Experience North America

Urban Experiences

Get into the spirit of a jazz festival, take in a baseball game or shop in a large cosmopolitan city! The lively Canadian cities of Toronto, Ontario and Montréal, Québec offer countless attractions; world-class entertainment, dining, museums, art galleries, shopping centres and major league sports. Find one of the Seven Wonders of the World at Niagara Falls and visit the nation’s capital, Ottawa steeped in the pageantry of Parliament. Explore the old-world ambiance of Québec City, with its cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings and historic old quarter— a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Fall Show

Encounter Canada’s French history and down east Maritime hospitality. Journey into Québec, along tide-carved coastlines to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island— provinces rich in cultural diversity and charm, and overflowing with seafaring history Visit the scenic coastline of the Gaspé Peninsula, where many villages have preserved their ancestral characteristics. And when autumn leaves begin to fall, there’s no better place to be than Canada's Maritime provinces where the landscapes are trimmed in russets, crimsons and golds! Visit St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, a historic and romantic seaside resort, unique ocean side attractions such as the charming Peggy’s Cove, the haunting Percé Rock, the land of Anne of Green Gables and all the friendly communities along the way.

The Fabulous Rockies

Western Canada’s Rocky Mountain National Parks offer some of the best scenery, wildlife viewing and outdoor activities anywhere, no matter what time of year you visit! From skiing down a powdery slope, to hiking in pretty alpine meadows, there is always lots to do in Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise. Explore the amazing turquoise-green glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls and shimmering glaciers. Discover the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in Canada. Spend some time exploring the friendly, western-flavoured city of Calgary.

Venture to Winter’s Wonderland

In winter catch the Snow Train to Jasper and experience all that the pristine Rocky Mountains have to offer when the snow flies! Outdoor activities abound in the cozy mountain resorts of Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise—downhill and cross-country skiing, dog sledding , ice climbing. For a very special place to spend the holiday season, visit the Rockies where you can pamper yourself and let someone else prepare the turkey and all the trimmings!

Adventures on the Rails

Located on the shores of Hudson Bay, the Tundra Meadows and the city of Churchill, Manitoba offer adventure and many of nature’s wonders. In summer travel to Canada’s sub-Arctic region to visit the fascinating beluga whales. In the fall, meet the Lords of the Arctic— the polar bears. Discover the sub-Arctic botany and the entertaining Northern Lights. Churchill and the surrounding area have a unique history, which includes the story of the fur trade of the 1600-1800’s and the famous Hudson’s Bay Company. Venture out on the snow and ice and tour the tundra as the locals do—on a dog sled!

Rail and Sail Away

See the best of western Canada’s glorious scenic wonders. Take a tour along the beautiful and serene Inside Passage. Experience the friendly ambiance and varied cultures of the Pacific Northwest’s beautiful cities. Stop in scenic Prince Rupert on BC’s northern coast. See Vancouver, set on the shores of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and surrounded by majestic mountains, which presents a multicultural character and many natural attractions. Stay in Victoria, which delights visitors with its old-world charm and its Edwardian and Victorian turn-of-the-century streetscapes, gardens, harbour-side parks, museums and British pubs. See some beautiful on countryside on Vancouver Island; a majestic haven of natural beauty which features the coastal serenity of the Pacific and a vast wilderness waiting to be explored.

Coast to Coast Rail Travel

Experience every scenic mile of Canada from coast to coast, Vancouver to Halifax, aboard VIA’s trains on the journey has it all — the big city culture of Canada’s largest centres and all the sights of the picturesque towns and villages and ever-changing countryside in between. The trip across the country in winter is especially beautiful as you relax in comfort and watch the frosty landscapes go by!

Explore the United States by Rail

Discover the big city excitement and mystique of the movie stars in Los Angeles; experience north-western cuisine and big league sporting events in Seattle; be amazed by the absolute magnificence of Arizona’s Grand Canyon; dip your toes in the ocean at West Palm Beach and see it all —the Statue of Liberty, great theatre, Coney Island and Central Park in New York City. Hop aboard Amtrak and explore the many faces of America. John Steel can create a custom itinerary for an unforgettable holiday in the US!

No matter what your passion — history, wildlife, adventure, festivals or simply great scenery — John Steel Rail Tours offers exciting rail journeys for everyone, any time of the year!

Experience Canada's Four Seasons

Spring As tiny green shoots emerge to face the sun's warmth, spring's fresh, clear air invigorates and entices you outside. There is no better time to see Victoria's many colourful gardens or to take a cross-country rail journey as nature awakens in its fresh green splendour. Canada's scenic eastern coast buzzes with the activity of another season on the seas. Spring is the time for new beginnings and new adventures!

Summer Cities bustle with activity of colourful festivals and the cool mountains beckon for a quiet respite. With nature at the back door of its urban gateways, there's never a shortage of fun activities for nature lovers or city enthusiasts. Visit Canada's east coast beaches and rugged seashore, the vibrant west coast city of Vancouver, the enchanting historic regions of Québec and beautiful Jasper National Park in its floral splendour. Summer is the time to explore!

Autumn Crisp fall days turn the trees into a richly hued tapestry of scarlet and amber; the temperature is comfortable, the pace more leisurely. Step back into the past at historic forts and museums that bring the Maritime's fascinating history to life. Witness the autumn splendour of British Columbia's landscapes. Sail the Inside Passage where wildlife abounds. Explore the countryside amidst the kaleidoscope of changing colours. Autumn is a wonderful time for travel in Canada!

Winter Snow-draped forests, crystal lakes and majestic white-clad mountains — but the fabulous scenery is only the beginning! Canada is a mecca for outdoor winter activities and the pristine Rocky Mountain resorts have them all. Our cities come to life under the snow with world-famous festivals such as Québec's Winter Carnival. Fine dining experiences, new seasons of cultural events and unique shopping choices await you in Toronto and Montréal. Winter in Canada - it's no time to hibernate!