that has evolved over thousands of years, and each has a fascinating tale to tell in story and song. Extraordinary experiences and authentic tours await!

A nature guide displays a set of claws to a group on a discovery walk.

Small groups make a better experience

History and culture come alive with the passion of animated guides. The experience is best in small groups where you can ask questions and feel part of the action.

Tourists in front of the Fresque (mural) des Québécois, large city mural in Old Quebec

Explore Canada’s 17 UNESCO sites

From Quebec City’s Old Quarter to the Viking settlements of Newfoundland, Canada has many bucketlist UNESCO World Heritage Sites to discover and explore.

A group of three people dressed up in traditional French Canadian clothing

Discover French culture in Quebec

Canada is unique in North America for being an officially bilingual country where English and French coexist. Plan a trip to Quebec, Ottawa or Labrador to experience our country's peaceful blend of French and English cultures and customs.

Two people canoe under the Laurier Avenue Bridge in Ottawa

Cruise the historic canal

Thanks to its cultural and historical significance, and unique landscapes, Canada is honoured to have 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the country. Cruise the Rideau Canal, a series of historic locks that connects Ottawa to Lake Ontario.

Rocky Mountaineer train going through Banff National park with mountains

Travel historic routes

The Canadian Pacific Railway across Canada was completed in 1885 when the last spike was driven into the ground in Craigellachie, B.C. Experience part of this history on a train trip, and stay overnight in some of the historic railway hotels (now operated by Fairmont), such as the Banff Springs Hotel and the Chateau Lake Louise.

Want to make your trip to Canada better?

Plan your trip with a Canadian Insider

You know that friendly character you met in the local café who told you to visit that well-kept regional secret which turned out to be the best part of your holiday? That's us.

Have everything organized for you

By this stage, you're already having dreams about mountains, moose and maple trees. We combine your personal preferences with our insider knowledge to save you hours of pointless internet trawling.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

Limited-time offers

The Canadian Train rolling through the mountains with a 2027 sales icon on top.

Across Canada in 2027 at 2026 prices — plus up to $800 toward luxury upgrades

Limited time offer

expires Aug 28, 2026

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The Rocky Mountaineer rolling through the mountains with a 2027 sales icon on top.

Price freeze: the majestic Rockies — 2026 prices for 2027, plus up to $600 toward upgrades

Limited time offer

expires Aug 28, 2026

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An elevated view from a set of stairs leading to streets with colourful buildings and warm-toned foliage in the background

Your last chance for Eastern Canada this Fall — save up to $500

Limited time offer

expires Aug 28, 2026

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VIA Rail travels a wintry and area dense with trees powdered with snow

Winter rail at its most spectacular — up to $1,200 in savings

Limited time offer

extended to Aug 28, 2026

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A stack of loonies with a Canadian flag behind them

Woman with a toque and scarf standing on a snowy night

Learn The Lingo: 10 Slang Terms in Canada

It’s day three of your trip to Canada and you’ve already been asked if you packed your toque (pronounced toohk) and whether or not you have any loonies in your pocket. It’s enough to make a first-timer’s head spin, so perhaps you need to sit down and relax on the nearest chesterfield (whatever that might be).

Canada has two official languages – English and French – but perhaps a third should be designated as well: Canadian slang, that curious tangle of culturally specific idioms you need to be a resident to fully understand. But don’t worry: this story will help you navigate the nation’s thorny linguistic jungle as if you were born here.

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