Snow-covered mountains loom over vibrant evergreens and charming resort destinations in Canada's Rocky Mountains. This region is picturesque at any time, but each year, a fresh dusting of cold-weather splendor adds a magical feel to the mighty mountain scenes. Venturing into the Canadian Rockies aboard VIA Rail's signature trains makes the experience even more memorable. If you want to get away to a winter wonderland this season, look no further for the perfect destination. Here are four reasons to take a winter train trip through the Canadian Rockies.
1. Enchanting Winter Scenery
When VIA Rail's Canadian Snow Train leaves Vancouver, Canada's best-known season is illustrated beautifully. Vistas of the Coast Mountains open to snow-cloaked plains. Lush evergreens punctuate all the white and iced-over lakes and waterfalls frozen in their descent complement the magical atmosphere. Breathtaking views of Canada's 10,000-plus-foot peaks and massive glaciers lead to adventures in Banff and Jasper National Park on our Banff & Jasper - Winter Magic independent rail vacation. Explore canyons with frozen waterfalls, gigantic ice pillars and embark on wildlife tours that seek out Elk, deer, sheep, goats, coyotes, wolves, moose and more as you learn about how they contribute to the parks' rich diversity and how they survive winter in the mountains.
2. Top-notch Winter Activities
Skiing, skiing, skiing. Did we mention skiing? There are few better places to hit the slopes than in the Canadian Rockies. Several renowned resorts sit between Banff and Lake Louise, which includes more than 350 ski runs and 7,000 acres of stunning mountain scenery. If downhill skiing is not your thing, there are plenty of other winter activities for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts. Ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding and frozen canyon walks are fantastic ways to soak in the winter splendor. For a tamer way to explore the winter scenery, sleigh rides are lovely and nostalgic. Hit the slopes, enjoy other winter activities, or explore charming resort towns with leisure days in both Banff and Jasper National Park on our Winter in the Rockies train trip.
3. A More Immersive Experience
Taking a winter train trip through the Canadian Rockies allows you to experience the ambiance of this world-class destination without the crowds. Canada's peak travel season runs from May to September, and many visitors keep to the ski resorts and main attractions in the winter, leaving the rest of the Canadian wilderness as wild and free as nature intended. Whether you hope to sightsee through Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper without having to wait for the best views or excursions or are hoping to capture the scenery without tourists in the frame, the cold months make it possible. Our Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights trip offers an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in Canadian culture, featuring stays in Banff and Jasper National Park and the dramatic scenes of the Canadian Rockies and nature's most theatrical display, the aurora borealis.
4. The Journey Is Just as Impressive as the Destination
There's no winter train trip though the Canadian Rockies quite like those aboard VIA Rail's Canadian. Each mile of the journey is filled with beauty to enjoy from the train's private cabins, semi-private berths or domed-glass sightseer lounges. Engaging onboard entertainment, committed attendants, delicious freshly prepared meals and uninhibited views of the spectacular Canadian Rockies at every turn make the journey just as impressive as the destination. Our Canadian Snow Train independent rail vacation showcases the vast Canadian wilderness, with incredible sights of snow-covered mountain peaks, wintry forests, frozen lakes and streams surrounding the journey through five of Canada's provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
VIA Rail Canada is an integral part of Canada's extensive railway system, reaching over 400 cities and towns throughout Canada, including major destinations such as Jasper, Banff, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec City, covering over 7,765 miles of track. We offer dozens of trips featuring rail travel aboard VIA Rail Canada's signature trains, explore train trips for all seasons in our VIA Rail Canada collection.
