Winter Escapades: Canadian Rockies By Rail

Arrive in Vancouver and transfer to your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore the city at your leisure.

After a day at leisure in Vancouver you'll board VIA Rail's legendary train the Canadian for a two-day overnight journey to Jasper, deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Step back in time to the days of classic rail travel, riding in the original stainless steel 'streamliner' railcars made famous by the 'Canadian' in the 1950s. Each has been restored with air conditioning, a cafe car, lounge car, and access to the dome car. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes as you enjoy your included dinner, before retreating to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.

Stay: VIA Rail Canadian - Private Cabin - Sleeper Touring service

Wake up this morning to breakfast and the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive into Jasper where a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring the unique alpine community.

The following day, you can personalise your day by choosing one of theses excursions

Option 1. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk - Experience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up. The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50 metre gorge.

Option 2. Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour - Travel through the Athabasca Valley to some of the park's most beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain scenery to seek out all of the park's most iconic creatures

Option 3. Upgrade option - Travel by Dog sled along 13 miles of pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire, hot apple cider, and homemade treats.

Stay: Forest Park Hotel, Jasper (Superior) 

Pass frozen waterfalls and snow-covered mountains on the scenic drive to Lake Louise. First sighted by Europeans in 1882, the lake has become one of Canada's best-loved sights and most photographed attractions. An evening sleigh ride is included on day five. The following day is left free for you to try your own winter activities. 

Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Superior)

Make the short drive to Banff, an idyllically situated mountain town surrounded by the hot springs, peaks and walking trails of Banff National Park. Day eight is another opportunity to personalise the day by choosing from these excursions

Option 1. 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.

Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint Pots - Afternoon snowshoe tour on an easy trail winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots with its ochre colour mineral pools

Option 3. This morning Johnston Canyon Icewalk Tour is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to stunning frozen waterfalls and amazing views within the canyon.

Stay: Banff Caribou Lodge (Superior) 

Enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding your coach to Calgary, where you'll spend the night before flying home the next day.

Stay: Hotel Le Germain Calgary (Superior) 

Transfer to Calgary's international airport in time for your overnigth flight to the UK

On arrival in the UK continue with your homeward journey.