If you're longing for holiday spirit, Canadian-style, don your mittens and scarves for Canada's Winter Wonderland tour. Climb aboard VIA Rail's Snow Train Express and see the majesty of the Canadian Rockies. Delight in spectacular views of prairies, lakes and glaciers. As you behold the snowcapped peaks of the Rockies and experience the loveliness of Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff, you'll marvel at the beauty of this entire region.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive Edmonton, Alberta, Canada - Tour Begins - Majestic and sublime, the Canadian province of Alberta is a land of scenic delights. With accommodations as spectacular as the mountains themselves, get set to be pampered in the heart of the Rockies. Your tour begins with an overnight in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta.
Day #2 Edmonton - Jasper - Sit back and relax this morning as you travel by train aboard VIA Rail Canada's Snow Train Express from Edmonton to Jasper and experience a winter wonderland! Every turn of the tracks uncovers nature's beauty with prairies giving way to the mighty Canadian Rockies, undeniably one of the most extravagantly beautiful ranges on Earth. Arriving in Jasper, the festivities begin with a welcome dinner at the famous Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The story of the Lodge embodies the coming of the railway to Jasper National Park. Located on 903 acres of pristine wilderness, the lodge had its humble beginnings in 1915...a few tents on the shores of Lac Beauvert. Today, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an Alpine village of cedar chalets and heritage log cabins connected by picturesque paths. Like royalty and movie stars before you, the historic lodge is yours to experience during an overnight stay.
Day #3 Jasper - Enjoy a day at leisure to take in some of the local shops and restaurants. Or, you may choose to experience Jasper in a new way by taking an optional tour snowshoeing or participating on an ice walk!
Day #4 Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise - Today's drive to Lake Louise is on one of the world's most scenic highways, the Icefields Parkway. Connecting the Banff and Jasper national parks, the well-named Icefields Parkway passes within viewing distance of many glaciers. A leisurely trip allows you to absorb the magnificent scenery, from thundering waterfalls and rushing rivers to imposing cliffs. Your drive ends at the incomparable Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The hotel, a Rockies icon, has a setting as scenic as the Victorian lodge itself. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and a kitchen tour for a first-hand look at how the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise operates behind the scenes! Following this experience, your Tour Manager leads you on a tour of this spectacular hotel, teaching a little about its rich history.
Day #5 Lake Louise - Banff - Today a 35-mile drive takes you along the Bow River to the world-renowned resort town of Banff. The town of Banff prospered at its current location for two reasons: the railway opened this part of the Rockies and the hot mineral springs on adjacent Sulphur Mountain. Upon arrival, visit a local ammonite specialist to learn about this rare gem found only in southern Alberta. Then, you may browse the many shops in the village. Later, arrive at the "Castle in the Mountains," the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs, your home for the next two evenings.
Day #6 Banff - This morning a heritage guide will take you on a tour of the property, originally built in 1888 as a railway hotel for adventurous travelers crossing the Canadian Rockies. This afternoon, step into the kitchen to make your own holiday pastries while enjoying some hot cocoa. Later this afternoon, leisure time in Banff allows you to explore heritage buildings, shop for unique holiday gifts or visit local museums. Of course, you never have to leave your hotel...there are many amenities to enjoy like the quiet sanctuary of the famous Willow Stream Spa.
Day #7 Banff - Calgary - Tour Ends - As your tour ends, you are left with many pleasant memories of your holiday vacation to one of the world's most beautiful areas, the incomparable Canadian Rockies. You will travel to Calgary where your tour ends.