I'm including this in the National Park Series because our rail trip across Canada included Banff and Jasper National Parks.
I'm a railroad brat. My grandfather was Yardmaster for the Milwaukee Road in Minneapolis-St. Paul so as a kid I was constantly riding the rails between Wisconsin and Minnesota to visit him. It was inevitable I'd eventually take a rail trip but when I did, I wanted it to be the trip of a lifetime. And it was. It was one of the world's greatest train journeys and one I'll never forget.
A note before we get started: I've since read some reviews where passengers were rather unhappy with the train often being delayed, sometimes for long periods of time.
I investigated this and learned VIA Rail does not own the track it operates on. It rents them from the Crown, which is primarily a freight hauler. Therefore, the freight trains have priority over passenger trains and this is what causes the delays. We did not experience any signifcant delays...but if you're in a hurry, you might want to book a different train excursion.
The 8 Coolest Train Trips You Can Take
If you don't want to experience these delays, then I would suggest you take a different train trip.
We booked our trip through Vacations By Rail but different companies offer different trips.
No matter which company you decide to book with, I'd advise you to work with one of their agents. Our agent was phenomenal, handling even the smallest details for us so we never got any unpleasant surprises during our trip.
PRESTIGE JOURNEY RAIL ACROSS CANADA
We booked the Prestige Journey Across Canada 11 day excursion through 8 Canadian provinces. This remarkable journey travels from the West Coast to the East (or vice versa, both options are available). The great thing about this trip is that you see scenery in the Rocky Mountain area you wouldn't likely see except by train.
The trip begins in Vancouver, a spectacular coastal city between the deep blue Pacific and breathtaking rainforest and mountain scenes. We enjoyed a day to explore its endless contrasts before boarding VIA Rail's Canadian for our rail journey through the majestic Rocky Mountains and across the Canadian Shield to Toronto. We visited Niagara Falls as well. Stays in centrally located hotels and a wonderful mixture of guided sightseeing and leisure time allow you to connect with each location. Our trip would conclude in Toronto.
I normally focus on travel for the budget conscious but this was a once-in-a-lifetime splurge trip. However, you can make this a budget conscious trip by utilizing Economy Class!
Fare chart credit: The Man In Seat 61
THE TRAIN ITSELF
ECONOMY CLASS
Economy class usually consists of two seats cars and a skyline lounge/dome car up front immediately behind the locomotives & baggage car. Economy Class seats cars have comfortable reclining seats with a 40 degree recline, leg-rest and loads of legroom. All seats have a power outlet and you can buy a blanket & pillow set from the skyline car if you haven't brought your own. An Economy class seat costs a fraction of the price of a Sleeper Plus berth, and with a coffee shop, lounge area and observation dome, the facilities in Economy class are still excellent. Break up the trip with stopovers in Winnipeg & Jasper if you don't want to spend 4 nights in a row in a seat.
Photos credit: The Man In Seat 61
Economy Class Skyline Car
The skyline car has a lounge at one end, tables & chairs at the other, an observation dome in the center with attendant's galley underneath. In the skyline you can buy tea, coffee, Canadian red & white wine by the glass, spirits, beer, snacks & microwaved hot meals. Seats in the dome are first-come first-served. The Skyline Car is the one with the distinctive observation dome on top as seen below.
Coffee shop at rear end of car
Lounge at opposite end of car
Photos credit: The Man In Seat 61
SLEEPER PLUS CLASS
This is the class most people opt for. Sleeper Plus class consists of a number of Manor class sleeping-cars, serviced by a skyline lounge/dome car and a restaurant car.
In Sleeper Plus class you have your own sleeping-berth in either an open-plan section, a single-berth roomette or a 2-berth bedroom, the fare includes all meals in the elegant Sleeper Plus restaurant car, complimentary tea, coffee & morning juice in the skyline car. After 4 pm every day you can use the famous Park car, with its full-service bar, dome and bullet lounge, although the Park car is restricted to Prestige class passengers between 6 am & 4 pm. You can also use the business class lounge at Toronto Union Station.
The Sleeper Plus cars are divided into 3 sections: 1 section for roomettes, 1 section for bedrooms and the last section for community toilets and shower that are used by all occupants of the car.
