6-Day Winter VIA Rail Rockies Exploration Tour from Vancouver: Banff Town, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise and Icefield Parkway

As the train departs from Vancouver, enjoy the stunning scenery of the Pacific Coast and Fraser Valley. Once entering the Rocky Mountains, marvel at the spectacular snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. In winter, the forests are blanketed in snow, and you may even spot wildlife along the way. Watch the sunset illuminate the mountains in the evening, and later, gaze up at a sky full of stars—perhaps even catch a glimpse of the northern lights if you're lucky.

VIA Rail Departure Time: 15:00
Please arrive at least 90 minutes prior to departure for check-in and boarding procedures.
Station Address: 1150 Station St, Vancouver, BC V6A 4C7

Notes:
- Standard train ticket includes an economy seat. Upgrades to upper or lower sleeper berths are available upon request. As sleeper prices fluctuate, please contact our customer service for the latest quotation. Upgrades must be booked and paid at the time of tour reservation and are non-refundable.
- No tour guide service is provided on this day; the train journey is self-guided. If you require assistance, please contact the service number provided in your Tour Confirmation Letter in advance.

11:00: Arrive at Jasper Train Station
Proceed to your Jasper hotel
Afternoon free for leisure and optional activities
Jasper Train Station Address: Jasper Station, 607 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
After the VIA Rail journey through the breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery, you will arrive in Jasper around noon. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for check-in. After lunch, you have the option to participate in optional winter activities in Jasper.
Optional Winter Activities:
1. Secrets of Jasper Snowshoe Tour
2. Embark on a snowshoe journey through snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and serene mountain meadows. Whether you are an experienced snowshoer or a beginner, a professional guide will assist you in navigating the snow while sharing insights on the area's history, geology, ecology, and the beauty of the winter landscape.
Start Time: 13:30 PM
Duration: 3 hours
Departure: Hotel lobby
Recommended Attire: Warm base layers, snow pants (essential below -16°C), sweater, insulated jacket, hat, gloves, neck warmer or scarf, and hiking boots.
DarkSky - A Full Evening of Cosmic Discovery
Jasper is one of the world's largest and most accessible Dark Sky Preserves and is home to one of the few town-owned planetariums in North America. Enjoy an engaging and awe-inspiring night of stargazing! The full experience includes a visit to the planetarium and telescope viewing.
Start Times: 17:45 PM, 18:45 PM, 19:45 PM, or 20:45 PM (Available Dec 2 - Apr 30, Tue-Sat, closed on Dec 24-25)
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Meeting Point: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Hotel—Please check-in at the planetarium desk inside the hotel lobby.
Address: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, 1 Old Lodge Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
Recommended Attire: Warm base layers, snow pants (essential below -16°C), sweater, insulated jacket, hat, gloves, neck warmer or scarf, and hiking boots.

Important Notes:
- No guide service: This is a self-guided trip. For assistance, please contact the service phone number listed in your confirmation voucher.
- Hotel Information: Your hotel will likely be Whistler Inn or Athabasca Hotel, both within a 3-minute walk from the train station. If staying at another hotel, you may call for a local taxi (Caribou Cabs: +1 781-931-2334).
- Next Day Departure: At 8:30 AM, meet at the hotel lobby to board the Jasper to Banff intercity bus. This portion of the trip is also a self-guided journey. For assistance, please contact the service number listed in your confirmation voucher.
  

- 8:30 AM: Meet at your hotel lobby for the Jasper to Banff intercity bus
- Icefield Parkway (approx. 4-hour drive)
- 12:45 PM: Arrive in Banff

At 8:30 AM, wait at your hotel lobby for the intercity bus to Banff. The bus will travel along the Icefield Parkway (Highway 93), one of National Geographic's "Top 10 Scenic Drives in the World," where you'll enjoy stunning winter landscapes. You'll arrive in Banff around 12:45 PM, with the afternoon free for leisure. You can explore the charming Banff town or enjoy a meal according to your preferences.

