Authentic Canadian Winter Wonderland

Welcome to Vancouver. Cradled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver is a city where urban energy and natural beauty blend effortlessly. 

After settling in, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to start exploring. 

While checking out the city, be sure to visit FlyOver Canada, located at Canada Place. One of Vancouver’s most popular immersive attractions, this motion‑simulated “flight ride” lets you soar across Canada’s most iconic landscapes with wind, mist, scents and sweeping aerial footage. 

Canada Place and the waterfront area offer wonderful dining options for this evening. Perhaps head to Cardero’s, Nightingale or Botanist for authentic local flavours such as cedar plank salmon. 

Expand your view of Vancouver on a small-group, locally guided excursion today as you cross the iconic Lion’s Gate Bridge, bound for the coastal beauty of the North Shore. 

Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for an exhilarating walk across the 137 metre bridge spanning high above the riverbed. Stroll the suspended walkways throughout the forest canopy and a path cantilevered to the granite cliffside.

Visit the world-famous sprawling rainforest of Stanley Park, where you’ll explore the impressive totem pole display at Brockton Point and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations. 

And take a tasty stroll through Granville Island, where you can browse artisan shops, enjoy local snacks and take in lively performances by talented buskers.

This morning is at your leisure in Vancouver before boarding VIA Rail’s Canadian Train for the overnight journey to the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the era of classic rail travel as you enjoy the comfort of your private cabin onboard. Wander through the train and enjoy the dome viewing carriage, and the delicious cuisine in the dining car. At night, onboard attendants will transform your quarters into cosy beds, ready for the rhythm of the rails to rock you to sleep.

Meals: Dinner.

By the time you wake up, the train will be heading into the Canadian Rockies and Jasper. Enjoy breakfast while surrounded by dramatic scenery as the ‘Canadian’ makes its way into the Rockies with views of snow-capped peaks, Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Alberta Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, which at 3,954 metres is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Upon arrival in Jasper, the afternoon is yours to discover this charming mountain village before night falls. 

This evening, visit Jasper Planetarium where you’ll discover the wonders of the universe with an immersive experience, followed by a chance to gaze through powerful telescopes.

Jasper National Park is the world’s largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve - and one of the smallest towns in North America to boast its own planetarium. Join expert local astronomy guides in a dome theatre as they share Indigenous constellation stories, insights into the Northern Lights and tips for capturing the Milky Way. Then head outdoors to stargaze through the largest telescopes in the Rockies.  

Meals: Breakfast.

From the towering moose to the nimble mountain goat, Jasper is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. Elk, deer, sheep, coyotes, wolves and more roam freely across this rugged landscape. Learn how these animals adapt to the challenges of mountain winters and contribute to the rich biodiversity of Jasper National Park. Your local guide, an expert in the region’s history, geology and ecology, will lead you through the scenic Athabasca Valley. Keep your camera close; this small-group tour offers some of the best chances to spot wildlife and capture the park’s natural beauty.

This afternoon, enjoy a guided culinary walking tour through downtown Jasper. Visit four local restaurants, each offering a carefully curated dish paired with a boozy treat. Along the way, hear some of Jasper’s most colourful stories and local legends. What’s on the menu? That’s a secret, it’s all part of the adventure.

Meals: Lunch.

This morning, travel south along the legendary Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise - one of the world’s most scenic drives. Journey through glacier country as you pass towering snow-covered peaks, frozen waterfalls and sweeping mountain valleys.

In winter, Lake Louise is transformed into a breathtaking snowy wonderland. Located right on the lakeshore, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers unmatched views and an unforgettable setting. This afternoon, why not lace up some skates and glide across the frozen lake or simply take in the serene alpine scenery.

Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, an iconic hotel that offers a rare blend of raw natural beauty, heritage luxury and immersion in the Canadian wilderness, all from the comfort of a world-class resort.

This morning you’ll get to experience BASIN Glacial Waters, a restorative experience inspired by the elements that shape this remarkable place. Rooted in the time-honoured practice of thermotherapy, BASIN Glacial Waters is inspired by the purest elements of the Canadian Rockies. Through a circuit of contrasting temperatures, ranging from crushed ice to steam mists, guests move between invigorating cold, comforting warmth and atmospheric rest. Designed around the healing power of water and air, BASIN features natural light, cocooned spaces and mountain-born immersion rituals that awaken all the senses.

You’ll then get a scheduled transfer to the vibrant mountain town of Banff. Surrounded by soaring peaks, Banff is a lively hub of adventure and culture. Its charming downtown streets are filled with inviting restaurants, cosy cafes, boutique shops and a variety of galleries and museums to explore.

