Winter in Western Canada

Discover winter in western Canada on this 9-day rail vacation to Vancouver, Jasper and Edmonton.

Tour Description

Your journey begins in the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, where you have 2 days to enjoy the city, explore its neighborhoods and outlying attractions, dine at some amazing restaurants, and perhaps do a little shopping. Then, board VIA Rail's Canadian for a classic overnight train journey. Settle into your onboard accommodations and watch as the twinkling lights of the city fade away as we travel east into the Canadian Rockies. Your journey continues in the morning, where you will enjoy meals in the Dining Car and admire the scenery from the observation and lounge cars en route to Jasper National Park.

You're scheduled to arrive in Jasper mid-afternoon, where you will be transferred into a delightfully wooded setting for a relaxing 3-night stay. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you explore the area. A highlight of your visit is an excursion to Maligne Canyon for a guided Icewalk into the canyon, meandering down to the frozen river bed. From this vantage point, look up to see waterfalls frozen in midstream! Your vacation continues with a train journey from Jasper to Alberta's capital, Edmonton, where culture, cuisine, and couture await you.

Tour Photos

Highlights and Inclusions

• Rail transportation aboard VIA Rail's Canadian (1 night on train)
• Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
• 2 meals
• Sightseeing in Vancouver and Jasper

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and transfer on your own to your centrally-located downtown hotel. After checking in and freshening up, take the remainder of the day to get acquainted with this coastal metropolis. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 2 - Explore Vancouver
Discover the many sides of Vancouver on a hop on/hop off trolley tour to the city's most popular attractions and landmarks including Stanley Park with its many totems, the Vancouver Aquarium, English Bay Beach, the urban oasis of Granville Island, Chinatown, the Robson Street shopping district, Gastown, and more! You also have access to Lookout Tower, offering a 360-degree aerial view of the city from atop Harbour Centre. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 3 - VIA Rail to Jasper
Today brings another free day to explore Vancouver and its nearby attractions. This evening, transfer (included) to the VIA Rail station and board the Canadian for your overnight rail journey east to Jasper National Park. Overnight train.

Day 4 - En Route to Jasper
Take your morning aboard the train to enjoy the daytime views of the mountain terrain you're traversing. You can do so from the comfort of your onboard accommodations, from one of the Lounge or Observation cars, or from the dining car while you enjoy a hot meal. The train is scheduled to arrive in Jasper mid-afternoon. Transfer to your hotel, ideally located in the heart of Jasper National Park along Lac Beauvert, with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight Jasper. (B, L)

Day 5 - Maligne Canyon Icewalk
Today's excursion takes you to Maligne Canyon, where you will meander through the frozen canyon to the icy riverbed and the waterfalls frozen in midstream above you. It is a beautiful sight to behold! Overnight Jasper.

Day 6 - Jasper at Leisure
Today brings a full day to explore Jasper National Park. Perhaps you'll ride aboard the Jasper Tramway or enjoy an outdoor adventure on your resort's grounds. There's an abundance of winter activities to partake in including ice skating, cross-country skiing, and mountain sports like downhill skiing and snowboarding. Overnight Jasper.

Day 7 - Train to Edmonton
The better part of the day is yours to enjoy Jasper. Sleep in, explore the town or treat yourself to a day at the spa. Late this afternoon, make your way to the train station for your 5:30 pm train to Edmonton. Spend your evening relaxing aboard the train as VIA Rail's Canadian transports you to Edmonton, scheduled to arrive at 11:00 pm. Your hotel during your stay in Alberta's capital city is a short ride from the train station. Overnight Edmonton.

Day 8 - Edmonton at Leisure
The day is yours to explore Edmonton at leisure. There is no sales tax in Alberta, making the city's shops and malls the perfect places to collect some souvenirs from your winter vacation in Western Canada! Shop and dine along the must-visit Whyte Ave. Embark on a winter Segway tour to acquaint yourself with the city, or perhaps snowshoe along the river valley. Visit the Royal Alberta Museum or admire the works within the Art Museum. Overnight Edmonton.

Day 9 - Edmonton
Your winter escape comes to an end today.

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Dates & Prices

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