The season the Great White North is best known for is winter - a time of magical scenery and joyous holidays. Visiting Canada in winter means plenty of snow, of course, but also access to some of the world's best cold-weather activities that are sure to warm the soul and lead to life-long memories.
The Canadian Rockies are the quintessential winter wonderland, and Canada winter vacation packages to these resort towns feature a classic overnight rail adventure, superb hotel stays, and incredible seasonal activities. Here, visitors have access to some of the most impressive skiing in the world, as well as to frozen waterfalls, glaciers, ice-covered lakes, and fantastic wildlife adventures. The Rockies are also a perfect place to watch the colorful aurora borealis overtake the winter sky. Enjoy cold-weather train trips on the other side of the country, too, to places like Quebec City and Montreal on VIA Rail's Corridor Service. Each of these cities boasts its own charms that are complemented by holiday decorations and a soft layer of snow. Visiting these cities around Christmas adds another layer to the ambiance, thanks to traditional Christmas markets.
For travelers that hope to get a look at the winter wonderland without stepping foot in the snow, riding the Canada snow train is a perfect compromise. VIA Rail's Canadian departs from Vancouver and makes a 2,775-mile journey inland to Toronto. First-class accommodations and wondrous scenes of snow-capped mountains, emerald-hued evergreens against the white snow, and beautiful cities aglow in festive cheer are just some things to anticipate.
Things to do in Canada in winter range from visiting hotels constructed of snow and ice to celebrating the season at the Québec Winter Carnival, snowshoeing, swimming in hot springs, and ice skating out in the open on frozen lakes. There are no limits to a Canada winter rail vacation.
(73 reviews)
A fascinating showcase of culture and history captures your attention and heart on this 7-day tour of two prominent cities within French Canada: Montreal and Quebec City. With each passing season, the views and experiences in these cities change, finding new ways to satisfy your inner voyager. Festivals, outdoor escapades, and busy streets filled...
(45 reviews)Experience the best of the Canadian wilderness in winter and discover spectacular scenery as well as vibrant Canadian cities. Winter is an ideal time to travel as the rates are lower, the trains are less crowded, and the staff has more time to share their "tales of the rails" with you. Be a part of this exciting adventure onboard VIA...
(50 reviews)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...
(13 reviews)Canada's snowy landscape awaits on this grand winter adventure. You will experience the culture of Vancouver, see the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies and be enamored by the hustle and bustle of Toronto. Best of all, all of your travel is done aboard one of VIA Rail's most famous rail lines, the Canadian. Your journey begins in Vancouver,...
Celebrate the festive season in the sensational snowscapes of Canada on an unforgettable rail journey, experiencing the sights, sounds and scents of Canada at Christmastime. While staying in renowned, festively decorated Fairmont hotels, we explore the city of Vancouver, travel overnight on the famous Canadian train through the Rockies and enjoy...
Experience the sensational snowscapes of Canada - also known as 'the Great White North' - on an unforgettable winter journey on the Canadian train. From multicultural Vancouver, to the rugged mountain towns of Jasper and Banff, you'll be staying in luxurious and renowned Fairmont hotels while encountering snow-covered peaks, shimmering frozen...
Jun 06, 2025 · By Co-Founder Todd Powell
Let your imagination soar aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian, where overnight train travel becomes a cinematic journey of romance and wonder.
Read more
Jun 10, 2025 · By Co-Founder Todd Powell
If there’s a place in the Canadian Rockies I wish I had spent more time, it’s Jasper — Rich in railway history and nestled right inside Jasper National Park.
Read more
May 13, 2025 · By Co-Founder Todd Powell
This iconic overnight journey offers scenery, serenity, and a sense of timeless adventure — Bookended by a vibrant coastal city and a mountain town nestled in one of the world’s most beautiful national parks.
Read more
Sep 25, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
Leave the calamity of holiday-season travel in the past and learn why winter train trips are the best way to get to your destination(s) this season.
Read more