8-Day Canadian Rocky Mountain Tour from Calgary: Jasper, Banff National Park, Banff Town, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park | VIA Rail | Free Airport Pick-up

Welcome to Calgary, also known as "Cowtown". Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can take one of the following options tours (Optional afternoon activities must be booked in advance and are available for guests arriving before 13:00 PM or able to meet at the hotel by 13:30 PM):
Calgary City Tour (3 hours): Experience the highlights of this dynamic city from historic sites to modern skyscrapers on a comprehensive guided tour. (Includes guide service, transportation, and admission)
  
CrossIron Mill Outlet Shopping Tour (4 hours): Discover Alberta's largest single-level shopping center featuring premium outlet stores and entertainment options (4 hours, afternoon option)
  
The Calgary Zoo with Public Transportation Ticket/Admission: Observe nearly 900 animals from around the world including gorillas, hippos, grizzly bears, penguins, and endangered species (afternoon option)

Departure around 8:00 AM from Calgary. Today you will visit the Lake Louise and Yoho National Park.
Lake Louise Snowshoeing: 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).
- Experience this winter activity - Strap on your snowshoes and beat the snowdrifts.
- Snowshoe rental is included/about 20 minutes)/weather dependent.
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 Tunnel: 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).
Vermilon 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). 
Return to Hotel around 16:00-17:00 PM.

  
  

Departure around 9:30am from Banff Hotel. Today you can enjoy the fun outdoor activities on your own expense:
Lake Louise Ski Resort: Experience one of the largest ski areas in Canada, featuring over 100 ski runs that cater to all skill levels—from beginner to advanced. Guests can purchase lift tickets and rent equipment on site to enjoy skiing or snowboarding in this world-class alpine setting. 
- Visiting time: About 3 hours (Nov–Dec and from mid-March onwards)/About 2 hours (Jan–Mar)
- If you are not joining any optional activities below, this time will be replaced with leisure time at Lake Louise.
-  If the Lake Louise Ski Resort (including gondola and tubing) is not open, it will be replaced with a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway with photo stops at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake.
Ski Lesson (Optional): Enhance your winter experience with professional ski instruction at one of Canada's premier ski resorts. Choose from beginner-friendly group packages or personalized private lessons.
- Only Available for Departure Before Dec 30th and Departure After Feb 28th. Private Lesson Lift Tickets & Equipment Excluded.
- 1.5 Hours First Track Lesson (8:30am to 10:00am / Max 2 People / Transportation Excluded / Meet Our Guide at Ski Resort After the Lesson).
- 2 Hours Lesson (Max 5 People).
Tubing (Optional): A fun-filled winter activity suitable for all ages and experience levels - slide down snowy slopes on an inflatable tube for a thrilling ride.
Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola (Optional): Ride the gondola up the mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-covered landscape and surrounding peaks.
Abraham Lake: Located along the North Saskatchewan River, this striking man-made lake is famous in winter for its rare frozen methane bubbles trapped beneath the icy surface - an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Heli Tour (Optional): Soar above the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies on a scenic helicopter flight. (Flight time approx. 20 minutes)
Enjoy the spectacular view of Rocky Mountain from Helicopter. (flying time about 20 minutes)
- Available Jan–Mar/Subject to weather conditions.
Banff Upper Hot Springs: Relax and unwind in the only outdoor hot springs within Banff National Park. Soak in naturally heated, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by snowy mountain peaks - a truly iconic winter experience. (Stop for about 60 minutes. Admission not included; tickets can be purchased on-site. )
- Will be replaced by Cave & Basin if Banff Upper Hot Springs is unavailable.
- Please bring the bathing suite for Banff Upper Springs if you plan to participate.
- If visiting "Icefield Parkway, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake" instead of "Lake Louise Ski Resort", due to time constraints, we will not stop by Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Lake Minnewanka: A glacial lake located in the eastern area of Banff National Park, is the longest lake in the mountain parks of Canadian Rockies. (stop for about 20 minutes)
- Seasonal: Tours departing from January to early March will feature a special visit to 'Bubble Lake,' replacing Minnewanka Lake and Banff Hot Springs.
Return to Hotel around 16:00-17:00 PM.
  
  

Departure around 9:30 AM from Banff Hotel. Start your journey to Famous Canadian Rockies from Calgary and you will visit the Banff National Park, Canada's first national park.
Banff National Park: Canada first National Park, one of the world's premier destination spots.
Banff Sulphur Mt 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: 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, Ice cleats provided free of charge/Subject to weather conditions).
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).
- Depending on road conditions/In case of closure, visit Cave & Basin instead.
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: 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).
Return to Hotel around 16:00-17:00 PM.
  
  
 

Departure around 14:30 PM from Banff Hotel. Transportation from Jasper hotel to Banff hotel is included. Free day at your leisure. Today, you will take transfer to Banff. 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)
Arrive Jasper Hotel around 18:45 PM.

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)
Canyon Ice walk: Ice-walk along the frozen canyon floor through its maze of fascinating ice sculptures.  (Reservation is required. For this tour, it is recommended to wear thermals/base layers, snow pants (mandatory if below -16°C/3°F), a warm sweater, jacket, hat, mitts, and a neck warmer or scarf.)(Weather Dependent)
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 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 09:30 am (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.
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.
  

Arrive Vancouver Pacific Central station around 08:00 AM (Pacific Time).
Upon arrival, enjoy free time at your leisure for the day.