18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Canada
Canada is a land of vast distances and even vaster beauty, best experienced through the lens of pure luxury. This 18-day odyssey takes you from the soaring skyscrapers of Toronto and the historic charm of Quebec to the turquoise glacial lakes of the Canadian Rockies, concluding on the temperate Pacific coast.
Traveling via business-class rail and the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer, you will skip the stress of long drives and focus on curated experiences. Expect fine dining in Old Montreal, private chauffeur services through national parks, and nights spent in the 'Castles of the North'—Canada’s legendary Fairmont hotels.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Toronto, Canada - Arrival & Sky-High Dining
Luxury Check-in at The St. Regis Toronto
Arrive in Canada's financial heart and settle into a corner suite at the St. Regis, offering unparalleled views of the city skyline and butler service.
Stroll through the Financial District
Walk among the architectural giants of Bay Street and explore the upscale shops at the Brookfield Place atrium.
Dinner at 360 Restaurant
Enjoy a revolving fine-dining experience atop the CN Tower, featuring locally sourced ingredients and one of the world's highest wine cellars.
Nightcap at Louix Louis
Visit the 31st floor of the St. Regis for a signature cocktail in a stunning, gilded grand bar setting.
Day 2: Toronto, Canada - Culture & Private Charters
Royal Ontario Museum Private Tour
Explore Canada's largest museum of world culture and natural history with a private guide to see the 'Crystal' architecture up close.
Lunch in the Distillery District
Dine at El Catrin Destileria in this historic pedestrian-only area, famous for its 19th-century industrial Victorian architecture.
Private Yacht Charter on Lake Ontario
Board a luxury yacht at the Harbourfront for a private cruise around the Toronto Islands, providing the best skyline photo opportunities.
Dinner at Alo
Experience one of Canada's most acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants, offering a blind multi-course tasting menu of French-inspired cuisine.
Day 3: Toronto, Canada - Niagara Falls by Helicopter
Private Heli-Tour to Niagara
Avoid the traffic and fly from Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport directly to Niagara Falls, witnessing the Horseshoe Falls from the air.
Peller Estates Winery Lunch
Enjoy a multi-course lunch paired with world-class Icewine in the heart of the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region.
Journey Behind the Falls
Descend into the tunnels behind the massive sheet of water for a powerful perspective of the Niagara River's force.
Return Flight to Toronto
A quick helicopter hop brings you back to the city in time for a relaxed evening at the hotel spa.
Day 4: Toronto to Montreal, Canada - The Business Class Corridor
VIA Rail Business Plus Service
Board the train at Union Station. Enjoy spacious seating, a hot meal, and complimentary wine as you glide through the Ontario countryside.
Arrival in Montreal & Check-in
Transfer to the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, the 'Grande Dame' of Sherbrooke Street, known for its historic elegance.
Old Montreal Exploration
Walk the cobblestone streets of the historic district, visiting the Place d'Armes and the waterfront.
Gourmet French Dinner
Indulge in a classic French-Canadian meal at Toqué!, a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in Quebec.
Day 5: Montreal, Canada - Spiritual & Scenic Heights
Notre-Dame Basilica Private Access
Admire the stunning blue interior and intricate wood carvings of this Gothic Revival masterpiece before the midday crowds arrive.
Lunch at Maison Boulud
Dine at Daniel Boulud’s signature restaurant within the Ritz-Carlton, overlooking the garden.
Mount Royal Lookout
Take a private car to the summit of Mount Royal for panoramic views of the Montreal skyline and the St. Lawrence River.
Dinner in the Plateau District
Explore the trendy Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood and dine at Au Pied de Cochon for a decadent, foie gras-focused feast.
Day 6: Montreal, Canada - Indulgence & Shopping
Bota Bota Spa on the Water
Spend a relaxing morning at this unique 'spa-sur-l'eau' located on a converted ferry in the Old Port.
Golden Square Mile Shopping
Visit the luxury boutiques of Holt Renfrew Ogilvy and the high-end galleries of the Sherbrooke Street area.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Browse Canada's oldest museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Canadian art.
