Trans Canada by Rail in Winter
Length
12 days / 11 nights
Time on train
4 days / 4 nights
Train type
Where it goes
When to go
January – 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
Snow train across Canada
Climb aboard the train in Vancouver, stopping in the Canadian Rockies to experience a winter wonderland. Continue across the country to end your journey in Toronto.
Sleep onboard VIA Rail’s Canadian Train in a private cabin
See the majestic Canadian Rockies in winter
Explore Vancouver, Jasper and Banff
Choice of unique winter tours and excursions
See the vast Canadian Prairies covered in snow
Spend a night in Toronto
Top experiences and features
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need
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.
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.
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! Explore Vancouver and the surrounding areas with one of the many activities available.
- 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.
- Private Transfer to Train Station

VIA Rail – Arrive in Jasper
Continue northeast through the Cariboo Mountains and enter the spectacular Canadian Rockies.
- Transfer from Train Station to Hotel

Sightsee Along the Icefields Parkway to Banff
Enjoy a scenic transfer along the spine of the Rockies — the Icefields Parkway — recognized as one of Canada’s most beautiful routes. Each turn reveals frozen waterfalls and impossibly vast mountain valleys.
- Private Icefields Parkway Tour
See sweeping views of the snowy Canadian Rockies as your private driver takes you along the Icefields Parkway. Frozen waterfalls and snow-clad glaciers are highlights along the way.
- Tour Upgrade: Private Icefields Sightseeing with Heli-Tour (Extra Cost)
At your own pace, explore the Icefields Parkway with a private guide. Then soar above lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls on a helicopter tour.

Explore Banff
Nestled amidst the soaring peaks of Banff National Park is the town of Banff — the liveliest of the Rocky Mountain towns. The energy is contagious. It's small enough to walk around and home to world-class eateries and boutiques.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dog Sledding Tour
Travel to Canmore area where a team of friendly huskies will whisk you through the snowy wilderness.

Travel from Banff to Jasper
Spend the morning exploring Banff. Browse the quaint local shops for souvenirs, or enjoy a scenic stroll before catching your transfer back to Jasper along the Parkway. Enjoy one more night in the Canadian Rockies.
- Transfer from Banff to Jasper

VIA Rail - Depart Jasper National Park
Board The Canadian train, wind your way out of Jasper National Park and head towards Toronto.
- Private Morning Discovery Tour of Jasper
Take in the beautiful winter landscape and spot wildlife around Jasper, before a drop off at the train station for your journey east.
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