ROCKIES WINTER PREMIUM
Overview
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are stunning at any time of the year, but there’s something magical about visiting in the winter, when the mountains are covered in a blanket of glistening snow. The entire region becomes a true winter wonderland surrounded by frozen lakes and snowy landscapes. It’s the perfect setting for an array of authentically Canadian winter experiences! This 5-day tour includes 2-nights in Banff, the heart of the Rockies. Visit many spectacular sites on the journey to the Rocky Mountains, enjoy an authentic Indigenous experience, and have ample free time to explore on your own.
Looking for an unforgettable Christmas experience in Canada? Jump on our special Christmas departure of this tour!
View available optional activities to add on to your itinerary.
Itinerary
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or road closures.
Vancouver to Kamloops
- Depart Vancouver from Canada Place (please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure)
- The fun begins! Your friendly tour guide will start off the tour with introductions and games so you can meet the other passengers. Hear interesting facts about Vancouver as you make your way out of the city and into the mountains
- Enjoy a number of sights along the way, including the scenic Coquihalla Highway and Canada’s only desert
- Stop in Kamloops for lunch
- Experience wine tasting at a local winery
- Check-in to your beautiful riverside accommodations
- Enjoy a group dinner here
- Experience a First Nations Cultural Talk led by the Okanagan Indian Band. An Indigenous Cultural Host will greet the group and tell entertaining stories and legends around a campfire
*Photo courtesy of South Thompson Inn
Kamloops to Banff
- Have breakfast at your hotel (included)
- Depart in the morning and drive through the beautiful snow-capped peaks of Mount Revelstoke National Park & Glacier National Park
- Visit Roger’s Pass National Historic Site
- Visit Emerald Lake
- Explore Lake Louise with the option to go ice skating (seasonal)
- Continue your drive to Banff and check into your hotel upon arrival
- Enjoy free time to go shopping on Banff Avenue and try one of the many restaurants
Banff
- After breakfast in your hotel, enjoy a driving tour of Banff townsite, including Bow Falls, HooDoos, Banff Springs Hotel and more
- Today, you will enjoy a free day in Banff to explore at your own pace or book an exciting winter optional activity (additional cost). These include:
– Taking a scenic sleigh ride through a winter wonderland (included in the Christmas departure)
– Riding the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain
– Ice walking in Johnston Canyon
– Skiing/snowboarding for 1 or 2 days at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Banff to Salmon Arm
- Have breakfast in your hotel
- Enjoy a scenic drive along Bow Valley Parkway, where you may spot wildlife and visit Emerald Lake
- Visit Roger’s Pass National Historic Site
- Stop at Craigellachie, the Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway
- Check in to your boutique hotel located on Shuswap Lake
- Free time to go for a walk on the lakeside boardwalk or relax in the indoor/outdoor heated pool and hot tub
- There are many options for dinner this evening including a popular restaurant located in your hotel
Salmon Arm to Vancouver
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Visit the BC Wildlife Park to see all kinds of wild animals in their natural habitat
- Enjoy some sightseeing stops on the return drive to Vancouver
- Return to Vancouver at approximately 6:30pm
FAQs
Am I going to see the lakes frozen?
Usually, lakes in the Rocky Mountains freeze during late November, and they stay frozen until the end of winter. While these timings may slightly vary each year depending on weather conditions, you will most likely enjoy the view of completely frozen lakes on this tour.
The itinerary includes stops at Emerald Lake and Lake Louise, where you can witness these beautiful lakes covered in glistening snow and ice. This stunning winter landscape creates the perfect conditions to enjoy many exciting winter activities, such as ice skating or ice hockey games!
What is the weather like in the Rockies in winter?
The weather in the Canadian Rockies during winter can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. You can expect to encounter snow and ice, so it is important to dress warmly with appropriate winter clothing. This includes layers, thermal and waterproof wear, a good winter jacket, sturdy boots and accessories like hats and gloves to stay comfortable during your Canadian winter adventure.
What is the luggage allowance on this tour?
In order to accommodate all guests, the current luggage allowance per person on all of our tours is one (1) piece of luggage, preferrably a small suitcase, and one personal item, such as a small backpack or handbag. We recommend bringing bags and suitcases that can be easily managed to facilitate checking in and out of hotels every night.
If you have any excess luggage, please contact us for storage options while on tour and assistance.
Is it possible to ski or snowboard on this tour?
Yes, you can add 1 or 2 full-day lift tickets and equipment rentals to ski or snowboard at Lake Louise Ski Resort to your experience (additional cost). While these activities are not included in this tour package, the itinerary stops in Banff for 2 nights, allowing plenty of time to join optional activities at our special reduced rates.
If you’re a beginner at skiing/snowboarding, we strongly recommend you book the lesson package on Day 4, as your tour guide will be able to assist with logistics. For intermediate and advanced skiers/snowboarders, 1 or 2-day lift tickets are available, starting at CA$125/day (adult price).
Additionally, you can enjoy other exciting winter activities like ice walking! Please see our Optional Add-ons section below for more information.
Duration
Size
Quad
Triple
Double
Single
Highlights
- Travel through Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks on the way to the Rockies
- Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in the Okanagan
- Experience an authentic First Nations Cultural Talk and campfire storytelling
- Visit the BC Wildlife Park to witness wild animals in their habitat
- Stop at Roger’s Pass National Historic Site and Emerald Lake
- Take part in exciting winter activities in Banff and Lake Louise
- Get special rates on optional activities when you book in advance
Inclusions
4 nights hotel accommodations- Roundtrip mini-coach transportation from downtown Vancouver
- Experienced and friendly tour guide
- 4 breakfasts and 1 dinner
- Admission to BC Wildlife Park
- Authentic Indigenous experience: storytelling around a campfire
- Wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley
- Traditional Canadian campfire & s'mores
- Scenic sightseeing stops along the way
- All park passes
- Discounted optional activities if you book in advance
4 nights hotel accommodations
Experienced and friendly tour guide 
Traditional Canadian campfire & s'mores
Scenic sightseeing stops along the way
All park passes
Discounted optional activities if you book in advanceWhat to Bring:
- Warm winter clothing, including layers, thermal wear, and a good winter jacket
- Comfortable waterproof boots or sturdy shoes suitable for snow and cold weather
- Hat, gloves, and a scarf
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera (recommended)
- Swimsuit for hotel’s amenities
- 2 pieces of ID
Optional Add Ons
We highly recommend booking your optional activities in advance to get the best rates (subject to availability). You can add them online at the time of booking or after you get your confirmation email. You can also contact us directly and we will book them for you. Availability on tour is very limited.
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk
Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain)
Lake Louise Mountain Resort (Ski/Snowboard)
Sleigh ride in Winter Wonderland
