Banff & Jasper - Winter Magic

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Banff & Jasper

Winter Magic



Tour Description:

EXPLORE THE CANADIAN WINTER WONDERLANDS OF BANFF AND JASPER THROUGH NATURE HIKES AND GUIDED TOURS THAT PROVIDE GREAT VIEWS OF WILDERNESS AND WILDLIFE.

Enjoy three nights in Banff exploring the beauty of this charming area covered in blankets of snow. You'll take an Icewalk in Johnston Canyon, discover Banff National Park and its wildlife, and relax with a sleigh ride set against the backdrop of the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Learn about how these natural wonders were formed and their history as you spot wildlife along your journey. Then explore the vast, glacier-carved Bow Valley including the Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada.

Next, it's on to Jasper National Park, where you'll have a guided tour through Athabasca Valley to discover the local wildlife. You'll also learn about the winter survival tactics of the animals. There's plenty of time to explore Jasper on your own before you take an Icewalk through Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. Enjoy the winter sights and famous Icefalls.

Wrap up your tour with an overnight train ride to Vancouver on VIA Rail's Canadian. After one night in Vancouver, your winter adventure ends.

Highlights:
* 1 night aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian in Sleeper Plus Cabin
* 7 nights hotel accommodation
* Johnston Canyon Icewalk
* Banff Wildlife Tour
* Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour
* Maligne Canyon Icewalk
* Transfer from Calgary Airport to Banff
* Transfer from Banff to Jasper
* Transfer from Vancouver Rail Station to hotel

Map for Banff & Jasper - Winter Magic
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Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Welcome to Banff
Arrive into Calgary and board a scheduled motorcoach transfer to the mountain town of Banff. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore your new surroundings. Overnight Banff.

Day 2 – Banff Winter Adventures
This morning, take a guided walking tour through Johnston Canyon. Your ride along the Bow Valley Parkway to the trailhead offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing as your guide explains the mysteries of the canyon's creation. Trek across steel walkways built into the canyon walls and witness breathtaking views of the gorge below. The catwalks lead you into the frozen lower waterfalls, framed by gigantic ice pillars. After this invigorating excursion, you'll have the rest of the day to explore Banff at your own pace. Overnight Banff.

Day 3 –Banff Wildlife Morning Tour & Evening Sleigh Ride
Start on your morning off with a 3-hour tour that takes you to Banff's landmarks and also provides a chance to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Learn about the history of Bow Valley and the wildlife's behavior, habitat, and winter survival adaptations. This afternoon, enjoy a tranquil horse-drawn sleigh ride* among the Canadian Rockies and add a perfect "western touch" to a winter holiday. Overnight Banff. *Banff Sleigh Ride operates between December 14 - March 15

Day 4 – Transfer from Banff to Jasper
Today travel north through the Rockies as you bid Banff farewell and welcome the beautiful area that is Jasper. Overnight Jasper.

Day 5 – Wildlife Discovery Tour
Knowledgeable guides conduct an incredible tour as they drive you through the Athabasca Valley, seeking out all of the park's most iconic creatures. Elk, deer, sheep, goats, coyotes, wolves, and moose are just a sample of Jasper's wild mountain fauna that you might see on this tour. Learn how these animals contribute to the rich diversity of the National Park and how they survive the mountain winters. Overnight Jasper.

Day 6 – Maligne Canyon Icewalk
You have the morning free to explore the alpine town of Jasper on your own. Then in the afternoon, take a fascinating 3-hour tour through the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. You'll walk on the frozen floor of the canyon and stop for photos of the Queen of Maligne and Angel Icefalls. Overnight Jasper. *Maligne Canyon Icewalk operates between December 15 - March 15

Day 7 – VIA Rail Canadian from Jasper to Vancouver
After breakfast on your own, make your way to Jasper's train station to board VIA Rail's Canadian. Settle into your accommodations and get acquainted with the train by exploring the sightseeing lounges and Park Car. Overnight on train. (L, D)

Day 8 – Vancouver
Upon arrival in Vancouver this morning you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the day exploring all this beautiful ocean-side city has to offer. From world-class dining, arts and culture, to pristine nature, Vancouver offers something for everyone. Overnight Vancouver. (B)

Day 9 – Departure
Wrap up your winter adventure as you head back home.