North America Most Beautiful Winter Train Rides
Winter is a beautiful time, so why not spend precious moments in your home? And, even more importantly, in the security lines at airports? Instead, a picturesque winter train trip is a great option to get to your desired destination and take in the most breathtaking landscapes of the season on the journey.
Train travel may take slightly longer, but the advantages are immense. Anyone across North America can enjoy a relaxing ride through lakes, mountains, forests, and rivers at a similar cost -- or even less than an airline ticket-- while enjoying comfortable seats and a more comfortable ambience. These scenic rides aren't only for trips to the beach during summer; winter is equally as thrilling an opportunity to ride on the railways if perhaps more.
Explore landscapes covered in snow and ice regardless of whether you're located in areas like the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, or Midwest. If you prefer the milder climate, then you could enjoy a wonderful trip through the American Southwest to see the red rock formations in the Grand Canyon dusted with snow or cruise through the coastline of California and stop in cities such as San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles to see how the West Coast does wintertime.
Beyond the fun things to do and fascinating cityscapes, everything boils down to the beauty of travelling through the winter beauty. Admire the natural diversity and beauty of North America on one of these winter train trips.
Aurora Winter Train: Anchorage, Alaska
This well-known train ride of 12 hours will take you to Anchorage through Fairbanks. While on the journey, you can enjoy stunning views across The Alaskan landscape, from spectacular mountains and lakes to incredible wildlife native to the region, including caribou, moose and bears.
Also, get an intimate glimpse of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest point in North America. There are stops at Wasilla and Talkeetna for short breaks. Most trips are scheduled during the weekend from mid-September until mid-May, which means there are plenty of chances to take off.
Yellowstone in the Winter: Salt Lake City, Utah
The five-day journey ends with a stop in Salt Lake City, running between November and March each year. It is an Amtrak winter train trip with accommodation in a hotel for four nights and revolves around an excursion through Yellowstone National Park. Geysers, hot springs and steam vents acquire an extraordinary beauty in winter when the hot water gushes up in the frozen landscape. It's not just that wildlife is more easily spotted, including wolves native to the region -and you won't need to battle crowds for an ideal view.
Empire Builder: Chicago, Illinois
The beauty of the American West is only a train ride away. It runs from Chicago to Seattle by way of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Spokane, and Portland, the route leads you through a stunning landscape where snow and ice sparkle across the wintery terrain. Wherever you go, you'll see fresh snow covering the landscape, from Seattle Columbia River Gorge to snow-capped views of Mount Hood and Beacon Rock in Portland. In addition, the beautiful natural scenery of the plains, mountains and rivers creates stunning sights. The train ride of 46 hours is available daily throughout the year.
Cascade Canyon Winter Train: Durango, Colorado
Cascade Canyon in San Juan National Forest is a well-known hike in the summer. However, in winter, you can take advantage of the stunning nature of this area via train or a fireside meal. This short, 5.25-hour round trip covers 26 miles around the canyon's edge to see the best of Colorado's breathtaking landscape. The canyon was once mined for gold and silver before becoming dry a few years ago; however, there are numerous photo opportunities to enjoy. Trains run on specific dates between November and May.
Seattle and Canadian Rockies Winter Discovery: Seattle, Washington
This nine-day adventure starts in Seattle and crosses the border to the country that is our neighbour in the North. It includes visits to Vancouver, Jasper, Banff, and Calgary, Canada; you're sure to take in all the stunning perspectives the Canadian Rockies have to offer. The trip also includes an escorted ski gondola ride up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, which allows you to enjoy the stunning snow-capped scenery from the top vantage from the top, and also an experience with wildlife during winter within Jasper National Park.
Colorado Ski Train: Denver, Colorado
It's not winter without a trip to Colorado. For skiers, there is it's the Winter Park Express is an Amtrak train that transports the skiers directly from Denver Union Station to the doorstep of Winter Park Resort. The stunningly beautiful ride will take you to the Colorado Rockies for a day, weekend, or an entire week of skiing between January through April (tickets are available in the latter half of November or December in the previous year). How long you want to spend at the resort depends entirely on you since it is possible to take the train back home on your own time. The train operates only on weekends. Therefore it's a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance.
Napa Valley Wine Train: Napa, California
Complete with all the old-fashioned glamour, a train ride is always more enjoyable with a glass of vino. You can reserve a trip with the Napa Valley Wine Train any time of the year. However, they also offer holiday packages designed for travellers during winter. The route includes stop-overs at the local vineyards, such as Domaine Chandon, Robert Mondavi, and Beringer Vineyards, for tastings along the way. Every trip comprises exquisite meals while you sip your wine and enjoy the scenery.
Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon: Chicago Illinois
Escape the cold Midwest and take the beautiful desert journey by taking this vacation by Rail 6-day journey. While temperatures will not be hot, this journey will traverse the vibrant American Southwest, taking off from Chicago and travelling towards Flagstaff, Arizona, where you'll be able to see snow-covered landscapes before arriving at the breathtaking Grand Canyon. After exploring the natural wonders at your pace, you can head back to your home in the Windy City. The trips are offered from November through March every year.
Coast Starlight Train: Seattle, Washington
Be aware of West coast beauty during winter. Although the weather may be just a bit warmer doesn't mean it isn't awash with winter appeal. The cold Pacific Northwest has plenty of breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and lakes, as well as the snowy Cascade mountains for those who want to take a trip to an idyllic winter landscape. However, you can also enjoy watching the snow melt while you ride south from California towards Los Angeles on this scenic trip. Enjoy the final stretch of your journey, taking in the sights of L.A. before heading back to Seattle for a truly memorable winter trip. The route is open all year round, so there's always a good time to travel; however, winter can make it even more memorable.
California Zephyr: Chicago, Illinois
If you'd like to explore the vastness of America's beautiful and varied landscape in winter, There's no better option than this train: the California Zephyr with Amtrak. The two-day winter train trip is a journey across the state from Chicago through San Francisco to see all sorts of landscapes throughout America. U.S., from the Great Plains to icy peaked mountains covered with snow. Along the way, you'll enjoy a great perspective of the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The route runs every day throughout the year.
Adirondack Train: New York City, New York
Daily departures at New York City and travelling through Albany to Montreal, this scenic excursion will take you through the New York State's Adirondacks, in which snow-lovers will be amazed by the icy peaks and white-dusted trees that cover the landscape. As per the Amtrak website, this route was ranked as one of the "Top 10 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World," and it's clear the reason. This route isn't only a holiday treatment's possible to book rides at any time of the season.
Ethan Allen Express Train: New York City, New York
New Yorkers can take advantage of the chance to get away from the city on the scenic train ride to Vermont anytime they wish, and it's incredibly stunning during winter. Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express travels between New York City to Burlington, Vermont, via Albany. The train offers the best stunning winter scenery available in the Hudson Valley during winter when fresh white snow covers the picture. For those who love snow, you should go with this tranquil getaway, especially if they're looking to get away from the city and enjoy a different speed.
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