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Winter Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies | VIA Rail
INTRODUCTION
The Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies is our best-selling Canadian Rockies winter train tour.
Journey through the winter scenery of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise with a night in Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail.
Spend days in the Canadian Rockies enjoying Ice Walks and sleigh rides, and nights tucking into cozy Canadian mountain resorts.
Customize it to include snowshoe helicopter tours, ice climbing and more!.
Itinerary at a Glance
MAP

DETAILED ITINERARY
The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Day 1 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA RailThis afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Step back in time to the days of classic rail travel, riding in the original steel ‘streamliner’ railcars made famous by the ‘Canadian’ in the 1950s. Each car has been lovingly restored with air conditioning, a dining car, lounge car, and dome car. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes as you enjoy dinner (included), then retreat to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.
Day 2 Jasper | Arrival VIA RailRise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. (breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)
Day 3 Jasper Freedom of Choice | 1 of 4 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Maligne Canyon Ice WalkExperience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up! The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50 metre gorge. Option 2. Discover Jasper & its Wildlife TourTravel through the Athabasca Valley to some of the park’s most beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain scenery to seek out all the park’s most iconic creatures. Option 3. Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope ExperienceJoin astronomy guides for a full evening of cosmic exploration, starting inside with a world-exclusive domed theatre experience, then outside with the largest telescope in the Rockies. In the climate-controlled 40-seat dome theatre, take a LIVE virtual tour Jasper’s 11,000 sq km Dark Sky Preserve.Option 4. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding TourTravel by dog sled along 22 km (13 mi) of pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire, hot apple cider, and homemade treats.
Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Coach | Evening Sleigh RideTravel southward along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. This spectacular drive through glacier country features massive snow covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad-reaching valleys. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute sleigh ride that takes place beside the lake.
Day 5 Lake Louise to Banff | CoachDepart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley.
Day 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsDuring your stay in Banff you can personalize your stay by choosing two of these excursionsOption 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife TourKeep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep on this morning tour of Banff. Scenic highlights include Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, the Hoodoos Viewpoint & Lake Minnewanka.Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint PotsAfternoon snowshoe tour on an easy trail winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots with its ochre colors mineral pools.Option 3. Johnston Canyon IcewalkThis morning Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to stunning frozen waterfalls and amazing views within the canyon.Option 4. Banff GondolaExperience a world of adventure and beauty at the summit of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain. Indoors, the experience is equal parts excitement and exploration, with an interpretive centre. Outside, the epic views are truly endless with a stroll along the mountain boardwalk.
Day 7 Banff to Calgary | CoachToday you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. We will schedule a transfer to bring you to downtown Calgary, or to the Calgary Airport to connect with your flight home.
Day 1 Calgary to Banff | CoachLeave the Stampede City of Calgary on the express service to Banff, where you’ll arrive to a picturesque resort town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Located within Banff National Park, Banff is renowned for its scenic natural beauty and stunning wildlife.
Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsDuring your stay in Banff you can personalize your stay by choosing two of these excursionsOption 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife TourKeep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep on this morning tour of Banff. Scenic highlights include Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, the Hoodoos Viewpoint & Lake Minnewanka.Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint PotsAfternoon snowshoe tour on an easy trail winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots with its ochre colors mineral pools.Option 3. Johnston Canyon IcewalkThis morning Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to stunning frozen waterfalls and amazing views within the canyon.Option 4. Banff GondolaExperience a world of adventure and beauty at the summit of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain. Indoors, the experience is equal parts excitement and exploration, with an interpretive centre. Outside, the epic views are truly endless with a stroll along the mountain boardwalk.
Day 3 Banff to Lake Louise | Coach | Evening Sleigh Ride Depart Banff in the early afternoon for a short drive to Lake Louise via the scenic Bow Valley. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute sleigh ride that takes place beside the lake.
Day 4 Lake Louise to Jasper | CoachTravel northward along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper today. This spectacular drive through glacier country features massive snow covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad reaching valleys.
