8-Day Winter VIA Rail & Rockies Tour: From Calgary to Vancouver

ARRIVAL DAY AT CALGARY

Journey Highlights:

• Airport Transfer: Complimentary pickup service from Calgary International Airport available from 9AM to 9PM, scheduled every 2 hours (advance reservation required). Review our Complete Calgary Airport Pickup Guide for detailed information
• Premium Calgary Accommodation: Comfortable lodging in preparation for your mountain adventure
• Calgary City Tour (optional$$): Experience the highlights of this dynamic city from historic sites to modern skyscrapers on a comprehensive guided tour (3 hours, afternoon option)
• CrossIron Mills Outlet Shopping (optional$$): Discover Alberta's largest single-level shopping center featuring premium outlet stores and entertainment options (4 hours, afternoon option)
• Calgary Zoo Experience (optional$$): Observe nearly 900 animals from around the world including gorillas, hippos, grizzly bears, penguins, and endangered species (afternoon option)

LAKE LOUISE & YOHO NATIONAL PARK – TURQUOISE LAKES & ALPINE WONDERS

The grand finale of your Rocky Mountain journey features two of the most photographed destinations in Canada: Lake Louise and Yoho National Park. Experience an unforgettable night at the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise, where turquoise waters meet soaring mountain peaks and Victoria Glacier. Explore the extraordinary landscapes of Yoho National Park, where the name itself means "awe and wonder" in the Cree language—perfectly describing the feelings evoked by its emerald lakes, powerful waterfalls, and remarkable engineering marvels

Journey Highlights

• Lake Louise: Spend time at this world-famous glacial lake with its striking turquoise waters back-dropped by Victoria Glacier, named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria, with ample time to explore the shoreline and grounds of the historic Fairmont Château (stop for about 2 hours).
• Yoho National Park: Journey through this park whose name perfectly captures the sense of awe it inspires, featuring dramatic rock walls, waterfalls, and alpine meadows on the western slopes of the Continental Divide (scenic drive)
• Spiral Tunnels: Witness one of the most innovative feats of railway engineering, where trains enter a mountain and spiral upward inside before emerging higher up, allowing them to navigate the steep grade of Kicking Horse Pass (pass through with commentary)
• Emerald Lake: Visit the largest of Yoho's 61 lakes, surrounded by towering peaks of the President Range, with distinctive emerald-colored waters created by powdered limestone suspended in the glacial meltwater (stop for about 20 minutes)
• Natural Bridge: Observe this fascinating rock formation over the Kicking Horse River, where the powerful forces of water have carved a channel through solid rock, demonstrating nature's incredible erosive power (stop for about 15 minutes)
• Vermillion Lakes: A peaceful winter retreat just outside Banff, the Vermilion Lakes offer stunning views of Mount Rundle reflected in patches of open water among the frozen landscape. The area is known for its calm atmosphere and is a great spot to take photos or enjoy a short, relaxing stroll through the snow-covered scenery. (approx. 20 minutes)

Suggested activities as below, and you are free to explore according to your preferences: (*Some activities may require additional payment.* )

【Discover the Castle】
Built in 19th century, also known as "Castle in the Rockies", is  predominantly in the Scottish Baronial style, featuring an Arts-and-Crafts interior.

【Banff Town】
The biggest town among National towns, many shops and restaurants awaiting for your discovery.

【*Upper hot Springs】
Only outdoor Hot Springs in Banff National Park (*Opening hours vary / *At your own cost / Purchase onsite)

【*Dinner】
Enjoy the freshest ingredients from local farmers, purveyors and artisans who take great pride in providing the best that land and sea have to offer. (*Reservation is required / *At your own cost)

【*Pub Happy Hours】
Reward yourself with a cold, frosty pint. (*Reservation is required / *At your own cost)

【*Lake Minnewanka Cruise】
The Premier Lake Minnewanka experience offers a 90-minute guided tour with a focus on exploring the remote Devil's Gap area, learning about the lake's history, spotting wildlife, and enjoying local pine tea, while the Lake Minnewanka Cruise at dusk provides an opportunity to savor local craft beer and an interpretive tour amid the beautiful Rocky Mountains. (*Reservation is required / *At your own cost / Can be booked through Calgary Tours)

【*Banff Canoe Club】
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park, the Banff Canoe Club offers a unique and tranquil experience for guests seeking to explore the pristine waters of the Canadian Rockies by canoe.
(*Rentals are on a first come, first served basis, no reservations are required./ *At your own cost)

【*Floating Trip】
Offers thrilling and scenic river adventures in the stunning Canadian Rockies, providing an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. (*Reservation is required / *At your own cost / Can be booked through Calgary Tours)

【*Banff Sunshine Village】
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Banff Sunshine Village with their summer hiking program, explore the pristine natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies in all their summer glory. (*Reservation is required / *At your own cost / Can be booked through Calgary Tours)

【*Banff Cycling】
Explore the magnificent landscapes of Banff National Park while cycling with Banff Cycling. (*Rentals are on a first come, first served basis, no reservations are required./ *At your own cost)

