Question 1

Is this an escorted tour?

Accepted Answer

Our vacations are not typically ‘escorted.’ You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of ‘independent’ travel.

This allows you, with the help of our Canadian Insiders, to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, timeframe and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.

Question 2

Can I customize this trip?

Accepted Answer

Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do.

If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.

Question 3

Can I modify the trip's length by spending more or less time at certain locations?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Vacation Advisors who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.

Question 4

Where do I stay on my trip?

Accepted Answer

We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible.

Question 5

On some trips, I see hotels referred to as Comfort, Superior, and Deluxe. What is that?

Accepted Answer

On some of our trips, you’ll see that we categorize our hotel rooms by Comfort, Superior and Deluxe class, which generally translates into the traditional 3-, 4- or 5-star designation (equivalent to Sheraton and Fairmont). However, sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level or view.

Our Comfort Level hotels include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations and with excellent service.

Our Superior Level hotels provide amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. Superior level hotels are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel.

In Deluxe Level hotels, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget.

Question 6

What amenities will my hotel have?

Accepted Answer

Hotel amenities can vary by property, so your Vacation Advisor will discuss what’s most important to you, such as air conditioning, parking, laundry, swimming pool, spa, onsite restaurants, or 24-hour room service.

Question 7

Are hotel rooms accessible?

Accepted Answer

Accessible hotel rooms vary by hotel, ranging from partially accessible to fully barrier free. Your Fresh Tracks Vacation Advisor will make sure to find the right room for your needs.

Question 8

How much does my trip cost?

Accepted Answer

All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need

Question 9

Am I on the train the whole time?

Accepted Answer

Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.

Question 10

Can I purchase an individual train ticket?

Accepted Answer

Our personalized trips include much more than just train tickets. When you book with Fresh Tracks Canada, you receive expertly curated hotel accommodations and excursions tailored to your interests, plus airport, train and hotel transfers — ensuring a seamless travel experience from start to finish.

Question 11

What is the VIA Rail experience like?

Accepted Answer

VIA Rail is Canada’s national train provider, with routes running Coast to Coast and through remote parts of northern Canada. The type of train depends on your journey, and can vary from the classic trans-continental sleeper trains to daylight trains with overnight stops.

Question 12

Where do I sleep on the trains?

Accepted Answer

This trip itinerary includes The Ocean train from Halifax to Quebec City, and The Canadian train from Toronto to Jasper. For these sleeper-train journeys, you’ll have a private cabin in Sleeper Plus Class. Each cabin features comfortable daytime seating that converts to upper and lower beds at night.

Question 13

What is the Rocky Mountaineer experience like?

Accepted Answer

Rocky Mountaineer operates daylight touring trains, which travel along three of the most spectacular routes in Western Canada. You’ll enjoy onboard commentary, award winning service, and incredible food.

Question 14

What are the differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer train?

Accepted Answer

There are a few differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service.

In SilverLeaf, you travel in a single-level dome car with oversized windows and are served meals at your seat. In GoldLeaf, you travel in a bi-level dome car, which features comfortable seating on the upper level and a dining area on the lower level. GoldLeaf coaches are taller, so you can see above the treeline.

GoldLeaf also includes access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. In SilverLeaf, there is a small viewing area between train cars.

Question 15

What kind of activities or excursions are available at major stops like Halifax, Quebec City, and Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of activity and excursion options included in this itinerary, so you can choose which tours best fit your interests and needs. For example, in Halifax, you could explore the city’s culinary treats on a walking tour, or you could venture out to Peggy’s Cove or Lunenburg on a day trip. It really depends on what you’d like to see and do.

Throughout your Canadian vacation, you can enjoy a mix of sightseeing bus tours, walking tours, food experiences, and more. Please see the trip itinerary or ask your Vacation Advisor for more details.

Canada Coast to Coast by Train

The most scenic trans-Canada train vacation

The ultimate Trans-Canada train experience

Choice of unique small group excursions

Spectacular two days on the Rocky Mountaineer train

Four nights aboard VIA Rail sleeper train

Scenic wonders of Lake Louise, Niagara Falls and Peggy's Cove

Top experiences and features

Discover Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia

Your Questions Answered

What’s Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an escorted tour?

Can I customize this trip?

Can I modify the trip's length by spending more or less time at certain locations?

Where do I stay on my trip?

On some trips, I see hotels referred to as Comfort, Superior, and Deluxe. What is that?

What amenities will my hotel have?

Are hotel rooms accessible?

How much does my trip cost?

Am I on the train the whole time?

Can I purchase an individual train ticket?

What is the VIA Rail experience like?

Where do I sleep on the trains?

What is the Rocky Mountaineer experience like?

What are the differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer train?

What kind of activities or excursions are available at major stops like Halifax, Quebec City, and Vancouver?

Sample Itinerary

Arrive in Halifax

Discover Nova Scotia

VIA Rail - Depart Halifax

VIA Rail - Arrive in Quebec City

Explore Quebec City

VIA Rail – Quebec City to Montreal

Explore Montreal

VIA Rail – Montreal to Toronto

Sample Itinerary

Prices

View full itinerary

Accommodations

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Personalize This Itinerary

Upgrade to Prestige Class

What Our Customers Say

The scenery was beautiful

Insider Tips

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

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