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Trans Canada by Rail in Winter

5.0
4 reviews

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
Start Planning

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.

Route map of Trans Canada by Rail in Winter trip from Vancouver to Toronto
Highlights of your trip

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

The city of Vancouver skyline with snowy mountains behind

Explore Vancouver

Surrounded by mountains and ocean, the city of Vancouver is a west coast gem.

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

Hotel accommodation
Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
Meals whilst onboard the train
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
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

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 Vacation Advisors 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.

This trip itinerary features Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail's Canadian train between Vancouver and Toronto. Sleeper Plus includes meals on the train.

As you travel across the country, you will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the train’s dining car. These meals are cooked by onboard chefs and are made using fresh ingredients. Lunch and dinner are three courses (starter, main, dessert). The menu options usually include a meat dish, fish dish, and vegetarian dish. If you have dietary requirements or allergies, you can request special meals in advance.

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.

This itinerary allows you to choose your preferred activities and excursions. We include a range of small group sightseeing tours, and you can pick the ones that suit your activity level.

In Banff, for example, there’s the option to try winter activities like ice walking, snowshoeing, or dogsledding. If you’d like something less active, you could take a tour of the area’s highlights and enjoy a gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

For more details, please see the full 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! 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
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

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
Day 05

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.  

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • 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
Day 06

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.

    You have 4 options to choose from today:
  • 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
Day 07

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
Day 08

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.

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
VIA Rail Service
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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.
Snowy mountains and trees with Fairmont Banff Springs hotel in the middle

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Example of a Deluxe hotel in Banff

Often referred to as Canada's "Castle in the Rockies," the Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic landmark in the town of Banff. Put your skating skills to the test at the hotel's ice rink, toast marshmallows by the crackling fire, or head out for a day of spectacular skiing.

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 4 reviews

The beautiful nature and crisp fresh air was delightful

The beautiful nature and crisp fresh air was delightful. I loved the dog sledding experience. Fun, informative and the dogs were happy and unique! Fresh Tracks was wonderful! I cou... 

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Sally

PA, USA

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