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Christmas in the Canadian Rockies Winter Rail Vacations | Via Rail
INTRODUCTION
This 7-day Christmas in the Canadian Rockies Winter Rail Vacation is everything you love about the holidays in one vacation! Stay at Canada's ‘Castle in the Rockies’, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and enjoy a delicious Christmas feast prepared by the hotel chefs.
Embark on a guided Icewalk together through a frozen canyon, snowshoe through a sparkling landscape at Paint Pots, watch for wildlife like moose, elk and bighorn sheep and cozy up on a horse drawn sleigh ride.
The memories made on this holiday are sure to last through the ages.
Itinerary at a Glance
MAP

DETAILED ITINERARY
The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Departing Vancouver|Departing Calgary
Day 1 Vancouver to Jasper | Via RailThis afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Step back in time to the days of classic rail travel, riding in the original steel ‘streamliner’ railcars made famous by the ‘Canadian’ in the 1950s. Each car has been lovingly restored with air conditioning, a dining car, lounge car, and dome car. 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 RailRise 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 3 Excursions + Christmas DinnerToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Maligne Canyon Ice WalkExperience 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 TourTravel 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. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding TourTravel by dog sled through pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Tour concludes with a hot beverage and homemade treats back at the trail head.In the evening, join in for a Christmas feast at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The culinary team will go above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience for you and your loved ones to celebrate the holidays (breakfast & Christmas dinner included today)
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. (breakfast included today)
Day 5 Lake Louise to Banff | CoachDepart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley. (breakfast included today)
Day 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour 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.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 IcewalkThis morning Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to stunning frozen waterfalls and amazing views within the canyon.
Depending on the excursion you choose either the morning or afternoon is free to relax in your ‘Castle in the Rockies’ or explore the magical winter wonderland of Banff. (breakfast included today)
Day 7 Banff to Calgary | CoachToday 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 | CoachLeave the Stampede City of Calgary on the express service to Banff, where you’ll arrive to a picturesque resort town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Located within Banff National Park, Banff is renown for its scenic natural beauty and stunning wildlife.
Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour 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.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 IcewalkThis morning Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to stunning frozen waterfalls and amazing views within the canyon.
Depending on the excursion you choose either the morning or afternoon is free to relax in your ‘Castle in the Rockies’ (breakfast included today)
Day 3 Banff to Lake Louise with Evening Sleigh Ride + Christmas Dinner Depart Banff in the early afternoon for a short drive to Lake Louise via the scenic Bow Valley. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute sleigh ride that takes place beside the lake. In the evening, join in for a Christmas feast at the Fairmont Lake Louise. The culinary team will go above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience for you and your loved ones to celebrate the holidays (breakfast & Christmas dinner included today)
Day 4 Lake Louise to Jasper | CoachTravel 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 5 Jasper Freedom of Choice | 1 of 3 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Maligne Canyon Ice WalkExperience 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 TourTravel 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. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour Travel by dog sled through pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Tour concludes with a hot beverage and homemade treats back at the trail head.Depending on the excursion you choose either the morning or afternoon is free to relax at the lodge or explore the magical winter wonderland of Jasper. (breakfast included today)
Day 6 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. (breakfast included today)
Day 7 Vancouver Arrival | VIA RailWaking to the coastal city of Vancouver today, your tour ends upon arrival.(continental breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- Sleeping berth onboard VIA Rail Sleeper Touring service for 1 night
- 2 nights accommodation in Jasper
- 1 night accommodation in Lake Louise
- 2 nights accommodation in Banff
- Private transfer between rail depot and hotel in Jasper
- Jasper | Freedom of Choice - 1 of 3 Excursions
- Maligne Canyon Ice Walk
- Discover Jasper & Its Wildlife Tour
- Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour
- Scheduled express coach between Jasper & Lake Louise
- Sleigh ride at Lake Louise
- Scheduled express coach between Lake Louise & Banff
- Banff | Freedom of Choice - 1 of 3 Excursions
- Discover Banff & its Wildlife Tour
- Snowshoeing at Paint Pots Tour
- Johnson Canyon Icewalk
- Scheduled express coach between Banff & Calgary
- Christmas Dinner on December 25th
- National Park fees
- Meals as per Itinerary
Hotel & Rail Information | Deluxe Grade
- VIA Rail | Private Cabin
- Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Deluxe Room
- Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Fairmont Lakeview Room
- Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Deluxe Room
Hotel & Rail Information | Deluxe Plus Grade
- VIA Rail | Private Cabin
- Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Premier Deluxe Room
- Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Deluxe Lakeview Room
- Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Deluxe Mountainview Room
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Activities other than specified
- Meals other than specified
- Portage fees
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with a Canada Travel Designer and bring your vacation one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departing from Vancouver: Friday(Tour Code: TR168)Dec 23
Departing from Calgary: Friday(Tour Code: TR169)Dec 23
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Deluxe Grade with Private Cabin on-board VIA Rail | ||||
23 Dec, 2022 VIA Rail | Upgrade to Prestige Double Bedroom | Vancouver to Jasper 2022/2023 Season | $6,114
$1,006 | $9,175
$2,703 | $5,258
| $2,705
|
Deluxe Upgrade Deluxe Grade with Private Cabin on-board VIA Rail | ||||
23 Dec, 2022 VIA Rail | Upgrade to Prestige Double Bedroom | Vancouver to Jasper 2022/2023 Season | $6,585
$1,006 | $10,116
$2,703 | $5,571
| $2,705
|
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REVIEWS
1 of 3
"Thanks for a great holiday."
Thanks for a great holiday. The Rockies and Eastern Canada - awesome, Victoria- beautiful. Whistler- magic. All the itinerary was excellent. Well done team!!
Mark Sydney, Australia
2 of 3
"When we go back in future to Canada we will contact you again. Will recommend your company!"
We are back again from a wonderful trip in the Rockies. Everything was great! The Fairmont hotels we loved it. We had wonderful rooms in each hotel, the bus transfers very good arranged. We enjoyed our trips - snowshoeing, ice canyon walk, sleigh-ride, is was all fantastic! I was happily surprised with the informative travel documents with the lonely planet guide that we received on arrival in the Banff Springs hotel. So we want to thank you and your colleagues very much for arranging this wonderful trip for us! When we go back in future to Canada we will contact you again. Will recommend your company!
Jacqueline Netherlands
3 of 3
"We had the most fabulous trip to our Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies."
We had the most fabulous trip to our Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies. Thank you so much for organizing all our travels and hotels.Highlights: the vintage train from Vancouver to Jasper! Via Rail Canadian needs better pictures to tout the awesome rail with it's adorable public rooms, dinning car, glass roof cars and cozy cabins. I left the shade up all night and watched the world go by.
Mary California, United States
Christmas in the Canadian Rockies Winter Rail Vacations | Via Rail
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