Important Notes:
- No guide service: This is a self-guided trip. For assistance, contact the service phone number listed in your confirmation voucher.
- Bus Departure: The intercity bus will arrive between 8:30 - 8:45 AM at your hotel. Please be ready at least 15 minutes before departure in the hotel lobby. The driver will verify your name before boarding.
- Icefield Parkway: The bus will not stop at any scenic viewpoints. Winter road conditions can be challenging, but the driver will prioritize safety while ensuring comfort and punctuality.
- Free Luggage Allowance: 1 standard checked bag (23 kg), 1 carry-on bag (7 kg), and 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag or clothing bag).
- Additional Luggage Charges: Any excess luggage will incur an additional fee, payable in cash to the driver:
- Extra luggage: CAD$16 (including tax) per item
- Oversized luggage (e.g., skis, snowboard, bicycle): CAD$ 32 (including tax) per item
- Hotel Check-in: Your hotel in Banff has been pre-booked. Please present your ID to check in.
- Guide Contact: Your guide will contact you between 17:00 PM - 20:00 PM the following day.
  

Banff - Johnston Canyon Upper Falls (120 min) - Banff Town Lunch Time (60 min, optional at own expense) - Bow Falls (15 min) - Surprise Corner - Banff Gondola - Banff

Your journey begins in Calgary, leaving behind the bustling city as you travel through the charming alpine town of Canmore en route to Banff National Park.

The first stop is Johnston Canyon, where you will hike along the scenic trail to the Upper Falls. (Trail information: approx. 5 km round trip, 120 m elevation gain. Ice cleats are provided during winter months.) Experience dramatic canyon walls and sparkling frozen waterfalls.

Next, enjoy lunch time in Banff Town (optional at own expense). Guests may freely explore local dining options or choose the Group Optional Lunch add-on at Seoul Country Restaurant (optional).

Afterward, continue to Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, two iconic viewpoints offering postcard-perfect winter scenery of the Rockies.

The highlight of the day is the Banff Gondola (mandatory), ascending Sulphur Mountain for a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the snow-covered peaks and Banff town below.  The tour concludes around sunset, approximately 17:15 PM in Banff.
  

Banff - Bow Lake (15 min) - Peyto Lake (90 min) - Crowfoot Glacier (drive by) - Lake Louise Village Lunch (45 min, optional at own expense) - Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint (15 min) - Lake Minnewanka (20 min) - Two Jack Lake (15 min) - Banff

Travel along the scenic Icefields Parkway with its snow-covered peaks and pristine winter landscapes.

The first stop is Bow Lake, admired for its stunning alpine waters framed by towering mountains. Continue to Peyto Lake, world-famous for its unique maple-leaf shape. The viewpoint offers outstanding photography opportunities, and in winter includes a short guided hike (Ice cleats are provided during winter months). Along the way, enjoy views of the dramatic Crowfoot Glacier, a striking highlight of the Parkway.

Next, enjoy lunch time in Lake Louise Village (optional at own expense), with the choice to join the Group Optional Lunch add-on at Grill & Bar (Asian or Western set menu, optional).

In the afternoon, visit the Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint, where in winter the frozen lake surface reflects the majestic Mount Rundle, creating postcard-perfect scenery. Continue on to Lake Minnewanka, where under the right winter conditions you may see the magical “frozen bubble” phenomenon beneath the ice. The journey also includes a stop at the tranquil Two Jack Lake.

The tour concludes around sunset, approximately 17:30 PM in Banff.
  

Banff  – Spiral Tunnel (pass by) – Emerald Lake (20 minutes) – Natural Bridge (15 minutes) – Lake Louise – Lunch at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Marble Canyon – Calgary

Heading west, you will pass by the historic Spiral Tunnel, an engineering marvel built during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, symbolizing the wisdom and perseverance of early railway workers. Continue on to the tranquil Emerald Lake, a stunning alpine gem that remains enchanting even in winter. Then visit the Natural Bridge, where the Kicking Horse River has carved its way through solid rock to form a naturally sculpted arch.

Next, arrive at the magical Lake Louise, framed by the majestic Victoria Glacier. During January to April (subject to official opening dates), the world-renowned Ice Magic Festival transforms the area into a fairytale world of ice and snow sculptures created by artists from around the globe. Overlooking the lake, the elegant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise adds timeless charm to the scenery.

Here, you may also choose from two optional add-on meals (mandatory, choose one):
* Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Lunch
* Winter Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Afternoon Tea at Fairview Bar

After lunch, we'll head to Marble Canyon for a light hike. The canyon features numerous wooden bridges, and the trail zigzags across winding streams. Towering limestone canyons and icefalls on either side create a magnificent landscape, and in winter, the waterfalls are even more crystalline. In the evening, we'll check into our Banff hotel.

If you need to connect to a flight departing Calgary that evening:
For flights within Canada, please book a flight departing after 21:00PM.
For international flights, please book a flight departing after 22:00PM.