Day 1 - Arrive Banff

Arrive in Calgary and privately transfer (approx. 2.5 hours without stops) to Banff National Park – Canada’s First National Park – and the Town of Banff.

The Fairmont Banff Springs is the quintessential luxury mountain resort, and an internationally recognized symbol of the Canadian Rockies. Founded by the Canadian Pacific Railroad as a spa hotel to entice visitors into the mountains, the hotel now welcomes visitors who come to golf, hike, ski, or enjoy the onsite Willow Stream Spa. The Fairmont boasts several restaurants as well as the Rundle Lounge for a relaxing cocktail.

Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Banff

After breakfast, meet your Driver-Guide for your introduction to winter in the incredible Canadian Rockies. Begin your adventure with an overview of the Town of Banff and the sweeping six mountain ranges of the Bow Valley at the top of the Banff Gondola. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant recommended by your guide. This afternoon will have you getting acquainted with the region and its history during a private Indigenous Winter Medicine Walk. Learn the hidden benefits of the forest as your knowledgeable local guide points out key plants and trees and how to use them should you ever need to make items crucial to survival.

Return to your hotel, your guide can make dining recommendations at the hotel or in Banff for your next few days in Banff.

Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 3 - Banff

Today you can check off visiting the Continental Divide from your bucket list. After breakfast, meet your guide and explore along the Continental Divide by snowshoe and further winter walks. Explore the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies and learn the importance of the Continental Divide. Enjoy lunch at a small, local restaurant and a chance to enjoy the indoors before heading out on more afternoon exploration.

This evening, your nighttime adventure begins as the sun sets. Return to Sulphur Mountain (Mînî Rhuwîn) for Nightrise – an inspiring experience that invites you to look, listen and connect with the mountain in an entirely new way. As the gondola ascends to the summit, listen for the music, narration and original soundscapes that honour the magic of the sacred mountains — a place of gathering since time immemorial for many, including for the Stoney Nakoda People (Îyârhe Îethka). Reach the summit and explore the Four Wonders — immersive stations of light, sound and projections. Created by Moment Factory in participation with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, this unique winter gathering successfully merges immersive multimedia and nature for a truly memorable experience.

Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 4 - Banff - Jasper

Have your bags packed as today your base of adventure changes as you travel from Banff to Jasper National Park and the Town of Jasper. Journey along the famous Icefield Parkway, known for its glaciers and stunning views, and ranked one of the Top 10 Scenic Drives of the world.

Stop for breathtaking sights on route as your Driver-Guide informs you about the peaks, geology and what winter can be like along this stretch of the Rockies. Look for ice climbers on ‘The Weeping Wall’.

Upon arrival at the Columbia Icefield, walk to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier, an area that is busy in the summer but will be yours to explore at this time of year.

Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 5 - Jasper

After breakfast, meet today’s guide for your shared Maligne Canyon Icewalk. Walk in awe along the frozen bottom of the deep Maligne Canyon exploring frozen waterfalls, ice caves and ice formations in ways not possible during the summer months. Along the way your knowledgeable guide will share interesting insights into the karst topography, valley and mysterious story of Medicine Lake.

After your Icewalk continue with your Driver-Guide up Maligne Valley to Maligne Lake, where you will explore the area with a Winter Walk or Snowshoe.

Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 6 - Jasper

This morning’s adventure is a search for wildlife with your Driver-Guide. Jasper National Park can be a great location to find elk, moose or big horn sheep.

This afternoon, set out on an adventure with a local guide to experience all that Jasper’s food scene has to offer. Wine and dine your way through this picturesque mountain town with four stops along the way, while your guide relays stories of local folklore.

Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 7 - Jasper - Lake Louise

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you’ll join your Driver-Guide to travel from Banff to picturesque Lake Louise. Head south on the Icefield Parkway on what seems like an entirely new drive based on the views. Stop along the way at Athabasca Falls to see how this incredible waterway runs all year long.

Your journey, with beautiful views, will continue the rest of the way along the Icefield Parkway to the village of Lake Louise.

Overnight: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Lake Louise

After breakfast today, experience Banff National Park in an entirely new and entertaining way – by dog sled. Your Driver-Guide will transfer you to the trailhead where you will meet your team of dogs and sled guide. Spend some time getting to know the dogs before heading out on the sled (you’ll quickly discover they are as excited, if not more, to get on the trail as you are). On your dog-mushing adventure, spot cascading glaciers and mountain top cornices as well as animal tracks in the snow. Your guide will also share stories about their lives with the sled dogs. Depending on the conditions, you may even have the opportunity to drive your very own team.

After your Dogsledding adventure, join your Driver-Guide for additional sightseeing in beautiful Banff National Park or Yoho National Park.

The remainder of your afternoon and evening is at your leisure. Perhaps try a Canadian tradition and go ice skating on frozen Lake Louise (payable locally).

Overnight: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Meal Plan: B

Day 9 - Lake Louise

Today with your Driver-Guide, try a new Snowshoe Adventure on traditional wooden snowshoes. Your guide will take you to a quiet winter playground in the Lake Louise area to enjoy and explore.

This afternoon, bundle beneath blankets and drink in the beauty of Lake Louise from the cozy comfort of a traditionally styled, horse drawn sleigh. It’s a picture-perfect experience with sparkling snow and views of the Ice Falls and the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise set against the glory of the snow-covered Canadian Rockies.

Later today enjoy some time at leisure; perhaps relax at the spa (payable locally) as you reminisce upon your Winter Wonderland experience.

Overnight: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Meal Plan: B

Day 10 - Depart Lake Louise

Depart Lake Louise by private transfer to the Calgary Airport.

Elevate your experience with a host of options available for an additional cost. 

ADD AN EXTRA DAY OF TOURING AT EMERALD LAKE IN YOHO NATIONAL PARK

There’s nothing quite like the sound of nature under a blanket of snow. Whether you lace up your snowshoes or head out for a winter walk, your Driver-Guide will take you out of a day at the peaceful and picturesque Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. It’s an idyllic setting nestled in the mountains and surrounded by beautiful forest.

FAT BIKE FUN

Explore the area in and around Banff with your guide on your Fat Bike, a bike designed for winter travel. Your guide will get you set up and customize your trail experience per your ability and interest level.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B