Is this an escorted tour?

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.

Can I customize this trip?

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.

On some trips, I see hotels referred to as Comfort, Superior, and Deluxe. What is that?

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.

Where do I sleep on the train and what are the features of Sleeper Plus Class?

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.

What is the weather like in Jasper National Park during winter?

Expect cold, snowy conditions in Jasper throughout the winter months. January is usually the coldest month in Jasper National Park, with temperatures staying between -5 degrees C and -15 degrees C (23 degrees F to 5 degrees F). It can be even colder at higher elevations. Dressing in warm winter layers is recommended and will ensure that you are comfortable on any outdoor activities. We can provide you with a packing list if you’d like more information on what to wear during your trip.

Overview

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Itinerary

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Accommodations

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Winter Wonders of the West by Train

4.9

240 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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Snow train and stargazing in Western Canada

Take the sleeper train from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies, then explore the breathtaking winter landscape of Jasper National Park, one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world. Continue to Métis Crossing, where you can sleep under the stars and learn about Indigenous culture, history, and wildlife.

Route map of the Winter Wonders of the West train trip

Highlights of your trip

Overnight train journey from Vancouver to Jasper

Spend four nights in Jasper National Park

Explore the Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise

Choice of signature winter activities (dog sledding, snowshoeing, icewalks)

Immersive experiences at Métis Crossing, Alberta’s premier cultural destination

Top experiences and features

Athabasca Falls in the winter with snow on a sunny day

Tour the Icefields Parkway and see Lake Louise

Explore the world-famous Icefields Parkway on a tour to Lake Louise. Highlights include frozen Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefields, Weeping Wall, and Bow Lake.

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

Unique guided activities

Sleeper train experience in a private cabin

Meals onboard VIA Rail's Canadian Train

Meals at Métis Crossing

Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants

Train station transfers

Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights

Electronic travel documentation package

Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

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

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.
Dinner in Vancouver
Dine at one of our favourite harbourside restaurants. Watch seaplanes land and enjoy views of the North Shore Mountains.

Day 02

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

Day 03

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.

Jasper Orientation Tour and Transfer

Day 04

Discover Jasper

The small town of Jasper offers visitors a laid-back mountain experience with equal opportunities for adventure, discovery and relaxation.

You have 3 options to choose from today:

Jasper Walking Food Tour
Join a foodie guide and explore Jasper’s eclectic (and delicious) food scene on an afternoon tasting tour. Sample Canadian classics, locally brewed beers, and globally inspired cuisine.
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.
Dogsledding Tour (extra cost)

Day 05

Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise

Head out for an all-day tour of the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. After exploring frozen Lake Louise, you'll make the journey back to Jasper.

You have 2 options to choose from today:

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.
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise
Sip on traditional English Tea while enjoying the beautiful scenic views of Lake Louise.

Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise Tour
Explore the world-famous Icefields Parkway on a guided sightseeing tour to Lake Louise. Highlights may include frozen Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefields, Weeping Wall, and Bow Lake.
Transfer from Lake Louise to Jasper

Day 06

Explore Jasper

Spend another day exploring the beautiful winter landscape in Jasper.

You have 3 options to choose from today:

Private Snowshoe Tour
Dinner and Stargazing Experience
Enjoy a delicious dinner, then head outside for an interactive stargazing tour under one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves in the world. View stars, planets, and galaxies through the largest telescope in the Canadian Rockies.
Half Day Train and Sightseeing Tour

Day 07

Jasper to Métis Crossing

Travel along the Yellowhead Highway to Edmonton today. After a brief stop, continue to Métis Crossing, Alberta's premier cultural destination.

Transfer from Jasper to Edmonton
Transfer to Metis Crossing
Dinner at Métis Crossing
Whispers from the Stars - Night Sky Experience

Day 08

Explore Métis Crossing

Enjoy your choice of cultural experience at Métis Crossing. Learn about the Métis people and their connection with the land and the wildlife.

You have 2 options to choose from today:

Tales from the Trapline Tour
Métis Crossing Wildlife Tour

Breakfast at Métis Crossing
Meet the Métis Cultural Experience
Lunch at Métis Crossing
Dinner at Métis Crossing

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
VIA Rail - Depart V...
VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver
Day 3
VIA Rail – Arrive i...
VIA Rail – Arrive in Jasper
Day 4
Discover Jasper
Discover 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.

Superior Level

Hotel Accommodation

VIA Rail Service

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Deluxe Level

Hotel Accommodation

VIA Rail Service

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Day-tour options and descriptions;
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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.

Couple watching Northern Lights from Sky Watching Pod at Metis Crossing

Métis Crossing

A cultural destination in Alberta

Métis Crossing is Alberta's first major Métis cultural interpretive destination. Relax by the cozy stone fireplace within the central dining hall, or on the covered outdoor deck which overlooks the North Saskatchewan River. Accommodation options include river view suites in the boutique lodge and private sky-watching domes.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of our most popular enhancements to personalize this journey.

Visit Banff National Park

Discover more of the Canadian Rockies by adding a few nights in Banff National Park. Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain to catch views of six mountain ranges or enjoy afternoon tea at the Chateau Lake Louise.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 240 reviews

The scenery was beautiful

Rocky Mountaineer was great (people and food). The scenery was beautiful. Everyone remembering our anniversary and personalizing it with cards and small gestures was special. The g...

Bob and Judy

GA, USA

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Winter Wonders of the West by Train

Snow train and stargazing in Western Canada

Overnight train journey from Vancouver to Jasper

Spend four nights in Jasper National Park

Explore the Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise

Choice of signature winter activities (dog sledding, snowshoeing, icewalks)

Immersive experiences at Métis Crossing, Alberta’s premier cultural destination

Top experiences and features

Tour the Icefields Parkway and see Lake Louise

Your Questions Answered

What’s Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an escorted tour?

Can I customize this trip?

On some trips, I see hotels referred to as Comfort, Superior, and Deluxe. What is that?

Where do I sleep on the train and what are the features of Sleeper Plus Class?

What is the weather like in Jasper National Park during winter?

Sample Itinerary

Begin your Canadian winter vacation

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

VIA Rail – Arrive in Jasper

Discover Jasper

Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise

Explore Jasper

Jasper to Métis Crossing

Explore Métis Crossing

Sample Itinerary

Prices

View full itinerary

Accommodations

Métis Crossing

Personalize This Itinerary

Visit Banff National Park

What Our Customers Say

The scenery was beautiful

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

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