Best of the Canadian Rockies Winter Train Vacation

Day 1 Vancouver to Jasper | Via Rail This 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 Rail Rise 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 6 Excursions Personalize your stay in Jasper by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Pleckaitis or Maligne Canyon Icewalk Explore Jasper National Park's Maligne Valley in winter on the Pleckaitis Icewalk, with scenic stops at Medicine Lake and a memorable icewalk through untouched Pleckaitis Canyon.
Please note: If Maligne Canyon reopens in time for the winter season, this tour will revert to the Maligne Canyon Icewalk.
Experience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up. Carved over 10,000 years of erosion, it forms a dramatic 50-metre gorge. Option 2. Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour Travel 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 Experience Join LIVE 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 of Jasper’s 11,000 sq km Dark Sky Preserve. Option 4. Secrets of Jasper Snowshoe Tour Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure through breathtaking alpine landscapes. Trek across pristine snow-covered trails, surrounded by towering peaks and serene wilderness. Discover hidden gems, local wildlife, and fascinating stories while enjoying a guided experience that blends nature, history, and outdoor excitement in a magical winter wonderland. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Jasper Foodie Tour Show your foodie side some love on this walking food tour of Jasper. The mountain town has come a long way from it’s humble beginnings without losing sight of what makes it special. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour Travel by dog sled along 22 km (13 mi) of pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Learn the history of the area and the people amongst the crisp mountain air and the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire, hot apple cider, and homemade treats.

Day 4 Jasper to Banff | Coach Today, travel the spectacular Icefield Parkway and experience a breathtaking winter wonderland. Towering snow-capped peaks, frozen waterfalls, and vast glaciers create a mesmerizing landscape. Wildlife sightings, from elk to bighorn sheep, add to the adventure. Enjoy the serenity of this scenic route, where icy blue lakes and pristine forests make for unforgettable photo opportunities in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Day 5 Winter Wonderland | Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon | Coach Today's excursion takes in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Louise and the icy wonders of Johnston Canyon in winter. Marvel at the frozen turquoise lake surrounded by snow-draped peaks, a true postcard-perfect scene. Then, journey through Johnston Canyon’s stunning ice-covered waterfalls and towering limestone walls, where frozen cascades glisten in the crisp air. This unforgettable adventure offers a magical mix of serene landscapes and thrilling winter exploration in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Gondola Keep 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. Then soar up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for 360-degree views over Banff. Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint Pots Experience an unforgettable snowshoeing adventure to the historical Paint Pots with its ochre-colored mineral pools. This easy 3-kilometre trail offers a great introduction to snowshoeing for first-timers. Along the way, search for hare, lynx, and wolf tracks in the forest. Snowshoes, hiking poles, and authentic historical props are included. Warm up with hot chocolate and a uniquely Canadian maple taffy treat! Option 3. Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls Adventure Explore the icy wonderland of Johnston Canyon with expert guides fitting you with ice-walking gear. Marvel at the stunning Lower Falls, then venture to the Upper Falls, where ice climbers scale frozen towers. En route, discover hidden gems along the Bow Valley Parkway, stopping at exclusive viewpoints for breathtaking, camera-worthy scenery.
Option 4. Electric Fat Biking Banff Adventure Experience the thrill of Winter Electric Fat Biking in Banff! Ride effortlessly through snow-covered trails with powerful e-fat bikes, soaking in breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for all skill levels, this guided adventure offers an exciting and eco-friendly way to explore Banff’s winter wonderland.

Day 7 Banff to Calgary | Coach Today 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 | Coach Leave 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 Winter Wonderland | Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon | Coach Today's excursion takes in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Louise and the icy wonders of Johnston Canyon in winter. Marvel at the frozen turquoise lake surrounded by snow-draped peaks, a true postcard-perfect scene. Then, journey through Johnston Canyon’s stunning ice-covered waterfalls and towering limestone walls, where frozen cascades glisten in the crisp air. This unforgettable adventure offers a magical mix of serene landscapes and thrilling winter exploration in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 3 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Gondola Keep 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. Then soar up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for 360-degree views over Banff. Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint Pots Experience an unforgettable snowshoeing adventure to the historical Paint Pots with its ochre-colored mineral pools. This easy 3-kilometre trail offers a great introduction to snowshoeing for first-timers. Along the way, search for hare, lynx, and wolf tracks in the forest. Snowshoes, hiking poles, and authentic historical props are included. Warm up with hot chocolate and a uniquely Canadian maple taffy treat! Option 3. Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls Adventure Explore the icy wonderland of Johnston Canyon with expert guides fitting you with ice-walking gear. Marvel at the stunning Lower Falls, then venture to the Upper Falls, where ice climbers scale frozen towers. En route, discover hidden gems along the Bow Valley Parkway, stopping at exclusive viewpoints for breathtaking, camera-worthy scenery.
Option 4. Electric Fat Biking Banff Adventure Experience the thrill of Winter Electric Fat Biking in Banff! Ride effortlessly through snow-covered trails with powerful e-fat bikes, soaking in breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for all skill levels, this guided adventure offers an exciting and eco-friendly way to explore Banff’s winter wonderland.

Day 4 Banff to Jasper | Coach Today, travel the spectacular Icefield Parkway and experience a breathtaking winter wonderland. Towering snow-capped peaks, frozen waterfalls, and vast glaciers create a mesmerizing landscape. Wildlife sightings, from elk to bighorn sheep, add to the adventure. Enjoy the serenity of this scenic route, where icy blue lakes and pristine forests make for unforgettable photo opportunities in the heart of the Canadian Rockies

Day 5 Jasper Freedom of Choice | 1 of 6 Excursions Personalize your stay in Jasper by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Pleckaitis or Maligne Canyon Icewalk Explore Jasper National Park's Maligne Valley in winter on the Pleckaitis Icewalk, with scenic stops at Medicine Lake and a memorable icewalk through untouched Pleckaitis Canyon.
Please note: If Maligne Canyon reopens in time for the winter season, this tour will revert to the Maligne Canyon Icewalk.
Experience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up. Carved over 10,000 years of erosion, it forms a dramatic 50-metre gorge. Option 2. Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour Travel 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 Experience Join LIVE 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 of Jasper’s 11,000 sq km Dark Sky Preserve. Option 4. Secrets of Jasper Snowshoe Tour Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure through breathtaking alpine landscapes. Trek across pristine snow-covered trails, surrounded by towering peaks and serene wilderness. Discover hidden gems, local wildlife, and fascinating stories while enjoying a guided experience that blends nature, history, and outdoor excitement in a magical winter wonderland. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Jasper Foodie Tour Show your foodie side some love on this walking food tour of Jasper. The mountain town has come a long way from it’s humble beginnings without losing sight of what makes it special. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour Travel by dog sled along 22 km (13 mi) of pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Learn the history of the area and the people amongst the crisp mountain air and the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire, hot apple cider, and homemade treats.

Day 6 Jasper to Vancouver | VIA Rail This 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 Rail Waking to the coastal city of Vancouver today, your tour ends upon arrival. (continental breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)