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Winter in the Rockies

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
202420252026
8 days From $2,530 $2,380 per person
4.6 stars(49 reviews)
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Make your way through the twists and turns of Canada's Rocky Mountains, and enjoy snow-capped landscapes at every turn on this winter tour.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
Save $300

Save $300 per booking on Independent Canada Tours in 2024

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2024 Tour code: PP-WTRE-24

About the tour

As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, the Canadian Rockies transforms from a lush land of emerald green forests and colorful valleys to the true embodiment of a winter wonderland. Join the excitement this season, and see why western Canada is one of the best places to spend the cold months. Your journey begins in Vancouver, where fantastic architecture and eclectic neighborhoods give way to deep wilderness on its outskirts. This city is the perfect place to acclimate to Canada's winter, with its mild coastal climate. As you board VIA Rail's Canadian and begin your journey toward the Canadian Rockies, though, you will soon see why Canada has earned the nickname the Great White North.

Your overnight train's destination is beautiful Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Rockies. Enjoy two nights amongst its untamed landscapes before proceeding to Lake Louise and, later, Banff. Spend days looking upon snow-shrouded mountains and frozen lakes while leisurely exploring these scenic locales. Let traditional winter activities, like skiing, ice skating, or horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow, guide your adventures, or look to your location for unique inspiration. Perhaps take an ice walk in a frozen canyon, such as Jasper's Maligne Canyon, or visit Lake Louise's ice castle. From soaks in natural hot springs to snowshoeing through the wilderness, there are endless ways to enjoy winter in the Rockies this year.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver! Transfer on your own to your hotel. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is one of Vancouver's most beautiful hotels. Their staff at this deluxe property will pamper you with charming accommodations and exceptional service. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 2 - VIA Rail Vancouver to Jasper

After a leisurely breakfast on your own, make your own way to the VIA Rail station for your departure on VIA Rail's Canadian. Nothing shows you Canada like a trip on the train. Your bedroom is VIA Rail's "top of the line" accommodation. Your sitting room by day converts to upper and lower berths at night. Once aboard the train, the staff will see that you are settled into your room. As a Sleeper Plus passenger, your meals are included along with access to the lounges and domes for spectacular viewing. Overnight train.

Day 3 - Enroute to Jasper

You will awake this morning to the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, as you arrive in Jasper. The staff of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge will meet you at the train station and transfer you to the Lodge. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is wilderness luxury at its finest. Overnight Jasper.

Day 4 - Jasper at Leisure

You are at leisure to enjoy the Fairmont Park Lodge, or venture out and skate on Lac Beauvert, cross country ski, or see rivers frozen in time should you choose a guided tour of Maligne Canyon. One of the most awe-inspiring sights of winter is the frozen beauty of waterfalls such as Angel Falls and Queen of Maligne Canyon; winter turns their cascades into delicate sculptures beyond any human artisan's skill. Overnight Jasper.

Day 5 - Jasper to Lake Louise

The drive from Jasper to Lake Louise offers a winter landscaped, hushed and remote. Suddenly, surrounded by snow-laden trees, is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a shimmering winter palace. The beauty of the frozen lake and the Victoria Glacier on the opposite side of the lake are dramatic. Every year the Chateau builds an ice castle on the lake once it has frozen over. Here is a little-known fact: the ice is imported from British Columbia! Check with the front desk for horse-drawn sleigh rides along the lake. Overnight Lake Louise.

Day 6 - Lake Louise to Banff

It is a short ride from Lake Louise to Banff. After passing through the town of Banff, you arrive at the "Castle of the Rockies," the Fairmont Banff Springs. When you arrive, you will quickly see that it is a village within a hotel. If you are a spa lover, you will realize that the Banff Springs Spa is in a class by itself. Overnight Banff.

Day 7 - Banff at Leisure

There is plenty to do in Banff! The town is filled with delightful shops, boutiques, and restaurants to satisfy every taste and budget. The natural Hot Springs is up the road should you desire a relaxing time in the mineral water that has made Banff a popular destination for years. Overnight Banff.

Day 8 - Banff/Calgary/Home

It's time to bid farewell to the beautiful Canadian Rockies, with a promise to return for an entirely different experience during a different season. Transfers to Calgary Airport are included for flights scheduled after 1:00 pm.

Additional information

Please note

Taxes are not included on rail portions and are subject to change.
During certain dates additional nights may be required at Lake Louise and Banff.
Private transfers are available at an additional cost for flights that do not fit the schedule listed.
Single pricing reflects Cabin for One. For upgrade options, ask your rail specialist for details.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff

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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper

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Fairmont Château Lake Louise, Lake Louise

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Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

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Train

VIA Rail's Canadian

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Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 49 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (34)
  2. 4 stars
    (13)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

MICHAEL MEYER

5 stars

Submitted 22 Feb 2024

Amazing winter ride. :)

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CHRISTINE KLEINKE

5 stars

Submitted 05 Feb 2024

We had such a great time on this trip. Upgrading to the Prestige package made it so luxurious and special. The Fairmont hotels were fabulous - such great service. We felt so spoiled. The Train ride was incredible. Our concierge Martin was the absolute best. Great trip. We are already thinking about our next train trip in Canada!

from Vacations By Rail
Beautiful photos! Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback about your vacation. We are so glad to hear that you had a great time. We would love to share these photos with your review to our social media if we have your permission.
1 comment

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ALEXANDER RALSTON

5 stars

Submitted 01 Jan 2024

Awesome escape the city getaway.

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SUZANNE TAYLOR

5 stars

Submitted 29 Dec 2023

This was a well organized trip through the Canadian Rockies

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MICHAEL KEILY

4 stars

Submitted 21 Dec 2023

Very good experience with Vacations by Rail. All aspects of the booking process and the trip itself went well. A few minor issues (misspelled name on tickets and some incorrect contact phone numbers) failed to detract from a great holiday in Canada. Would use again.

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MARGARET GODFREY

1 stars

Submitted 17 Nov 2023

The train was unpleasant and definitely not what was expected as views are concerned. We thought we were on a tour, but just dropped off at locations and expected to fend for ourselves. Many things were closed and so opportunities were limited. It was not worth the money spent and very disappointing. I would not recommend this to anyone.

from Vacations By Rail
Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. We do regret to hear that the trip did not meet your expectations. We want to make this right and hear more about your experience. We will have someone from our travel services team reach out to you shortly.
1 comment

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