8 DAY EXPLORING WINTER WONDERLAND OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
CANADIAN ROCKIES WINTER TRIP
Wrap up warm and explore the magic of Alberta in winter. Discover deep canyons, wander through carved Ice Castles, enjoy a sleigh ride in the mountains and stargaze under the crisp clear winter night sky. You will finish this tour understanding why the Canadian Rockies can be so enchanting at this time of the year!
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Start Location: Edmonton
End Location: Calgary
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Winter wildlife and bison viewing in Elk Island National Park
- Award-winning Ice Castles in Edmonton
- Guided walk to the Maligne Canyon Frozen Waterfalls
- The Icefields Parkway in winter glory
- Lake Louise and sleigh ride in Banff
- Johnston Canyon Guided Winter walk
ITINERARY
Arrive in Edmonton, AB
Welcome to Edmonton, the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta, located on the North Saskatchewan River. Known as Canada’s festival city, with more than 30 festivals each year, from the popular Edmonton Folk Music Festival to the International Street Performers Festival, they bring the city to life no matter what the season. Winter in Edmonton is the time to explore the city’s cultural scene for immersive experiences at the Royal Alberta Museum or the Art Gallery of Alberta, or embracing some indoor fun (and shopping) at the famous West Edmonton Mall. Edmonton’s culinary scene is known across Canada and beyond. This evening we will enjoy our welcome dinner and experience some of this for ourselves.
Overnight: Edmonton
Meals: Dinner
Edmonton
Winter is a fabulous time to enjoy the wilderness of Elk Island National Park. Wildlife viewing is at its best and the serenity of the winter landscape offers peace of mind and a quick getaway from city madness. On our December departure, we celebrate the Christmas spirit at the Alberta Legislature Building where thousands of bright lights provide the fitting backdrop for a holiday stroll in the beautiful Legislature Grounds. There are daily musical performances as well. We also stroll through downtown and take in the festively decorated shop windows, all competing for the Holiday Window Decorating Contest.
On our January departure, we visit the Ice on Whyte Festival, founded in 2003 in partnership with local artists interested in presented the unique art-form ice carving to Edmonton. Ice on Whyte was rated by World Atlas as one of the world’s 10 Best Ice Festivals and by Readers’ Digest as one of the top 10 winter festivals in Canada. Every year, the Boardwalk Ice on Whyte Festival grabs Canadian winter by the snowballs and carves it into a wicked combo of ice and art. Just imagine, 96,000 pounds of ice is dumped just to prep for this week long party. We will see the International Ice Carving Competition, visit the ice bar, and maybe learn to carve ice like a pro. If possible this year, we’ll also visit the magical ice castle in Hawrelak Park. This castle that resembles frozen waterfalls is completely hand crafted.
Overnight: Edmonton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Edmonton - Jasper
We depart Edmonton after breakfast and enjoy some beautiful views as you travel west towards Jasper National Park. The frozen lakes and rivers provide a great backdrop for the elk, deer, moose, wolves, sheep and coyotes that are still very active in winter. There will be some time to spend time exploring attractive Jasper town centre before we gather for a 3-hour Downtown Foodie tour that will take you to four local eating places, visiting points of interest and taking in some of Jasper’s tastiest tales along the way. At each restaurant, you will be able to try a top dish and a perfectly paired drink to get a real experience of Jasper’s food scene.
Renowned for its breathtaking dark sky, Jasper is the perfect place to embrace the night and whether you want to stare into the Milky Way or watch an awe-inspiring aurora. Jasper’s dark sky is exceptional during the winter; we gather under the dome of the Jasper Planetarium inside at the Jasper Park Lodge. The Planetariums’ experienced astronomy guides will guide us on a tour of the cosmos. Specializing in the night sky above Jasper, visitors have the chance to see the stars above Jasper regardless of the weather. This is a great opportunity to take in a closer look at the heavens over the lakes, canyons, glaciers and mountain tops of the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.
