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Canadian Cross-Country Journey in Winter

5.0
2 reviews

Length

9 days / 8 nights

Time on train

4 days / 4 nights

Train type

Where it goes

When to go

November – March

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

  • Decide your desired budget
  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
Start Planning

Sleeper train journey in winter

Journey across Canada by sleeper train in winter and see the snowy Canadian Rockies. Enjoy tours on either end of your trip, visit Niagara Falls shrouded in ice and discover coastal Vancouver surrounded by mountains.

Route map of Canadian Cross Country Journey in Winter from Vancouver to Toronto
Highlights of your trip

See icy Niagara Falls on a guided tour

Sleep on board the famous 'Canadian' train

Travel through the Canadian Rockies covered in snow

Explore beautiful coastal Vancouver 

Top experiences and features

Skating at Nathan Phillips Square in winter

Explore Toronto

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world with vibrant neighbourhoods, wonderful restaurants, lively bars, museums, Broadway shows, concerts and more.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation
Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
Meals whilst onboard the train
Choice of unique guided activities
Airport and train station transfers with a private driver
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Our vacations are not typically ‘escorted.’ You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of ‘independent’ travel.

This allows you, with the help of our Canadian Insiders, to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, timeframe and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.

Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do.

If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.

Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Vacation Advisors who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.

We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible.

Hotel amenities can vary by property, so your Vacation Advisor will discuss what’s most important to you, such as air conditioning, parking, laundry, swimming pool, spa, onsite restaurants, or 24-hour room service.

All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need

Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.

All of our overnight train journeys feature a private cabin on board the train. In addition, you'll typically enjoy the train's viewing areas, common lounges, and dining cars where you can socialize with fellow travelers.

Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class are offered on VIA Rail’s Canadian train between Toronto and Vancouver. While both class levels include priority boarding, private cabins, meals in the dining car, and access to the train’s viewing cars, there are some key differences.

Sleeper Plus cabins have comfortable daytime seating for one or two people. At night, this seating converts into upper and lower bunks. There is a sink and toilet in the cabin, and a public shower is available down the hall. All meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included, with alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Sleeper Plus passengers can access the Park Car (specific times only during peak season) and other viewing cars, like the Skyline Car.

Prestige Class cabins are larger than Sleeper Plus cabins. Prestige cabins feature an L-shaped leather couch that converts into a large lower bed for two. There is a private washroom and shower in the cabin. All meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks are included. Prestige Class guests receive unrestricted access to the Park Car and other viewing cars, as well as priority meal reservations, turndown service, and a dedicated concierge.

For more information on the sleeper-train experience, please speak to one of our local travel experts.

On this trip, you will spend most of your time on the train which has heating and air conditioning. For your time in Vancouver and Toronto, we recommend bringing warm layers, a winter coat, and comfortable footwear. The weather conditions and temperatures can vary, depending on your month of travel. It’s best to check the weather forecast a few days before you travel so you can pack accordingly.

Average winter temperatures in Toronto range from -7 degrees C to 8 degrees C (19 to 46 degrees F). Rain and snow are very common.

Average winter temperatures in Vancouver range from 0 degrees C to 10 degrees C (32 to 50 degrees F). Rain is very common, with occasional snow.

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.
Indicates featured inclusions
Begin Your Canadian Winter Vacation
Day 01

Begin Your Canadian Winter Vacation

Welcome to Toronto, Ontario's capital and the largest city in Canada. 

  • Private Transfer from Toronto Airport
Explore Niagara or Toronto
Day 02

Explore Niagara or Toronto

Spend a day exploring Toronto's bustling, colorful neighborhoods or discover the famous Niagara Falls. 

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls
  • Toronto Small Group Sightseeing Tour

    See Toronto's top attractions on a small-group sightseeing tour. Head up to the observation deck of the CN Tower, visit Casa Loma, pass through Toronto's scenic waterfront and more.

  • Dinner at the CN Tower
VIA Rail - Depart Toronto
Day 03

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

Board The Canadian train in Toronto and begin your transcontinental journey west. Travel north into Ontario’s picturesque lake country. 

VIA Rail - The Canadian Shield
Day 04

VIA Rail - The Canadian Shield

Head west through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and into the province of Manitoba. 

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies
Day 05

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Alberta.  

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies
Day 06

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

View the magnificent Rocky Mountains this morning. Travel through Jasper National Park before entering the province of British Columbia.  

VIA Rail - Arrive in Vancouver
Day 07

VIA Rail - Arrive in Vancouver

After travelling through BC's Fraser Valley, your journey onboard The Canadian train comes to an end. Arrive in coastal Vancouver — a spectacular city surrounded by mountains and ocean. 

  • Transfer from Train Station
  • FlyOver Canada Admission

    During your free time today, see Canada from coast to coast at FlyOver Canada. Take a seat in front of a 20-metre-wide spherical screen and enjoy a breathtaking flight simulation. 

  • Dinner in Vancouver

    Dine at one of our favourite harbourside restaurants. Watch seaplanes land and enjoy views of the North Shore Mountains.

Discover Vancouver
Day 08

Discover Vancouver

Spend the day exploring the city's sights. With a mild climate and so much to do, it's no wonder people flock to this west coast gem. 

  • Vancouver and Capilano Park Tour

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, train-service level and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
Sleeper Plus
Hotel Accommodation
4 Star
VIA Rail Service
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Prestige
Hotel Accommodation
5 Star
VIA Rail Service
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View full itinerary

Like this trip? Get more details with a sample itinerary:

  • Day-tour options and descriptions;
  • Departure dates;
  • Suggestions for personalizing your trip.
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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
Toronto skyline with high-rise buildings and Fairmont Royal York hotel

Fairmont Royal York

Example of a Deluxe hotel in Toronto

Situated directly across from Union Station, the Fairmont Royal York is steps away from Toronto's iconic sights and attractions. After a day of exploring, head to the hotel’s health club and spa which features an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and steam room.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Prestige Class is Canada’s version of the Orient Express. Available on VIA Rail’s The Canadian Train between Vancouver and Toronto, this luxury double cabin includes a special concierge service throughout your journey. This is one of our most popular upgrade options.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 2 reviews

Truly a memorable trip that we all will cherish for many years to come

We liked the range of activities that we were able to do. Everyone in the group had a great time. We got to experience many things in the snow and ice of Canada. Truly a memorable... 

Maria, Juan and Family review of their [object Object] trip

Maria, Juan and Family

FL, USA

It was perfect

I loved the way that everything went like clockwork. I also loved Canada and Canadian people. There is nothing that could have been improved on. It was perfect.

Jenny review of their [object Object] trip

Jenny

VIC, AUSTRALIA

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