Open seats that convert to bunks
These upper and lower bunks or berths will be your cheapest sleeping option in Sleeper Plus Class. The berths are not enclosed compartments. Rather at night, an attendant makes up the berths by pulling the two seats together and putting a mattress and bedding on the lower bunk to form a bed and the upper bunk folds out from the wall. Heavy curtains are then hung for privacy. So essentially, you're sleeping in an aisle with a privacy curtain. To use the shower or toilet you must go to the end of the car where they're located. Note that there are no power sockets in these berths.
Photos credit: The Man In Seat 61
Roomettes for 1 Person
Unlike the berths, a roomette is a fully-enclosed, lockable compartment or a cabin for 1. Be aware that they're small, room enough for an armchair + legroom opposite a padded leg rest that holds the toilet beneath it. There is a small sink in the corner plus a drinking water tap. The bed is stored behind your seat and pulls down at night but it fills the entire cabin so there's only enough room for a person to stand next to the bed with the door closed. Heavy curtains are provided in the doorway so you can keep the door open and back into the corridor to get in and out of bed, hidden by the curtains. But here's the kicker...if you have to use the toilet in the middle of the night, you're going to have to fold your bed back up to do so! So it's easier just to use the community toilets at the end of the car. You will be sharing a community shower with everyone else in the car.
Each roomette also comes with tissues, two power sockets and an electric fan.
Photos credit: The Man In Seat 61
Bedroom for 2 People
A bedroom is also a fully-enclosed lockable compartment big enough for two people to sleep. By day you sit in two comfortable armchairs. In the evening your attendant will fold down the lower berth and lower the upper berth from the ceiling. The foldable armchairs fit under the lower berth when the cabin is configured for sleeping.
Each bedroom has a sink with hot and cold water, a drinking water tap (cups provided), and a small en suite toilet.
Each bedroom also comes with tissues, two power sockets and an electric fan.
Also be aware of the fact that partitions between adjacent bedrooms can be removed to make a family suite for 4 people.
Photos credit: The Man In Seat 61
MONEY $AVING TIP: You can't do this booking online, you must do it booking by phone or at a station.
The above cabins are labeled A through F. F is larger than the rest of the cabins. So ask for Compartment F when booking and you'll get more room for no extra money.
Last but not least...
PRESTIGE CLASS
It cost beaucoup bucks but after seeing the other sleeping accommodations were really glad we spent the money. We met two new friends from the Netherlands on the trip (Pieter and Anna) who'd booked Sleeper Plus and Anna abhorred the thought of sharing a shower with a car full of strangers so we ended up letting them shower in our cabin, which worked out great for all involved. Plus we had a lot more room to move around in and a TV with prerecorded movies, although we never watched it much. So during the day, our cabin kind of became the 'hang out' for the 4 of us if we just wanted to relax with a drink or whatever.
The Restaurant Car
There's one or more restaurant cars depending on the season for both Sleeper Plus and Prestige passengers, who have their meals included in their fare. Wine and soft drinks cost extra for Sleeper Plus but are included in Prestige.
The restaurant car serves 3 meals per day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sleeper Plus passengers require reservations, Prestige Passengers don't. Prestige passengers get first choice so the dining cars fill up fast. (We'd just tell the train staff Pieter and Anna were our guests for meals so they didn't have to make reservations and none of the train staff seemed to care that we did this so that we could eat together.) During the busy summer months there's usually 3 servings of dinner at 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm and the 7 pm sitting will fill up the fastest. In the off season months there's typically 2 servings of dinner at 6 pm and 8 pm.
I wasn't sure what to expect as far as food quality but it was fantastic! They use locally sourced ingredients from the area the train is traveling through. For dinner you get soup or salad, a choice of entrees and a choice of desserts. I have to say the food was every bit as good as restaurant fare.
My fave breakfast Eggs Benedict
Chicken, wild rice & green beans
Lamb, mashed potatoes & green beans
Steak & mashed potatoes
The Skyline Car
Next to the restaurant car(s) there's a Skyline lounge/dome car for Sleeper Plus passengers. The lounge portion of the car is at the front end of the car, the observation dome in the center, the tables and chairs at the rear of the car. In the tables area is a complimentary tea and coffee station with juice, pastries and biscuits laid out in the morning. In the Skyline car you can also purchase red and white whine, spirits, beer, snacks and soft drinks.
