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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 

See inside the train

Passengers sit in Prestige Park car onboard VIA Rail's train, The Canadian, as it travels past snowy landscape in the Canadian Rocky Mountains from dome windows

The upper viewing level on VIA Rail’s Park Car

Sit back and admire the panoramic views in this glass-domed car as you sip on a beverage from the downstairs lounge.
An aerial view of the Prestige cabin onboard the Canadian train.

VIA Rail’s luxurious Prestige Class cabin

The ultimate overnight train experience, this modern space has a plush double bed and private shower. Among the many included services is a personal concierge.
Closeup of a set table in the dining car with a mountain view in the background.

The classic dining car on VIA Rail

Enjoy delicious multi-course meals in the inviting dining car with its excellent table service. Large windows mean you don’t miss any scenery as you dine.
Upper and lower beds in a VIA Rail cabin for 2

VIA Rail’s cozy Cabin for Two in Sleeper Plus

This private cabin features a large window for taking in the scenery, two chairs by day and bunk beds by night, and a small washroom with a sink and toilet.
Stairs to Bullet Lounge located at back of Prestige Park car onboard VIA Rail's train, The Canadian

The Bullet Lounge on VIA Rail’s Park Car

Relax in the plush chairs of the elegant Bullet Lounge located in the lower level of the Park Car, where you can take in the view out the back of the train.

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 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

As our trips are personalized for our guests, there’s no fixed group schedule or rigid itinerary. You’ll be travelling independently, with the freedom to explore at your own pace, and you can choose the scheduled activities that match your interests. Our local experts will plan and coordinate your travel details and offer guidance and support throughout your trip.

Absolutely! We personalize all our guests’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs:

  • Add extra days: Spend more time at locations you’d like to explore.
  • Modify the route and stops: Omit areas that don’t interest you, add destinations and iconic landmarks, or adjust the direction of your itinerary.
  • Pick your experiences: Choose from our vast selection of small-group sightseeing tours and unique local activities.

Simply discuss your travel goals with our local travel experts and they'll ensure your trip aligns with your preferences and budget.

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.

Because each of our trips is fully customized, the total cost depends on your travel dates, preferred accommodations, train service level, and chosen activities.

To ensure you get an accurate estimate, our local experts will take the time to understand your preferences and specific needs. Based on this information, they’ll provide you with a personalized quote that clearly outlines what’s included.

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.

Our personalized trips include much more than just train tickets. When you book with Fresh Tracks Canada, you receive expertly curated hotel accommodations and excursions tailored to your interests, plus airport, train and hotel transfers — ensuring a seamless travel experience from start to finish.

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.

For VIA Rail's Canadian Train, we recommend Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class. Both these service levels offer private cabins, meals in the dining car, and access to viewing cars. Here’s what sets them apart:

Sleeper Plus Class

  • Cabin: Comfortable seating converts to upper and lower bunks; includes a sink and toilet, with a shared shower down the hall.
  • Meals and Drinks: All meals and non-alcoholic drinks included; alcoholic drinks available for purchase.
  • Viewing Access: Access to the Skyline Car and restricted access to the Prestige Park Car.

Prestige Class

  • Cabin: Larger cabin with an L-shaped couch that converts to a double bed, plus a private washroom and shower.
  • Meals and Drinks: All meals, snacks, and drinks (including alcoholic) are included. Afternoon tapas is served between lunch and dinner.
  • Exclusive Perks: Unlimited access to the Prestige Park Car, priority meal reservations, turndown service, and a dedicated concierge.

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 3 options to choose from today:
Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls
Toronto Small Group Sightseeing Tour
Toronto Hop On Hop Off Tour and CN Tower Dinner
VIA Rail - Depart Toronto
Day 03

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

Board The Canadian train in Toronto and begin your transcontinental journey west. Admire the views as you leave Canada's largest city behind and travel north into Ontario’s picturesque lake country.

The Canadian Train - Onboard Service
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. See ancient, exposed rock, wintry boreal forest, and frozen lakes — you may even spot waves frozen in the water! Keep an eye out for fishing cabins perched on small islands, as well as moose foraging.

