canada alberta bow lake winter sunrise istk

Rockies Winter Retreat

from £1524 excluding flights

  • 7 nights
  • Jan-Apr, Dec
Home Destinations Americas Canada Rockies Winter Retreat

Highlights

canada alberta moraine lake valley 10 peaks winter istk

Marvel at incredible snowy Rocky Mountain scenery

canada via rail the canadian route winter vr

Travel on Via Rail through beautiful scenery

canada maligne canyon jasper istk

Take a unique ice walk in Maligne Canyon

canada alberta sunrise over banff winter istk

Explore historic sites and local wildlife in and around Banff

canada alberta lake louise winter reflection istk

Try ice skating on the beautiful frozen lake at Lake Louise

canada alberta mt rundle banff winter scene istk

Enjoy a sleigh ride in snow-covered landscapes of Banff

Why this trip...

canada forest trail istk well researched route white

Carefully planned

This itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to provide the experiences and places you'll enjoy at a comfortable pace

early morning kayak istk activity based 01 white

Activities included

This itinerary features a range of included activities

bauble on christmas tree istk festive getaways white

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

This afternoon 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.

canada via rail onboard restaurant service vr

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.

canada northern lights near jasper alberta istk

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Maligne Canyon Ice Walk – certified guides lead you along the frozen canyon floor and ice-clad limestone walls of this 165 foot gorge.
Discover Jasper and it’s Wildlife Tour – travel through the Athabasca Valley seeking out the park’s most iconic creatures.
Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium and Telescope Experience – enjoy an evening of cosmic exploration both inside the domed theatre and outside with the largest telescope in the Rockies.
Dog Sledding Tour upgrade – travel by dog sled along 22 km (13 mi) of pristine winter scenery and enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire.

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.

canada alberta peyto lake early winter istk

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.

canada snowshoeing fun in banff istk

This is a full day of exploring and activity. You will be led on a guided sightseeing tour to Lake Louise where you will also have free time to explore the lake on foot or on snowshoes, relax in the chateau or rent ice skates on your own. Return to your hotel late afternoon.

canada winter walk around lake louise istk

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour – 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.
Snowshoeing at Paint Pots – an afternoon snowshoe tour on an easy trail winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots with its ochre colours mineral pools.
Johnston Canyon Icewalk – an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to stunning frozen waterfalls and amazing views within the canyon.

woman snowshoeing along forest trail istk

Today transfer to Calgary where your tour ends.

Accommodation Options

With a wide choice of accommodation in The Rockies, we can mix and match different grades and styles to suit your personal preference – from motels and hotels to design properties and wilderness lodges in stunning locations.

  • alberta fairmont jasper park lodge outdoor pool evening
  • alberta fairmont jasper park lodge winter season
  • alberta fairmont banff springs exterior winter

Prices and Departures

Price from £1524 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.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

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 & Lake Louise
  • Scheduled express coach between Lake Louise & Banff
  • Scheduled express coach between Banff & Calgary
  • Choice of excursion in Jasper: Maligne Canyon Ice Walk / Discover Jasper & it's Wildlife Tour / Jasper Dark Sky Experience / Dog Sledding Tour upgrade
  • Sleigh Ride in Lake Louise
  • Choice of excursion in Banff: Discover Banff & it's Wildlife Tour / Snowshoeing at Paint Pots Tour/ Johnson Canyon Icewalk
  • 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

Prices

This itinerary starts from £1,524 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels. Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.

How To Book BG Large

HOW TO BOOK

Browse the website

Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us

Personalised Quote

Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences

Refine & Book

Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book

You’re in safe hands

From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what

Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

pillars

Travelling sustainably

We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.