Activities are also held from time to time in the Skyline car such as talks about wildlife or beer and wine tastings.
The only time you'll need to grab a dome seat early is when you depart Jasper and head for the Rockies as that's when the dome car will fill up fast.
Skyline Observation Dome
Skyline Car Lounge
The Park Car
The Park Car is the signature car at the very rear of the train. The Park car features the Bullet Lounge at the very rear providing great views back along the track, with complimentary tea & coffee, a raised observation dome and a full-service bar with tables & chairs beneath the dome, where all of the Prestige passengers hang out.
Photos credit: The Man in Seat 61
The Park Car Photo credit: The Man In Seat 61
The full service bar beneath the Park Car dome
Bullet Lounge Photos credit: The Man In Seat 61
Park Car stairs leading up to observation dome
That about wraps up the tour of the Canadian. And no, you don't stop feeling the swaying of the train once you get off of it. I still felt it for days after our trip was over.
ACCOMMODATIONS
All of our stays were at 5 star Fairmont Hotels and VIA Rail got us hooked on Fairmont Hotels. We did pay extra to upgrade to a Gold King Suite.
Photo credit: Fairmont Hotels
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper
VANCOUVER
One night at the Vancouver Fairmont was included with our package, but we decided to arrive a day earlier and stay their two nights after a long day of traveling. I'd been to Toronto before but Jay hadn't and so wanted to see the city on the extra day we'd booked.
NIAGRA FALLS
We saw the Canadian side of Niagra Falls. I'd seen the American side but never the Canadian side. I was a bit surprised at the fact that unlike our American side of the Falls, wilderness surrounds the Canadian side of the Falls.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is Vancouver's largest and most popular park. Explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall. Discover kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures. The park offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests, including Canada’s largest aquarium.
We took a horsedrawn carriage ride to see the park.
Vancouver Aquarium (in Stanley Park)
Canada's largest aquarium.
GASTOWN
The best things to do in Gastown are a great reflection of the area’s vagrant past and trendy, sophisticated present. This historic charm and pioneer spirit make it Vancouver’s answer to New York City’s Lower East Side or London’s Shoreditch.
Be sure to catch a photo op with the old steam clock.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE & DO IN VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER HALF DAY WHALE WATCHING ADVENTURE
Watch for orcas, humpbacks, and other marine wildlife on a half-day whale-watching tour from Vancouver. Unlike open-air speed boats, this heated catamaran has indoor and outdoor viewing decks so you’ll enjoy a comfortable trip in any weather. Onboard naturalist guides will fill you in on animal identification, natural history, and more, all while you soak up the idyllic Pacific Northwest scenery. Trip lasts 5 hours.
WHISTLER & SEA TO SKY GONDOLA TOUR
Avoid the hassle of renting a car with this day trip that shows off BC's fjords, inlets, and mountains, with included transportation and a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola.
A guide provides commentary on the drive, and you'll enjoy photo stops as well as free time in Whistler Village.
The Granville Island Public Market is the jewel in the Island’s crown. An indoor market featuring a fascinating assortment of colourful food, produce stores and farmers stalls, all fresh from the ocean, the oven or the field. Market Artisans showcase locally made, handcrafted products and the very finest in unique goods.
It's just fun to stroll through!
After taking in the Vancouver sights, we decided to take it easy and just have dinner in one of the hotel's restaurants, Notch8.
I had chicken schnitzel - a new one on me! It was delicious!
DAY 2 - DEPART VANCOUVER
We all met in the hotel lobby the next morning and were shuttled to Pacific Station to board the Canadian. We got settled into our cabins and toured the train.
Pacific Station
Pacific Station Lobby
Sleeper Plus & Prestige passengers should check in for the Canadian at the reception desk inside the VIA Business Lounge where you are ticked off the passenger list. Table reservations for dinner in the diner are also made in the lounge before boarding. Staff in the lounge will tell you when boarding starts, and which track to go to.
