If your calendar looks anything like ours, it’s likely telling you that you’re long overdue for a scenic winter escape. Imagine crisp air, snow-dusted mountains, and misty peaks that seem lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Picture landscapes so serene, so breathtaking, that every glance feels like a postcard come to life.
For those yearning to satisfy both their wanderlust and their craving for unforgettable winter scenery, there’s an extraordinary journey waiting for you—a train adventure that departs right from the heart of NYC and carries you deep into a Canadian winter wonderland. From cozy compartments to panoramic windows framing pristine forests and frozen lakes, this is an adventure unlike any other.
🚂 The Journey: The Amtrak Adirondack
Forget the stress of I-87 traffic. Your getaway begins at Moynihan Train Hall, where you’ll board the Amtrak Adirondack, a route consistently named one of the top ten most scenic train rides in the world.
As you leave the concrete jungle behind, the city skyscrapers melt into the frozen beauty of the Hudson Valley. For the first few hours, the train hugs the riverbanks so closely you’ll feel like you’re gliding on the water. After passing through the historic heights of Albany and Saratoga Springs, the landscape shifts into the rugged, snow-draped Adirondack Mountains. You’ll spend the afternoon winding along the ice-rimmed shores of Lake Champlain, with views of Vermont’s Green Mountains shimmering in the distance.
⛸️ The Destination: Domaine Enchanteur, A 9-Mile Labyrinth of Ice
After an overnight stay in the European-style charm of Montreal, a short 1 hour and 45-minute drive (or bus/taxi combo) brings you to the Domaine de la Forêt Perdue (The Enchanted Forest). This isn’t your average neighborhood ice rink—it is a sprawling, 15-kilometer (9-mile) ice labyrinth carved directly through a dense pine forest.
❄️ What makes it magical
- The Labyrinth: Instead of skating in circles, you glide through winding paths sheltered from the wind by towering, snow-heavy pines.
- The Residents: As you skate, you’ll encounter the park’s friendly locals—llamas, alpacas, deer, and emus—who live in enclosures right alongside the trails. You can even buy grain to feed them as you pass by.
- Night Skating: Once the sun sets, the forest transforms. Thousands of lights illuminate the ice, turning the woods into a glowing, neon-blue dreamscape.
- Warmth & Comfort: When your cheeks get rosy, you can skate right up to a trailside cabin for hot chocolate or local maple taffy on snow.
🛤️ Travel Logistics at a Glance
- Departure: Daily from NYC Penn Station/Moynihan Train Hall (~8:15 AM). Service is subject to change, so it’s important to always check Amtrak’s official website before planning.
- Arrival: Montreal Central Station (~8:15 PM).
- The “View” Secret: When heading north, sit on the left side of the train for the best Hudson River views, then consider moving to the right side after Albany to see Lake Champlain.
- What to Pack: Your passport (essential for the border crossing!), your sharpest skates (though rentals are available), and plenty of layers.
Whether you’re gliding through the frozen silence of the pines or watching the moon rise over the snowy peaks of the Adirondacks, this trip is a core memory in the making.
So, pack your thickest wool socks, grab your passport, and trade the subway screech for the soft whistle of the winter wind. The “Enchanted Forest” is waiting, and the most scenic seat in the house has your name on it.