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Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland

5.0
19 reviews

Length

9 days / 8 nights

Time on train

1 day / 1 night

Train type

Where it goes

When to go

December – March

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

  • Decide your desired budget
  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
Start Planning

Winter train trip through the Canadian Rockies

Enjoy a magical Canadian winter adventure. Settle into your cozy train cabin in Vancouver, sleeping onboard as snow falls outside. Wake in a Rockies winter wonderland for a week of discovery, fun, and indulgence.

Route map of Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland trip from Vancouver to Calgary
Highlights of your trip

Overnight journey on VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper

Splendour of Banff and Jasper National Parks in winter

Stay at the majestic Chateau Lake Louise

Winter adventures at your own pace 

Choose from dog sledding, ice walks, snow shoeing, wildlife spotting and more

Top experiences and features

Silver train traveling through snowy landscape with snowy mountains in the background.

Ride VIA Rail's snow train

Ride on board The Canadian train, and watch as the landscape turns from farmers' fields to frozen river canyons and snowy forests.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
Meals whilst onboard the train
Hotel accommodation
Choice of unique guided activities
Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
Train station transfers
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support
Electronic travel documentation package

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

On some of our trips, you’ll see that we categorize our hotel rooms by Comfort, Superior and Deluxe class, which generally translates into the traditional 3-, 4- or 5-star designation (equivalent to Sheraton and Fairmont). However, sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level or view.

Our Comfort Level hotels include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations and with excellent service.

Our Superior Level hotels provide amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. Superior level hotels are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel.

In Deluxe Level hotels, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget.

When you book, we’ll provide you with a detailed itinerary that will help you determine what to pack for your adventure.

January is usually the coldest month, when Banff’s average temperature is to -15°C but can drop below -20°C. Because the climate is dry and sunny, dressing in proper winter layers will ensure you stay toasty on outdoor excursions. We will provide you with a packing list tailored to your trip.

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.

Our vacations are not typically ‘escorted.’ You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of ‘independent’ travel.

This allows you, with the help of our Canadian Insiders, to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, timeframe and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.

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.

Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do.

If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.

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.

This trip itinerary features a private cabin in Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail's The Canadian train. Each cabin features comfortable seating that converts to a bed. Cabins include a sink and toilet and access to a shared shower.

In Sleeper Plus Class, you’ll also enjoy gourmet meals in the dining car and access to the train's viewing cars, where you can watch the passing scenery and meet fellow travellers. Complimentary tea, coffee and snacks are available throughout your journey. Alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase.

There are lots of fun activities available in Banff National Park during winter. Options include dogsledding, snowshoeing, ice walking, and sightseeing. You can choose the activities that best fit with your interests and needs. This itinerary also includes time in Lake Louise, where you can admire the beautiful frozen lake and enjoy a sleigh ride through the snowy landscape.

For more details on activity options, please see the trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors.

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, train-service level and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
Comfort Level
Hotel Accommodation
Airport transfer <> Calgary and Banff
Scheduled bus
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View full itinerary

Like this trip? Get more details with a sample itinerary:

  • Day-tour options and descriptions;
  • Departure dates;
  • Suggestions for personalizing your trip.
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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
Snow-capped mountains and lake with hotel in the middle

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Example of a Deluxe hotel in Lake Louise

Located in Banff National Park, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, a frozen lake, and the impressive Victoria Glacier. Winter activities include ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and sleigh rides.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Add the Northern Lights

Add the Northern Lights

Just a couple hours north of Vancouver or Calgary is the Yukon — prime Northern Lights viewing territory. We'll arrange it all! Your flights, accommodations, guided lights viewing experience, dogsledding, snow mobiling, ice fishing, and more.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 19 reviews

We loved having all of our arrangements made for us

Our trip was a wonderful way to see a part of the world we had never experienced before. It was great to be immersed in the culture, and close to nature in its unspoiled state. We... 

Charles and Barbara review of their [object Object] trip

Charles and Barbara

OH, USA

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