Canadian Cross-Country Journey in Winter
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Spend a day exploring Toronto's bustling, colorful neighborhoods or discover the famous Niagara Falls.
- 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
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
Head west through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and into the province of Manitoba.
VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies
Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Alberta.
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
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
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
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.
Accommodations
Personalize This Itinerary
Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.
What Our Customers Say
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
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
VIC, AUSTRALIA
Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert
Similar Trips
View some of our other favorite trips
Current promotions
Sign up for special offers, monthly Canadian Insider tips, and vacation inspiration.