Winter Adventures in the Canadian Rockies

Arrive in Calgary, where you will pick up your rental vehicle at the airport, marking the start of your adventure. Then, you’ll head into the city to discover its urban charm before settling comfortably into your hotel for the night. Overnight at a hotel in Calgary: Arts Hotel or similar.

Immerse yourself in the majestic Rocky Mountains by heading to Banff, where you can stroll leisurely through this picturesque village located in the heart of the eponymous national park. Enjoy breathtaking views by taking the Banff Gondola to higher altitudes, and don’t miss the chance to relax in the local hot springs in the evening, offering a unique relaxation experience in this exceptional setting. Overnight at a hotel in Banff: Buffalo Mountain Lodge or similar.

Banff has two areas not far from downtown: Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay. For an unusual activity, go snowshoeing with a local guide to the Paint Pots (included). The Paint Pots is a great introduction to snowshoeing and provides insight into the fur trade and its impact on Western Canada. Along the way, hear stories of Banff’s Indigenous people, explorers, and fur traders who lived in and traveled through the Rockies. Walk in search of the snowshoe hare and moose, and track the wolf while exploring the landscape. Optional activity: Ice walk at Johnston Canyon (4 h) Overnight at a hotel in Banff: Buffalo Mountain Lodge or similar.

The ski area around Banff is vast. Rent ski or snowboard equipment and hop on a chairlift to race down the thrilling slopes of the national park. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Overnight at a hotel in Banff: Buffalo Mountain Lodge or similar. Option: Ski/snowboard equipment rental and lift passes.

Travel north along the majestic Columbia Icefield Parkway. Take time to stop and soak in this captivating scenery that never stops surprising you. Don’t miss these recommended stops: Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, two natural gems that deserve your attention. Before sunset, board the Jasper SkyTram cable car to enjoy the magnificent panorama of the surrounding mountains from above. Overnight at a hotel in Jasper: Pyramid Lake Lodge or similar.

Enjoy a full day in the small town of Jasper. Join a guided tour for a Canyon Icewalk (included). Walk on ice at the bottom of one of Jasper’s deepest accessible canyons, located in an untouched and pristine part of the park. The sky over Jasper is particularly dark at night—it’s part of the very exclusive “Starlight Reserves” club. You can regularly see the Northern Lights here. Take a short trip to the planetarium in the evening to watch the stars through an outdoor telescope. Optional activity: 3-hour snowshoe hike, wildlife viewing, planetarium entry, and telescope observation in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Jasper: Pyramid Lake Lodge or similar.

Return route on the Columbia Icefield Parkway, with an opportunity to stop at other viewpoints. We recommend making a short detour to visit Abraham Lake, which will amaze you with its frozen bubbles on the water—a result of an impressive natural phenomenon. For a memorable souvenir, choose a snowshoe walk near the lake. Lake Louise is an essential stop on your route. Admire this magnificent lake surrounded by mountains! Head to Field, in the heart of Yoho National Park. Optional activity: 1-hour snowshoe hike at Abraham Lake with lunch. Overnight in a lodge by Emerald Lake.

You have the day to enjoy the tranquility of your accommodation in a magical setting by Emerald Lake. This property is committed to sustainable tourism by implementing eco-responsible practices, promoting local integration, and preserving the surrounding ecosystem through conservation and education initiatives. For the more adventurous, you can go to Golden to test the thrilling slopes of the ski area. Overnight in a lodge by Emerald Lake.

Drive to Kananaskis. Stop in Banff and Canmore if you wish. For a final winter experience, choose a dog sled ride—an escorted adventure that will let you not only discover the Kananaskis Valley in all its snow-covered splendor, but also learn more about its rich heritage and captivating history, thanks to your local guide. You might even spot tracks of wolves and cougars in the snow! Overnight in a lodge in Kananaskis.

Depending on your schedule, take the road to Calgary Airport for your return flight.