Overnight: Jasper
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jasper
The Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour in Jasper, Alberta is one of Jasper’s most popular and impressive winter activities. Your guide will take you to the bottom of the Maligne Canyon - the deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park, where you will explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and incredible ice formations. You will learn about Jasper’s Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mystery of the Jasper’s disappearing Medicine Lake.
Overnight: Jasper
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The Icefields Parkway Drive from Jasper to Banff
This morning we embark on the most beautiful drive in North America made even more stunning in its stark winter beauty. Considered to be one of the most spectacular drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway winter drive allows visitors to experience the awe-inspiring mountains, epic glaciers, frozen waterfalls and ice-covered lakes that define the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. On the way, we will stop at the icefields Visitor Centre where our guide will discuss retreating glaciers and changes to local climate, and later visit world-famous Lake Louise. Frozen solid in winter, the lake is set against the backdrop of the Rockies.
On our late January departure, we will see the ice sculptures on display during mid-winter. The Ice Magic International Ice Carving Competition is a perfectly magical winter experience in Lake Louise where ice serves as a fascinating medium of artistry and architectural design. Watch incredible ice carvings take shape under the precise hands of skilled artists from around the world. Marvel at the frozen forms and the iconic ice castle in front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. After some time to explore, we continue onwards to Banff. On our January departure we’ll be able to enjoy Banff’s SnowDays festival where Bear Street is transformed into an outdoor gallery of snow sculptures with enticing food and drink stations available.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Banff National Park
This morning we experience a classic, traditional sleigh ride through awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Cuddle up under warm wool blankets as a team of horses pulls us through snow-covered meadows. Watch for grazing elk or coyotes prowling near the edge of the forest as our guides take you on quintessential winter experience. This afternoon, we will head out to the Johnston Canyon and do the famous ‘Ice Walk’. We hike on steel walkways built into the canyon walls that give an airy view of the canyon below. As we travel through prime wildlife habitat on our way to the trailhead and we will hear about how Johnston Canyon was formed. This popular walk will lead us past the lower falls and to the breathtaking upper icefalls.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Free day in Banff
Banff National Park is home to one of the longest ski seasons in North America and three world-class ski areas, which are all located within 45 minutes of the Town of Banff: Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and the Lake Louise Ski Resort. You can enjoy a day skiing or snowboarding and experience the "champagne powder" Banff is known for. Or, your Tour Leader will be able to advise you on the many possibilities in town including an easy introductory snowshoeing excursion to dramatic colours of Marble Canyon where you can see how the pounding and frozen waters of Tokum Creek have eroded a 40-meter deep limestone gorge. There are opportunities to experience dog sledding, winter walks or simply to enjoy a spa amidst stunning mountain scenery.
The Santa Claus Parade of Lights starting mid-November, kicks off six weeks of festivities. From Christmas at the Castle, meeting Santa on the mountaintop or finding yourself in a chorus of song after a seasonal concert, the spirit of winter joy is available in many fun-filled events on our December departure.
On both our winter departures, you’ll catch your breath as you drive into town and see the majestic mountains that seem to burst from the ground. Watch snowflakes float gently down and anticipate your time on the ski slopes with the sensation of making smooth, floating turns through light, soft snow. Let us know in advance and day ski passes can be pre-booked and made available for this day.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Banff - Calgary
We depart Banff and drive east through the town of Canmore and through Kananaskis Country before arriving in Calgary and ending our winter adventure through the Canadian Rockies.
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept 
Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2021 dates and prices
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 7 nights of accommodation (3.5-4 star)
- 8 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners and 1 Foodie Tour
- Winter activities, excursions and attractions as specified in the itinerary
- Intercity travel by minibus
- Services of an experienced professional Tour Leader or Driver/Guide
EXCLUSIONS
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Applicable government taxes
- Tour Leader and Drive/Guide gratuities
Why Take An Anderson Tour?
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Tour Questions
What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?
Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a 'Classic Tour', up to of 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers.
However, if the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction, only up to of 18 persons join the tour and many Tours of Distinction travel with 12 to 18 travellers.
What are Guaranteed Departures?
After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's Pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours.
Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Select departures of many tours are 'Pre- Guaranteed'.
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 – $60.00 CAD per day (with tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, but within reason. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can help with booking airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please ask for details.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. Please inquire for further information and prices.
Can you assist with booking airline flights?
Yes! We can help with booking your flights for you. We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation from Anderson Vacations including specific confirmation that your tour is 'Guaranteed'. Please be aware that you may be liable for airline cancellation costs should your tour not become guaranteed and your travel dates need to be amended or cancelled.
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel rooms with another same gender traveller. No Single Supplement payment is charged to you in this case.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as prices and availability varies from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to travellers needs. Please ask us for details.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate)and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
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Tour Code
WWCR
8 Day Exploring Winter Wonderland of the Canadian Rockies
8 days
Created On: 02 Dec 2021
Highlights
- Winter wildlife and bison viewing in Elk Island National Park
- Award-winning Ice Castles in Edmonton
- Guided walk to the Maligne Canyon Frozen Waterfalls
- The Icefields Parkway in winter glory
- Lake Louise and sleigh ride in Banff
- Johnston Canyon Guided Winter walk
Inclusions
- 7 nights of accommodation (3.5-4 star)
- 8 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners and 1 Foodie Tour
- Winter activities, excursions and attractions as specified in the itinerary
- Intercity travel by minibus
- Services of an experienced professional Tour Leader or Driver/Guide
Exclusions
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Applicable government taxes
- Tour Leader and Drive/Guide gratuities
Itinerary
Arrive in Edmonton, AB
Welcome to Edmonton, the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta, located on the North Saskatchewan River. Known as Canada’s festival city, with more than 30 festivals each year, from the popular Edmonton Folk Music Festival to the International Street Performers Festival, they bring the city to life no matter what the season. Winter in Edmonton is the time to explore the city’s cultural scene for immersive experiences at the Royal Alberta Museum or the Art Gallery of Alberta, or embracing some indoor fun (and shopping) at the famous West Edmonton Mall. Edmonton’s culinary scene is known across Canada and beyond. This evening we will enjoy our welcome dinner and experience some of this for ourselves.
Overnight: Edmonton
Meals: Dinner
Edmonton
Winter is a fabulous time to enjoy the wilderness of Elk Island National Park. Wildlife viewing is at its best and the serenity of the winter landscape offers peace of mind and a quick getaway from city madness. On our December departure, we celebrate the Christmas spirit at the Alberta Legislature Building where thousands of bright lights provide the fitting backdrop for a holiday stroll in the beautiful Legislature Grounds. There are daily musical performances as well. We also stroll through downtown and take in the festively decorated shop windows, all competing for the Holiday Window Decorating Contest.
On our January departure, we visit the Ice on Whyte Festival, founded in 2003 in partnership with local artists interested in presented the unique art-form ice carving to Edmonton. Ice on Whyte was rated by World Atlas as one of the world’s 10 Best Ice Festivals and by Readers’ Digest as one of the top 10 winter festivals in Canada. Every year, the Boardwalk Ice on Whyte Festival grabs Canadian winter by the snowballs and carves it into a wicked combo of ice and art. Just imagine, 96,000 pounds of ice is dumped just to prep for this week long party. We will see the International Ice Carving Competition, visit the ice bar, and maybe learn to carve ice like a pro. If possible this year, we’ll also visit the magical ice castle in Hawrelak Park. This castle that resembles frozen waterfalls is completely hand crafted.
Overnight: Edmonton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Edmonton - Jasper
We depart Edmonton after breakfast and enjoy some beautiful views as you travel west towards Jasper National Park. The frozen lakes and rivers provide a great backdrop for the elk, deer, moose, wolves, sheep and coyotes that are still very active in winter. There will be some time to spend time exploring attractive Jasper town centre before we gather for a 3-hour Downtown Foodie tour that will take you to four local eating places, visiting points of interest and taking in some of Jasper’s tastiest tales along the way. At each restaurant, you will be able to try a top dish and a perfectly paired drink to get a real experience of Jasper’s food scene.
