1. Fly into Edmonton, Alberta, the nearest airport (a 4 hour drive away from Jasper).
2. Instead of driving, hop on the Via Rail Snow Train to Jasper National Park.
3. Chill aboard the train.
4. Arrive at Jasper train station. Catch a ride to your hotel (some are in walking distance, others have shuttles).
5. Chill.
6. In the morning, take a free shuttle to Marmot Basin.
7. Snowboard or ski until your legs feel like chopped meat.
8. Catch the shuttle back to your hotel.
9. Chill in the pool or hot tub.
10. Repeat as much as you can (Go back to step 6).
11. Do a side trip like the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk.
12. Head back home.

This video by RideGuide introduces some of the concepts above and does a nice job of showing riding at Marmot:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBosE5LIIUY

Have a nice trip.

Sounds intriguing?

Let’s look at what other train travelers are saying about VIA Rail. Let’s start with a few trip reports and then finish with a collection og videos showing more of the VIA Rail experience.

VIA Rail trip reports

Traveler Carolyn writes about her experience on VIA Rail’s Canadian, going from Vancouver to Toronto with a stop at Jasper National Park.  By the looks of the pictures and all of the snow on the ground, it was a winter trip.  Read article.

Traveler Susan also writes a blog post about riding on the Canadian and stopping at Jasper National Park and Banff National Parks during the day.   Read article.

Videos of VIA Rail Trains

This traveler’s video shows scenes from VIA Rail’s Skeena line from Prince Rupert, BC to Jasper National Park, AB.

This video by Vacations Canada provides a quick tour of the VIA Rail Canadian line.

VIA Rail train from above

From the ground at Jasper National Park train station

YouTube contributor bcrcndr now has 55 brief videos showing segments of a cross-country trip aboard the VIA Rail Canadian.

Proving that there is a video on YouTube for everything, this is a video of a person going from one end of the train to the other. Not particularly exciting, it does at least show what the inside looks like.

There you have it.  These resources should have provided a good honest idea about what riding on a VIA Rail train is like.  Have you rode VIA Rail before?  What’s your experience?

VIA Rail Canada trains are geared towards cross-country travelers and the trains have all sorts of conveniences making for a very relaxing way to see the countryside and get to Jasper National Park.

This video was produced by the Alberta tourism board. It provides an excellent glimpse of the VIA Rail experience in action. One of the passengers is interviewed. Pay very close attention to his name.

This 2nd video shows a VIA Rail passenger trail as it pulls into the Jasper train station.

VIA Rail routes

VIA Rail routes can include a variety of destinations.   See the VIA Rail website for exact details, availability and pricing.  Here’s a brief overview of VIA Rail’s offerings that include a stop in Jasper National Park.

The Canadian – Vancouver to Toronto

VIA Rail calls the Canadian “the ultimate Canada train trip between Toronto, Jasper and Vancouver!” It is world-renowned.  Imagine going from the big city of Toronto on Lake Ontario in eastern Canada all the way to multicultural Vancouver on the west coast of Canada with stops at Jasper National Park and others along the way.  Besides Jasper, there are stops in Sudbury Junction, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Kamloops. Now that is the ultimate cross-country train adventure.

The Skeena – Prince Rupert to Jasper National Park

Take the Jasper-Prince Rupert train (the Skeena) for a 2 day journey from Prince Rupert in British Columbia to Jasper in Alberta, Canada.

The observation deck on the VIA Rail trains provides a one-of-a-kind way to view the Canadian Rockies.

The Snow Train

During winter, VIA Rail offers Edmonton-Jasper and Toronto-Jasper-Vancouver routes on the Snow Train.  Learn more on VIA Rail’s website here.

What to do in Jasper National Park upon arrival?

What does one do once arriving at the Jasper National Park train station?  See the Jasper National Park Train Station Guide.

This guide will look at some of the options for those travelers being dropped off at the train station and who only have a short time to spend in Jasper National Park.

Within walking distance of the Jasper Train Station

The Jasper train station has a great location for exploring Jasper townsite by foot.  The Jasper train station is on Connaught Drive in the midst of the Jasper townsite action.

If walking around Jasper after being dropped off at the train station, be sure to take a look at the old Jasper Information Centre on Connaught Drive.  You’ll also want to walk on Connaught Drive and Patricia Street a little and explore the side streets.  Shopping, restaurants, several hotels and a few guided tour offices are in walking distance of the train station too.

If you want, you can rent a bicycle from a few bike shops in town.   For a slower pace, take a stroll through the Jasper museum.

Want to see a little nature?  Take a hike on the Discovery Trail, an easy new hiking trail that wraps around the perimeter of the Jasper townsite.  It’s a great way to experience nature hands-on after taking a train to Jasper National Park.

Side trips from the Jasper Train Station

Though you can have a good time within walking distance of the train station, also consider the various guided tours arranged on your own or as part of a train travel package.  You’ll need either a tour’s transportation or a rental car to get out to the main Jasper National Park attractions, like Maligne Lake, the Jasper Tramway or the Athabasca Glacier.

Maligne Lake Side trip

Maligne Lake is a fun and wonderfully scenic place worthy of a day-trip excursion from the Jasper train station if you have the time.  There are a few ways to get there including a daily shuttle.

Jasper Tramway Side trip

The Jasper Tramway is also very close but requires some form of transportation from the Jasper train station to the tramway.  The Jasper Tramway carries you to the top of the world, high up Whistler’s Mountain where you can see the surrounding Canadian Rockies.  It is a neat experience and a nice contrast to riding in a train.

Other side trips

Miette Hot Springs is the place to go to lounge and soak in the water.  The springs have several recently updated pools of varying temperatures.

For something unique, take a look into white water rafting in Jasper National Park. There are guided white water rafting tours on very mild rivers suitable for all ages.

Renting a car from Jasper train station

After riding in a train all day, you may want the freedom to go at your own pace and see what you want in Jasper.  If so, rent a car.  Both National and Hertz have offices inside the Jasper train station.  Avis and Budget car rentals are in town within walking distance.  Be aware that renting a car last minute in Jasper may leave you disappointed.  Make a reservation as far in advance as you can because supply is sometimes be limited.

Outside Jasper Train Station

Outside the train station, take a look at the Canadian National 6015 steam train on display.  The train was made in 1923 and now resides in Jasper.

Inside Jasper Train Station

The small, cozy train station is nicely kept. You’ll find an information desk, car rentals and other facilities in the building.