Canada Winter Vacation: The Canadian Rockies by Train

Follow our best-selling Canada winter vacation itinerary from Vancouver to the snowy wonderland of the Canadian Rockies.

Summary

• Our best-selling Canada winter vacation is a sleeper train trip from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies
• The itinerary includes excursions like snowshoeing, sleigh rides, wildlife tours, and gondola rides
• Our favorite winter add-ons include Northern Lights viewing, Christmas Day at Fairmont Banff Springs, and traveling beyond the Rockies on the trans-Canada train

Canada winter vacations encompass everything from snowy mountains to historic festive cities to Arctic Northern Lights viewing. But for experiencing a truly Canadian winter, we recommend a winter trip through the Canadian Rockies above all.

We've spent over 25 years designing trips in Canada for everyone from the newly retired to young families, traveling from the West Coast to the Canadian Rockies, north to Churchill, and east to the Maritimes.

In that time, one winter journey has become a guest favorite: our Winter Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies package. It includes a sleeper train ride to the snow-covered mountains and a five-day tour through the heart of the Rockies. It’s the most relaxed way to take in a Canadian winter, and where we’d like to send you first.

The Canadian train in the snowy Canadian Rockies | Credit: VIA Rail

Winter Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies | VIA Rail

Our Winter Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies package, a one-week journey from Vancouver to the mountains on VIA Rail's winter sleeper train, is our best-selling winter vacation package and has been year after year.

We'll run through the package day by day. But remember, the trip is yours to tinker with; our team will help you shape the trip to your liking, whether that means choosing your favorite excursions, adding days in bucket-list destinations, or extending your journey to take in more of Canada. The itinerary below is a starting point. We’ll build the trip around you from there.

Banff Ave in winter | Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) / Robert Massey

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail

Day 2

Jasper | Arrival on VIA Rail

Day 3

Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose - 1 of 6 Excursions

• Option 1: Pleckaitis or Maligne Canyon Icewalk
• Option 2: Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour
• Option 3: Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope Experience
• Option 4: Secrets of Jasper Snowshoe Tour
• Option 5: Upgrade Option: Jasper Foodie Tour
• Option 6: Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour

Day 4

Jasper to Lake Louise | Coach | Evening Sleigh Ride

Day 5

Lake Louise to Banff | Coach

Day 6

Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions

• Option 1: Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Gondola
• Option 2: Snowshoeing at Paint Pots
• Option 3: Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls Adventure
• Option 4: Electric Fat Biking Banff Adventure

Day 7

Banff to Calgary | Coach

Pre-Trip

In the run-up to your trip, your Travel Designer will stay in touch.

We always like to recommend that people arrive for their trip at least a night early to give them room in case of any arrival delays. With this time, get to know Vancouver a little.

Stroll the seawall in Stanley Park, browse the food stalls on Granville Island, or wander the cobblestones of historic Gastown. Arriving early also means you can settle in, adjust to the time zone, and board the train rested and ready the following day.

A Prestige Class private cabin in winter | Credit: VIA Rail

Day 1: Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail

Day one begins in Vancouver, on Canada's West Coast. Winter in Vancouver is mild, meaning there probably won't be snow here.

The Canadian train leaves Vancouver at 3pm, so you'll have plenty of time in the morning to explore the things to do in Vancouver in winter, which we argue is best started with a hot brunch and a wander through Gastown. If it's raining, the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Flyover in Vancouver are both also centrally located.

Plan to get to Pacific Central Station around an hour before departure time to get checked in, choose your dinner time with the host, and settle into the lounge.

Before you know it, you'll be boarding the Canadian, settling into your cabin, and making your way to one of the communal lounges for (included) sparkling wine as you depart. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the views before the sun sets, even in winter, so you can watch the Fraser Valley farmland roll by and the Coast Mountains on the horizon as you enjoy the dome car and dining car.

The winter view from the Skyline dome | Credit: Canada By Design

Day 2: Jasper | Arrival on VIA Rail

Day two begins as you wake up onboard the Canadian train. You've entered the Canadian Rockies. By now, you should see the mountainous landscapes that define the region. And, with just a little luck, snowy forests line the track.

We highly recommend making your way to the Skyline dome car to watch the sunrise — far easier in winter than in summer — before a late brunch is held in the dining car.

You'll arrive in Jasper around 12pm, though we recommend taking this with a grain of salt as the train can be subject to delays; freight trains take priority on the shared tracks. Rest assured, the Canadian staff will take fantastic care of you for as long as you remain onboard. Enjoy the journey for what it is: a slow-travel masterclass that harkens back to the days when travel had its own lilt and flow.

