Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in winter
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in winter
VIA Rail in the Winter Months
VIA Rail in the Winter Months
VIA Rail in the snowy landscapes & Frozen Winter Lake in Alberta
VIA Rail in the snowy landscapes & Frozen Winter Lake in Alberta
Wintertime at Lake Louise; Sleigh ride around Banff; Cascade Mountain from Banff Avenue
Wintertime at Lake Louise; Sleigh ride around Banff; Cascade Mountain from Banff Avenue
Experience an icewalk along a canyon, go snow-shoeing through the woodland, enjoy a stroll around the frozen lakes and rivers
Experience an icewalk along a canyon, go snow-shoeing through the woodland, enjoy a stroll around the frozen lakes and rivers
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  4. Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies

Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies

8 nights from £2,939 per person Including Flights

Overview

Explore this wintery 8-night itinerary through the scenic Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Vancouver for a two-night stay, soaking in the vibrant city before embarking on VIA Rail's iconic "Canadian" train to the Canadian Rockies. Explore Vancouver’s beauty with visits to Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain, and Granville Island. Journey through Jasper’s alpine charm, Lake Louise’s breathtaking vistas, and Banff’s majestic peaks. Personalize your adventure with excursions like wildlife tours, sleigh rides, and ice walks. End your unforgettable journey with a transfer to Calgary, taking with you the memories of a truly magical winter getaway. (TM/ DH)

Highlights

  • Experience a historic and scenic train ride on VIA Rail's "Canadian" through Fraser Valley, Coastal Mountains, and Fraser Canyon, complete with dining and panoramic dome views.
  • Explore the stunning, frozen 50-metre gorge of Maligne Canyon in Jasper, one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.
  • Glide across the snow on a sleigh ride beside the iconic Lake Louise, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, for a magical winter experience.
  • Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain, enjoying 360-degree views on Banff Gondola and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

Itinerary overview

8 night tour begins Vancouver and ends Calgary: Fly into Vancouver 2 nights – Onboard VIA Rail 1 night – Jasper 2 nights – Lake Louise 1 night – Banff 2 nights – Fly home from Calgary

Departures available December – April

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Canadian Sky?
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  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1 – Day 2

Vancouver

Fly into Vancouver and make your way independently to your hotel. We have included two nights in Vancouver of your choosing before boarding the VIA Rail train towards the scenic Canadian Rockies to give you time to ease into your snowy getaway.

Explore the likes of Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain, and Granville Island, then visit Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Museum of Anthropology. Enjoy winter whale watching, shop on Robson Street, and warm up with local food and drinks.

Overnight in Vancouver

Day 3

Depart Vancouver and overnight on VIA Rail train

This afternoon, make your way to Vancouver Pacific Central Station, and board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for a historic journey to the Canadian Rockies. Travel in restored 1950s ‘streamliner’ carriages, complete with air conditioning, dining car, lounge, and dome car. Pass through Fraser Valley, the Coastal Mountains, and Fraser Canyon, following the Thompson River’s stunning landscapes. Enjoy dinner before retreating to your private quarters, converted into a cosy bedroom.

Overnight: Standard: Upper/ Lower semi-private sleeper berth | Superior: Private cabin | Deluxe: Private cabin (dinner included at all levels)

Day 4

Jasper

Arrive in Jasper today, nestled among the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies, and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a free day to explore this charming alpine town. Overnight in Jasper for 2 nights.

Overnight: Standard: The Crimson | Superior: Forest Park Hotel | Deluxe: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (breakfast included at all levels).

Day 5

Jasper

Today, personalise your day by choosing one of the following excursions. Click on Optional Excursions for further information on each tour

Overnight: Standard: The Crimson | Superior: Forest Park Hotel | Deluxe: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Optional excursions: Maligne Canyon ice walk (available 15 Dec - 31 Mar), Discover Jasper & its Wildlife tour, Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & telescope experience

Day 6

Jasper to Lake Louise

Travel south along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, passing snow-capped mountains, frozen waterfalls, and vast valleys. In the evening, enjoy a scenic 40-minute sleigh ride beside the lake.

Overnight: Standard: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Room | Superior: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Room | Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lakeview Room

Day 7

Lake Louise to Banff

Leave Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff, taking in the stunning views of the scenic Bow Valley along the way. Overnight in the quaint town of Banff for 2 nights exploring its shops and restaurants.

Overnight: Standard: Elk + Avenue | Superior: Banff Caribou Lodge | Deluxe: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Day 8

Banff

During your stay in Banff, personalise your experience by choosing two of the following excursions:

Overnight: Standard: Elk + Avenue | Superior: Banff Caribou Lodge | Deluxe: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Optional excursions: Discover Banff & Its Wildlife tour + Gondola, Snowshoeing at Paint Pots, Johnston Canyon icewalk (operates Dec 6 – Apr 13)

Day 9

Banff to Calgary

Today, leave the fresh mountain air and vibrant landscapes of the Rockies behind. A transfer will take you to Calgary Airport for your flight home.

  • International return flights
  • 2 nights in Vancouver, pre tour
  • 5 nights accommodation as described or similar in Standard level. Upgrade to Superior or Deluxe at a supplement.
  • Sleeping berth onboard VIA Rail Sleeper Touring service for 1 night.
  • Private transfer between rail depot and hotel in Jasper
  • Day 5 - Jasper - a choice of 1 excursion from: Maligne Canyon Ice Walk (available between 15 Dec - 31 Mar), Discover Jasper & Its Wildlife Tour, Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope Experience
  • Scheduled express coach between Jasper & Lake Louise
  • Sleigh ride at Lake Louise (available between 13 Dec - 9 Apr)
  • Scheduled express coach between Lake Louise & Banff
  • Day 8 - Banff - a choice of 1 excursion from: Discover Banff & its Wildlife Tour + Gondola, Snowshoeing at Paint Potts Tour, Johnson Canyon Icewalk (available between 6 Dec - 13 Apr)
  • Scheduled express coach between Banff & Calgary
  • National Park fees
  • Meals as per Itinerary

What’s not included

  • Airport transfers
  • Gratuities
  • Activities other than specified
  • Meals other than specified
  • Portage fees
  • Day 5 – Upgraded excursion options: Jasper Foodie Tour or Dog Sledding Tour (available 10 Dec - 31 Mar) at a supplement.

Your tour includes a selection of optional excursions, allowing you to choose one from each location.

Day 5 – Jasper
Option 1: Maligne Canyon Ice Walk (available 15 Dec - 31 Mar)
Explore the stunning Maligne Canyon, shaped over 10,000 years, with its 50-metre gorge.

Option 2: Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour
Travel through the Athabasca Valley and spot the park’s most iconic wildlife amidst breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery.

Option 3: Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope Experience
Embark on an evening of cosmic exploration, beginning with a virtual tour inside the dome theatre, followed by stargazing with the largest telescope in the Rockies.
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Day 8 – Banff
Option 1: Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Gondola

Spot wildlife like deer, elk, and bighorn sheep on a morning tour of Banff’s highlights, including Fairmont Banff Springs and Lake Minnewanka. Then, enjoy 360-degree views from the Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain.

Option 2: Snowshoeing at Paint Pots
Take an afternoon snowshoe tour through a pine forest to the Paint Pots, featuring vibrant ochre mineral pools.

Option 3: Johnston Canyon Icewalk (operates Dec 6 – Apr 13)
Embark on the Johnston Canyon Icewalk, exploring frozen waterfalls and stunning views within the canyon.

Alan Facer
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