MAGICAL WINTER JOURNEY
VIA SNOW TRAIN TO JASPER

Experience the charm of a winter rail journey aboard the Canadian amid the astounding panorama of Canada’s West

Suggested Months: November to April

DAY 1 — ARRIVE EDMONTON

DAY 2 — EDMONTON
As the first snowflakes fall, Edmonton transforms into a winter wonderland. The crisp, dry fresh air, the clear blue Alberta skies and the sparkling white blanket of snow beckon you. Try your hand at the classic Canadian game of curling at Jasper Place Curling Club. Then visit Fort Edmonton Park for lunch and a fun afternoon on a horse-drawn sleigh ride and a chance to learn about the historic lives of the fur traders. Then it’s back to modern-day for shopping and dinner at West Edmonton Mall, The Greatest Indoor Show on Earth. If you’d like more active, outdoor adventure, then visit Strathcona Wilderness Centre and Elk Island National Park for snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, a campfire program, outdoor living skills, wildlife watching or a winter hike (add a second day in Edmonton).

DAY 3
After breakfast, transfer to Edmonton’s VIA Rail station for your journey on the Snow Train to Jasper as you experience VIA Rail Canada’s Silver & Blue Class service on the legendary transcontinental train, The Canadian (The Canadian departs Edmonton (07:37) for Jasper (arriving 13:00) three times a week Monday, Wednesday, Friday).

Leaving Edmonton, The Canadian train passes through small communities and wide open spaces — Alberta’s “cottage country”. The first major river crossing on this leg of The Canadian’s journey is the 274-metre-long bridge over the Pembina River. In 1862, gold seekers paddled their way along this river to the Cariboo gold fields. Just past Edson, look south for your first glimpse of the Miette Range of the Rocky Mountains. The Obed Summit is the highest point on the Trans Canada Yellowhead Highway at 1,163 metres (3,818 feet) above sea level. As you enter Jasper National Park via the Athabasca River Valley, you’ll pass through the natural division across the park, between the easternmost Front Ranges west of the Jasper townsite.

DAY 4 & 5
Spend a couple of days in Jasper to explore the majesty of the Rockies as well as this friendly mountain village. Winter activities include: Maligne Canyon icewalks, snowshoe tours, wildlife searches, Maligne Valley tours, dog sledding … or just relaxing with friends by the fire in your cozy hotel. If you’re visiting in November, add a couple of days and experience the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s annual Christmas in November celebration. Guest presenters typically include some of Canada’s finest chefs and home-decor personalities.

DAY 6
Depart Jasper Heritage Railway Station on VIA Rail’s Snow Train for Vancouver, Enjoy a gourmet, freshly-prepared dinner in the dining car in “Silver and Blue Class”; watch the mountains from the classic dome car. Then settle in for a restful sleep on board the train.

DAY 7
Arrive in Vancouver at Pacific Central Station and transfer to Vancouver International Airport or enjoy Vancouver sightseeing.

Downhill Skiing, Marmot Basin
Photo: Travel Alberta

SEVEN DAYS
NOVEMBER TO APRIL

BOOK THIS TOUR
skimarmot.com
Only 20 minutes from the town of Jasper, Marmot Basin Ski Resort offers 3,000 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding on 100-per-cent natural, dry, Rocky Mountain powder.

Marmot Basin is one of the least-crowded ski areas of its size in all of North America. Enthusiasts who have already discovered Marmot Basin come back for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the superb variety of terrain, its all-around affordability, first-class service and, naturally, the spectacular Rocky Mountains. A variety of private and group lessons — from learn-to-ski to specialty clinics — are available. Skiers aged 13 and up can enjoy a few hours of lessons as well as multi-day packages which includes lessons.

VIA Rail www.viarail.ca

MAGICAL WINTER JOURNEY VIA SNOW TRAIN TO JASPER

MAGICAL WINTER JOURNEY
VIA SNOW TRAIN TO JASPER