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First Class Holidays · Rail & Coach Tour

Snow Train to the Rockies

Seven-day winter rail and coach tour from Vancouver to Calgary through the Canadian Rockies

Illustration of Snow Train to the Rockies

First Class Holidays operates this 7-day winter tour departing from Vancouver and ending in Calgary, combining one of North America's most celebrated train journeys with activities in the Canadian Rockies. The trip opens with two nights aboard VIA Rail's restored 'Canadian' sleeper train, which departs Vancouver at noon on Day 1 and arrives in Jasper at 8 am on Day 2. From Jasper, the itinerary moves south by coach along the Icefields Parkway, where travelers walk the frozen floor of Maligne Canyon and enjoy an evening sleigh ride beside Lake Louise before settling into Banff for a full free day. The pace is relaxed, with most nights spent in one hotel, and the mix of guided experiences and unstructured time suits repeat rail travelers, couples seeking a winter escape, and families with children age 6 and older. All accommodation, rail berths in Sleeper Plus Class, coach transfers, National Park fees, and several meals are included.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Maligne Canyon ice walk operates December 15 to March 30; on other dates it is replaced with a Wildlife Discovery Tour at no extra charge.
  • The sleigh ride at Lake Louise runs December 10 to April 10; pricing is adjusted for dates when the activity cannot operate.
  • Flights to and from Canada are not included and must be arranged separately.
  • The tour includes limited meals: one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner onboard the VIA Rail train from Vancouver (or breakfast and lunch on the return leg if boarding from Calgary).

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Sleeper Plus Class)

    Vancouver to Jasper (Rail)

    This afternoon (12pm), check in at Pacific Central Station and board VIA Rail's 'Canadian' for the famous train journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Step back in time to the days of classic rail travel, riding in the original stainless steel 'streamliner' railcars made famous by the 'Canadian' in the 1950s. Each has been restored with air conditioning, a cafe car, lounge car, and access to the dome car. Exclusive to Sleeper Plus Class: By day, sit back in comfortable seating and enjoy the exclusive comfort of your own accommodation. Come evening, attendants will transform your quarters into cozy bunks or a bedroom. Don't forget to visit the Dome Car - the true essence of travelling by train is all in the panoramic views. Some Sleeper Plus Class amenities include towels, pillows, cozy down duvets and a shower kit (lunch & dinner included today onboard VIA Rail).

  2. Day 2railovernight: Jasper

    Arrive Jasper (rail)

    Arrive in Jasper at 8.00am and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community (breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail).

  3. Day 3overnight: Jasper

    Jasper (Maligne Canyon Ice Walk)

    Experience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up! The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50m gorge. Certified guides will lead groups of no more than 12 along the frozen canyon floor and its ice-clad limestone walls. Super soles and winter boots will keep guests warm and secure as they explore this wonderland of rock and ice. Please note: The ice walk tour normally operates beginning-December - end-April.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Louise

    Jasper to Lake Louise (Evening Sleigh Ride)

    Travel southward along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. This spectacular drive through glacier country features massive snow covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad-reaching valleys. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute sleigh ride that takes place beside the lake. Please note: The sleigh ride normally operates mid-December - mid-April.

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Lake Louise to Banff

    Depart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley.

  6. Day 6overnight: Banff

    Banff

    A free day to enjoy Canada's premier winter resort. There are plenty of options, including: shopping, skiing or boarding in one of the 3 ski resorts in the area (not included) or visit the luxurious spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (not included).

  7. Day 7

    Banff to Calgary

    This morning is free to explore Banff, before your scheduled coach to Calgary departs midday. Following the Trans Canada Highway, depart the Rocky Mountains to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2,000km and extend as far south as Mexico. This is 'cattle ranching country' and the breadbasket of Canada. Arrive at Calgary Airport at 2.30pm or in downtown Calgary at 3.00pm.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board VIA Rail's 'Canadian' at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver at noon and begin the journey to Jasper in restored 1950s streamliner railcars, sleeping in Sleeper Plus Class.
  • Day 3Walk the frozen floor of Maligne Canyon, a 50-meter gorge carved over 10,000 years, guided by certified guides in groups of no more than 12.
  • Day 4Travel south along the Icefields Parkway through glacier country and enjoy a 40-minute evening sleigh ride beside Lake Louise.

Included

  • 5 nights hotel accommodation
  • 1 night sleeping accommodation onboard VIA Rail
  • Transfer between rail depot and hotel in Jasper
  • Maligne Canyon Ice Walk (Dec 15th - Mar 30th, replaced with Wildlife Discovery Tour on days when not operating) (minimum age 6 yrs)
  • Scheduled express coach between Jasper & Lake Louise
  • Sleigh ride at Lake Louise (Dec 10th - Apr 10th, price for non-operating dates will be adjusted at time of booking)
  • Scheduled express coach between Lake Louise & Banff
  • Scheduled express coach between Banff & Calgary
  • National Park fees
  • 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner onboard VIA Rail (departures from Vancouver)
  • 1 breakfast, 1 lunch onboard VIA Rail (departures from Calgary)

Not included

  • Flights to/from Canada. Please ask us, we can arrange these for you.
  • Meals and sightseeing not shown as included
  • Gratuities

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. VIA Rail's 'Canadian' from Vancouver to Jasper in Sleeper Plus Class is included. Coach transfers between Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary are also included.
Is this tour escorted?
First Class Holidays includes hotel transfers, scheduled coach transport, and guided activities such as the Maligne Canyon ice walk and Lake Louise sleigh ride. Days 2, 5, and 6 have substantial free time.
What is included in meals?
One breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner onboard VIA Rail from Vancouver (or breakfast and lunch if boarding from Calgary). Other meals are not included.
What hotels are used?
The pack does not name specific hotels. Upgrades to Superior and Deluxe accommodation are available upon enquiry.
When does this tour operate?
The tour runs in the winter season, with some activities operating only between specific dates (ice walk December 15 to March 30, sleigh ride December 10 to April 10). Confirm exact departure dates with First Class Holidays.
How much walking is involved?
Day 3 includes a guided ice walk on the frozen Maligne Canyon floor. Other days involve airport transfers, coach travel, and optional activities such as skiing or spa visits in Banff (not included). Winter boots and traction soles are provided for the canyon walk.

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