The Canadian leaving Vancouver for Kamloopa and Jasper
We also got to know our concierge and the train staff that would serve as our guides. Great group of people!
On Day One We traveled through beautiful British Columbia with its lush farmland and berry fields, winding river canyons, and pristine forests.
I kind of had to chuckle to myself...my fellow passengers seemed obsessed with seeing a moose and the Great Hunt for Moose was on the minute we pulled out of the station. (Hadn't they ever seen a moose before???)
I have to say the trip from Vancouver to Jasper had the most breathtaking scenery in the entire trip.
Vancouver to Jasper
At short stops like Kamloops if you're going to get off the train to stretch your legs or go into the train station, take your ticket with you. You will have to wait in the station until you get the call to re-board the train.
After a brief stop in Kamloops we arrived in Jasper. We stepped off the train and were transported to our hotel accommodations for that night at Fairmont's Jasper Park Lodge. What a gorgeous lodge!
Photos credit: Jasper Park Lodge
I was glad we got to see the little town of Jasper and Jasper National Park before fire wiped them out in 2024.
Jasper was the coolest little town you could easily walk from one end to the other. What struck me about Jasper was the sense of community among the residents of Jasper. In walking around Jasper, we stumbled on their community garden and a woman working there gave us a tour of the huge garden.
Jasper Community Garden
Town of Jasper with 2 Brothers Totem Pole
On each stop the train makes VIA Rail offers an excursion or choice of excursions. That evening's excursion was the Jasper Evening Discovery Tour.
We learned how Jasper's animals contribute to the rich diversity of the national park and how they survive the summer weather. Your guide shows you the park's most scenic sites as you travel by small tour bus through the Athabasca Valley.
DAY 4 - ICEFIELDS PARKWAY TO BANFF
National Geographic declared the Icefields Parkway to Banff one of the most beautiful drives in the world - and it lived up to that claim.
Not only are you in the Canadian Rockies, but every turn on this road is met with mountains, ice fields, waterfalls, and tons of glorious stop-offs.
The Icefields Parkway is a 232 km stretch of double-lane highway taking you along the Continental Divide. It runs from Lake Louise in Banff to the town of Jasper, both fantastic places.
If you're going to drive the Icefields Parkway, I highly recommend downloading the Icefields Parkway Guide Along App! (use code WORLDPUR for 25% off!)
The absolute fastest you could make the drive is three hours. That's without stopping to see any of the spectacular sights. If you have the time, I would give you at least two full days to drive the Icefields Parkway. You can drive sections from Jasper or Banff. The other option is to stop overnight somewhere in the middle near the Columbia Icefields Center (the Glacier View Lodge is dreamy), but there are also a few campsites along the way too.
If you're going to camp, I recommend Waterfowl Lakes Campground.
Waterfowl Lakes Campground sits between Upper and Lower Waterfowl lakes on the Mistaya River. These stunning glacier-fed lakes are excellent for paddling while taking in the surrounding mountains. This wooded campground boasts easy access to moderate hiking trails and is a short drive from Saskatchewan Crossing, Bow Lake, and the Peyto Lake viewpoint.
There are 110 sites.
Camping Services: Drinking water
Flush toilet
Outhouse
Cooking shelter
Picnic shelter
Firepits
Dumping station: sewage disposal
Accessible
Interpretive programs
Food storage locker
Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 9 meters (31 feet). Ask about the free Saturday evening interpretive programs hosted by Parks Canada at the campground theater.
There is no cell-phone coverage at any campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway.
DAY 5 - EXPLORE BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Banff National Park
If you're not traveling by train, admission to Banff National Park requires a Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
There are entry fees for adults and children over 17. A non-refundable reservation fee applies when booking online ($3.50) or by phone. ($5.50)
Youth under the age of 17 can enter the park free.
You can purchase a day pass or Annual Discovery Pass online, at the park gates, or in person at the Visitor Centers.
Daily Admission
Adult $11.00
Senior $9.50
Youth free
Family/Group $22.00
Commercial Group, per person $9.35 See other fees here
We had 3 options to choose from for Day 5:
Banff Sightseeing Tour with Gondola and Cruise
Banff E-Bike Tour
Yoho National Park and Lake Louise Tour
We chose the Banff Sightseeing Tour with
Gondola and Cruise.
