First Class Holidays · Rail & Coach Tour

Snow Train to the Rockies

This winter adventure has everything from a famous train journey to a sleigh ride beside the iconic Lake Louise.

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.

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

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