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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 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.

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, dogsledding, 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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