You definitely want to take a ride on the
The gondola takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain where you'll have sweeping views of six
mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the charming
of Banff. At the summit you can stroll the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson’s Peak, or head inside to explore the mountaintop discovery center, where the story of Canada’s first national park unfolds.
You have 3 dining options at the summit:
Grab-and-go fare at Castle Mountain Coffee Co.
The Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen buffet
An elegant upscale meal at Sky Bistro.
Food in Banff isn't cheap. The buffet costs $45 per person so we made that the main meal of our day. But in all honesty, it's the spectacular view you're paying for more than the food.
Book your tickets for the Banff Gondola Ride here!
The cruise is a boat cruise of Lake Miniwanka.
Northern Lights Buffet Photo credit: Banff Gondola
Photo credit: Banff Natl. Park
There are different Lake Minnewanka cruise options you can take, ours was the 1.5 hour extended tour that took you deeper into the lake than the 1 hour tour does, taking you past Devil's Gap. Devil's Gap is the narrow mountain pass which opens up toward the prairies of Alberta.
Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake and the largest lake in Banff.
The cruise was a great relaxing way to see the Canadian Rockies and the lake. The scenery was magnificent and our boat skipper was very knowledgeable.
Oh, and you'll also get to sample pine tea while on your cruise.
Our Lake Minnewanka cruise was part of our train package but if you want to book a boat cruise go here.
There's some great things to see and do in Banff. My top picks are:
Devil's Gap
DAY 6 - TRAVEL FROM BANFF TO JASPER
We had 2 options today:
Private Transfer to Jasper
Six Glaciers Helicopter and Icefields Tour
After my brush-with-death chopper experience at Rushmore, we opted for the private transfer to Jasper so we could explore the town. It was the right choice to make given Jasper barely exists anymore. We doubted there was any brush with death we'd have exploring Jasper. Although an elk did follow us for a while as we were walking down the road.
Jasper was just a small town, you could easily walk its length several times in a day. Jasper was a vibrant community known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Before the fires, it was a tourist hub. The town featured historic buildings and a variety of accommodations for visitors.
We explored the town and grabbed some lunch there.
The locals all advised us to go to Jasper Pizza Place.
Not only did they make fantastic pizza, they were the only place in Jasper with a covered rooftop patio where you could enjoy spectacular views while you ate.
They had 24 different pizzas on offer separated into two categories, deep dish and wood-fired. I was partial to the wood fired Bella Montagna, which had sun dried tomatoes, red onions, olives, garlic, goat cheese, and oregano on an olive oil base. It was good!
They offer thin crust and deep dish but they also offer other pub fare if you're not into a pizza. By the way, you can build your own pizza as well. The ingredients for their pizza came from Jasper's community garden we saw.
I don't know if they've rebuilt since the fire but if Jasper Pizza Place does rebuild, it's a great lunch stop.
The Jasper Lodge also had a number of in house restaurants and we chose to have dinner that evening at Orso Trattoria, specializing in Italian cuisine. (Ranked #1 restaurant in Jasper on Tripadvisor) They offered a 3 course Il Gusto Italiano dinner for $99. But again, the Lodge was destroyed in the fire and I don't know if it's being rebuilt.
Lobster Spaghetti
Dessert: Tira Misu for 2
Dinner was so filling we jumped in the pool to swim it off, then called it a night.
DAY 7 - DEPART JASPER
We were transferred back to the train station to board the train, leaving Jasper and the Canadian Rockies behind.
Heading into the Canadian Praries
We settled into life on the train. There was no Internet access during much of the trip, which was a refreshing change of pace in that people actually SOCIALIZED with one another. We met a couple from Holland, Pieter and his wife, Anna. The four of us hit it off immediately and spent much of the remaining trip together as we really enjoyed each other's company.
What does one do on a train where you don't have Internet access? We'd sit in the dome car chatting while watching the scenery, there was a game car where we'd play cribbage and board games together, we did have a TV in our cabin with prerecorded movies to watch (although we seldom watched it), and the train staff go above and beyond to ensure you have a good experience.
