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Tour

Christmas in the Canadian Rockies Winter Train Vacation | Via Rail (7 days)

Tour Operator
Canada by Design powered by Discover Holidays

Jasper, Canada to Banff, Canada

Valid for Departures: 22 Dec 2025 - 23 Dec 2025
For availability and pricing:

This 7-day Christmas in the Canadian Rockies Winter Train Vacation is everything you love about the holidays in one vacation! Stay at Canada's ‘Castle in the Rockies’, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and enjoy a delicious Christmas feast prepared by the hotel chefs. Embark on a guided Icewalk together through a frozen canyon, snowshoe through a sparkling landscape at Paint Pots, watch for wildlife like moose, elk and bighorn sheep and cozy up on a horse drawn sleigh ride. The memories made on this holiday are sure to last through the ages.

Itinerary

Day 1
Vancouver, BC Canada

Jasper, AB Canada

Hotel: Deluxe/Deluxe Plus Hotel Grades
Meals: None

Vancouver to Jasper | Via Rail

This afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Step back in time to the days of classic rail travel, riding in the original steel ‘streamliner’ railcars made famous by the ‘Canadian’ in the 1950s. Each car has been lovingly restored with air conditioning, a dining car, lounge car, and dome car. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes as you enjoy dinner (included), then retreat to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.

Day 2
Jasper, AB Canada

Hotel: Deluxe/Deluxe Plus Hotel Grades
Meals: Breakfast

Jasper Arrival | VIA Rail

Rise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. (breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 3
Jasper, AB Canada

Hotel: Deluxe/Deluxe Plus Hotel Grades
Meals: None

Day 3 Jasper Freedom of Choice | 1 of 4 Excursions

Personalize your stay in Jasper by choosing one of these excursions

Option 1. Maligne Canyon Ice Walk

Experience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up! The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50 metre gorge.

Option 2. Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour

Travel through the Athabasca Valley to some of the park’s most beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain scenery to seek out all the park’s most iconic creatures.

Option 3. Jasper Dark Sky Planetarium & Telescope Experience

Join LIVE astronomy guides for a full evening of cosmic exploration, starting inside with a world-exclusive domed theatre experience, then outside with the largest telescope in the Rockies. In the climate-controlled 40-seat dome theatre, take a LIVE virtual tour of Jasper’s 11,000 sq km Dark Sky Preserve.

Option 4. Upgrade Option: Dog Sledding Tour

Travel by dog sled along 22 km (13 mi) of pristine winter scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Learn the history of the area and the people amongst the crisp mountain air and the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Enjoy lunch cooked over an open campfire, hot apple cider, and homemade treats.

Depending on the excursion you choose either the morning or afternoon is free to relax at the lodge. (Breakfast included today)

Day 4
Jasper, AB Canada

Lake Louise, AB Canada

Hotel: Deluxe/Deluxe Plus Hotel Grades
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Coach | Evening Sleigh Ride + Christmas Dinner

Travel southward along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. This spectacular drive through glacier country features massive snow covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad-reaching valleys. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute sleigh ride that takes place beside the lake.

Day 5
Lake Louise, AB Canada

Banff, AB Canada

Hotel: Deluxe/Deluxe Plus Hotel Grades
Meals: None

Day 5 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach

Depart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley.

Day 6
Banff, AB Canada

Hotel: Deluxe/Deluxe Plus Hotel Grades
Meals: None

Day 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions

Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions

Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Gondola

Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep on this morning tour of Banff. Scenic highlights include Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, the Hoodoos Viewpoint & Lake Minnewanka. Then soar up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for 360-degree views over Banff.

Option 2. Snowshoeing at Paint Pots

Experience an unforgettable snowshoeing adventure to the historical Paint Pots with its ochre-colored mineral pools. This easy 3-kilometre trail offers a great introduction to snowshoeing for first-timers. Along the way, search for hare, lynx, and wolf tracks in the forest. Snowshoes, hiking poles, and authentic historical props are included. Warm up with hot chocolate and a uniquely Canadian maple taffy treat!

Option 3. Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls Adventure

Explore the icy wonderland of Johnston Canyon with expert guides fitting you with ice-walking gear. Marvel at the stunning Lower Falls, then venture to the Upper Falls, where ice climbers scale frozen towers. En route, discover hidden gems along the Bow Valley Parkway, stopping at exclusive viewpoints for breathtaking, camera-worthy scenery.

Option 4. Electric Fat Biking Banff Adventure

Experience the thrill of Winter Electric Fat Biking in Banff! Ride effortlessly through snow-covered trails with powerful e-fat bikes, soaking in breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for all skill levels.

Option 5. Upgrade Option: Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon

Experience the magic of winter with a breathtaking excursion to Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon. Marvel at the frozen turquoise waters of Lake Louise, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, before exploring the stunning ice formations and waterfalls of Johnston Canyon.

Day 7
Banff, AB Canada

Calgary, AB Canada

Hotel: None
Meals: None

Banff to Calgary | Coach

Today you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. We will schedule a transfer to bring you to downtown Calgary, or to the Calgary Airport to connect with your flight home.

Product Terms & Conditions

For a complete range of tours and pricing visit our websites: Canada by Design or Canada Train Trips

Please read these booking terms and conditions carefully. By paying a deposit, it is understood that you have read and accept these terms and conditions.

Prices

All prices quoted are shown in either CANADIAN ($CAD) or US ($US) funds. All rates are subject to tax increases. Note: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover 100% of your package cost, as there are no exceptions to the cancellation penalties.

Changes in Prices & Itinerary

Prices are subject to fluctuations and/or fuel and service charges imposed by airlines, rail & coach providers, hotels, airports, and other ground providers. In the event of fluctuations we reserve the right to adjust prices without notice.

Quotes

Quoted itineraries are valid for 7 days and all services are subject to availability at time of booking.

Deposits

A non-refundable deposit of 10% plus any additional supplier deposits is required at time booking. This deposit is non commissionable if clients cancel.

Full Payment

Full payment is required no later than 45 days prior to departure. Bookings made within 45 days of departure will require a credit card on file and full payment will be applied upon final confirmation.

Cancellations

In the event that you cancel your holiday, we must be notified in writing and the following cancellation fees will apply to your travel arrangements from the date of notification.

  • From time of booking - 46 days prior to departure = loss of deposit
  • 45 - 0 days prior to departure = 100% of the fare

Payments

Discover Holidays dba (Canada by Design) accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Verbal and/or written authorization of the use of your card indicates your compliance with our booking terms and conditions. Credit card payments will be processed in the funds in which the booking was made (Canadian or US funds).

We also accept direct wire transfer for bookings outside of 45 days of departure. Please contact our Travel Design team for bank account details. A copy of the wire transfer must be faxed or emailed on the date of issue indicating the total amount, reservation number(s) and client names. All bank fees related to transaction are the responsibility of the remitter.

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