Tour starts: Calgary
Tour ends: Vancouver
All tours are tailored to the client’s desired standard and specifications but all include:
Hotel accommodation and motorcoach transportation. Admissions to attractions, local guides and meals (incl all taxes and fees) as detailed in the itinerary.
Flights (unless specified for domestic connections), driver, guide and tour escort gratuities
Temperate coastlines in British Columbia, majestic snowcapped Rocky Mountains in Alberta and mystical Aurora Borealis in Canada’s Northwest Territories: Winter in Western Canada presents an unparalleled variety of bucket list experiences. Visit Western Canada from November to March for low rates and no crowds in The Great White North.
Some argue that the Rocky Mountains are best viewed with a fresh dusting of snow. Take in panoramic views of the snowcapped peaks while sipping on a hot beverage in comfort at the top of Sulphur Mountain.
The Crown Jewel of the Canadian Rockies transforms into a winter wonderland from November to May. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery, ice sculptures, and the world’s most beautiful outdoor skating rink. Or, cozy up by the fire in the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise.
Known as one of Banff’s most popular attractions, in the winter Johnston Canyon transforms into a magical world of frozen waterfalls and pillars of blue ice. Strap on some ice cleats and take a guided walk through this “cathedral of ice” to view breathtaking ice formations and learn about the local ecosystem.
Take in the flight of a lifetime and experience the true ruggedness and vast wilderness that is the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Soar among mammoth peaks as you enjoy this winter wonderland from above in an epic helicopter tour over crevasses, glaciers and snowcapped peaks as far as the eye can see. (Optional Addition)
Yellowknife is one of the world’s premier locations to view the aurora borealis – otherwise known as the northern lights. Suit up in authentic Canada Goose apparel and enjoy the serenity of the northern sky to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural phenomena.
Snow and Ice = unlimited outdoor fun. The Aurora Village Afternoon Outdoor Experience is your one stop shop for Canadian winter activities. When you’re not dogsledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or tubing on a giant snow slide – you can warm up fireside with hot beverages and roasted marshmallows.
Surrounded by snowcapped mountains and deep blue sea, Vancouver is breathtakingly beautiful and has made its name onto numerous “most beautiful” and “most livable” in the world city lists. With a mild coastal climate, winter in Vancouver is as good as it gets for Canadian standards.
Calgary
Day 1 & 4
Banff
Day 2-3-4
Yellowknife
Day 4 – 5 – 6
Vancouver
Day 7 – 8
Upon arrival into Calgary you will be treated to a warm Alberta welcome. Experience true western hospitality in the host city of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Have a go at ice skating at Olympic Plaza or walk along historic Stephen Avenue, known for some of Calgary’s finest restaurants, café’s and pubs.
You can also stock up on western goods at the mix of boutiques and high-end retail stores or escape the elements to do some shopping at The Core – an indoor mall spanning 3 city blocks across 4 levels.
Depending on your arrival time, spend the night in ‘Cowtown’ or head west and dive right into the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies for your first night in Banff.
This morning it’s time to check off some bucket list items as we explore the town of Banff in Canadas oldest national park. Get your bearings as we take in some local ‘must-sees’ with a sightseeing tour stopping at Surprise Corner and Bow Falls.
Take in the impressive Mount Rundle and endless views of snowcapped peaks from the top of the Banff Gondola. In the afternoon, enjoy this quaint rocky mountain town with its shops and a multitude of restaurants and cafès with some leisure time. If you need to warm up, you can explore the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and take a rejuvenating soak in the mineral pools at the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs. (optional addition)
We start the day with one of Banff National Park’s most visited attractions. Keep your eye peeled for Elk and other wildlife as we drive through major wildlife corridors en-route to Johnston Canyon. Step into a cathedral of ice as we take a guided walk along metal catwalks built into the canyon walls. From above you will get great views of the gorge below and close-ups of the glacier blue ice formations that line the canyon walls in winter. Your local guide will explain how the canyon was formed as they lead you to the grand finale – the frozen upper falls which in winter turns into a majestic tower of Ice climbing 30 meters above the ground.
