British Columbia- The Great Canadian Train Experience: VIA The Great Western Way (East to West)
October 10-17, 2026
Travac wants you to see Canada the way it was meant to be seen: travelling onboard VIA’s unforgettable cross-country rail journey!
Your epic adventure begins boarding VIA’s Corridor train from Ottawa to Toronto. You will overnight at the historic luxury Fairmont Royal York Hotel before embarking on VIA’s The Canadian the following day to begin your journey west. Aboard the train, you will pass through Ontario’s lake country, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, the sweeping Prairies, Jasper, and the stunning Rocky Mountains before travelling from Kamloops to Vancouver. Your trip concludes with time in Vancouver, where you will have a city tour and free time to explore at your leisure.
This unforgettable vacation allows you to take in the wonderful diversity of our great nation on one of the world’s most celebrated rail experiences. Canada awaits you!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Today you will meet your Travac Tours Director at the Ottawa VIA Rail Station on Tremblay Rd. You will board train #53 departing Ottawa at 11:45 and arriving in Toronto at 16:33. It is a 3-minute walk from Union Station to the Fairmont Royal York which is your accommodation for the night. Located in the core of downtown Toronto your restaurant and shopping possibilities are extensive. The remainder of your afternoon is free time. Reminder that check-in is 4:00pm.
As per Canada Transport the entire group must travel from Ottawa to Toronto. No alternate pick-up station is permitted.
Day 2-3
This morning you will depart the hotel and walk over to Union Station to board the Canadian. NOTE: You are only permitted to have a carry-on size bag to take to your cabin. Your larger checked bag must be checked in with VIA, and it will be stored away. YOU CANNOT ACCESS YOUR CHECKED BAG WHILE ON THE TRAIN.
Today your wonderful train adventure begins aboard VIA’s The Canadian. You will be completely immersed in the single most contributing factor to what connected Canada from east to west.
Get comfortable in your “Manor Sleeping Car”. The cabins for one (with a concealed toilet) or two (with an ensuite toilet) both have vanities, and the chairs configure to make up your beds for the next four nights. The beds are made up while at dinner and put back away while at breakfast. The cabins for 2 have one upper and one lower bunk. The single cabin has one lower bed. A public shower, and 2 washrooms per car, are at your disposal. Your meals and access to the Dome Observation Car are included. Breakfast is first come, first served while lunch and dinner are set times. Times can only be reserved on the train the day before for the following day.
All 3 meals have 4 choices (one of which is vegan).
It is important to note that the train stops about every seven hours for operational reasons. The length of the stop can vary from ten minutes to two hours.
We will depart Toronto at 09:45 and you will travel to Winnipeg. Enjoy all the lakes and the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Shield in Northern Ontario. Expect to arrive October 12 at 19:30. You can put your watch back 1 hour to CDT in Allanwater Bridge, ON.
There is a complete staff change in Winnipeg which can affect your mealtimes.
Cabin for one
Cabin for two
Day 4
You will travel from Winnipeg to Saskatoon through the night. Expect to arrive in Saskatoon at 10:50. There will be a 1 hour stop in Saskatoon where you can set your watch back 1 hour to MDT then onward to Edmonton. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery and perhaps enjoy time with new friends. The train will follow a beautiful stretch on the Manitoba and Saskatchewan border of the Assiniboine River. Expect to arrive in Edmonton at 20:50. You will travel overnight from Edmonton to Jasper.
Day 5
Wake up and enjoy your wonderful breakfast in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Expect to arrive in Jasper at 0630 and then depart at 0930. You will enjoy full daylight for this breathtaking segment from Jasper to Kamloops. Jasper to Kamloops is likely the most stunning scenery. Enjoy the Dome Car, the Dining Car, and the Park Car to take in all the scenery. You can set your watch back 1 hour MDT in Jasper.
Expect to arrive in Kamloops at 18:30 and depart at 19:03.
Day 6
We will travel from Kamloops through the night onto our destination of The Canadian to Vancouver. You can set your watch back 1 hour PDT in Vancouver. Expect to arrive at 08:00 am. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your Vancouver hotel, The Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront. The hotel is within walking distance of Vancouver Harbour and Canada Place, and offers wonderful views of Stanley Park, putting you in a great location. After arriving at your hotel, the rest of the day is free to enjoy the surrounding area. Your Travac Tours Director will have ideas of things to do. Reminder that check-in time is 3:00pm.
Day 7
This morning at 9:00am you will depart the hotel on a private coach for a 4-hour guided Vancouver city tour. Upon your return, the afternoon is at your leisure. Your Travac Tours Director may recommend nearby activities for this day. This beautiful city has so much to offer.
Day 8
Today you will meet your Travac Tours Director in the lobby of the hotel to get your transfer to the Vancouver International Airport and board your flight to Ottawa. Your Tour Director will update you on the time.
We hope you’ve had a memorable trip!
