Question 1

Will I be travelling with a tour group, or is this an independent trip?

Accepted Answer

As our trips are personalized just for you, there's no fixed group schedule or rigid itinerary. You'll be travelling independently, with the freedom to explore at your own pace, and can choose the scheduled activities that match your interests. Our local experts help plan and coordinate your travel details and offer guidance and support throughout your trip.

Question 2

Can I modify or customize this trip?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We personalize all our guests’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs:

Add extra days: Spend more time at locations you’d like to explore.
Modify the route and stops: Omit areas that don’t interest you, add destinations and iconic landmarks, or adjust the direction of your itinerary.
Pick your experiences: Choose from our vast selection of small-group sightseeing tours and unique local activities.

Simply discuss your travel goals with our local travel experts and they'll ensure your trip aligns with your preferences and budget.

Question 3

Can I modify the trip's length by spending more or less time at certain locations?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Vacation Advisors who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.

Question 4

Where do I stay on my trip?

Accepted Answer

We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible.

Question 5

What amenities will my hotel have?

Accepted Answer

Hotel amenities can vary by property, so your Vacation Advisor will discuss what’s most important to you, such as air conditioning, parking, laundry, swimming pool, spa, onsite restaurants, or 24-hour room service.

Question 6

How can I find the total cost for this trip?

Accepted Answer

Because each of our trips is fully customized, the total cost depends on your travel dates, preferred accommodations, train service level, and chosen activities.

To ensure you get an accurate estimate, our local experts will take the time to understand your preferences and specific needs. Based on this information, they’ll provide you with a personalized quote that clearly outlines what’s included.

Question 7

Am I on the train the whole time?

Accepted Answer

Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.

Question 8

Can I purchase an individual train ticket?

Accepted Answer

Our personalized trips include much more than just train tickets. When you book with Fresh Tracks Canada, you receive expertly curated hotel accommodations and excursions tailored to your interests, plus airport, train and hotel transfers — ensuring a seamless travel experience from start to finish.

Question 9

Where do I sleep on the train?

Accepted Answer

All of our overnight train journeys feature a private cabin on board the train. In addition, you'll typically enjoy the train's viewing areas, common lounges, and dining cars where you can socialize with fellow travelers.

Question 10

What are the options for service levels on VIA Rail's Canadian train?

Accepted Answer

For VIA Rail's Canadian Train, we recommend Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class. Both these service levels offer private cabins, meals in the dining car, and access to viewing cars. Here’s what sets them apart:

Sleeper Plus Class

Cabin: Comfortable seating converts to upper and lower bunks; includes a sink and toilet, with a shared shower down the hall.
Meals and Drinks: All meals and non-alcoholic drinks included; alcoholic drinks available for purchase.
Viewing Access: Access to the Skyline Car and restricted access to the Prestige Park Car.

Prestige Class

Cabin: Larger cabin with an L-shaped couch that converts to a double bed, plus a private washroom and shower.
Meals and Drinks: All meals, snacks, and drinks (including alcoholic) are included. Afternoon tapas is served between lunch and dinner.
Exclusive Perks: Unlimited access to the Prestige Park Car, priority meal reservations, turndown service, and a dedicated concierge.

Question 11

What kind of winter clothing and gear is recommended for this journey?

Accepted Answer

On this trip, you will spend most of your time on the train which has heating and air conditioning. For your time in Vancouver and Toronto, we recommend bringing warm layers, a winter coat, and comfortable footwear. The weather conditions and temperatures can vary, depending on your month of travel. It’s best to check the weather forecast a few days before you travel so you can pack accordingly.

Average winter temperatures in Toronto range from -7 degrees C to 8 degrees C (19 to 46 degrees F). Rain and snow are very common.

Average winter temperatures in Vancouver range from 0 degrees C to 10 degrees C (32 to 50 degrees F). Rain is very common, with occasional snow.

Canadian Cross-Country Journey in Winter

Sleeper train journey in winter

See icy Niagara Falls on a guided tour

Sleep on board the famous 'Canadian' train

Travel through the Canadian Rockies covered in snow

Explore beautiful coastal Vancouver

See inside the train

The upper viewing level on VIA Rail’s Park Car

VIA Rail’s luxurious Prestige Class cabin

The classic dining car on VIA Rail

VIA Rail’s cozy Cabin for Two in Sleeper Plus

The Bullet Lounge on VIA Rail’s Park Car

Your Questions Answered

What’s Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be travelling with a tour group, or is this an independent trip?

Can I modify or customize this trip?

Can I modify the trip's length by spending more or less time at certain locations?

Where do I stay on my trip?

What amenities will my hotel have?

How can I find the total cost for this trip?

Am I on the train the whole time?

Can I purchase an individual train ticket?

Where do I sleep on the train?

What are the options for service levels on VIA Rail's Canadian train?

What kind of winter clothing and gear is recommended for this journey?

Sample Itinerary

Begin your Canadian winter vacation

Explore Niagara or Toronto

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

VIA Rail - The Canadian Shield

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

VIA Rail - Arrive in Vancouver

Discover Vancouver

Departure from Vancouver

Sample Itinerary

Begin your Canadian winter vacation

Explore Niagara or Toronto

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

VIA Rail - The Canadian Shield

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

VIA Rail - Arrive in Vancouver

Discover Vancouver

Departure from Vancouver

Download Itinerary

Prices

Accommodations

Fairmont Royal York

Azur Legacy Collection Hotel

Personalize This Itinerary

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Spend time in Jasper

Add a day in Whistler

Add a stay in Montreal

What Our Customers Say

Truly a memorable trip that we all will cherish for many years to come

It was perfect

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

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