Jazz Night in Montreal
Montreal is world-famous for jazz; enjoy an intimate performance at Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill with a late-night cocktail.
Day 7: Montreal to Quebec City, Canada - Historic Journey
VIA Rail to Quebec City
A short, scenic 3-hour train ride takes you further back in time to the only fortified city north of Mexico.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Check into the world’s most photographed hotel. Request a 'Gold Level' room for exclusive lounge access and the best river views.
Quartier Petit Champlain
Ride the Funiculaire down to the lower city to explore the most charming, narrow streets in North America.
Dinner at Le Champlain
Enjoy refined Quebecois gastronomy inside the Château, featuring an incredible floor-to-ceiling cheese cellar.
Day 8: Quebec City, Canada - Waterfalls & Farmsteads
Montmorency Falls Private Visit
Witness these falls, which are 30 meters higher than Niagara, from the suspension bridge or via a private cable car cabin.
Île d'Orléans Food Tour
Take a private tour of the 'Garden of Quebec,' visiting local cideries, chocolatiers, and strawberry farms for tastings.
Plains of Abraham
Stroll through this historic park where the battle for the fate of North America took place in 1759.
Dinner at L'Onyx
Experience modern cuisine in a sleek setting, focusing on the fresh seafood of the St. Lawrence.
Day 9: Quebec City to Banff, Canada - Heading West
Domestic Flight to Calgary
Fly west across the country. Upon arrival in Calgary, a private chauffeur will be waiting for the 90-minute drive into the Rockies.
Fairmont Banff Springs Check-in
Arrive at the 'Castle in the Rockies.' This historic landmark is nestled amidst towering peaks and pine forests.
Bow Falls Stroll
Take a gentle walk from the hotel to the powerful Bow Falls, just steps from the main property.
Dinner at 1888 Chop House
Indulge in high-quality Alberta beef and sustainably sourced wild game in a classic steakhouse environment.
Day 10: Banff, Canada - Peaks & Thermal Springs
Banff Gondola VIP Experience
Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree views. Access the 'Sky Bistro' for an early coffee with a view.
Lunch in Banff Village
Explore the boutique shops of Banff Avenue and enjoy a casual yet refined lunch at Park Distillery.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Soak in the natural mineral-rich thermal waters that have been drawing visitors to Banff for over a century.
The Eden Tasting Menu
Dine at the Rimrock Resort's Eden, one of the few Five-Diamond restaurants in Canada, offering French fine dining.
Day 11: Lake Louise, Canada - The Turquoise Jewel
Private Transfer to Lake Louise
Head to the most famous lake in Canada. A private guide ensures you bypass the shuttle queues and get the best vantage points.
Canoeing on Lake Louise
Rent a signature red canoe for a private paddle on the still, turquoise waters under the Victoria Glacier.
Afternoon Tea at the Chateau
Enjoy a tradition of elegance with afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, overlooking the water.
Moraine Lake Visit
Visit the Valley of the Ten Peaks for the iconic view from the Rockpile before returning to Banff.
Day 12: Banff, Canada - Alpine Adventure from Above
Private Helicopter Alpine Exploration
Take a private heli-tour over the Three Sisters and Mount Assiniboine, including a remote 20-minute alpine walk.
Lunch at Juniper Bistro
Enjoy a meal with what many consider the best patio view in the Banff townsite.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Visit the birthplace of Canada's national park system and learn about the indigenous history of the region.
Fondue Dinner at The Grizzly House
Experience a local legend—a former disco turned exotic fondue house with an eclectic, high-end atmosphere.
Day 13: Banff to Jasper, Canada - The Icefields Parkway
The World's Most Scenic Drive
Embark on a private chauffeured journey along the Icefields Parkway, stopping at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake.
Columbia Icefield Adventure
Board a massive Ice Explorer to drive onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier and walk on the ancient ice.
Glacier Skywalk
Step out onto a glass-bottomed walkway 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley for heart-pumping views.
Jasper Arrival & Dinner
Check into the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and enjoy a quiet dinner at Orso Trattoria overlooking Lac Beauvert.
