Rocky Mountaineer & Yukon's Northern Lights

After making the most of your complimentary airport lounge access, you’ll fly out to Calgary where you’ll be met on arrival by a private driver. You’ll be brought to your upscale accommodation, centrally poised with all of the city’s delights on its doorstep. Perhaps take in Calgary’s Wild-West sensibilities with its steakhouses and honky-tonk bars before admiring its contemporary charms, characterised by the Esker Foundation Art Gallery, the views from Calgary Tower and the beautifully helix Peace Bridge.

You’ll begin on your way to Banff, as you take in the crashing Bow Falls and Lake Minnewanka’s tree-ringed shimmer. Gnarled hoodoo rock formations and scenic viewpoints will then see you to Banff for a stay in a mountain-lodge spa hotel and included access to the town’s gondola. It’s a cable-car extraordinaire, replete with bird’s-eye views of no fewer than six mountain ranges. Also enjoy an included Lake Minnewanka cruise, before a free day to explore and enjoy your hotel and Banff Springs.

You’ll continue along the Icefields Parkway, the scenic drive that knits together cascading waterfalls, dramatic mountains and otherworldly rock spires. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife, with bears and caribou among the local residents. There are even 100 ancient glaciers to marvel at, including the Columbia Icefield where you’ll board an all-terrain Ice Explorer vehicle to head out onto the mighty glacier itself. You’ll then finish the day in Jasper, an alpine-chic town tucked away among the mountains.

Stay: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Deluxe)

With an extra night in Jasper’s newest hotel, perhaps enjoy a soak in its hot tubs between your included excursion – a half-day tour of Jasper National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses with snow-capped mountains and old-growth forests, animated by wandering elk. Your visit to Maligne Lake, the largest in the Rockies, is a special favourite for its cerulean colour and lonely tree-dotted islands.

Stay: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Deluxe)

Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer, you’ll be greeted by a welcome toast as you settle in to the complimentary snacks and drinks service – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. From your domed coach, you’ll also be treated to spectacular views of the Rocky Mountain Trench, the rolling forests of British Columbia’s Northern Interior and Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. There’s also the superlative included dining. Think three-cheese omelettes for breakfast and short ribs braised in merlot for lunch. At day’s end, having summited mountain passes, kissed Moose Lake and mapped the Fraser River, the train will roll into Quesnel for a night in comfortable accommodation.

Stay: Quesnel accommodation

As the drinks service resumes and you tuck into the likes of just-baked cinnamon scones, the train continues through the desert-like Fraser Canyon and the verdant hills of the Cariboo Plateau. The river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley will then see you on to the spectacular Deep Creek Bridge – one of the highest railway crossings in the world. It offers fantastic views of the glacial-fed Seton Lake. You’ll then spend the night in the charming alpine village of Whistler. Consider the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for unparalleled views of its mountain frame.

Stay: Whistler accommodation

After a morning at leisure, your final leg onboard will see you wind along the appropriately named Sea to Sky Corridor, descending towards Vancouver. Scenic slowdowns will showcase everything from the mighty Cheakamus Canyon and the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi to the dizzying heights of Brandywine Falls and the imperious Coast Mountains. After an afternoon meal, served canapé style, you’ll be met at the station by an included transfer to your central accommodation and its rooftop sauna. The city’s seafront walks, historic Gastown district and celebrated culinary scene are all just a short distance away.

Stay: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (Deluxe)

Included transfers will bookend your Air North flight north to the Yukon, bringing you to your central accommodation. You’ll have some time to explore this quintessential frontier town, discovering its heritage buildings and vibrant visual arts community. The MacBride Museum is particularly good, bringing the region’s gold-rush past to life. Then, this evening, you’ll be brought out away from the city lights to hunt for the aurora borealis. Hunkering down in a heated cabin, you’ll watch out for this phenomenon’s magical display, keeping warm with included hot drinks and snacks.

Stay: Whitehorse accommodation

Today, you’ll be treated to an included city tour, taking in everything from Main Street’s historic buildings and the heritage Train Depot to the pretty Schwatka Lake and the 1920s SS Klondike sternwheeler. There’s even the impressive Log Skyscraper and Log Church and Fish ladder and residential areas, it will give you a nice overview of Whitehorse to help you feel at home for the rest of your trip. Returning in the afternoon for free time and dinner at leisure, your second night of Aurora viewing will commence later in the evening. Once again, hot drinks and snacks will be provided in the warm up tent, where you can enjoy the roaring fire and share stories with fellow travellers.

Stay: Whitehorse accommodation

Immerse yourself in a day of leisure, delighting in local shops, art galleries, and picturesque scenery. Experience the landscapes of the Yukon on a wildlife tour. Encounter majestic caribou, elusive lynx, and more in their natural habitat. Enjoy the mesmerizing Northern Lights while learning about Canada’s rugged wilderness. An unforgettable journey of exploration and wonder. Each evening experience magical Aurora shows. Enjoy warm drinks and snacks in a cozy tent, by a roaring fire, sharing stories with fellow travellers under the Northern Lights

Stay: Whitehorse accommodation

Today, a final included transfer will see you to the airport for your overnight flight home via Vancouver, arriving the next day.