【*Banff Horseback Riding】
Follow Banff Horseback Riding to explore the natural beauty of Banff National Park from a unique perspective, and embark on an adventure like no other!  (*Reservation is required / *At your own cost / Can be booked through Calgary Tours)

【*Helicopter tour】
Embark on an exhilarating Canmore Helicopter Tour for a breathtaking aerial adventure, offering stunning panoramic views of the majestic Rocky Mountains and the picturesque landscapes that define the beauty of the Canadian wilderness.  (*Reservation is required / *At your own cost / Can be booked through Calgary Tours)

【*Open Top Touring】
Climb on board our new custom vehicles to explore the people, places and moments that have made Banff or Jasper into what it is today. Our vintage-inspired automobiles have the look and feel of the 1930s — including a fully-open roof and a guide in period costume, plus they come with modern comforts like USB charging ports for your phone. (*Reservation is required / *At your own cost / Can be booked through Calgary Tours)

BANFF NATIONAL PARK HIGHLIGHTS – NATURAL WONDERS & ICONIC LANDMARKS

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park, Canada's first and most famous protected wilderness area. Established in 1885, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America. The day's journey takes you through dramatic canyons, alongside cascading waterfalls, and offers numerous viewpoints of the towering Canadian Rockies. Experience both natural wonders and charming mountain town culture as you explore this iconic alpine destination.

Journey Highlights

• Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola (optional$$): Ascend Sulphur Mountain on a state-of-the-art aerial gondola to an elevation of 2,281 meters, offering breathtaking 360° views of six mountain ranges and the Bow Valley below (stop for about 90 minutes)
• Johnston Canyon or Marble Canyon:
  Johnston Canyon: Explore this dramatic limestone canyon with its series of catwalks, tunnels and bridges that provide access to the lower and upper waterfalls amid pristine forest surroundings (stop for about 60 minutes)
  Marble Canyon: A stunning natural landmark located in Kootenay National Park. Known for its striking marble rock formations, the canyon features crystal-clear turquoise waters flowing through deep and narrow gorges. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along well-maintained trails. (approx. 30 minutes)
  *Note: This stop is not selectable and depends on the route and conditions of the day
• Bow Falls: Witness these impressive rapids where the Bow River dramatically cascades down a wide limestone ledge, a natural wonder that gained fame as a filming location for "The River of No Return" in the 1950s (stop for about 15 minutes)
• Surprise Corner: Discover one of the most iconic viewpoints in Banff, offering a perfect vantage point for photographing the majestic "Castle in the Rockies" – the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel against its mountain backdrop (stop for about 15 minutes)
• Hoodoos Viewpoint: Marvel at these unique geological formations – tall spires of rock created through erosion where harder rock caps protect the softer sedimentary rock beneath, creating distinctive pillar-like formations (stop for about 15 minutes)
• Banff Town Exploration: Enjoy free time in this charming alpine community – the largest town within a Canadian national park – with its array of shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants nestled among stunning mountain scenery (stop for about 90 minutes)

**Transportation from Banff hotel to Jasper hotel is included. Free day at your leisure. Today, you will take transfer to Jasper. Suggested activities (*extra fees may apply):

【*Planetarium Experience】Join the astronomy experts in a dome theatre for a live virtual tour of Jasper; the world's largest accessible dark sky preserve. (*Reservation is required)
【*Dinner】Enjoy the outstanding service and a culinary tradition rich in Alberta history with breathtaking Jasper National Park view. (*Reservation is required)
【*Pub Happy Hours】Relax and sample a menu of Classic Cocktails or a cold pint of Jasper Brewing Company beer. (*Reservation is required)

Today in Jasper, participating different kinds of activities or browse around the town. Suggested activities: (*Extra fees may apply)

【Outdoor Activities】Participate different kinds of outdoor winter activities. (Free rental of equipment is available, subject to availability)
【Fat Bike】Enjoy one of Canada's fastest growing winter sports, a great way to see the different forests and mountains. (*Reservation is required)
【*Dinner】Enjoy the outstanding service and a culinary tradition rich in Alberta history with breathtaking Jasper National Park view. (*Reservation is required)
【*Pub Happy Hours】Relax and sample a menu of Classic Cocktails or a cold pint of Jasper Brewing Company beer. (*Reservation is required)
【*Planetarium Experience】Join the astronomy experts in a dome theatre for a live virtual tour of Jasper; the world's largest accessible dark sky preserve. (*Reservation is required)
【Jasper town roaming】Browse around the Jasper town, sample the local food and beer in this alpine town.

Own arrangement to Jasper VIA Train Station (607 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB, T0E 1E0, Canada) and board on VIA Rail.
**VIA Rail will depart from Jasper at 09:30am (mountain time) to Vancouver
**Please verify the departure time with VIA Rail at 1-800-681-2561
**Economy Class seats do not include any meal plan but their meals and beverage are available to purchase on the train.
**Optional Upgrades to Sleeper or Cabin
VIR Rail offers "Sleeper Plus" and "Economy" Cars. For the Sleeper Plus, 3 types of rooms are available.

Depart from Jasper and enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Robson on your left-hand side when the train closes to leave Jasper National Park. Arrive Kamloops, BC for 30 minutes break. Then continue the train journey to Vancouver.