Christmas in the Rockies - Celebrate the Christmas holidays in Canada’s winter wonderland, the Canadian Rockies!
Begin your travels in British Columbia, in the coastal city of Vancouver, and continue by overnight train to Alberta for local seasonal celebrations in Jasper National Park, Lake Louise, and Banff.
* 17th December tour inculdes extra days in Jasper and Banff National Parks
Day 1 - Welcome to Vancouver
Arrive in the coastal city of Vancouver and transfer on your own to The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Your centrally-located accommodations are close to shopping, entertainment, museums and more. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the city as you like. Tonight you may wish to visit Stanley Park for Bright Nights, a brilliant seasonal lights display that has been a Vancouver tradition since the early 1900’s. Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
Day 2 – Vancouver at Leisure
You have a full day to explore this coastal metropolis. Head to the Vancouver Lookout for panoramic views of the city, visit the aquarium, or do a little holiday shopping. Enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the city’s chic restaurants before transferring to the rail station (included) for your 20:30 departure aboard VIA Rail’s premier overnight train, the Canadian. As the train begins its journey east, meet your fellow travelers in the bullet lounge to bid farewell to Vancouver and toast to the adventure ahead. Overnight train.
Day 3 – VIA Rail to Jasper
When you awake this morning you are met with the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy breakfast and lunch in the dining car and admire snow-covered scenery from the dome car. When the train slows to showcase the frozen Pyramid Falls, you know you’re nearing your destination. Arrive in Jasper mid-afternoon, where you’re met by staff from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for your transfer to this luxury wilderness hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to take advantage of the many outdoor activities in and around the Lodge including tobogganing or ice skating. Tonight enjoy seasonal activities like a bonfire with S’mores on the shores of Lac Beauvert. Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. (B, L)
Day 4 – Jasper as You Please - December 17 departure only
Today brings a full day to enjoy all Jasper has to offer. Cross-country ski, indulge in spa treatments at your hotel, or you may wish to arrange a guided tour of nearby Maligne Canyon, where the highlight is its frozen waterfalls. Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Day 5 – Jasper to Lake Louise
Sit back and relax today during your scenic transfer from Jasper to Lake Louise by way of the Ice fields Parkway. Travel past towering mountains and sprawling ice fields including the famous Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy the scenery as you’re transported through winter landscapes to the hamlet of Lake Louise. The beauty of the frozen lake and the imposing Victoria Glacier is truly a sight to behold. Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Day 6 – Lake Louise at Leisure
Take the day to participate in any number of activities available through the Chateau. You may wish to snowshoe along the Great Divide, enjoy a heritage tour of the Johnston Canyon Icefalls, or cross-country ski. Overnight Chateau Lake Louise.
Day 7 – Lake Louise to Banff
Transfer from Lake Louise to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, perched above the town of Banff and often referred to as the “Castle in the Rockies.” After checking in explore the hotel, designed as a Scottish Baronial castle, and its many amenities. Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Day 8 – Banff as You Like It
The town of Banff is filled with great shopping, lovely restaurants and pubs and plenty of historic sites. You may wish to do a little shopping or visit the area’s natural hot springs, which made the town famous 100 years ago. If you wish to stay closer to the hotel, the property has many holiday activities taking place including heritage tours, ice skating, and more! Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Day 9 – Banff at Leisure - December 17 departure only
Celebrate the holidays in this winter wonderland! With a variety of seasonal activities at the Banff Springs Hotel and in town, there is no shortage of seasonal activities in which to participate from holiday sing-alongs and cookie decorating to yule log ceremonies and traditional holiday dining experiences. Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Day 10 – Travel to Calgary
Bid farewell to Banff and the Canadian Rockies after checkout this morning. Enjoy lovely scenery en route to the airport as you prepare for your return flight home.
| Date | Twin | Single | ||
| 17 December 2012 | £1,883 | £2,537 | ||
| 20 December 2012 | £1,649 | £2,217 |
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy. Senior discounts are available for travelers age 60+. Call for triple rates. Child rates available for travelers 2-11. Prices are subject to change.
The Canadian travels three times per week between Toronto and Vancouver, cutting across 5 provinces and past immense forests, pristine lakes, tranquil prairies, and the majestic Canadian Rockies.
