Day 1 - Arrive Calgary / Transfer to Banff
Upon arrival at the Calgary International Airport, you will travel by regular scheduled motor coach service to the mountain resort town of Banff. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.
Moderate: Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont Gold View (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2, 3 & 4 - Skiing in the Canadian Rockies
Set within the stunning Banff National Park, the Banff/Lake Louise area is the centre of skiing in Alberta. This section of the Rockies has very reliable snow conditions and a long season. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding at the 3 ski areas of Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Banff Mount Norquay with your 3 Day Tri-Area lift pass. All the mountains have contrasting terrain appropriate for all abilities. Perhaps the most special feature is the scenery. To be skiing amid the Rocky Mountains looking out over miles and miles of mountain wilderness is an experience that brings people back year after year. A shuttle bus, from downtown Banff to the ski areas, is included with your Tri-Area pass. Afterwards, take in some of the fine Rockies nightlife.
OPTION:
Non-Skier: For the non-skier, ask our Vacation Specialist about substituting your ski pass for some exciting winter activities. Optional activities include: Discover Banff Tour, Lake Louise & the Icefields Tour, Snowshoeing, Dog Sledding, Evening Ice walk & Campfire or a Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride.
Moderate: Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont Gold View (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 5 – Banff to Jasper Winter Tour
The tour from Banff will take you through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snow covered peaks and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff you will head northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stop for the photos at the Weeping Wall, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier. Travel along the Icefield Parkway to Tangle Ridge and a stop is made at the Columbia Icefields to view the Athabasca Glacier. From here, follow the Athabasca River to the frozen Athabasca Falls, where the waters of the river cascade to the valley floor. Upon arrival in Jasper, you will check into your hotel. Experience the magic of this spectacular winter wonderland setting.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont Gold View (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 6 – VIA Rail - Jasper to Vancouver
The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, you will transfer (on own) to the Jasper train station. Here you will board VIA Rail's 'Canadian' train. Enjoy private bedroom accommodation, meals in the private dining car and relax in the 'Silver & Blue Lounge' or Dome car. You will depart Jasper National Park. You will pass Mt. Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, and you will see glaciers, snow covered mountain peaks and forests.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a "Romance by Rail" Suite
Day 7 - Arrive Vancouver
In the early morning the train will arrive in Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, you will be met by your private sedan and transfer to the Vancouver International Airport for your late afternoon flight home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 5 nights accommodation, room tax & any mandatory service charges
- 1 night bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
- 3 day Tri-Area Lift Pass (Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Mt. Norquay) including Ski Bus Shuttle from central location in the town of Banff
- Banff to Jasper Winter Tour
- Motor coach transfer between Calgary Airport and Banff
- Transfer by private sedan between VIA Rail Train Station & Vancouver Airport including gratuities
- National Park Entrance Fees
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Optional activities
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)