Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland
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.
Suggested length
9 days / 8 nights
Price
From Loading... per person
When to go
December – March
Time on train
1 day / 1 night
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
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
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 Best Western, 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 Canadian Insiders 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.
Trip Itinerary

Begin Your Canadian Winter Vacation
The cool, fresh air is invigorating as you start your Canadian winter train vacation. Vancouver’s relatively mild weather is a great introduction, but look to the north and discover the winter scene you’ve been dreaming of — Vancouver’s coastal mountains stand before you covered in pure white snow.
- Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport
Bypass the crowds and start making the most of your vacation. A friendly driver welcomes you to the city.

Discover Vancouver
With a mild climate and so much to do, it’s no wonder people flock to this west coast city! Take the day to explore Vancouver.
- Vancouver and Capilano Park Tour
- Dinner in Vancouver
Dine at one of our favourite harbourside restaurants. Watch seaplanes land and enjoy views of the North Shore Mountains.

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver
Board The Canadian train in Vancouver and begin your eastward journey to Jasper. Pass through the varied landscape of British Columbia's Fraser Valley.
- FlyOver Canada Admission
During your free time today, see Canada from coast to coast at FlyOver Canada. Take a seat in front of a 20-metre-wide spherical screen and enjoy a breathtaking flight simulation.
- Private Transfer to Train Station

VIA Rail – Arrive in Jasper
After travelling through BC's Cariboo Mountains, arrive in Jasper National Park. Get ready to explore the charming mountain town of Jasper and the stunning Canadian Rockies.
- Transfer from Train Station to Hotel

Explore Jasper
Jasper is a great base to explore Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. The small town of Jasper offers visitors a laid-back mountain experience with equal opportunities for adventure, discovery and relaxation.
- Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour
Strap on some ice cleats and walk the floor of Maligne Canyon. See breathtaking ice and rock formations, and ice climbers scaling frozen waterfalls.
- Morning Discovery Tour of Jasper
Take in the beautiful winter landscape around Jasper on a relaxing sightseeing bus tour.
- Suggested Add-On: Jasper Walking Food Tour
On this afternoon tasting tour, sample Canadian classics, locally brewed beers, and globally inspired cuisine.

Travel the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise
Breathe in the fresh mountain air and sip a warm cup of coffee before you travel to Lake Louise today. Once there, you will have yet another wonderful landscape to admire and explore.
- Transfer from Jasper to Lake Louise
- Suggested Upgrade: Winter Heli Safari (Extra Cost)
Travel along the Icefields Parkway with a private guide. Stop at Abraham Lake to soar above the mountains by helicopter, then see beautiful bubble formations trapped in ice.
- Lake Louise Sleigh Ride
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the sparkling snow. Enjoy views of the Château Lake Louise and spectacular mountain scenery.
- Feature Dinner: Lake Louise Fondue
A delicious fondue dinner in a cozy restaurant is the perfect way to spend a winter evening.

Lake Louise to Banff
Later this morning, travel the short distance from Lake Louise to Banff. Banff is the liveliest of the mountain towns on your Canadian holiday. There are plenty of quaint shops to visit, and the sweet smell of homemade maple fudge will lure you in for a truly delicious experience.
- Transfer to Banff

Explore Banff
The town of Banff is nestled amidst the soaring peaks of Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park. The park is home to some of the most captivating scenery in North America. Banff is small enough to walk around and has plenty of world-class eateries and boutiques.
- Dog Sledding Tour
Travel to Canmore where a team of friendly huskies will whisk you through the wilderness.
- Banff Sightseeing Tour and Daytime/Evening Gondola
On a morning small-group bus tour, discover Banff’s unique heritage, enchanting folklore, and stunning backdrop in the Canadian Rockies. Choose a daytime Gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain after your tour, or take the Gondola at dusk and experience the Nightrise light show.
- Paint Pots Snowshoe Tour
Snowshoe across the frozen Vermilion River and through the forest to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure within Banff National Park.
- Johnston Canyon Icewalk Tour
Explore Johnston Canyon with the help of ice cleats. As you wander along the catwalks built into the canyon walls, enjoy the views of the gorge below.
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What Our Customers Say
Insider Tips
From the snow capped mountain peaks to the vibrant lakes, dense forest, and alpine meadows you will not find a more diverse landscape with so much to offer! Skiing and hiking are just a couple of my favorite things; there is no other place I would rather call home.
Ashley
Canadian Insider

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This trip is available for departures between October and November.
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