Canadian Rockies Winter Rail Vacation | Winter Escapades

Day 1 Vancouver to Jasper | Via Rail This afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes as you enjoy dinner (included), then retreat to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.

Day 2 Jasper | Arrival VIA Rail Rise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. (breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 3 Jasper Freedom of Choice | 1 of 4 Excursions Personalize your stay in Jasper by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk Experience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up! The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50 metre gorge. Option 2. Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour Travel through the Athabasca Valley to some of the park’s most beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain scenery to seek out all the park’s most iconic creatures. Option 3. Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope Experience Join LIVE astronomy guides for a full evening of cosmic exploration, starting inside with a world-exclusive domed theatre experience, then outside with the largest telescope in the Rockies. In the climate-controlled 40-seat dome theatre, take a LIVE virtual tour of Jasper’s 11,000 sq km Dark Sky Preserve. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour Travel by dog sled along 22 km (13 mi) of pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Learn the history of the area and the people amongst the crisp mountain air and the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire, hot apple cider, and homemade treats.

Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Coach | Evening Sleigh Ride Travel southward along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. This spectacular drive through glacier country features massive snow covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad-reaching valleys. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute sleigh ride that takes place beside the lake.

Day 5 Lake Louise | Day at Leisure Lake Louise transforms into a real-life snow globe in the winter that has to be seen to be believed. To make the most of your stay, rent a pair of ice skates and head onto the frozen lake or snowshoes and explore the many trails, wander the shoreline and take in the iconic views – both are authentic Canadian experience. For skiing or snowboarding visit Lake Louise Ski Resort, known for it’s spectacular scenery and versatile terrain. With over 4,200 acres spread across four mountain faces.

Day 6 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach Depart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley.

Day 7 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Gonolda Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep on this morning tour of Banff. Scenic highlights include Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, the Hoodoos Viewpoint & Lake Minnewanka. Then soar up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for 360-degree views over Banff. Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint Pots Afternoon snowshoe tour on an easy trail winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots with its ochre colors mineral pools. Option 3. Johnston Canyon Icewalk This morning Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to stunning frozen waterfalls and amazing views within the canyon.

Day 8 Banff to Calgary | Coach Today you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. We will schedule a transfer to bring you to downtown Calgary, or to the Calgary Airport to connect with your flight home.

Day 1 Calgary to Banff | Coach Leave the Stampede City of Calgary on the express service to Banff where you will have ample opportunity to take in the sights.

Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Gonolda Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep on this morning tour of Banff. Scenic highlights include Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, the Hoodoos Viewpoint & Lake Minnewanka. Then soar up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for 360-degree views over Banff. Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint Pots Afternoon snowshoe tour on an easy trail winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots with its ochre colors mineral pools. Option 3. Johnston Canyon Icewalk This morning Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to stunning frozen waterfalls and amazing views within the canyon.

Day 3 Banff to Lake Louise | Evening Sleigh Ride Depart Banff early afternoon for a short drive via the scenic Bow Valley to Lake Louise. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute Sleigh Ride that takes place beside the lake.

Day 4 Lake Louise | Day at Leisure Lake Louise transforms into a real-life snow globe in the winter that has to be seen to be believed. To make the most of your stay, rent a pair of ice skates and head onto the frozen lake or snowshoes and explore the many trails, wander the shoreline and take in the iconic views – both are authentic Canadian experience. For skiing or snowboarding visit Lake Louise Ski Resort, known for it’s spectacular scenery and versatile terrain. With over 4,200 acres spread across four mountain faces.

Day 5 Lake Louise to Jasper | Coach Travel northward along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper today. This spectacular drive through glacier country features massive snow covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad reaching valleys.

Day 6 Jasper Freedom of Choice | 1 of 4 Excursions Personalize your stay in Jasper by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk Experience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up! The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50 metre gorge. Option 2. Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour Travel through the Athabasca Valley to some of the park’s most beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain scenery to seek out all the park’s most iconic creatures. Option 3. Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope Experience Join LIVE astronomy guides for a full evening of cosmic exploration, starting inside with a world-exclusive domed theatre experience, then outside with the largest telescope in the Rockies. In the climate-controlled 40-seat dome theatre, take a LIVE virtual tour of Jasper’s 11,000 sq km Dark Sky Preserve. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour Travel by dog sled along 22 km (13 mi) of pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Learn the history of the area and the people amongst the crisp mountain air and the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire, hot apple cider, and homemade treats.

Day 7 Jasper to Vancouver | VIA Rail This morning, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the journey from Jasper to Vancouver. Using the original steel railcars from the 1950s, sit back and relax in the dome car to enjoy a dramatic change in scenery as you travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson. Watch the landscape transition from mountains to desert as you follow the Thompson River into central British Columbia. Brunch and dinner is included onboard VIA Rail, and your private quarters will once again be transformed into a bedroom for the overnight journey.

Day 8 Vancouver Arrival | VIA Rail Waking to the coastal city of Vancouver today, your tour ends upon arrival. (continental breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)