Day 6 Jasper Freedom of Choice | 1 of 4 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Maligne Canyon Ice WalkExperience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up! The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50 metre gorge. Option 2. Discover Jasper & its Wildlife TourTravel through the Athabasca Valley to some of the park’s most beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain scenery to seek out all the park’s most iconic creatures. Option 3. Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope ExperienceJoin astronomy guides for a full evening of cosmic exploration, starting inside with a world-exclusive domed theatre experience, then outside with the largest telescope in the Rockies. In the climate-controlled 40-seat dome theatre, take a LIVE virtual tour Jasper’s 11,000 sq km Dark Sky Preserve.Option 4. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding TourTravel by dog sled along 22 km (13 mi) of pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire, hot apple cider, and homemade treats.
Day 6 Jasper to Vancouver | VIA RailThis morning, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the journey from Jasper to Vancouver. Using the original steel railcars from the 1950s, sit back and relax in the dome car to enjoy a dramatic change in scenery as you travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson. Watch the landscape transition from mountains to desert as you follow the Thompson River into central British Columbia. Brunch and dinner is included onboard VIA Rail, and your private quarters will once again be transformed into a bedroom for the overnight journey.
Day 7 Vancouver Arrival | VIA RailWaking to the coastal city of Vancouver today, your tour ends upon arrival.(continental breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- Sleeping berth onboard VIA Rail Sleeper Touring service for 1 night
- 2 nights accommodation in Jasper
- 1 night accommodation in Lake Louise
- 2 nights accommodation in Banff
- Private transfer between rail depot and hotel in Jasper
- Jasper | Freedom of Choice - 1 of 4 Excursions
- Maligne Canyon Ice Walk
- Discover Jasper & Its Wildlife Tour
- Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope Experience
- Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour
- Scheduled express coach between Jasper & Lake Louise
- Sleigh ride at Lake Louise
- Scheduled express coach between Lake Louise & Banff
- Banff | Freedom of Choice - 1 of 3 Excursions
- Discover Banff & its Wildlife Tour
- Snowshoeing at Paint Potts Tour
- Johnson Canyon Icewalk
- Scheduled express coach between Banff & Calgary
- National Park fees
- Meals as per Itinerary
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade
- VIA Rail | Upper / Lower Semi Private Sleeper Berth
- Jasper - Lobstick Lodge | Standard Room
- Lake Louise - Lake Louise Inn | Summit Deluxe Two Queen Room
- Banff - Elk + Avenue Hotel | Standard Room
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade
- VIA Rail | Private Cabin
- Jasper - Forest Park Lodge | Standard Room
- Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Fairmont Room
- Banff - Banff Caribou Lodge | Standard Room
Hotel & Rail Information | Deluxe Grade
- VIA Rail | Private Cabin
- Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Deluxe Room
- Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Fairmont Lakeview Room
- Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Deluxe Room
Hotel & Rail Information | Deluxe Upgrade
- VIA Rail | Private Cabin
- Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Premier Deluxe Room
- Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Deluxe Lakeview Room
- Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Deluxe Mountainview Room
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Activities other than specified
- Meals other than specified
- Portage fees
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with a Canada Train Travel Designer and bring your vacation one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departing from Vancouver: Monday, Friday(Tour Code: TR70)Departing from Calgary: Monday, Friday(Tour Code: TR71)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade with Upper/Lower Semi Private Sleeper Berth on-board VIA Rail | ||||
15 Nov 22 - 15 Dec 22 16 Dec 22 - 02 Jan 23 03 Jan 23 - 10 Apr 23 VIA Rail | Upgrade to Private Cabin |Vancouver to Jasper 2022/2023 Season | $2,424 $2,729 $2,446
$405 | $3,161 $3,771 $3,208
