Rockies Winter Retreat
Rockies Winter Retreat
from £1,033 excluding flights
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Highlights
Marvel at incredible snowy Rocky Mountain scenery
Travel on Via Rail through beautiful scenery
Take a unique ice walk in Maligne Canyon
Explore historic sites and local wildlife in and around Banff
Try ice skating on the beautiful frozen lake at Lake Louise
Enjoy a sleigh ride in snow-covered landscapes of Banff
Why this trip...
Carefully planned
This itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to provide the experiences and places you'll enjoy at a comfortable pace
Activities included
This itinerary features a range of included activities
Festive getaway
This holiday can also be taken at Christmas or New Year adding a dose of magic to the festive season
Overview
Experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies during winter on a memorable journey by rail and road from Vancouver to Calgary. Stay in the resort towns of Jasper and Banff and enjoy guided excursions each day combined with time at leisure for independent exploration. This carefully designed itinerary showcases the Canadian winter.
Your adventure begins with an overnight rail journey from Vancouver arriving in Jasper, in the heart of the Rockies, in the afternoon of your second day having travelled through some stunning scenery passing Pyramid Falls, the Albreda Icefields and Mount Robson. A full day in Jasper includes a visit to Maligne Canyon - an impressive 165 foot gorge that has withstood 10,000 years of erosion. In the evenings, enjoy a spot of stargazing should conditions allow, with the possibility of seeing the northern lights.
Travel by scheduled coach along the spectacular Icefields Parkway to the laid-back town of Banff for three nights. Included during your stay is a guided tour of Banff and its wildlife, a sleigh ride through picturesque snow-covered scenery and visit to Lake Louise where you can try snowshoeing or ice skating on the frozen lake.
How you travel
Whilst you will not be travelling as part of a group, you will meet other travellers during your rail and coach journeys, and during the included fully-guided excursions.
Itinerary
Day 1 depart Vancouver by train
In the evening check-in at the Pacific Central Station and board VIA Rail’s "Canadian" for the iconic train journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. The original stainless steel ‘streamliner’ railcars are fully refurbished with air conditioning, a café car, lounge car, and access to the viewing dome car. By day, sit back in comfortable armchairs; at night attendants will transform your quarters into cosy bunks or bedroom.
In the evening check-in at the Pacific Central Station and board VIA Rail’s "Canadian" for the iconic train journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. The original stainless steel ‘streamliner’ railcars are fully refurbished with air conditioning, a café car, lounge car, and access to the viewing dome car. By day, sit back in comfortable armchairs; at night attendants will transform your quarters into cosy bunks or bedroom.
Day 2 arrive Jasper
By the time you awake in the morning the train will have just departed Kamloops heading towards the Canadian Rockies and Jasper. Enjoy breakfast surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Around lunch time the train begins its passage into the Rockies with views of snow-capped peaks. Arrive in Jasper in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore this unique mountain community.
By the time you awake in the morning the train will have just departed Kamloops heading towards the Canadian Rockies and Jasper. Enjoy breakfast surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Around lunch time the train begins its passage into the Rockies with views of snow-capped peaks. Arrive in Jasper in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore this unique mountain community.
Day 3 Jasper
Head to Maligne Canyon for a guided tour. In small groups of no more than 12 people, walk along the frozen canyon floor framed by ice-clad limestone walls. Super soles and winter boots will keep you warm and secure as you explore this wonderland of rock and ice. Note: the ice walk tour operates 15 December to 30 April.
Head to Maligne Canyon for a guided tour. In small groups of no more than 12 people, walk along the frozen canyon floor framed by ice-clad limestone walls. Super soles and winter boots will keep you warm and secure as you explore this wonderland of rock and ice. Note: the ice walk tour operates 15 December to 30 April.
Day 4 Jasper - Banff
Travel southward by scheduled coach along the Icefield Parkway to Banff. This spectacular drive through glacier country is characterised by vast snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad reaching valleys. Arrive in Banff, situated in Banff National Park and check-in to your hotel. This charming town has much to offer including winter walks, ice skating, world-class shopping and unique dining.
Travel southward by scheduled coach along the Icefield Parkway to Banff. This spectacular drive through glacier country is characterised by vast snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad reaching valleys. Arrive in Banff, situated in Banff National Park and check-in to your hotel. This charming town has much to offer including winter walks, ice skating, world-class shopping and unique dining.
Day 5 exploring Banff
Join a morning tour of the area taking you to many of Banff's landmarks and historical places. This will also be one of your best chances to see wildlife while in the park. Photo opportunities and short walks to viewpoints with your guide are abundant on this tour. In the afternoon make your own way to the stables, a short walk away from downtown and head off on a horse drawn sleigh ride in the magical winter landscape.
Join a morning tour of the area taking you to many of Banff's landmarks and historical places. This will also be one of your best chances to see wildlife while in the park. Photo opportunities and short walks to viewpoints with your guide are abundant on this tour. In the afternoon make your own way to the stables, a short walk away from downtown and head off on a horse drawn sleigh ride in the magical winter landscape.
Prices and Departures
Price from £1,033 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £550 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- 1 night aboard Via Rail - upper / lower semi-private sleeper berth
- Breakfast & dinner onboard Via Rail
- Scheduled express coach between Jasper & Banff
- Scheduled express coach between Banff & Calgary
- Maligne Canyon Ice Walk (15 Dec - 30 Apr)
- Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour
- Sleigh Ride in Banff (mid Dec - mid Mar)
- Lake Louise Tour
- Snowshoeing at Paint Pots Tour
- National park fees
- Transfer from railway station to hotel in Jasper
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
From prices per person
Based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom
| Departures | Duration | Accommodation | Twin Price (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Nov 2020 - 12 Apr 2021 | 7 nights | Standard | £1,033 |
| 27 Nov 2020 - 12 Apr 2021 | 7 nights | Superior | £1,317 |
| 27 Nov 2020 - 12 Apr 2021 | 7 nights | Deluxe | £1,587 |
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