* Schedules and itinerary are subject to change*
*CN Freight has priority over Via Rail and can delay our arrival times*
Hotel Information
Fairmont Royal York
Hotel Address
100 Front St WToronto, ON
M5J 1E3
416-368-2511
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Hotel Address
1133 W Hastings StVancouver, BC
V6E 3T3
604-689-9211
Memphis & Nashville
Memphis is so much more than a city on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is in many ways the home of the blues, soul and Rock and Roll music. The blues continue to resonate through the streets and clubs surrounding Beale Street.
Nashville on the other hand is famous for its honky tonks with live music from a variety of talented acts. It is also home to some of the best country music museums in the United States.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Today you meet your Travac Tour Director at the Ottawa International Airport for your flights to Memphis. Upon your arrival in Memphis you will be transferred to your hotel. The balance of your day will be free.
Day 2
Your tour of Memphis will focus on Beale Street and the historic district of this town. You will learn about many of the personalities that left their imprint on Memphis from Danny Thomas to Elvis Presley and B.B. King. We will end the tour with a visit to Sun Studio before returning to our hotel.
Day 3
Today we will visit Graceland to explore the Elvis connection to Memphis. Learn how his revolutionary style and unique sound changed the face of popular music and culture forever. The balance of your day will be free.
Day 4
We will be heading to Nashville later this morning.
After arriving in Nashville, the balance of your day will be free. If you wish to go to a performance of the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman during your stay, your Tour Director will be happy to arrange tickets.
Day 5
This morning we’ll be touring Nashville. Besides its musical heritage, Nashville is the state capital and home to Vanderbilt University. It truly is one of the most vibrant cities in the US. Our tour will follow the music scene and will show you some of the famous and not so famous honky-tonks and saloons. The tour will culminate with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA Studio B.
Day 6
Today is at your leisure. There are plenty of museums in Nashville that you might consider visiting including the Johnny Cash Museum.
Day 7
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flights back to Ottawa.
Itinerary subject to change.
Hotel Information
Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown (or similar)
Hotel Address
300 Korean Veterans BlvdNashville, TN
37201
(615) 259-7881
Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown Beale Street (or similar)
Hotel Address
201 Union AveMamphis, TN
38103
(901) 528-1540
Washington
Come and enjoy America’s capital at arguably the best time of year to visit the city. There are no school groups visiting, and the normal bustle of the city slows down during the Labour Day weekend. This simply means that you will see a considerable number of sights and attractions in less time and appreciate your experience all the more.
While in Washington, you’ll enjoy a four hour city tour with a local guide with stops at many of the Memorials that Washington is known for and, of course, Capitol Hill. We will drive through neighbourhoods, past Embassy Row, the Washington National Cathedral, as well as the famous National Mall (encompasses 11 of the Smithsonian Museums and Galleries). This tour will give you great ideas of what you can explore in your free time.
In your spare time visit any of the 17 FREE Smithsonian Institutes like the National Air and Space Museum, the American Art Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History, just to name a few. Your Travac Tours Director will offer optional tours ($) to see the Washington Monuments by night, The Jefferson Library or a visit to the Arlington Cemetery.
Your home in Washington is downtown at the Hamilton Hotel. This hotel offers a truly unmatched location offering you easy walking access to the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museums and many of the city’s monuments. The hotel is also located close to a Metro Subway line giving you affordable travel to other destinations in the DC area.
Travac’s leisurely-paced 5-day getaway includes private transportation aboard a comfortable chartered coach, four nights’ accommodation, a city tour conducted by licensed Washington specialist and the services a Travac Tours Director. No other tour gives such exceptional value in a prime downtown location!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you will depart Westgate Shopping Centre for Washington. Two washroom stops and one lunch stop will be made en route. At approximately 6:00pm you will arrive at your hotel in downtown Washington. You will have the evening free to enjoy dinner and relax.
Day 2
This morning we will meet our local guide and motorcoach for a half-day tour of the city. You will have a chance to see all the capital’s famous attractions, including Capitol Hill, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Embassy Row and Canadian Embassy. This tour will also familiarize you with the city and its neighbourhoods to make your stay more enjoyable. After the city tour, you will have time to explore and enjoy Washington on your own. Optional tours will be offered ($).
(B)
Day 3
Today is a free day. You will have the opportunity to visit the prestigious Smithsonian Institution. This collection of museums and galleries, scattered along the beautiful National Mall, is home to some of the world’s most intriguing exhibits and impressive collections. You can explore the American History Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and many more institutions along the one mile stretch of the Mall. Best of all, admission to the Smithsonian’s museums is free! (B)
At 9:30am we offer a free shuttle service to the Smithsonian-drop off at Smithsonian Castle. Please note that most museums open at 10:00am. We will offer a drop off and pick up to the Smithsonian Museums.
Optional tours will also be offered ($).
Day 4
Today you will have a free day to explore Washington on your own. You may wish to return to the Smithsonian, visit some of the various monuments or explore some of Washington’s neighborhoods. (B)
Again, at 9:30am we offer a free shuttle service to the Smithsonian-drop off at Smithsonian Castle. Please note that most museums open at 10:00am.
Optional tours will also be offered ($).
Day 5
This morning the bus departs Washington for Ottawa. A lunch stop and 2 washroom stops will be made enroute. Expect to arrive at the Westgate Shopping Centre at 7:00pm. (B)
Itinerary subject to change.