The rest of day two is left free for you to settle in and explore Jasper. We recommend a steaming hot drink and a pastry in Bear's Paw Bakery, a local and visitor favorite.

A canyon icewalk excursion in Jasper | Credit: Travel Alberta / Jason Hill

Day 3: Jasper | Freedom of Choice

Now that you're settled in Jasper, the winter fun begins. The choice of excursions varies year by year as we continue to discover new and exciting ways to explore the Canadian Rockies.

This year, choose between hiking through frozen canyons, a winter wildlife tour through the frozen Athabasca Valley, guided snowshoeing along pristine snowy trails, or dogsledding through Jasper National Park's thick alpine forest.

"Our trip was absolutely perfect! All the arrangements were well coordinated, and everything went smoothly. The locations were beautiful, and the accommodations were perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.” - Maridy, Recent Traveler

Or, to soak up the authentic mountain town atmosphere, take a walking food tour of Jasper, stopping through four of the town's best-loved eateries and experiencing what makes it so special.

Jasper has so many things to do in winter, be it the icy mountains or the warm little town at their heart. We'll help you find the bit that calls to you most, and let you go out there and experience it.

A horse-drawn sleigh ride around Lake Louise | Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel

Day 4: Jasper to Lake Louise

Today, you're off to Banff National Park, more specifically to Lake Louise. While the lake is famous for its summertime hue, winter months give way to a vast frozen lake, with ice skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides taking their place on the ice.

You'll be picked up by coach to travel southward along the Icefields Parkway, an absolutely stunning road traveling through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The 144-mile road is lined with beautiful nature in the form of truly towering snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes. While the road is gorgeous any time of year, we think that the pure white peaks, fresh glaciers, and snowy pine forests give the road a special allure in winter. The drive takes around 4 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the view.

In the evening, we'll treat you to an evening sleigh ride along Lake Louise's shore, gliding all the way to the far end of the lake beneath Victoria Glacier, before settling into the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the night.

BASIN Glacial Waters Spa at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Credit: Travel Alberta / Devon Rogers

Day 5: Lake Louise to Banff

Staying overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise means you'll wake to the sunrise over the frozen lake without needing to book an early morning tour to get you here. Today makes the perfect time for a mid-trip break, a day with a slower pace to let you decompress from the adventures so far.

Spend the morning relaxing at a slow pace, enjoying breakfast overlooking the lake, ice skating on the surface (skates are available to rent from the hotel), wandering the lakeside trail, tucking into traditional high tea at the Fairview Restaurant, or booking into the new BASIN Glacial Waters thermal wellness spa for a 3-hour self-paced circuit through lakefront indoor-outdoor baths.

In either early- or late- afternoon (it's your choice), we'll arrange for a transfer along the Bow Valley Parkway to Banff.

Walking the boardwalk at the top of Banff Gondola | Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism / Noel Hendrickson

Day 6: Banff | Freedom of Choice

Your full day in Banff will include another choice of excursions. Options for a wildlife tour (this time with an included gondola ride), guided snowshoeing, and canyon hiking all make another appearance, along with electric fat biking helping you get further into the winter wonderland with a fraction of the effort.

Today gives you a chance to try another winter activity that called to you the first time around and explore more of the Canadian Rockies however you so wish.

Once you're back in town, head along to Banff Avenue, Banff's main street, for a wide array of eateries from cozy pubs and grills all the way to lavish fine dining. Winter in Banff is, quite simply, magical, so soaking it up in town is a must.

Shopping on Banff Avenue | Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel

Day 7: Banff to Calgary

On your last day, we'll schedule a transfer to take you from Banff to downtown Calgary or Calgary Airport to connect with your flight home. Spend any free time in the morning wandering Banff Ave one last time, picking up any souvenirs you had your eye on, and enjoying the mountain views.

The drive from Banff to Calgary takes around 1.5 hours.

Winter Vacation Add-Ons

At Canada By Design, we customize and personalize packages for guests looking for an extra touch. That means we can add on extra nights and excursions in your favorite stops, adjust travel dates around important celebrations, schedule downtime, or link together packages all in the hopes of creating your perfect vacation.

For our winter itineraries, that might look like a plane to the Yukon to see the Northern Lights, an extended train trip to the other side of the country, or adjusting your trip to coincide with Christmas itself.

The Northern Lights at a resort in the Yukon | Credit: Northern Lights Resort and Spa

Northern Lights Viewing in the Yukon

Before you journey east to the Rockies, we'll fly you north to the Yukon for three nights of guided Northern Lights viewing. And, in the daytime, tour the northern city of Whitehorse and choose between classic Yukon winter activities like ice fishing, dog sledding, or a winter wildlife tour and hot springs combo.

