Question 1

Is this an escorted tour?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can I customize this trip?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Can I modify the trip's length by spending more or less time at certain locations?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Where do I stay on my trip?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

On some trips, I see hotels referred to as Comfort, Superior, and Deluxe. What is that?

Accepted Answer

On some of our trips, you’ll see that we categorize our hotel rooms by Comfort, Superior and Deluxe class, which generally translates into the traditional 3-, 4- or 5-star designation (equivalent to Sheraton and Fairmont). However, sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level or view.

Our Comfort Level hotels include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations and with excellent service.

Our Superior Level hotels provide amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. Superior level hotels are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel.

In Deluxe Level hotels, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget.

Question 6

How much does my trip cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Am I on the train the whole time?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Can I purchase an individual train ticket?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What are meals like on the train and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Accepted Answer

This trip itinerary features Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail's Canadian train between Vancouver and Toronto. Sleeper Plus includes meals on the train.

As you travel across the country, you will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the train’s dining car. These meals are cooked by onboard chefs and are made using fresh ingredients. Lunch and dinner are three courses (starter, main, dessert). The menu options usually include a meat dish, fish dish, and vegetarian dish. If you have dietary requirements or allergies, you can request special meals in advance.

Question 10

Where do I sleep on the train and what are the features of Sleeper Plus Class?

Accepted Answer

This trip itinerary features a private cabin in Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail's The Canadian train. Each cabin features comfortable seating that converts to a bed. Cabins include a sink and toilet and access to a shared shower.

In Sleeper Plus Class, you’ll also enjoy gourmet meals in the dining car and access to the train's viewing cars, where you can watch the passing scenery and meet fellow travellers. Complimentary tea, coffee and snacks are available throughout your journey. Alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase.

Question 11

What level of physical activity is required for guided tours and excursions offered during this trip?

Accepted Answer

This itinerary allows you to choose your preferred activities and excursions. We include a range of small group sightseeing tours, and you can pick the ones that suit your activity level.

In Banff, for example, there’s the option to try winter activities like ice walking, snowshoeing, or dogsledding. If you’d like something less active, you could take a tour of the area’s highlights and enjoy a gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

For more details, please see the full trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors.

Trans Canada by Rail in Winter

Snow train ride across Canada

Sleep onboard VIA Rail’s Canadian Train in a private cabin

See the majestic Canadian Rockies in winter

Explore Vancouver, Jasper and Banff

Choice of unique winter tours and excursions

See the vast Canadian Prairies covered in snow

Spend a night in Toronto

Top experiences and features

Explore Vancouver

Your Questions Answered

What’s Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an escorted tour?

Can I customize this trip?

Can I modify the trip's length by spending more or less time at certain locations?

Where do I stay on my trip?

On some trips, I see hotels referred to as Comfort, Superior, and Deluxe. What is that?

How much does my trip cost?

Am I on the train the whole time?

Can I purchase an individual train ticket?

What are meals like on the train and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Where do I sleep on the train and what are the features of Sleeper Plus Class?

What level of physical activity is required for guided tours and excursions offered during this trip?

Sample Itinerary

Begin your Canadian Winter Vacation

Discover Vancouver

VIA Rail – Depart Vancouver

VIA Rail – Arrive in Jasper

Sightsee Along the Icefields Parkway to Banff

Explore Banff

Travel from Banff to Jasper

VIA Rail - Depart Jasper National Park

Sample Itinerary

Prices

View full itinerary

Accommodations

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Personalize This Itinerary

Add the Northern Lights

What Our Customers Say

The beautiful nature and crisp fresh air was delightful

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

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