Festive Wonders

Welcome to Calgary where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception.

Departing Calgary, begin your journey through the Rocky Mountains to Banff National Park. In Banff, you’ll be shown around on a tour. Then the rest of the day is yours to explore.  

Merry Christmas! There is truly nothing like waking up on Christmas morning with fresh snow underfoot and breathing in crisp mountain air. Christmas in Banff will be magical today. Enjoy free time in this beautiful town to revel in the festive cheer that surrounds you. After some time exploring the wonders of Christmas in town, re-join your fellow guests for a festive celebration dinner, packed with Christmas cheer.

Spend today at leisure to discover beautiful Banff. Perhaps enjoy one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer.  

Enhance Your Journey – Johnston Canyon Icewalk 

Walk along a series of steel paths built into the walls of Banff’s Johnston Canyon. Walk by waterfalls and icefalls, and wander over deep gorges and through natural caves. This tour must be pre-booked. 

Enhance Your Journey – Dogsledding Tour 

Try your hand as a dog musher on an exhilarating sled ride. Spend time on a spectacular mountain trail and get to know your team of huskies. This tour must be pre-booked. 

Enhance Your Journey – Discover Banff and its Wildlife Tour

Tour with a local guide, exploring the area’s most scenic viewpoints, natural wonders, and historic landmarks. Visit highlights such as Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, Lake Minnewanka, and Tunnel Mountain Drive while learning about Banff’s fascinating history, geology, and wildlife.

Travel to Lake Louise, which is also known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. Famous for its azure waters framed by a stunning mountain backdrop. Perhaps enjoy a select experience with a horse-drawn sleigh ride along a frozen lakeside trail (own expense). 

Enhance Your Journey – Sleigh Ride

Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride along a frozen lakeside trail. This activity must be pre-booked.

This morning after breakfast, journey along the spectacular Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Considered to be the world’s most famous highway, this route ascends through beautiful alpine scenery before arriving in the resort town of Jasper.   

Enjoy a day at leisure in Jasper, and perhaps choose one of our select experiences. 

Enhance Your Journey – Snowshoe Tour 

Strap on your snowshoes and join your experienced guide as you travel through some of the most inspiring winter scenery in the Rockies.   

Enhance Your Journey – Maligne Canyon Icewalk 

Explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves and incredible ice formations in the Maligne Valley. 

Enhance Your Journey – Winter Wildlife Tour 

In winter, everything seems all the more beautiful. Set off into the frozen wilderness of Jasper National Park with a guide, and observe the region’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. 

This morning following breakfast, it’s time to board your overnight VIA Rail journey. Throughout your journey on board, you’ll enjoy unobstructed access to the glass-domed observation deck, which provides breathtaking, panoramic views of the passing winter wonderland.

Arrive in Vancouver and enjoy time exploring the city on a sightseeing tour, which takes you to the Waterfront, Gastown, Granville Island and Stanley Park. Enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner with your fellow guests to bring in the New Year in Vancouver.

Insider Experience – Canyon Lights Display

Step into a world of wonder as you explore the Canyon Lights display, which transforms Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into a dazzling spectacle during the festive season. Marvel at the hundreds of thousands of lights glittering throughout the rainforest and across the suspension bridge, creating a majestic winter wonderland. 

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore beautiful Vancouver. Perhaps choose one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer.

Enhance Your Journey –  Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing 

Take in the sights of Vancouver at your own pace during a self-guided hop-on, hop-off bus tour.  

Enhance Your Journey – Grouse Mountain Admission     

Enjoy views of lush greenery, the spectacular city of Vancouver and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Visit the bear refuge and take a scenic walk.  

Enhance Your Journey – Capilano Suspension Bridge Admission 

Wander across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, some 70 metres above the Capilano River.  

Enhance Your Journey – Flyover Canada Experience 

View Canada’s most incredible sights on a truly breathtaking virtual flight simulator experience.  

Depart Vancouver and embark on a scenic ferry ride across the serene Georgia Strait, taking in stunning views of the coastline and surrounding islands. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the charming city of Victoria, renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant gardens, and rich history.

Enjoy today at leisure to further explore Victoria. British Columbia’s elegant capital is a delight at this time of year. Perhaps choose one of the Enhance Your Journey experiences available to you. Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner with your fellow guests at The Butchart Gardens. 

Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at The Butchart Gardens

Dine in the original Butchart family residence after exploring The Butchart Gardens’ vivid floral displays. As you indulge in a delicious menu at the special Farewell Dinner, enjoy the opportunity to swap travel stories with fellow guests.

Enhance Your Journey – Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

Embark on a traditional horse-drawn carriage tour through Victoria and learn about the charming city’s culture and history. Visit the picturesque James Bay district, known for its vibrant waterfront. See the serene, lush gardens of Beacon Hill Park, Victoria’s oldest church and Thunderbird Park, home to many traditional First Nations totem poles.  

Enhance Your Journey – Traditional Afternoon Tea

Savour a traditional afternoon tea at Fairmont Empress Hotel’s historic Lobby Lounge, complete with live piano accompaniment, local ingredients and decadent treats. 

Today, your festive adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.