Vancouver, Whistler & Rocky Mountains in Winter
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 – Arrival in Vancouver
Welcome to wintry British Columbia! On arrival in Vancouver, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, which is just steps from the bustling Robson Street. Surrounded by the ocean and mountains, Vancouver offers the best of both worlds. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the North Shore Mountains from the city centre. Winter is a great time to explore the city, with fewer crowds and a relaxed atmosphere. We have not planned anything for the following day, so you can settle into Canadian life and discover Vancouver at your own pace. Take a stroll through Stanley Park, warm up with a hot drink at one of the cosy cafes or watch the seaplanes come and go in Coal Harbour.
Day 3 – From Vancouver to Whistler
Today, you’ll travel to the charming winter sports resort of Whistler, located about two hours north of Vancouver. A comfortable bus will take you along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway through the coastal mountains of British Columbia. On arrival in Whistler, you’ll check into your hotel in the centre of town, ideally located within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, and small boutiques.
During the winter, Whistler transforms into a vibrant ski resort with a lively and festive atmosphere, where you’ll find twinkling fairy lights, crackling fireplaces and buzzing apres-ski spots nestled among the snow-covered streets. There’s plenty to see and do, even if you’re not skiing or snowboarding – you can go snowshoeing through the peaceful pine forests, dog-sledging across powder white snow fields or relax in the steamy thermal baths and enjoy sweeping views of the mountains. You’ll spend two nights in Whistler before continuing your journey towards the snowy Rockies.
Day 4 – Peak to Peak Gondola in Whistler
Today is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip, as you will be taking the gondola up Blackcomb Mountain, a roughly 4km ride with breathtaking views of Whistler and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, you’ll step into a whole new alpine world featuring crisp, fresh air and incredible views of snowy peaks as far as the eye can see. Explore the panoramic viewpoints and watch the skiers weaving below, enjoy a drink at an atmospheric cafe or wander along the snowy ridgelines. There are no marked hiking trails up here, so it’s important to take care and come prepared with warm layers and sturdy footwear. The conditions can change quickly, so always check weather forecasts before heading out and stick to safe, accessible areas.
Day 5 – From Whistler back to Vancouver
This morning, you’ll be collected by bus and travel back to Vancouver, a journey along the scenic coastal roads which takes around two hours. As you’ll be boarding the train for a long ride through the Rockies tomorrow, we will plan an overnight stay in Vancouver, so you’ll have plenty of time to stroll through the city one last time and pick up some snacks for your train journey.
Day 6 – Overnight train journey from Vancouver to the Rocky Mountains
Today, your train journey with VIA Rail begins, travelling from the Pacific Coast in Vancouver to the majestic Rocky Mountains in Jasper – one of Canada’s most impressive railway routes. Sit back and relax as the train passes through the magical winter landscape, changing between snow-capped mountains, deep snow-covered forests, and frozen lakes. You will travel in the upper berth, a simple but comfortable bed, with a curtain for some privacy. During the day, the lower berth becomes a wide bench seat for sitting, and in the evening, the beds are made up by the train staff, and you’ll climb the ladder to your cosy sleep spot. The train only runs on Mondays and Fridays, so if your trip falls on another day of the week, we can arrange a domestic flight to Calgary as an alternative.
Day 7 – Arrival in Jasper
Your train will arrive in Jasper around 11 am, where you’ll be met with towering peaks and thick pine forests, marking your entrance into the Rocky Mountains. After the relaxing journey, you can head to your hotel, where you’ll spend the next three nights just outside the town centre. It’s about a 10-minute walk into town, where you’ll find local cafes, restaurants and shops, surrounded by the vast wilderness. Spend the evening soaking up the laid-back mountain atmosphere and take a stroll along the Athabasca River.
Day 8 – Jasper Maligne Canyon Ice Walk
After a hearty breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and head towards Maligne Canyon. As you’ll be walking on icy terrain, it’s important to wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear so you can enjoy today’s activity. You will receive a short safety briefing from your guide, who will also hand you some spikes for your shoes and a helmet.
As you descend into the canyon, you will be surrounded by towering ice walls and shimmering waterfalls that have turned solid
Day 9 – Jasper Wildlife Watching
Today, you will be heading out on a wildlife bus tour through the snowy mountain landscape around Jasper. Your knowledgeable guide will help you to spot elk, deer, moose, big horn sheep, mountain goats and coyotes, giving you insights into their behaviour and the area’s history. Every tour here is different, depending on the day’s conditions and recent sightings, with the route often decided on the day to give you the best chance of spotting wildlife.
Day 10 – From Jasper to Banff by shuttle bus
This morning, you’ll continue your journey by shuttle bus from Jasper to Banff. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation around 8 am and taken along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, one of Canada’s most scenic drives. You’ll be fully immersed in the incredible winter scenes as you pass snow-covered valleys, frozen lakes, and shimmering glaciers. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way.
On arrival in Banff, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, with snow-covered peaks all around and a charming main street lined with local cafes, shops and restaurants. You will spend the next few nights at a lodge-style retreat with a warm swimming pool, just a short walk from the town centre. Your accommodation is an ideal base for exploring the national park and its wintry surroundings.
Day 11 – Banff
Start the day with a hearty breakfast for the perfect start to your free day in Banff. Whether you want to stroll through town or do something more adventurous, it’s all possible here. Probably one of the most popular activities is skiing, which you can do about 15 minutes from Banff at the small-scale resort of Mt. Norquay. It’s the perfect place to take your first turns in the powder or enjoy a relaxed day on the slopes with incredible mountain views.
Day 12 – Banff Snowshoe Hike
Just outside Banff, lies the Sunshine Meadows, an alpine paradise, blanketed in snow until May and only accessible by foot, gondola or chairlift. You’ll be dropped at the base of the gondola lift, where you’ll climb up into the mountains in around 15-20 minutes, and enjoy sweeping views over the scenic valleys and forests.
Next, you’ll leave the groomed slopes behind and explore the untouched snowfields alongside your small group on a snowshoeing adventure. Following your guide, you will hike through snow-covered forests and scenic alpine meadows, pausing to soak up the incredible mountain views. Your guide will tell you all about the wildlife native to this area, as well as the geology and history, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some animal tracks in the fresh snow.
Days 13 & 14 – Bus to Calgary and departure from Canada
Today, it’s time to wave goodbye to the snowy Rocky Mountains, as you’ll be collected from your accommodation and taken to Calgary for your final night in Canada, before catching your international flight home tomorrow.
Your accommodation is close to the city centre, so it’s easy to explore the nearby shops, restaurants and attractions on foot. Visit the Calgary Tower on a clear day and enjoy the beautiful views of distant mountain peaks.
Accommodation
