Alberta Destinations

Snow Train to Jasper will produce lasting memories

by Sheree Zielke

Photo courtesy of VIA Rail

The fir trees whip by at a dizzying pace. The huge metal beast sways from side to side as it clacks its way forward through the mountain passes. Miles are swept away along ribbons of cold steel while inside the belly of the beast, the hearts of tiny passengers warm with delight.

Are you a grandparent looking for a fun and memorable way to spend some quality time with your grandkids? Do you like to travel? Do you like train rides? Do you like to ski?

Okay, you might not be a skier, but who can resist the mesmerizing allure of a train ride? That’s where the VIA Rail Snow Train to Jasper comes in.

My grandmother took me on my first train ride nearly fifty years ago. I was five years old, and we travelled from Winnipeg to Saskatoon. It was the most exotic and exhilarating experience of my young life. My legs were barely long enough to reach the grated iron steps, but a nice porter helped me up and down.

I remember the swaying of the train as we made our way between cars, the rushing of the snowy ground beneath my feet, and my grandmother’s firm steadying hand. I remember folks in the club car holding on to their coffee cups as our train rounded the corners on the track. I remember best the domed car, where a tiny child could have a royal view of a snow-washed world.

The memories of my first train ride are so special that I want my grandchildren to have their own such memories, too.

The Snow Train, which began operation in January 2007, provides roundtrip weekend service between Edmonton and Jasper, departing Friday afternoon and returning Sunday evening. You can also leave Edmonton for Jasper on Monday, Thursday or Saturday morning aboard VIA Rail’s train The Canadian travelling from Toronto to Vancouver.

The Snow Train to Jasper is seasonal, running until March 23.

Travel time between Jasper and Edmonton is under six hours, so no sleeping berths are needed. You’ll be riding in Comfort Class, which means a comfortable reclining seat with a headrest and a large picture window.

Pack a lunch and a thermos of cocoa, or you can purchase snacks and drinks onboard. Bring a board game, a deck of cards, and a few books, too.

Like 50 years ago, you and your grandkids will be treated to spectacular views from the domed Panorama car. But unlike 50 years ago, grandparents can enjoy complimentary wireless internet access while in the Jasper or Edmonton stations and no smoking is allowed on the train.

Jasper offers top-quality skiing at Marmot Basin resort. If you don’t ski, don’t worry. The town, located amid Jasper National Park, is a picturesque place to just hang out in. It has charming boutique stores, plenty of restaurants (fast food and upper end), and its snowcapped mountain terrain is intoxicating. Remember the camera.

Arranging for passage on the Snow Train is quite easy. You can book your tickets by calling VIA Rail at 1-888-842-7245 or through their website: www.viarail.ca.

If you need to cancel, it is a risk-free venture with VIA Rail, but only if you cancel on-line within 24 hours of booking your seats. The VIA Rail site also offers helpful hotel e-mail contact information and room reservation web links.

Two pieces of luggage are allowed per passenger, but check this site, https://reservia.viarail.ca, for in-depth information on fares, seating and baggage allowances.

There are a number of tour operators that will not only help you book your ride on the rails, but will take care of hotel rooms and ski lift tickets, too. Try www.magicbus.ca or www.andersonvacations.ca.

If making your own booking, be sure to reserve your accommodation before buying your train tickets, as hotels are heavily booked in Jasper in the wintertime. This site, www.tripadvisor.com, is an excellent resource for reviewing hotel value before making a decision.

Review the Jasper hotels before reserving a room, as some have excellent reputations and client comments, while others have reports of poor upkeep, even of mice and bedbugs.

The Jasper railway station is right in the middle of town, near the totem pole. Check to see if your Jasper hotel provides a complimentary train shuttle. Skiers can contact Marmot Basin resort to see what shuttles they offer.

The Edmonton train station is located at 121 Street, just off the Yellowhead Trail. You should be at the depot at least 30 to 60 minutes in advance of your departure time.

Give your grandkids more than just a present this winter; give them a memory they can carry into their old age. Our tickets are booked. How about yours?