Winter Escapades

Day 1 - Fly UK to Vancouver

Private transfer from Vancouver Airport to your downtown hotel is included. Spend this evening at your leisure.

Day 2 - Explore Vancouver

Vancouver is a vibrant city on the coast, it offers stunning views across the water to the mountain ranges. Today is yours to spend at your leisure exploring Vancouver. The downtown area is compact and easy to get around by foot. We highly recommend a stroll or bicycle ride around Stanley Park. Please ask one of our Canada Experts for optional excursions.

Day 3 - Vancouver to Jasper (VIA Rail)

This evening (7:30pm), check in at the Pacific Central Station and board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for the famous train journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Travel back in time to the days of classic rail travel. The original stainless steel ‘streamliner’ railcars (made famous by the ‘Canadian’ in the 1950s) are totally refurbished with air conditioning, a café car, lounge car, and access for all on board to the dome car.

Exclusive to Sleeper Touring Class: By day, sit back in comfortable armchairs and enjoy the stretch out comfort of your very own accommodation. At night attendants will transform your quarters into cozy bunks or bedroom. Guests have access to the Park Car, always at the tail end of the train whose tapered shape gives the car its distinctive look. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee or, in the evening, complimentary hors d’oeuvres before dinner. In the Dome you’ll feel the true essence of travelling by train - where scene after memorable scene sweeps by. This evening retire to your Sleeping Car where a comfortable bed awaits you. Some of the amenities include thick towels, plump pillows, cozy down duvets and a shower kit.

Day 4 - Arrive Jasper

By the time you awake this morning the train will have just departed Kamloops to begin a day of travelling towards the Canadian Rockies and Jasper. Enjoy breakfast (included) while surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Around lunch time the ‘Canadian’ begins its passage into the Canadian Rockies with views of snow-capped peaks, Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, which at 3954 metres is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper at 4.00pm and transfer to your hotel.

(Breakfast included today onboard Via Rail)

Day 5 - Jasper (Maligne Canyon Ice Walk)

Experience the wonders of the Maligne Canyon from the ground up! The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 165 foot gorge. Certified guides will lead you along the frozen canyon floor and its ice-clad limestone walls. Super soles and winter boots will keep guests warm and secure as they explore this wonderland of rock and ice.

Day 6 - Jasper to Lake Louise (evening sleigh ride)

Travel southward along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. This spectacular drive through glacier country will be highlighted by 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 7 - Lake Louise

Today is free for you to enjoy the winter activities surrounding Lake Louise.

Day 8 - Lake Louise to Banff

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

Day 9 - Banff (Snowshoeing at Marble Canyon)

Marble Canyon is a great introduction to snowshoeing that provides insight into the fur trade and its impact on Western Canada. Along the way hear stories of Banff’s indigenous people, explorers and fur traders who lived in and traveled through the Rockies. Snowshoe on an easy trail through the Vermilion River Valley to Marble Canyon, a cultural treasure within our National Parks. This trip is on mostly flat terrain and you will have a chance to search for snowshoe hare, moose, and wolf tracks while exploring. Finally, near Marble Canyon you’ll be rewarded with a unique Canadian treat - hot maple taffy!

Day 10 - Banff to Calgary

This morning is free to explore Banff, before your scheduled coach to Calgary Airport for your overnight flight to the UK.