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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
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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

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

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. 

  • Small Group Interpretative Transfer 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:
  • Dogsledding Tour

    Travel to the Canmore area, where you will meet a team of friendly huskies waiting to whisk you through the snowy wilderness. Harness the dogs and drive the team yourself, or simply enjoy the experience as a passenger. 

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

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
  • Day 1

    Begin Your Canadian...

    Begin Your Canadian Winter Vacation

  • Day 2

    Discover Vancouver

    Discover Vancouver

  • Day 3

    VIA Rail - Depart V...

    VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

  • Day 4

    VIA Rail – Arrive i...

    VIA Rail – Arrive in Jasper

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.

See the Northern Lights

See the Northern Lights

Did you know that Canada is home to some of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights? Fly north from Vancouver or Calgary and land in prime aurora viewing territory. We’ll arrange it all! Your accommodations, guided lights viewing experience, dogsledding, snowmobiling, 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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