They host trivia and Bingo games in the game cars and I have to admit, Anna and I really got into the Bingo games. Prizes are Canadian souvenirs.
And there are other hosted events, many of which involve alcohol.
When you depart from Vancouver, Toronto, and Jasper, the staff organize a champagne departure toast. They also have daily beer and or wine tastings where you can get a chance to sample local brews.
Honestly though, the best way to spend your time is watching the scenery roll by. One thing I loved about the train ride is that the staff will come on the intercom and give visitors information about any points of interest you pass through. The train will even slow down at some scenic spots, like Pyramid Falls in Alberta.
Alberta's Pyramid Falls
And The Great Moose Hunt was still going strong. We'd seen elk, bighorn sheep. etc. but no moose yet and the natives were getting restless. I had to laugh when Jay and Pieter decided to take matters into their own hands and took one of my Canadian souvenir Bingo prizes to remedy The Great Moose Hunt dilemma and the fact we hadn't seen a single moose.
Moose in the train window
I was glad Ana and I had the foresight to move from our seats to another part of the train car, for as soon as those two jokers yelled "A MOOSE! A MOOSE!" every passenger in the car stampeded to that window, cell phones and cameras in hand. Everyone was in a good mood so nobody decked the two of them for their stunt and found it amusing. Many even snapped pics of the stuffed moose in the window.
DAY 8 - CANADIAN PRARIES
We made our way across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Fields of green and gold stretch endlessly under an immense blue sky. When you look out the window, you spot rustic barns and small farming towns.
What surprised me is the number of residents of these small farming communities that would come down to the tracks to wave to the passing train - kids and adults alike!
A small farm typical of the Canadian Prairies
DAY 9 - ONTARIO
During the night we'd crossed over into the province of Ontario and into the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield - ancient exposed rock, boreal forest and countless lakes with fishing cabins dotting its small islands.
We were in moose and bear territory so Pieter got to see his bear. (They don't have bear in Holland except in the equivalent of one of our wildlife refuges but for bears.)
And finally, there it was! A moose cow beside the tracks. BAZINGA! I could now put the fear of a passenger no moose mutiny behind me.
I'd be willing to bet that was the most photographed moose in Ontario's history.
DAY 10 - ARRIVE IN TORONTO
Photo credit: Urlabs Guru
We'd decided to spend a couple of days in Toronto as part of our trip and as luck would have it, so had Pieter and Anna so the four of us toured Toronto together. I'd been to Toronto before so was a bit familiar with the city, where to go and what to do that I felt Pieter and Anna might be interested in.
I arranged for us to go on a free walking tour of Toronto, beginning at St. Lawrence, so Pieter and Anna could see downtown Toronto - #2 on their bucket list. This is an excellent tour and they're conducted in both English and Spanish. Jose and his fellow guides are extremely knowledgeable about Toronto and it was obvious they were very passionate about their city.
On this tour you'll see St. Lawrence Market, the Gooderham Building, Berczy Park, Brookfield Place, the PATH, the financial district, City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square, and CF Toronto Eaton Center.
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Pieter and Anna also wanted to see the CN Tower - but not necessarily climb the 1,766 steps to the top.
CN Tower
I'd been to the Tower before and we hadn't yet eaten lunch so suggested we eat at the 360 Restaurant, which would then include our admission to the different levels of the Tower, all the way to The Top.
The 360 Restaurant is equal parts steakhouse, seafood restaurant and wine bar offering prix fixe and a la carte menus which highlight regional Canadian specialties.
I should explain here that to view the different levels of the Tower requires different admission tickets. Rather than purchase Premier tickets at $95 per person, if you eat at the 360 Restaurant, ordering $75 per person, you get the equivalent of a Premier ticket.
So we ordered the 2 course prix fixe that fulfilled that $75 per person requirement and we made lunch our main meal of that day.
The food was excellent but then for the price, I expected it to be.
A note here: After learning what was on Pieter's and Anna's bucket list, I'd investigated whether or not it would be worth it for each of us to buy a Toronto City Pass that would save us 38% each on 5 attractions in Toronto - including the CN Tower.