This afternoon or evening, head up the Banff Gondola, a breathtaking ascent to the pinnacle of Sulphur Mountain for an awe-inspiring 360-degree panorama of sheer mountain majesty. Enjoy the interpretative hiking trails that lead along the ridge of the mountain. Perhaps linger a little longer to enjoy one of the two excellent restaurants at the summit.

Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park’s most cherished natural wonders, and in winter, it transforms into a sparkling frozen playground. The guided Icewalk takes you along steel catwalks built into the canyon walls, leading to the breathtaking, ice-covered Upper Falls. Along the way, enjoy dramatic views of the narrow gorge and icy formations that make this a truly unforgettable experience.

Later, breathe in the crisp mountain air as you embark on a scenic winter sleigh ride through Banff’s snowy meadows. Snuggle under a warm blanket as your cowboy guide leads the way past frosted evergreens and open fields, with views of iconic peaks like Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle.

Keep an eye out for wildlife - deer and elk are often spotted along the route, adding a touch of magic to this classic winter experience.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Banff with time for some final explorations or last-minute souvenir shopping. Later, board your scheduled shuttle for a scenic journey along the Trans-Canada Highway to Calgary.

The afternoon is yours to discover Calgary at your own pace. Consider visiting Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre, where Canada’s musical heritage comes to life, or head to WinSport at Canada Olympic Park for a taste of the city’s sporting legacy.

Today is a travel day as you bid farewell to Calgary and the Rockies and fly north to Whitehorse - the capital of Canada’s Yukon Territory.

Set amid vast wilderness, Whitehorse is a small city with a big backyard. Once you've settled into your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the town or simply relax and take in the northern charm.

Some highlights of Whitehorse worth exploring while you’re in town include the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, where you can get to know the story of the region’s First Nations people, the SS Klondike paddlewheeler and Miles Canyon.

This morning, visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you’ll have the chance to observe and photograph northern wildlife in their natural habitat. On this small-group tour, keep watch for Dall sheep, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, wapiti (elk), woodland caribou, wood bison, muskox, moose - and even the elusive lynx.

Afterward, unwind at the nearby Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. Set against a backdrop of snow-covered forest, the naturally heated outdoor pools offer a peaceful, rejuvenating escape. Geological evidence suggests these healing waters have been flowing for hundreds - possibly thousands - of years.

Later this evening, set out with expert local guides to the AuroraCentre, located well away from city lights. Here, you’ll receive tips on camera settings and photography techniques to help you capture the magic of the aurora borealis as it shimmers and dances across the northern sky.

This morning, leave the city behind as you transfer to a remote wilderness lodge set along the tranquil lakeshore. Settle into your cozy private cabin. Your home for the next three nights is surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Yukon landscape.
 
Step onto the balcony of your private cabin and take in the stillness; crisp northern air filling your lungs and nothing but untouched wilderness all around.

Located within the Traditional Territory of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, the lodge offers a peaceful retreat and a perfect base for exploring the raw beauty of the Yukon’s vast northern landscape.

Spend your Yukon adventure with tranquil days at this lakefront haven. Unplug, unwind and immerse yourself in one of the world’s last true frontiers.

In the evening, savour a hearty dinner crafted with local Yukon ingredients and flair. Afterwards, step outside and gaze upward as the Northern Lights return to the night sky. Watch in awe as vivid greens, pinks and blues swirl overhead in a breathtaking, natural performance. Aurora viewing here is self-guided, but you can put last night’s photography tips to use for capturing this unforgettable spectacle.

Meals:  Dinner.

Step into the stillness of the northern wilderness as you embark on a self-guided snowshoeing adventure through the boreal forest. Follow the fresh tracks of a lynx, hear the satisfying crunch of snow beneath your feet and climb to a scenic vantage point offering sweeping views of the frozen landscape.

Snowshoeing is a serene and immersive way to experience the Yukon, allowing you to connect with the land much like the early pioneers did over a century ago. It’s a peaceful journey that brings you closer to the quiet rhythms of life in the far north.

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner.

All aboard, the dog team has arrived.  Imagine emerging from your cabin to find a dogsled waiting right at your doorstep. With our mushers living just next door, this unforgettable experience begins the moment you step outside.

Meet the friendly, well-trained huskies and learn the art of mushing from seasoned guides who have competed in legendary races like the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. Then set off through the pristine winter landscape on a thrilling ride you’ll never forget.

This evening, enjoy your final chance to witness the spectacular aurora borealis. Step outside and look to the sky as waves of colour ripple across the stars - an awe-inspiring farewell to your northern adventure.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Enjoy a final hearty Yukon breakfast at the lodge this morning before travelling back to Whitehorse for your onward flight. 

Meals:  Breakfast.