Winter Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies

Highlights

Treat yourself with one night at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Travel from Vancouver to Jasper onboard VIA Rail's Canadian Train and experience the Rockies like never before!

Personalise your days in both Jasper and Banff with a freedom of choice activity

Enjoy a wonderful 40-minute sleigh ride at Lake Louise

Overview

Experience the magic of a Canadian winter on this unforgettable 8-day journey aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian train. Begin in cosmopolitan Vancouver before boarding the train for a spectacular ride through snow-draped forests, frozen lakes, and the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Relax in comfortable sleeper cabins, enjoy gourmet meals, and take in panoramic views from the dome car as you travel through the heart of British Columbia. Upon arriving in Jasper, immerse yourself in winter wonderland activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, or exploring Maligne Canyon’s frozen waterfalls. Continue to Banff, where you can soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, ride the gondola to Sulphur Mountain, or simply savour the charm of this alpine town. A scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway brings your adventure to a close in Calgary, leaving you with lasting memories of Canada’s breathtaking winter landscapes.

ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
ENTIRE AUD Prices
ENTIRE Change of Mind
ENTIRE Industry Accredited
ENTIRE On Ground Support
ENTIRE Australian Owned

Inclusions

1 night onboard VIA Rail in a Sleeper Plus Cabin

2 nights in Jasper at the Forest Park Hotel

1 night in Lake Louise at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

2 nights in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge

Freedom of Choice Days in Banff & Jasper

Dinner & breakfast included onboard VIA Rail

Scheduled express coach between Jasper & Lake Louise

Scheduled express coach between Lake Louise & Banff

Scheduled express coach between Banff & Calgary

Sleigh ride at Lake Louise

Freedom of Choice Days

Freedom of Choice

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day, as follows:

One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 3
One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 6

Expand the itinerary below for more details.

Please note, if more than one room is selected during the booking process, our team will contact you afterwards to discuss options.

Itinerary

Download Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 Vancouver | 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.

Overnight stay aboard VIA Rail in a Private Cabin

Dinner

The Canadian | Credit: VIA Rail

Day 2 Jasper

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.

Overnight stay in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel

Breakfast

Jasper Townsite | Credit: Mike Seehagel

Day 3 Jasper

Today enjoy your pre-selected tour from our Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight stay in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel

Freedom of Choice Options

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. (Please note this activity is seasonal)

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.

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.

Maligne Canyon Jasper

Day 4 Jasper Lake Louise

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. (Please note this activity is seasonal)

Overnight stay in Lake Louise at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise Sleigh Ride | Credit: Mike Seehagel

Day 5 Lake Louise Banff

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

Overnight stay in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge

Banff | Credit: Paul Zizka

Day 6 Banff

Today, enjoy your pre-selected tour from our Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight stay in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge

Freedom of Choice Options

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.

Snowshoeing at Paint Pots Tour:
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-coloured mineral pools.

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.

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.

Bow Lake | Credit: Whitney Arnott

Day 7 Banff Calgary

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.

Downtown Calgary | Credit: Jordan Dahl

Accommodation

VIA Rail Canadian Train - Cabin for 2

VIA Rail

Sleeper Plus offers the added comfort of amenities, great service and your choice of a cosy cabin. The show continues inside the train with wine tastings, presentations, musical acts on certain departures, access to lounges and cars with glass ceilings. Inside the dining car, enjoy freshly cooked meals, regional specialties, Canadian wines and stunning views.

Forest Park Hotel

Jasper
Set amidst the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, the Forest Park Hotel (formerly the Sawridge Inn) is a resort style hotel that offers the rustic charm you’d expect in Jasper National Park. Beautiful guest rooms, on-site spa, decadent dining and heated pool with jacuzzi and steam room add to the luxury you want in your mountain getaway.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise
Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel is located in Alberta's Banff National Park. Discover endless outdoor recreational activities including hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking and river rafting.

Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa

Banff
Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a mountain lodge hotel, a great steakhouse restaurant and a full-service spa, all in one outstanding location. This ideal vacation spot is located on Banff Avenue, the main street in the town of Banff. Surrounded by mountains, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Optional Extras

VIA Rail Prestige Class upgrade

This is train-travel at its best. Experience the country from first class with your personal concierge and refined comfort that lives up to its name. Take advantage of the lounges, scenic cars, performances and your attentive concierge that will help to make your trip so memorable. Indulge your senses with an all-inclusive epicurean fare as the landscape unfolds before you.

This is the most luxurious class on The Canadian train. These sleeper cabins are equipped with a double bed, a power outlet, a television, and a private bathroom with a toilet, a shower and a wash basin. Spacious cabin, which is 50% larger than the cabin for two in Sleeper Plus class, with a wide viewing window that is 60% larger. Modular L-shaped leather couch by day and a Murphy bed for two by night. The Prestige cabin also includes a mini-fridge stocked with a selection of beverages.

Prestige Class onboard The Canadian | Credit: VIA Rail

Operates on Monday, Friday

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Please note that some of the activities are seasonal and the price of the package reflects the reduction offered for activities which are non-operational.
The Lake Louise Sleigh Ride operates from the 15th December to the 10th April, therefore any package travelling outside of this season will not include the Sleigh Ride.
The Maligne Canyon Ice Walk in Jasper operates from the 15th December to the 31st March, therefore any package travelling outside of this season will include the Discover Jasper & It's Wildlife Tour.

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

Travel on a specific airline of their choice
Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group