PHOTO: The Canadian by VIA Rail. (Photo courtesy of Uncommon Journeys)

For nearly a hundred years, crossing Canada on a train holiday has been a glamourous, must-do way to see the country. Many of Canada’s grandest historic hotels were built along the nation’s passenger rail lines, providing travellers a way to combine the romance of rail travel with a comfortable, exclusive place to stay while exploring the local scenery.

Now Uncommon Journeys, a travel company specializing in luxurious train and ocean liner vacations, is replicating the cross country experience in its “Great Canadian Train Ride” itinerary, which departs from Toronto on Oct. 6, 2016.

Combining five-star hotel stays across Canada with first class, sleeping car accommodations on VIA Rail’s grandest of all rail experiences, The Canadian, the journey provides an in-depth view at some of Canada’s finest destinations.

On board The Canadian, passengers enjoy “Silver & Blue” class service, including all meals in the train's art deco dining car, stunning views from the signature dome cars and relaxing in the “Park Car” with its Bullet Lounge and Mural Bar. The journey includes plenty of free time. A professional tour manager travels with the group to handle all the day-to-day details.

The journey begins on Oct. 6, 2016 in Toronto, with a three-day, two-night stay at the newly renovated Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. After a welcome dinner at the acclaimed Canyon Creek Grill, guests will board The Canadian and head for Vancouver via Jasper in First Class sleeping car accommodations.

After passing through the eastern portion of the Canadian Rockies, passengers will stop for a two-night stay in Jasper, at the Jasper Park Lodge. Sightseeing in Jasper includes a stop at the seldom visited Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon.

The following day, set a course for Lake Louise via the Columbia Icefields Parkway, where you’ll enjoy a ride along Athabasca Glacier on a Sno-coach tour. Spend the night at the historic Chateau Lake Louise before heading to Banff, where you’ll spend two nights at the Banff Springs Hotel. In Banff, you’ll visit Banff Hot Springs, the completely redone Banff Gondola, and Yoho National Park—home to the stunning Bridal Veil Falls. Cap off your visit to Banff with a dinner at the stylish Le Beaujolais restaurant.

After Banff, guests will re-board The Canadian and head for Vancouver, where they’ll enjoy an overnight stay at the Sheraton Wall Centre, including breakfast and a farewell dinner.

Guests who book early can also enjoy a complimentary pre-tour stay in Niagara Falls, including sightseeing and transfers to Toronto.

The 13-day journey runs Oct. 6-18, 2016; fares start from U$ 5,955 per person.

For more information on this and other Canadian itineraries by Uncommon Journeys, visit www.uncommonjourneys.com/destination/canada.

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