Christmas in the Rockies

Call Us 800.528.9300

Christmas in the Rockies



Tour Description:

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES AS YOU ENJOY WINTER SPORTS, SIGHTSEEING, SHOPPING AND SEASONAL FESTIVITIES.

This trip combines a stay in Vancouver featuring glittering lights and seasonal festivities, overnight train travel aboard Canada's premier overnight train, the Canadian, and local winter celebrations in Jasper National Park, Lake Louise, and Banff. This 11-day winter tour takes you through the stunning Canadian Rockies to experience the quiet of the snow-filled mountains and frozen waters. Your trip starts with two days to enjoy the sights of coastal Vancouver on your own. Take advantage of the city's great museums, restaurants, and shopping as you explore this vibrant area full of holiday cheer. An overnight train ride takes you into the Canadian Rockies with your first stop in Jasper. Enjoy the winter with cross-country skiing, tobogganing or hiking, or choose to relax at the hotel spa.

The next leg of the tour offers some of the most stunning scenery as you travel along the Icefields Parkway on your way to beautiful Lake Louise, where winter activities and hotel amenities await. Your final visit on this tour is Banff, where you can explore the outdoor activities, shop, dine, or visit the area's famous Hot Springs. Banff is bustling with seasonal charm you won't want to miss. Experience the unique winter wonderland of the Canadian Rockies on this tour that lets you choose how you want to spend your time. Whether you're out and about or snuggling in the spa, you are sure to enjoy the holiday season in this beautiful land. 

Highlights:
* One night aboard VIA Rail's Canadian in Sleeper Plus class between Vancouver and Jasper. Onboard accommodations include private bedroom accommodations, meals on the train, and access to the dome cars and lounges.
* Hotel accommodations in deluxe Fairmont properties
* Transfers to the VIA Rail station in Vancouver
* Transfers from Jasper to Lake Louise, Lake Louise to Banff, and Banff to Calgary Airport
* Hotel taxes and GST on applicable items

Map for Christmas in the Rockies
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Welcome to Vancouver
Arrive in the coastal city of Vancouver and transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is one of the city's most beautiful hotels. Spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Included is admission to the Vancouver Lookout, offering panoramic views of the city. Tonight you may wish to visit Stanley Park for Bright Nights, a stunning seasonal lights display that has been a Vancouver tradition since the early 1900's. Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Day 2 - Vancouver at Leisure / VIA Rail to Jasper
After a leisurely breakfast on your own, transfer to the VIA Rail station (included) for your departure aboard VIA Rail's Canadian. As the train begins its journey, meet your fellow travelers in the bullet lounge to bid farewell to Vancouver or settle into your onboard accommodations and let the train rock you to sleep. Overnight train.

Day 3 - En Route to Jasper
When you awake this morning, you'll be met with the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Admire the passing scenery from the dome car or sit back and relax in your private compartment. When the train slows to take in Pyramid Falls frozen over, you know you're nearing Jasper. Arrive this morning and meet staff from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge at the train station for your transfer to this luxury wilderness hotel. Take advantage of a plethora of outdoor activities for the remainder of the day: tobogganing, ice skating, or trekking around the hotel grounds. 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 at Leisure
Today brings time to explore Jasper. Enjoy activities at the Lodge like cross-country skiing or indulging in spa treatments. Or, arrange a guided tour of nearby Maligne Canyon, where you can trek through the canyon and see its frozen waterfalls. Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 5 - Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel along the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise. This scenic transfer takes you past towering mountains and sprawling icefields including the massive Athabasca Glacier. Sit back and 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.

Days 6 & 7 - Lake Louise at Leisure
Spend two days partaking in a variety of activities taking place in and around the Chateau. You may wish to snowshoe along the Great Divide, enjoy a heritage tour of the Johnston Canyon Icefalls, or cross-country ski. Or, pamper yourself with spa services, watch a movie, or take part in games, story time, or a campfire. Overnight Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 8 - Lake Louise to Banff
Your scenic transfer today takes you 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. Pamper yourself with spa treatments and enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's many on-site restaurants. Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Day 9 - Banff at Leisure
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 natural Hot Springs--the geologic phenomenon that made the area famous. If you prefer to stay closer to the hotel, the property has many holiday activities taking place including Canadian 5 pin bowling, heritage tours, ice skating, and more! Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Day 10 - Banff at Leisure
The day is yours to celebrate the holidays in this winter wonderland. With a variety of seasonal activities at the Banff Springs Hotel as well as in town, you're surrounded by festivities from holiday sing-alongs and cookie decorating to yule log ceremonies and traditional holiday dining experiences. Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Day 11 - Travel to Calgary
This morning check out of the hotel and bid farewell to the winter wonderland that is the Canadian Rockies. A transfer to the Calgary Airport is included for flights scheduled after 1:00 pm.