Renowned for its breathtaking dark sky, Jasper is the perfect place to embrace the night and whether you want to stare into the Milky Way or watch an awe-inspiring aurora. Jasper’s dark sky is exceptional during the winter; we gather under the dome of the Jasper Planetarium inside at the Jasper Park Lodge. The Planetariums’ experienced astronomy guides will guide us on a tour of the cosmos. Specializing in the night sky above Jasper, visitors have the chance to see the stars above Jasper regardless of the weather. This is a great opportunity to take in a closer look at the heavens over the lakes, canyons, glaciers and mountain tops of the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.
Overnight: Jasper
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jasper
The Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour in Jasper, Alberta is one of Jasper’s most popular and impressive winter activities. Your guide will take you to the bottom of the Maligne Canyon - the deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park, where you will explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and incredible ice formations. You will learn about Jasper’s Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mystery of the Jasper’s disappearing Medicine Lake.
Overnight: Jasper
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The Icefields Parkway Drive from Jasper to Banff
This morning we embark on the most beautiful drive in North America made even more stunning in its stark winter beauty. Considered to be one of the most spectacular drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway winter drive allows visitors to experience the awe-inspiring mountains, epic glaciers, frozen waterfalls and ice-covered lakes that define the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. On the way, we will stop at the icefields Visitor Centre where our guide will discuss retreating glaciers and changes to local climate, and later visit world-famous Lake Louise. Frozen solid in winter, the lake is set against the backdrop of the Rockies.
On our late January departure, we will see the ice sculptures on display during mid-winter. The Ice Magic International Ice Carving Competition is a perfectly magical winter experience in Lake Louise where ice serves as a fascinating medium of artistry and architectural design. Watch incredible ice carvings take shape under the precise hands of skilled artists from around the world. Marvel at the frozen forms and the iconic ice castle in front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. After some time to explore, we continue onwards to Banff. On our January departure we’ll be able to enjoy Banff’s SnowDays festival where Bear Street is transformed into an outdoor gallery of snow sculptures with enticing food and drink stations available.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Banff National Park
This morning we experience a classic, traditional sleigh ride through awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Cuddle up under warm wool blankets as a team of horses pulls us through snow-covered meadows. Watch for grazing elk or coyotes prowling near the edge of the forest as our guides take you on quintessential winter experience. This afternoon, we will head out to the Johnston Canyon and do the famous ‘Ice Walk’. We hike on steel walkways built into the canyon walls that give an airy view of the canyon below. As we travel through prime wildlife habitat on our way to the trailhead and we will hear about how Johnston Canyon was formed. This popular walk will lead us past the lower falls and to the breathtaking upper icefalls.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Free day in Banff
Banff National Park is home to one of the longest ski seasons in North America and three world-class ski areas, which are all located within 45 minutes of the Town of Banff: Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and the Lake Louise Ski Resort. You can enjoy a day skiing or snowboarding and experience the "champagne powder" Banff is known for. Or, your Tour Leader will be able to advise you on the many possibilities in town including an easy introductory snowshoeing excursion to dramatic colours of Marble Canyon where you can see how the pounding and frozen waters of Tokum Creek have eroded a 40-meter deep limestone gorge. There are opportunities to experience dog sledding, winter walks or simply to enjoy a spa amidst stunning mountain scenery.
The Santa Claus Parade of Lights starting mid-November, kicks off six weeks of festivities. From Christmas at the Castle, meeting Santa on the mountaintop or finding yourself in a chorus of song after a seasonal concert, the spirit of winter joy is available in many fun-filled events on our December departure.
On both our winter departures, you’ll catch your breath as you drive into town and see the majestic mountains that seem to burst from the ground. Watch snowflakes float gently down and anticipate your time on the ski slopes with the sensation of making smooth, floating turns through light, soft snow. Let us know in advance and day ski passes can be pre-booked and made available for this day.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Banff - Calgary
We depart Banff and drive east through the town of Canmore and through Kananaskis Country before arriving in Calgary and ending our winter adventure through the Canadian Rockies.
Meals: Breakfast
