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Wexas Travel · Tailor-made rail journey

Winter Train to the Canadian Rockies: Vancouver to Calgary

Winter rail journey through the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver to Calgary on VIA Rail

Illustration of Winter Train to the Canadian Rockies: Vancouver to Calgary

Wexas Travel's 11-day winter journey combines the romance of overnight rail travel with Canadian Rockies scenery and luxury accommodation. You depart Vancouver on VIA Rail's sleeper Canadian, waking to mountain peaks as you arrive in Jasper. Two nights at the Forest Park Hotel allow time for optional ice-canyon and wildlife excursions. From Jasper, coach carries you south along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, where a 40-minute sleigh ride glides across the frozen lake beside Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Two more nights in the mountain town of Banff offer further optional experiences. The journey is bookended by nights in Vancouver and Calgary, with flights to and from the UK included. Wexas Travel handles all logistics, appealing to couples and repeat rail travellers seeking winter alpine scenery without the pace of a group itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a tailor-made package, not a fixed group departure; confirm exact dates and current availability with Wexas Travel.
  • The listed from-price covers accommodation, flights, and the sleeper rail service; optional excursions in Jasper and Banff cost extra.
  • Days 6 and 8 include choice-based activities (afternoon tea at Lake Louise, or wildlife/gondola tours in Banff); personalisation requires advance selection.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: The Loden (Superior)

    Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver and make your way to your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore the city at your leisure, where your Canadian adventure truly starts, with its historic architecture and a hive of activity, that's all eclectic shops, sensational art galleries, trendy streets and cosy forest trails. Everything here is framed by snow-capped, steely mountains and the glorious views we've come to expect of Canada.

  2. Day 2railovernight: VIA Rail Canadian - Private Cabin - Sleeper Touring service (Superior)

    Overnight train to Jasper

    After a day at leisure in Vancouver you'll board VIA Rail's legendary train the Canadian for a two-day overnight journey to Jasper, deep in the heart of the 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. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes as you enjoy your included dinner, before retreating to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.

  3. Day 3overnight: Forest Park Hotel, Jasper (Superior)

    Jasper

    Wake up this morning to breakfast and the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive into Jasper where a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring the unique alpine community.

  4. Day 4overnight: Forest Park Hotel, Jasper (Superior)

    Jasper

    The following day, you can personalise your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. 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 50 metre gorge. Option 2. Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour: Travel through the Athabasca Valley to some of the park's most beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain scenery to seek out all the park's most iconic creatures. Option 3. Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope Experience: Join LIVE astronomy guides for a full evening of cosmic exploration, starting inside with a world-exclusive domed theatre experience, then outside with the largest telescope in the Rockies. In the climate-controlled 40-seat dome theatre, take a LIVE virtual tour of Jasper's 11,000 sq km Dark Sky Preserve. Option 4. Secrets of Jasper Snowshoe Tour: Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure through breathtaking alpine landscapes. Trek across pristine snow-covered trails, surrounded by towering peaks and serene wilderness. Discover hidden gems, local wildlife, and fascinating stories while enjoying a guided experience that blends nature, history, and outdoor excitement in a magical winter wonderland. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Jasper Foodie Tour: Show your foodie side some love on this walking food tour of Jasper. The mountain town has come a long way from it's humble beginnings without losing sight of what makes it special. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour: Travel by dog sled along 22 km (13 mi) of pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Learn the history of the area and the people amongst the crisp mountain air and the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire, hot apple cider, and homemade treats.

  5. Day 5overnight: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Superior)

    Lake Louise

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

  6. Day 6overnight: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Superior)

    Lake Louise

    Next day begin your day with a relaxed morning, taking in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Louise. With the option of a mid- or late-afternoon transfer to Banff, you have the freedom to immerse yourself in Lake Louise's winter wonderland or indulge in afternoon tea at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before departing on a 45-minute journey along the breathtaking Bow Valley Parkway. Whether you choose the scheduled transfer (included) or a private transfer, both options allow you to customize your time between these two stunning destinations.

  7. Day 7overnight: Banff Caribou Lodge (Superior)

    Banff

    Make the short drive to Banff, an idyllically situated mountain town surrounded by the hot springs, peaks and walking trails of Banff National Park.

  8. Day 8overnight: Banff Caribou Lodge (Superior)

    Banff

    Day eight is another opportunity to personalise the day by choosing from these excursions. Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Gondola: Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep on this morning tour of Banff. Scenic highlights include Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, the Hoodoos Viewpoint & Lake Minnewanka. Then soar up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for 360-degree views over Banff. Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint Pots: Experience an unforgettable snowshoeing adventure to the historical Paint Pots with its ochre-colored mineral pools. This easy 3-kilometre trail offers a great introduction to snowshoeing for first-timers. Along the way, search for hare, lynx, and wolf tracks in the forest. Snowshoes, hiking poles, and authentic historical props are included. Warm up with hot chocolate and a uniquely Canadian maple taffy treat! Option 3. Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls Adventure: Explore the icy wonderland of Johnston Canyon with expert guides fitting you with ice-walking gear. Marvel at the stunning Lower Falls, then venture to the Upper Falls, where ice climbers scale frozen towers. En route, discover hidden gems along the Bow Valley Parkway, stopping at exclusive viewpoints for breathtaking, camera-worthy scenery.

  9. Day 9overnight: Hotel Le Germain Calgary (Superior)

    Calgary

    Enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding your coach to Calgary, where you'll spend the night before flying home the next day.

  10. Day 10

    Departure

    Make your way to Calgary's international airport in time for your overnight flight to the UK.

  11. Day 11

    Arrive UK

    On arrival in the UK continue with your homeward journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board VIA Rail's Canadian for a two-day overnight journey into Jasper aboard original 1950s-era stainless steel sleeper railcars.
  • Day 3Wake to breakfast as you arrive in Jasper and see snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies from the train.
  • Day 5Travel the Icefields Parkway through glacier country to Lake Louise; included 40-minute sleigh ride beside the frozen lake.
  • Day 8Choose from guided wildlife tour and Sulphur Mountain gondola ascent or other Banff excursions in Banff National Park.

Included

  • Flights
  • VIA Rail sleeper service from Vancouver to Jasper, including dinner
  • Sleigh ride at Lake Louise
  • Scheduled transfer from Lake Louise to Banff

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes VIA Rail's Canadian sleeper service from Vancouver to Jasper with a private cabin and dinner. Flights to and from the UK and coach transfers between Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff are also included.
What is the sleeper experience like?
You travel in a private cabin aboard VIA Rail's sleeper touring service. The train features original stainless steel streamliner cars restored with air conditioning, a cafe car, and lounge car. Breakfast is served during the journey.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
The package includes optional excursions such as Maligne Canyon ice walks and guided snowshoe hikes. Most days allow leisure time; excursions are choices, not requirements.
Which hotels are included?
The Loden in Vancouver (1 night), Forest Park Hotel in Jasper (2 nights), Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (2 nights), Banff Caribou Lodge (2 nights), and Hotel Le Germain Calgary (1 night).
What is not included?
Optional excursions such as the Jasper Foodie Tour and Dog Sledding Tour cost extra. Meals beyond those specified (dinner on the train, breakfast on arrival), personal activities, and tips are not included.
When does this package run?
This is a winter trip. Specific departure dates are tailor-made; contact Wexas Travel to confirm available dates.

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