We then continue on to Lake Louise, the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. In most years from November to May, Lake Louise transforms into a winter wonderland. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery, ice sculptures and the world’s most beautiful outdoor skating rink, or cozy up by the fire inside the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise.
In the afternoon/evening enjoy more free time to explore the picturesque mountain town of Banff.
Let your time in the Rockies end with a bang as you take in the flight of a lifetime and experience the true ruggedness and vast wilderness that is the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Soar among mammoth peaks as you enjoy this winter wonderland from above in an epic helicopter tour over crevasses, glaciers and snowcapped peaks as far as the eye can see. (Optional Addition)
Continue to Calgary for a hearty lunch followed by shopping at one of western Canada’s premier shopping outlets. Cross Iron Mills hosts a plethora of major brands and with the lowest taxes in Canada, is the perfect place to stock up on western goods.
Just when you thought Canada couldn’t get any wilder, we fly far into the Canadian North to Yellowknife, a true frontier town. Here we will look for one of the world’s most magical experiences – the Aurora Borealis.
One of the world’s premier locations for viewing the Northern Lights, Yellowknife offers some of the highest odds of seeing the Aurora among popular aurora viewing destinations worldwide. Yellowknife is located at the 67th degree of geomagnetic latitude in the ‘aurora zone’ (which falls between the 66th and 69th degrees of geomagnetic latitude) and therefore sits at an optimal location to maximize daily aurora exposure. The aurora always appears directly overhead, creating stunning masterpieces in the sky.
After arriving in Yellowknife, we gear up in authentic (rental) Canada Goose apparel and brave the elements for our first late night of Northern Lights viewing at Aurora Village.
Yellowknife experiences very minimal daylight in the winter months due to its northern location. This morning we make the most of these few hours with a Yellowknife city tour. We will drive through the downtown and Old Town of Yellowknife as well as stopping at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage center to learn more about life in the north and discover Yellowknife’s rugged history. For the highlight of this tour, we will drive onto Great Slave Lake along the famous Ice Road.
Following an authentically northern dinner, with entrees like Smoked Buffalo Prime Rib or local Great Slave Lake Whitefish, sit with a hot beverage in the cozy comforts of a heated Tee Pee as we await a second opportunity to view the northern lights at Aurora Village.
Snow and Ice = unlimited outdoor fun. A second full day in the far north gives us an opportunity to get out and experience true winter. The Aurora Village Afternoon Outdoor Experience is your one-stop shop for Canadian winter activities. When you’re not dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or tubing on a giant snow slide – you can warm up fireside with hot beverages and roasted marshmallows.
Afterword – enjoy some free time around town before embarking on a third and final opportunity for aurora viewing at Aurora Village.
An early flight to Vancouver quickly brings us out of the cold into the mild, temperate climate of Canada’s pacific coast. Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour to see what Vancouver is all about. Start your day off in historic Gastown with its cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, and shops. Continue to Stanley Park named one of the 20 best parks in the world in 2017. Experience aboriginal culture at the Stanley Park totem poles, take a walk along Vancouver’s iconic Seawall and enjoy beautiful views of Vancouver’s downtown, North Shore Mountains, and English Bay.
In the afternoon, head to North Vancouver and visit the impressive Capilano Suspension Bridge. Originally built in 1889 the bridge stretches 450 feet/140 meters across and 230 feet/ 70 meters above the Capilano River. As it is a traditional suspension bridge it is a shaky walk only for those who dare. Cross the bridge for a spectacular walk through temperate rainforests that are home to giant tree varieties such as Western Red Cedars and Douglas Firs.
Depending on your flight departure time your itinerary will leave time for some more exploration or transfer directly to the airport. For evening flights, begin your final day in Vancouver exploring a local favorite – Granville Island. Enjoy scenic views of False Creek and Vancouver’s downtown as you take in this hub of activity. There is lots to do: the Grandville Island Public Market boasts rows of fresh local produce, seafood, baked goods, and gourmet delicacies. Granville island is also an important cultural hub and is the perfect place to stock up on locally made goods at the many artisan boutiques, workshops and craft studios.
After lunch head to the airport for your flight home or stop at the airport outlet malls for one last chance to shop!