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 4 Excursions Personalize your stay in Jasper 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. Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope ExperienceJoin 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 TourTravel 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.
Depending on the excursion you choose either the morning or afternoon is free to relax at the lodge.
Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Coach | Evening Sleigh Ride + Christmas DinnerTravel 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 to Banff | CoachDepart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley.
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 + GondolaKeep 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-colored 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
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 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + GondolaKeep 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-colored 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’
Day 3 Banff to Lake Louise with Evening Sleigh Ride 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.
Day 4 Lake Louise to Jasper | Coach + Christmas DinnerTravel 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. In the evening,
Day 5 Jasper Freedom of Choice | 1 of 4 ExcursionsPersonalize your stay in Jasper 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. Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope ExperienceJoin 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 TourTravel 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.
Depending on the excursion you choose either the morning or afternoon is free to relax at the lodge.
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. (Lunch & Dinner 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)
