Yukon Northern Lights & Canadian Rockies Winter Rail Vacation

Day 1 Vancouver | Arrival Upon arrival in Vancouver transfer (own cost) to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.

Day 2 Vancouver to Whitehorse | Flight + Evening Aurora Viewing Fly from Vancouver to the Yukon with our partner Air North to begin your Northern Lights adventure. After arriving in Whitehorse, you’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your downtown hotel for an informative meeting and fitting of winter clothing. In the later afternoon, there will be time for relaxing, shopping and enjoying dinner on your own, then later this evening depart for your first night of Northern Lights viewing. Where you will be transferred just outside the city to a cozy, heated cabin or wall tent where hot drinks and snacks will be waiting.

Day 3 Whitehorse | City Tour + Evening Aurora Viewing Sleep in this morning and enjoy breakfast at leisure, then meet in the hotel lobby to depart for your Whitehorse city tour. Featuring Main Street, the Train Depot of the White Pass and Yukon Route, Yukon Visitor Information Center, Log Skyscraper, Log Church, Sternwheeler SS Klondike, Fish ladder, Schwatka Lake and residential areas, it will give you a nice overview of Whitehorse to help you feel at home for the rest of your trip. Returning in the afternoon for free time and dinner at leisure, your second night of Aurora viewing will commence later in the evening. Once again, hot drinks and snacks will be provided in the warm up tent, where you can enjoy the roaring fire and share stories with fellow travellers.

Day 4 Whitehorse | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions + Evening Aurora Viewing Personalize your stay in Jasper by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Icefishing and Snowshoeing Excursion Experience the unparalleled beauty of the Yukon in winter with a 4-hour Ice Fishing and Snowshoeing Tour. Discover the thrill of ice fishing on a frozen lake, followed by a breathtaking snowshoe trek through serene, snow-covered landscapes. Connect with nature and embrace the frosty charm of the Yukon! Option 2. Half Day Dogsledding Excursion Experience the thrill of a lifetime in Yukon’s pristine wilderness with a half-day dog sledding adventure. Learn to guide your own sled dog team over two exhilarating hours, weaving through stunning snowy landscapes and connecting with nature’s raw beauty. A captivating journey awaits in the heart of the Yukon! Option 3. Yukon Wildlife Tour + Hot Spa Experience the pristine, snowy landscapes of the Yukon on a winter wildlife tour. Encounter majestic caribou, elusive lynx, and more in their natural habitat. Enjoy the mesmerizing Northern Lights while learning about Canada’s rugged wilderness. An unforgettable journey of exploration and wonder. Then relax at the Eclipse Hot Springs

This evening experience magical Aurora shows. Enjoy warm drinks and snacks in a cozy tent, by a roaring fire, sharing stories with fellow travelers under the Northern Lights.

Day 5 Whitehorse to Vancouver Transfer (included) to Whitehorse airport for your return flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver transfer (own cost) to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.

Day 6 Vancouver to Jasper | Via Rail This 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 7 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 8 Jasper Freedom of Choice | 1 of 6 Excursions Personalize your stay in Jasper by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Pleckaitis or Maligne Canyon Icewalk Explore Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley in winter on the Pleckaitis Icewalk, with scenic stops at Medicine Lake and a memorable icewalk through untouched Pleckaitis Canyon.
Please note: If Maligne Canyon reopens in time for the winter season, this tour will revert to the Maligne Canyon Icewalk.
Experience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up. Carved over 10,000 years of erosion, it forms a dramatic 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. Secrets of Jasper Snowshoe Tour Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure through breathtaking alpine landscapes. Trek across pristine snow-covered trails, surrounded by towering peaks and serene wilderness. Discover hidden gems, local wildlife, and fascinating stories while enjoying a guided experience that blends nature, history, and outdoor excitement in a magical winter wonderland. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Jasper Foodie Tour Show your foodie side some love on this walking food tour of Jasper. The mountain town has come a long way from it’s humble beginnings without losing sight of what makes it special. Option 6. 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 9 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, broad-reaching valleys. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute sleigh ride that takes place beside the lake.

Day 10 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach Begin your day with a relaxed morning, taking in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Louise. With the option of a mid- or late-afternoon transfer to Banff, you have the freedom to immerse yourself in Lake Louise’s winter wonderland or indulge in afternoon tea at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before departing on a 45-minute journey along the breathtaking Bow Valley Parkway. Whether you choose the scheduled transfer (included) or a private transfer, both options allow you to customize your time between these two stunning destinations.

Day 11 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Gondola 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 Experience an unforgettable snowshoeing adventure to the historical Paint Pots with its ochre-colored mineral pools. This easy 3-kilometre trail offers a great introduction to snowshoeing for first-timers. Along the way, search for hare, lynx, and wolf tracks in the forest. Snowshoes, hiking poles, and authentic historical props are included. Warm up with hot chocolate and a uniquely Canadian maple taffy treat! Option 3. Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls Adventure Explore the icy wonderland of Johnston Canyon with expert guides fitting you with ice-walking gear. Marvel at the stunning Lower Falls, then venture to the Upper Falls, where ice climbers scale frozen towers. En route, discover hidden gems along the Bow Valley Parkway, stopping at exclusive viewpoints for breathtaking, camera-worthy scenery.
Option 4. Electric Fat Biking Banff Adventure Experience the thrill of Winter Electric Fat Biking in Banff! Ride effortlessly through snow-covered trails with powerful e-fat bikes, soaking in breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for all skill levels, this guided adventure offers an exciting and eco-friendly way to explore Banff’s winter wonderland.

Day 12 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.