There are few ways to truly understand Northern Ontario in winter. The highways show you distance. Snowmobiles show you adrenaline. But the train — the train shows you everything.
From March 20–23, 2026, travelers have the opportunity to experience one of the most distinctive winter journeys in Canada: a four-day rail adventure from Sudbury to White River and back aboard VIA Rail’s Sudbury–White River service — Canada’s last Rail Diesel Car route.
This is not a commuter run. It’s not a sightseeing loop. It’s a working rail line that serves remote communities, threading through some of the most rugged and pristine winter landscapes in the province.
And in winter, it becomes something extraordinary.
The journey begins in downtown Sudbury, where guests check into a centrally located hotel for the first of two nights in the city . There’s time to settle in, stretch your legs, and ease into Northern Ontario pace.
In the evening, you can head over to the Sudbury Community Arena to catch the Sudbury Wolves in OHL action — a quintessentially Canadian way to start a winter weekend . Hockey, community energy, and crisp northern air — it sets the tone.
Overnight in Sudbury.
After a hot breakfast at the hotel , it’s a short walk to Sudbury’s heritage train station. Here, you board VIA Rail’s remote service bound for White River.
This route is legendary among rail enthusiasts and photographers alike. A past winter traveller described it as offering “winter postcard views of Canadian Shield scenery around every curve of the tracks” .
They weren’t exaggerating.
The train glides past frozen lakes, towering rock cuts, dense boreal forest, and isolated communities accessible only by rail. Snow softens the landscape into something almost cinematic. The Canadian Shield feels vast and untouched — and from the rail car, you have a front-row seat.
This isn’t high-speed travel. It’s reflective travel. You notice details: ice formations along creek beds, the geometry of spruce trees under fresh snowfall, the quiet resilience of small northern stops.
By late afternoon, you arrive in White River — the historic railway town best known as the birthplace of Winnie-the-Pooh. Transfers are arranged for a visit to the White River Heritage Museum , followed by hotel check-in and dinner before turning in for the night .
Overnight in White River.
Morning brings a light breakfast and transfer back to the station . Then it’s time to retrace the rails eastward.
The return trip offers a completely different perspective. Light shifts. Landscapes feel familiar yet new. What you missed on the way out often reveals itself on the way back.
Arriving in Sudbury in the afternoon , you check back into your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is yours — explore the city, relax, or simply enjoy dinner overlooking the Sudbury skyline .
Overnight in Sudbury.
After another hot breakfast , it’s time to say goodbye to new friends and head home — carrying with you a deeper sense of place.
In a world of instant flights and algorithm-planned itineraries, there is something grounding about rail travel — especially in winter.
This package includes two nights in Sudbury, one night in White River, roundtrip rail travel, a detailed itinerary and info kit, select meals, maps, and a rail route guide . It’s designed to make winter travel in Northern Ontario accessible and seamless.
But what it really delivers is perspective.
Northern Ontario in winter is not harsh — it’s powerful. It’s not empty — it’s expansive. The rail line reveals communities that endure and landscapes that command respect.
For photographers, writers, rail enthusiasts, and travelers looking for something distinctly Canadian, this four-day journey offers something rare: time to look out the window and understand where you are.
Snow-covered shield. Remote communities. A heritage rail line still doing its work.
All you have to do is board.
The package, making winter travel in Canada easier and accessible includes a 2-night stay in Sudbury and 1 night in White River, roundtrip rail journey, detailed itinerary, info kit, some meals, maps, rail route guide and great memories.
Per Person Double Occupancy $995 – (Single Occupancy $1,295) Plus HST
FULL PAYMENT DEADLINE FEBRUARY 20, 2026
To reserve space please call RAIL TRAVEL TOURS today (while limited space remains) toll free at 1-866-704-3528 so we can process a $250 per person deposit by VISA or MasterCard and provide more information for our guests to prepare for the tour.