At the end of your time in the far north, we'll fly you back to Vancouver, ready to board the winter sleeper train to Jasper.

The sunrise over the Canadian prairies from the Skyline dome | Credit: VIA Rail

Trans-Canada Train to Toronto

Extend your time in Canada by continuing on across the country by rail. Your trip will begin as outlined, taking VIA Rail's Canadian to Jasper, where you'll tour through the Canadian Rockies for a week, making all the same stops as on our base package.

Then, we'll bring you back to Jasper where you'll reboard the Canadian to experience the rest of its iconic trans-Canada journey, watching the sunrise over snowy prairies, entering the Canadian Shield's frozen woodlands, and finally ending in Toronto three days later.

The Christmas decorations in Quebec City | Credit: Destination Quebec City / Marion Desjardins

Train-Hopping to Quebec City

Add our Winter Splendors package to the end of your trans-Canada winter train tour to train-hop across the country. Switch to VIA Rail's Corridor service — traveling in Business Class, of course — and hop between Montreal and Quebec City, two of the best cities to visit in Canada in winter.

If you're there in the run-up to the holidays, we recommend wandering the charming Christmas markets in both, where the cobbled streets are lined with twinkling lights and the squares hold German-inspired stalls simmering mulled wine, roasting chestnuts, and selling traditional gifts.

The Christmas tree at Fairmont Banff Springs | Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Christmas Day at the Fairmont Banff Springs

While not an add-on, per se, adjusting your trip to spend Christmas Day itself in an utterly majestic castle in the Canadian Rockies is absolutely an upgrade to any Canada winter vacation. You'll arrive in the Rockies a few days before Christmas, touring the mountains until, on Christmas Eve, you're brought to Fairmont Banff Springs for Christmas in the castle, a truly storybook Christmas.

You'll spend the morning waking up over coffee and hot chocolate, and unwrapping gifts. Then activities like gingerbread decorating, ice skating, caroling, or unwinding in the heated pools or spa will keep you busy until the grand Christmas dinner that evening in one of the nine on-site restaurants: the Vermillion Room.

Why Canada By Design

Our credentials? Over 25 years experience designing custom tours and itineraries through Canada, curating trips for every kind of traveler. We know what to do, when to do it, and how to arrange it into a life-changing vacation.

"I cannot say enough good things about our Senior Travel Designer, who helped us every step of the way. First of all, he wanted to understand the purpose of our 35th wedding anniversary trip... I could tell he was genuinely excited that we had reached this milestone in our marriage and really wanted to make this special for us." - Mike, Recent Traveler

Our team has collectively traveled Canada corner to corner, including spotting polar bears in northern Manitoba, sleeping onboard the winter train, scoping out remote lodges in British Columbia, and touring Atlantic Canada by car, all with the hopes of making each experience perfect for our guests.

We use this experience to shape the recommendations we provide and the vacations we design.

Our team on the Canadian train in winter | Credit: Canada By Design

Reach Out Today

As expert vacation planners, our team specializes in putting together complex, multi-stage vacations while making them feel entirely seamless to the guests taking them.

Reach out today to get in touch with a personal Travel Designer and begin planning your winter vacation.

FAQs

Where is the “must-visit” place in Canada during winter?

The biggest must-visit place in Canada during winter is the Canadian Rockies. They’re stunning year-round, but in winter you get to see the full snow-capped mountains effect. With little mountain towns like Jasper and Banff dotted throughout, it makes the perfect storybook winter wonderland to visit.

Is Canada a good winter vacation destination if you don’t ski?

Canada is a great winter destination if you don’t ski. While there are a lot of ski hills, there are also opportunities to try activities like dog sledding, natural-rink ice skating, winter wildlife tours, and snowshoeing, to name a few.

What is the benefit of a travel planner for a winter trip in Canada?

The main benefits of using a travel planner are their expertise and the lack of stress when planning.

At Canada By Design, our Travel Designers have over 25 years of expertise behind them when they plan a trip to Canada, and a network of preferred partners across the country who we trust to give our guests the very best experiences.

We link every activity together with seamless tours, transfers, and train rides, so our guests can relax into the trip instead of tackling the logistics themselves. So, when traveling with travel planners like us, you’ll know that everything fits together the best it possibly could.

Can you drive in winter in Canada as a tourist?

You can drive in winter as a tourist, but we wouldn't recommend it. Unless you're well-accustomed to driving in unpredictable weather, including snow and ice, driving in Canada adds stress to your trip that you just don't need. For that reason, all of our winter vacations in Canada focus on rail travel and transfers, leaving the transport to the professionals and letting you get on with the 'enjoying the trip' part.

Feature Image Credit: Travel Alberta / Richelle Watson @richelle_watson