Day 14: Jasper, Canada - Nature's Raw Beauty
Maligne Lake Cruise
Take a private boat to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed and sacred spots in the Canadian Rockies.
Jasper SkyTram
Ascend Whistlers Mountain for incredible views of the Jasper townsite and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Wildlife Discovery Tour
Join a private guide to spot elk, bears, and bighorn sheep in their natural habitat within the Jasper valley.
Stargazing in the Dark Sky Preserve
Jasper is the world's second-largest dark sky preserve. Use the hotel's telescopes for a guided tour of the cosmos.
Day 15: Jasper to Kamloops, Canada - Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf
Board the Rocky Mountaineer
Begin your GoldLeaf service journey. Settle into your bi-level glass-domed coach for unobstructed views of the scenery.
Gourmet Lunch on Rails
Enjoy a three-course, chef-prepared meal in the lower-level dining car, accompanied by premium BC wines.
Mount Robson & Yellowhead Pass
Pass the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and witness the dramatic transition from mountain peaks to desert plateaus.
Evening Arrival in Kamloops
Transfer to your hotel for a relaxing evening before the second leg of your rail journey.
Day 16: Kamloops to Vancouver, Canada - Arrival on the Coast
Second Day on the Train
Continue westward, following the Fraser River and witnessing the spectacular Hell's Gate canyon.
Fraser Valley Scenic Views
Watch the rugged canyons give way to the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley as you approach the Pacific.
Vancouver Arrival & Fairmont Pacific Rim
Disembark in Vancouver and transfer to the Fairmont Pacific Rim, the city's most modern luxury hotel.
Sushi Dinner at Miku
Enjoy world-class Aburi (flame-seared) sushi with a view of the Burrard Inlet at one of Vancouver's top restaurants.
Day 17: Vancouver, Canada - Parks & Suspension Bridges
Stanley Park Private Bike Tour
Explore the 1,000-acre park, its totem poles, and the scenic Seawall with a private guide.
Granville Island Public Market
Take a private water taxi to Granville Island for a VIP food tour of the artisan stalls and galleries.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Walk across the famous bridge and explore the Treetops Adventure, suspended high above the forest floor.
Farewell Dinner at Hawksworth
Celebrate your final night with a tasting menu at Canada's most celebrated restaurant, located in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia.
Day 18: Vancouver, Canada - Gastown & Departure
Gastown Steam Clock & Shopping
Explore the cobblestones of Vancouver's oldest neighborhood and shop for high-end Canadian knitwear and art.
Final Lunch at Botanist
Dine among lush greenery in the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s flagship restaurant, focusing on Pacific Northwest ingredients.
Harbour Air Seaplane Flight
Take a 20-minute 'Panorama' flight for a final spectacular view of the mountains meeting the ocean.
Departure Transfer
A private limo transfer takes you to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for your journey home.
Best Time to Visit Canada
For this luxury itinerary, the best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-September. This window ensures the Rocky Mountain lakes are fully thawed and vibrant turquoise, all mountain passes are open, and the Rocky Mountaineer train is in full operation. September is particularly lovely for fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. If you prefer winter luxury, December to March is ideal for skiing in Whistler or Banff, though the cross-country rail experience differs significantly.
Currency & Money
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). While USD is sometimes accepted in border towns, it is always at a poor exchange rate; it is best to use local currency. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Amex) are universally accepted, even for small purchases. Tipping is a standard part of the culture: 18-20% is expected for good service in restaurants, and $5-10 CAD per bag for hotel porters is customary in luxury establishments.
Getting Around Canada
Given Canada's massive size, this itinerary utilizes a mix of high-end transport. For the 'Corridor' (Toronto-Montreal-Quebec), VIA Rail Business Class is the most comfortable and scenic option. For the cross-country jump, domestic flights in Business Class are essential. Within the Rockies, private chauffeur transfers or luxury car rentals are recommended. The highlight of the journey is the Rocky Mountaineer, a purpose-built luxury train that travels only during daylight hours so you don't miss any scenery.