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies
Day 05

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Alberta. Fields blanketed in snow stretch endlessly under an immense blue sky. When you look out the window, spot rustic barns and small farming towns.

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies
Day 06

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

View the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies this morning. Pass through the small mountain town of Jasper, in the heart of Jasper National Park, before entering the beautiful 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
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. 

You have 2 options to choose from today:
Vancouver City Tour and Flyover Canada admission
Gastown Evening Food Tour
Dinner in Vancouver
Departure from Vancouver
Day 09

Departure from Vancouver

Your Canadian winter vacation comes to an end as you travel to the Vancouver airport in time for your flight home.

Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport

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

Day 1

Begin your Canadian...

Begin your Canadian winter vacation

Day 2

Explore Niagara or ...

Explore Niagara or Toronto

Day 3

VIA Rail - Depart T...

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

Day 4

VIA Rail - The Cana...

VIA Rail - The Canadian Shield

Begin your Canadian winter vacation

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

Explore Niagara or Toronto

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

You have 3 options to choose from today:
Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls
Toronto Small Group Sightseeing Tour
Toronto Hop On Hop Off Tour and CN Tower Dinner
VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

VIA Rail - Depart Toronto

Board The Canadian train in Toronto and begin your transcontinental journey west. Admire the views as you leave Canada's largest city behind and travel north into Ontario’s picturesque lake country.

The Canadian Train - Onboard Service
VIA Rail - The Canadian Shield

VIA Rail - The Canadian Shield

Head west through the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield and into the province of Manitoba. See ancient, exposed rock, wintry boreal forest, and frozen lakes — you may even spot waves frozen in the water! Keep an eye out for fishing cabins perched on small islands, as well as moose foraging.

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

VIA Rail - Canadian Prairies

Journey across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Alberta. Fields blanketed in snow stretch endlessly under an immense blue sky. When you look out the window, spot rustic barns and small farming towns.

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

View the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies this morning. Pass through the small mountain town of Jasper, in the heart of Jasper National Park, before entering the beautiful province of British Columbia. 

VIA Rail - Arrive in Vancouver

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
Discover Vancouver

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. 

You have 2 options to choose from today:
Vancouver City Tour and Flyover Canada admission
Gastown Evening Food Tour
Dinner in Vancouver
Departure from Vancouver

Departure from Vancouver

Your Canadian winter vacation comes to an end as you travel to the Vancouver airport in time for your flight home.

Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport

Download Itinerary

Get more details in a sample itinerary that includes day-tour options and descriptions, departure dates, and suggestions for personalizing your trip

Scheduled Departure Dates

Our itineraries are planned around train-service schedules. Ask one of our Canadian Insiders about available dates and the different ways to personalize this trip - including adding days in select destinations.

Use the Start Planning button to submit a query about available dates.

Start Planning

Use the Start Planning button to submit a query about available dates.

November 2025
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Scheduled departures
No scheduled departures

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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Prestige Gold
Hotel Accommodations
VIA Rail Service
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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.

Exterior rendering of the Azur Legacy Collection Hotel in Vancouver

Azur Legacy Collection Hotel

Example of a Superior hotel in Vancouver

The Azur Legacy Collection Hotel is the only property in Western Canada to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) portfolio. Situated in downtown Vancouver, the Art Deco-inspired hotel offers a boutique experience. Enjoy dinner at the garden-like rooftop restaurant or in the beautiful lobby lounge.

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

Spend time in Jasper

Spend time in Jasper

Step off the train in Jasper and stay for a few nights. This small alpine town is the perfect base for exploring Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. Stroll the charming downtown, relax during a spa treatment, snowshoe through pristine wilderness, and soak up spectacular scenery.

Add a day in Whistler

Add a day in Whistler

Just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is known as a world-class ski destination, but it's a stunning spot to visit spring through fall. Ride the gondola between dramatic snow-covered peaks, explore the village, and learn about local Indigenous culture.

Add a stay in Montreal

Add a stay in Montreal

Ask us about adding on a stay in Montreal, Quebec's largest city and one of the oldest settlements in North America. Discover riverside walkways, cobblestone streets, historic buildings and more! Sample fine French Canadian cuisine and embrace the city's 'joie de vivre.'

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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