Embark on a magical winter journey through Western Canada, where vibrant city life meets the pristine wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. Begin in Vancouver, a city that perfectly blends cosmopolitan culture with spectacular natural scenery. Stroll through the historic streets of downtown, explore Chinatown and Gastown, and wander along the bustling waterfront. Experience the awe-inspiring Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where towering evergreens are transformed into a glittering winter spectacle by the enchanting Canyon Lights. Take in panoramic city views from the Vancouver Lookout and soak up the festive atmosphere that makes Vancouver a true winter wonderland.
Board the legendary VIA Rail Canadian train for a timeless journey through snow-dusted landscapes, past the Fraser Valley, Coastal Mountains, and the dramatic Fraser Canyon. Relax in your private cabin as the train winds through a winter tapestry of frozen rivers, majestic peaks, and broad valleys, before arriving in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
In Jasper, explore one of the world’s most stunning national parks with guided adventures such as the Maligne Valley Icewalk, wandering through untouched canyons and past frozen waterfalls. Continue south along the scenic Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, where snow-covered mountains rise above the frozen lake and a magical sleigh ride completes the quintessential winter experience.
Spend four nights in Banff, a true winter paradise. Stroll through charming alpine towns blanketed in snow, spot elk, deer, and bighorn sheep across frosted valleys, and ascend Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola for breathtaking, 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks. Lace up snowshoes to explore the Paint Pots, a serene trail through pine forests leading to vibrant ochre-coloured mineral pools, or venture on the Johnston Canyon Icewalk to marvel at frozen waterfalls and towering ice formations. Every day in Banff is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a serene winter landscape, where crisp mountain air, sparkling snow, and dramatic scenery combine to create a truly unforgettable adventure.
Conclude your journey with an overnight in Calgary, where you can explore the city’s vibrant downtown, dining scene, and cultural attractions.
Arrive in Vancouver and transfer independently to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure in Vancouver.
Overnight in Vancouver at Sutton Place Hotel
Today’s tour offers the perfect blend of city and nature. Explore the urban elements of downtown Vancouver and immerse yourself in the wilderness of Vancouver's rugged North Shore with a fully narrated tour. The tour combines the highlights of downtown Vancouver with a stop at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Journey through the various distinct cultural areas of Vancouver, including Chinatown and Gastown, the charming Vancouver Harbour, and scenic, ocean-side English Bay. Step off the bus in Stanley Park to visit the Totem Poles, as well as Prospect Point for an impressive look at the Lions Gate Bridge. Explore the renowned Public Market and artisan stores at Granville Island and take in the jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the city and beyond from Vancouver Lookout Tower Observation Deck. Then get in the spirit of the season at Capilano Suspension Bridge’s Canyon Lights experience. Serving up lights and heights, the annual event brings the rainforest to life with incredible illuminations.
Overnight in Vancouver at Sutton Place Hotel
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
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 in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel
Today, explore the stunning landscapes of Jasper National Park on the Maligne Valley & Pleckaitis Icewalk. This guided winter adventure combines scenic stops at iconic locations like Medicine Lake with a unique icewalk experience in the untouched Pleckaitis Canyon. Learn about wildfire ecology, geology, and the park's rich history as you journey through breathtaking terrain. With all equipment provided and round-trip transportation from Jasper, this guided ice walk is a seamless and unforgettable way to explore the wonders of Jasper in winter.
Overnight in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel
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. (Please note this activity is seasonal.)
Overnight in Lake Louise at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Depart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley.
Overnight in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge
Today, enjoy your first full day in Banff with a guided tour to discover Banff and its wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep while visiting scenic highlights such as Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Hoodoos Viewpoint, and Lake Minnewanka. Then ascend to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for 360-degree views over Banff and the surrounding Rockies.
Overnight in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge
An experience that's truly unique to Banff! In the winters of Banff National Park, sub-zero temperatures turn mighty waterfalls into glittering pillars of ice. Suspended in time, these frozen falls look almost otherworldly. Starting with a gentle walk to the lower falls, wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the flowering waters of the frozen falls up close. Then, continue onto the awe-inducing upper falls - a glittering tower of ice that rises 30 metres above your head. These gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns. You'll also travel through prime wildlife habitat to reach the canyon and learn clues from your friendly guide as to how Johnston Canyon was formed.
Overnight in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge
Today, snowshoe on an easy trail along a bridge across the frozen Vermilion River and along the snowy path winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure within the National Park. Learn about the history of the fur trade as you explore the fascinating Paint Pots, which are mineral deposits once used by First Nations people for rock painting. Along the way you will hear stories of Banff's indigenous people, explorers and fur traders who lived in and travelled through the Rockies. After this crisp winter walk, enjoy a uniquely Canadian treat: hot maple taffy poured into snow to make a sweet frozen dessert. Plus try a crazy carpet slide down the hill while it's being made - kids and adults alike love this part of the tour!
Overnight in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge
After a final morning in Banff, transfer to Calgary. Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Calgary.
Overnight in Calgary at Hotel Arts
After a final morning in Banff, transfer to Calgary. Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Calgary.
Vancouver
Situated in the heart of downtown, first-class amenities await you at The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver. Indulge in the Vida Spa, an indoor heated pool, or modern fitness centre. Luxury, elegance and an elevated state of style welcome you the moment you pass through the doors of The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver.
Lose yourself in the carefully curated on-site Wine-merchant, featuring local and international labels, and a private tasting room. Elevate your tastes with a visit to an enticing culinary encounter at the signature restaurant: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
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.
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
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.
Calgary
The Hotel Arts story began in 2005 when a team of local investors purchased and transformed an old Holiday Inn in Calgary’s Beltline/Victoria Park. Boutique luxury and creativity meet in our 185 designer rooms. Stylish decor, modern comfort and brimming inspiration awaits. The Hotel Arts Group includes our flagship Hotel Arts property as well as our two award-winning restaurants, Raw Bar and Yellow Door Bistro It features a spectacular pool and patio covered by an inflatable roof in the cooler months.
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.
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