Winter in the Rockies

Your enchanting journey through the Rockies begins with your arrival into Calgary International Airport. You’ll be met by your private driver for a scenic transfer to your accommodation in the mountain village of Banff, located inside Banff National Park, about a 90-minute drive away. You’ll spend your first three nights here in the heart of what looks like a Swiss village. Stretch your legs while enjoying the fresh mountain air, checking out the shops before diving into the thriving culinary scene. Here, top chefs create dishes from across the globe, along with Western Canadian fare like Alberta bison steaks and British Columbia salmon.

An exciting day awaits as you’ll join the popular “Discover Banff and Its Wildlife” excursion to discover this mountain paradise and its most stunning views with a local guide. You’ll visit the top landmarks and walk serene pine-scented trails while viewing wildlife like mountain sheep and elk, learning all about what you’re seeing from your guide. In the afternoon, head to the stables to hop on a horse-drawn sleigh for a magical ride through the snow-covered landscape. Afterward you might want to enjoy some hot cocoa or a specialty coffee beverage in town followed by a delicious meal.

You’ll have a full day to explore Banff at your leisure. With some of the world’s best skiing found in this area, including three world-class resorts in Banff National Park, you’re in the perfect place to enjoy it. Mount Norquay and Sunshine Village are the closest, offering light, powdery snow with terrain for beginners to experts. After a day out on the slopes you can soothe your muscles in Canada’s highest hot springs, Banff Upper Hot Springs. If you’d prefer to relax and enjoy the offerings in town, Banff Park Museum is western Canada’s oldest museum of natural history, housed inside a log cabin.

Your next journey will take you to Lake Louise, where you’ll be able to gaze upon one of the world’s most breath-taking scenes. In the winter the dazzling glacier-fed waters of the lake are even more impressive surround by snow-capped peaks. Another snow lovers’ utopia with a stunningly scenic backdrop, you might want to enjoy outdoor ice skating or head out to explore on a pair of snowshoes. There are many places that rent them, you’ll just need a warm jacket, hat, gloves and boots. Afterward, the Lakeview Lounge at famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers fine dining with an idyllic lake view.

This morning your private driver will bring you north for what’s been named one of the world’s most scenic drives by National Geographic and other publications, Icefields Parkway. It links Banff to Jasper, tracing the Continental Divide bring views of dramatic mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, roaring rivers and blue-tinged glaciers. Keep a close watch for wildlife like bear, caribou and moose too. After reaching Jasper you’ll check into your accommodation where you’ll spend the next two nights. With little light pollution in the area, you might even be able to spot the colourful lights of the aurora borealis dancing through the dark night’s sky.

Today you’ll explore more of Jasper National Park by visiting Maligne Canyon, the park’s deepest accessible canyon, with an expert guide. This is only possible during the chillier months of the year as during the summer the river rages through, but in the winter it’s transformed into a walkable wonderland. Follow your guide along the trail, winding through the frozen canyon floor with magnificent views that include frozen waterfalls, ice caves and ice formations. One of the most impressive winter tours in the park, as you walk in awe of your surroundings, you’ll learn all about the Karst topography and Maligne Valley.

This afternoon you’ll embark on a magical journey to Vancouver via the Snow Train, spending the night onboard in a Sleeper rom with dinner included. This luxurious adventure rolls through magnificent snowy landscapes, one of the best ways to experience an enchanting winter wonderland without having to get behind the wheel or endure extreme outdoor elements. A trip of a lifetime for many, you’ll be able to gaze out at 360-degree views of the snow-covered mountain peaks and frozen lakes in comfort as the train makes its way to the west coast and one of Canada’s most breath-taking cities.

Enjoy breakfast on the train, reaching Vancouver at approximately 9:30 a.m. Upon arrival you’ll be met by a private driver for transfer to your accommodation for the next two nights. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. We recommend getting a good perspective of the city by visiting the Lookout Tower. You’ll take a 40-second glass elevator ride to the top for a bird’s-eye view that includes downtown, the North Shore Mountains, and on a clear day, Vancouver Island too, from more than 550 feet above Harbour Centre. You’ll find plenty of shops, galleries and eateries to explore nearby too.

This morning you’ll explore this beautiful city more in-depth by taking a hop-in, hop-off tour. It stops at all the major sightseeing spots. Discover historic Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood with cobblestone streets and a famous steam clock, the only one of its kind in the world. Stanley Park is included too, a must-visit just north of the West End. It offers enough to spend an entire day or more, with a 5.5-mile-long seawall along the waterfront for enjoying spectacular views of the mountains, Lions Gate Bridge and landmarks like the 32-million-year-old Siwash Rock. It also hosts the Vancouver Aquarium and forested trails.

Your dream trip through the Canadian Rockies and breath-taking Vancouver comes to an end this morning. Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel and meeting your private driver for transfer to Vancouver International Airport to catch your flight home.