They wanted to see 4 of the 5 attractions offered on the City Pass so we each bought one.
In spite of eating at the 360 Restaurant, we still saved over and above that due to having the Toronto City Pass.
360 Restaurant Prime Rib
RIPLEY'S AQUARIUM OF CANADA
Photo credit: Ripleys Aquarium
After lunch it was off to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. There are two levels to the aquarium, packed with things to see and do: Canadian Waters, Shoreline Gallery, Kelp Forest, Rainbow Reef, Dangerous Lagoon, Discovery Centre, the Gallery, the Ray Bay, Planet Jellies, Life Support Systems, and Dragons exhibits.
The Aquarium holds over 20,000 varieties of aquatic animals and contains North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel with more than 5.7 million liters of water.
The Aquarium is located at the base of CN Tower at 288 Bremer Blvd., Toronto.
We also made a stop at Dundas Square's "Little Canada", a miniature representation of Canadian landmarks and cities, all presented with a whimsical sense of humor. Not only are the scenes beautifully rendered, the details are beyond incredible with each one-inch figurine uniquely made.
I think Pieter and Anna liked Litte Canada more than anything else in Toronto.
Look out for the snowmobiler who stopped too suddenly in Quebec City, the building debris that landed on top of a car (with the one-inch tall owner holding his head in dismay), and the three cyclists who are the real source of power behind the Niagara hydroelectric station. Accurate miniature landmarks are mixed with entertaining vignettes throughout.
A crowd favorite is the Château Laurier Hotel in the Ottawa section. One of the classic CP hotels complete with Gothic architecture and cars pulling up to check in, the side of the hotel is cut away and every room has a different story. Film buffs will want to look out for the final scene from 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shawshank Redemption, and the hallway from The Shining.
All the scenes cycle through day and night so, for example, in Ottawa you get to see the fireworks over Parliament Hill on Canada Day and in Mont St. Anne you see the night skiers with the slopes lit up. In addition to the exhibit, you can see the workshop where they are working on the figurines and you get an appreciation of the artistry. They also show the electronics behind the scenes, controlling the vehicles or the cyclists.
Finally, they have something called a “Littleization Station” where you can get figurines made of yourself in a variety of sizes from one inch up. These are not your average Lego figures—they're beautifully detailed from the facial expression down to the buttons on your clothing. You stand in a small chamber surrounded by cameras where they take your picture from all angles and create a 3-D rendering which they can then sculpt in true color. Pieter and Anna had one made of themselves as a souvenir of their trip.
While miniature, it’s not small. It spans 45,000 sq. ft – that’s two hockey rinks!
Save $4 per ticket when you book a timed ticket online in advance.
Little Canada is located at 10 Dundas Street East, Toronto.
During our stay in Toronto we also visited the Toronto Zoo as Pieter wanted to see the difference between our zoos and theirs in Holland.
TORONTO ZOO
Home to over 3,000 animals, the Toronto Zoo is committed to connecting people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction.
Besides the zoo animals, there's a Zoomobile tram, Conservation Carousel, Splash Island splash pad, Virtual Reality Theater, TundraAir ride, Gorilla Climb Ropes Course, Greenhouse, Face Painting, Kangaroo Walk-Through, Kids Zoo, Serengeti Camp, and even Pyjama Party Overnights.
Ticket information here. You can also download a Toronto Zoo Experience App here.
The Toronto Zoo is located in Rouge National Urban Park, just north of Highway 401 at 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto (Exit 389)
HARBOR TOUR
We took a relaxing Harbor Tour on the Oriole, a two-level Great Lakes steam ship replica, or Showboat, a smaller version of the majestic paddle wheel riverboat.
Both outdoor and indoor seating are available. The tour lasts 1 hour.
Lively commentary on Toronto’s history, character, sites, stories and more is provided by an onboard live narrator.
We cruised past the CN Tower, HTO Park, Rogers Centre, Redpath Sugar Factory, Sugar Beach, and more.
Board the boat along Toronto Harborfront Centre, a revitalized area along Lake Ontario offering fun activities and interesting places to see.
All too soon it was time for the four of us to part ways and return home. We all agreed our rail trip across Canada had been the trip of a lifetime.