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)
