a17-020323

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
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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 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 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.

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.
Indicates featured inclusions
Begin Your Canadian Winter Vacation
Day 01

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
Day 02

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
Day 03

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.  

  • Private Transfer to Train Station
VIA Rail – Arrive in Jasper
Day 04

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
Day 05

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. 

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • 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 Wildlife Discovery Tour of Jasper

    Take in the beautiful winter landscape and spot wildlife around Jasper on a 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
Day 06

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 Chateau 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
Day 07

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
Day 08

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.

    You have 4 options to choose from today:
  • Dog Sledding Tour

    Travel to Canmore area where a team of friendly huskies will whisk you through the snowy 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.

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
Icefields Parkway Transfer
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, dog sledding, 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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Similar Trips

This trip is available for departures between October and November.