$405 | $2,243 $2,446 $2,259
$405 | $1,338 $1,338 $1,338
$405 |
Superior Grade with Private Cabin on-board VIA Rail | ||||
15 Nov 22 - 15 Dec 22 16 Dec 22 - 02 Jan 23 03 Jan 23 - 10 Apr 23 VIA Rail | Upgrade to Prestige Double Bedroom | Vancouver to Jasper 2022/2023 Season | $3,251 $3,773 $3,374
$1,006 | $4,279 $5,324 $4,526
$2,703 | $2,993 $3,341 $3,075
| $1,874 $1,874 $1,874
|
Deluxe Grade with Private Cabin on-board VIA Rail | ||||
15 Nov 22 - 15 Dec 22 16 Dec 22 - 02 Jan 23 03 Jan 23 - 10 Apr 23 VIA Rail | Upgrade to Prestige Double Bedroom | Vancouver to Jasper 2022/2023 Season | $4,037 $5,283 $4,413
$1,006 | $5,852 $8,343 $6,604
$2,703 | $3,596 $4,426 $3,846
| $1,874 $1,874 $1,874
|
Deluxe Upgrade with Private Cabin onboard VIA Rail | ||||
15 Nov 22 - 15 Dec 22 16 Dec 22 - 02 Jan 23 03 Jan 23 - 10 Apr 23 VIA Rail | Upgrade to Prestige Double Bedroom | Vancouver to Jasper 2022/2023 Season | $4,292 $5,753 $4,668
$1,006 | $6,362 $9,285 $7,115
$2,703 | $3,766 $4,740 $4,016
| $1,874 $1,874 $1,874
|
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REVIEWS
1 of 4
"When we go back in future to Canada we will contact you again. Will recommend your company!"
We are back again from a wonderful trip in the Rockies. Everything was great! The Fairmont hotels we loved it. We had wonderful rooms in each hotel, the bus transfers very good arranged. We enjoyed our trips - snowshoeing, ice canyon walk, sleigh-ride, is was all fantastic! I was happily surprised with the informative travel documents with the lonely planet guide that we received on arrival in the Banff Springs hotel. So we want to thank you and your colleagues very much for arranging this wonderful trip for us! When we go back in future to Canada we will contact you again. Will recommend your company!
Jacqueline Netherlands
2 of 4
"We had the most fabulous trip to our Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies."
We had the most fabulous trip to our Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies. Thank you so much for organizing all our travels and hotels.Highlights: the vintage train from Vancouver to Jasper! Via Rail Canadian needs better pictures to tout the awesome rail with it's adorable public rooms, dinning car, glass roof cars and cozy cabins. I left the shade up all night and watched the world go by.
Mary California, United States
3 of 4
"We would highly recommend Jennifer and Canada by Design for all of your travel needs. We count ourselves very lucky that we found this 5-star team of travel experts!"
We chose Canada by Design in favor of a travel company in our own country, as we thought that the local experience would give us a better holiday. How right we were! We also saved ourselves a lot of money, as Jennifer's quote was much less expensive than the quote we received in Australia. We liaised with Jennifer by email many months before our trip, to organize our once-in-a-lifetime Christmas Snow Train adventure from Vancouver through Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and, finally, Calgary. Jennifer and her colleagues provided us with an excellent standard of service, always prompt, friendly and efficient. All accommodation was of a high quality, with The Fairmont Castle at Banff being outstanding. We felt like we were living in a fairy-tale with the amazing scenery that we encountered all along the way. When we first arrived in Vancouver, we headed directly to the Canada by Design office because we wanted to meet Jennifer in person. We were given a tour of the office and greeted by the whole team. Jennifer continued to work for us during this meeting, by offering suggestions for our time in Vancouver before our train departed. We would highly recommend Jennifer and Canada by Design for all of your travel needs. We count ourselves very lucky that we found this 5-star team of travel experts!
Julie Cass Brisbane, Australia
4 of 4
"We will be recommending you to others and will use you again when we return for more adventure."
We are leaving Calgary today to return to Vancouver after our week trip that you organized for us. Just want to thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The train and the places we stayed were great. Everything was so easy with transport and accommodation. We will be recommending you to others and will use you again when we return for more adventure.
Kay New Zealand
Winter Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies | VIA Rail
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