Itinerary Overview:

• 14:00: Arrive at Vancouver Pacific Central Station
• 15:00: VIA Rail departs for Jasper
• 19-hour journey
• Next day at 11:00: Arrive in Jasper

Vancouver Pacific Central Station Address:

Pacific Central Station, 1150 Station Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 4C

As the train departs Vancouver, enjoy views of the Pacific coastline and Fraser Valley. Once entering the Rocky Mountains, you'll be greeted by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes, with winter forests and occasional wildlife sightings. As the sun sets over the mountains, look up to a starlit sky and, if lucky, the Northern Lights.

Important Notes:

• No guide service: This is a self-guided trip. For assistance, contact the customer service number on your confirmation voucher.
• Train Departure: Please arrive 90 minutes before departure at the station for check-in and luggage handling (valid ID and VIA Rail e-ticket required).
• Luggage Allowance:
• Economy: 1 checked bag (23kg), 1 carry-on (7kg), and 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag).
• Comfort Sleeper: 1 checked bag (23kg), 2 carry-ons (7kg), and 1 personal item.
• Comfort Cabin: 1 checked bag (23kg), 2 carry-ons (7kg), and 1 personal item.
• Meals:
• Economy: No meals included; snacks and light meals available for purchase.
• Comfort Sleeper: Includes one dinner and one breakfast (beverages are extra).
• Comfort Cabin: Includes one dinner and one breakfast (beverages are extra).

On the VIA train

Itinerary Overview:

• 11:00: Arrive at Jasper Train Station
• Proceed to your Jasper hotel
• Afternoon free for leisure and optional activities

Jasper Train Station Address:

Jasper Station, 607 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0

After the VIA Rail journey through the breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery, you will arrive in Jasper around noon. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for check-in. After lunch, you have the option to participate in optional winter activities in Jasper.

Optional Winter Activities:

1. Secrets of Jasper Snowshoe Tour
2. Embark on a snowshoe journey through snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and serene mountain meadows. Whether you are an experienced snowshoer or a beginner, a professional guide will assist you in navigating the snow while sharing insights on the area's history, geology, ecology, and the beauty of the winter landscape.

• Start Time: 13:30 PM
• Duration: 3 hours
• Departure: Hotel lobby
• Recommended Attire: Warm base layers, snow pants (essential below -16°C), sweater, insulated jacket, hat, gloves, neck warmer or scarf, and hiking boots.

1. DarkSky - A Full Evening of Cosmic Discovery
2. Jasper is one of the world’s largest and most accessible Dark Sky Preserves and is home to one of the few town-owned planetariums in North America. Enjoy an engaging and awe-inspiring night of stargazing! The full experience includes a visit to the planetarium and telescope viewing.

• Start Times: 17:45 PM, 18:45 PM, 19:45 PM, or 20:45 PM (Available Dec 2 - Apr 30, Tue-Sat, closed on Dec 24-25)
• Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
• Meeting Point: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Hotel—Please check-in at the planetarium desk inside the hotel lobby.
• Address: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, 1 Old Lodge Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
• Recommended Attire: Warm base layers, snow pants (essential below -16°C), sweater, insulated jacket, hat, gloves, neck warmer or scarf, and hiking boots.

Important Notes:

• No guide service: This is a self-guided trip. For assistance, please contact the service phone number listed in your confirmation voucher.
• Hotel Information: Your hotel will likely be Whistler Inn or Athabasca Hotel, both within a 3-minute walk from the train station. If staying at another hotel, you may call for a local taxi (Caribou Cabs: +1 781-931-2334).
• Next Day Departure: At 8:30 AM, meet at the hotel lobby to board the Jasper to Banff intercity bus. This portion of the trip is also a self-guided journey. For assistance, please contact the service number listed in your confirmation voucher.

Whistler's Inn, Athabasca Hotel, Chateau Jasper, or similar

Itinerary Overview:

• 8:30 AM: Meet at your hotel lobby for the Jasper to Banff intercity bus
• Icefield Parkway (approx. 4-hour drive)
• 12:45 PM: Arrive in Banff

At 8:30 AM, wait at your hotel lobby for the intercity bus to Banff. The bus will travel along the Icefield Parkway (Highway 93), one of National Geographic’s "Top 10 Scenic Drives in the World," where you'll enjoy stunning winter landscapes. You'll arrive in Banff around 12:45 PM, with the afternoon free for leisure. You can explore the charming Banff town or enjoy a meal according to your preferences.

Important Notes:

• No guide service: This is a self-guided trip. For assistance, contact the service phone number listed in your confirmation voucher.
• Bus Departure: The intercity bus will arrive between 8:30 - 8:45 AM at your hotel. Please be ready at least 15 minutes before departure in the hotel lobby. The driver will verify your name before boarding.
• Icefield Parkway: The bus will not stop at any scenic viewpoints. Winter road conditions can be challenging, but the driver will prioritize safety while ensuring comfort and punctuality.
• Free Luggage Allowance: 1 standard checked bag (23 kg), 1 carry-on bag (7 kg), and 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag or clothing bag).
• Additional Luggage Charges: Any excess luggage will incur an additional fee, payable in cash to the driver:
• Extra luggage: CAD$16 (including tax) per item
• Oversized luggage (e.g., skis, snowboard, bicycle): CAD$ 32 (including tax) per item
• Hotel Check-in: Your hotel in Banff has been pre-booked. Please present your ID to check in.
• Guide Contact: Your guide will contact you between 17:00 PM - 20:00 PM the following day.

Banff Elk + Avenue Hotel, Banff Inn, Canalta Lodge, Caribou Lodge, or similar

Full Day Free Time in [Banff Town].

Things To Do:

Outdoors:

1. Walk North through Banff Town towards the Banff Sign, where you can take a picture to share with your loved ones.

Next to the sign, you'll notice a trail that eventually meets with the Bow River.

This trail will take you back to down or you can continue following it past Central Park, under the car bridge toward the Banff Pedestrian Bridge.

Cross the pedestrian bridge and you'll find yourself at a fork. Turn left/South East towards the Art In Nature Trail. This will also eventually take you to the Bow Falls and the Banff Springs Hotel.

2. Just North of the Banff Sign is Fenland trail. A 2.1 km loop with creekside paths, wooden bridgets, and towering spruce trees.

In Banff Town:

For Foodies:

Try Beaver Tails, Cows Ice Cream, and The Grizzly House known for its fondue.

For Kids at Heart:

Check out the Rocks & Gems Shop, the Christmas Store, or Loose Moose for fun Souvenirs.

Luxury:

Call ahead to the Banff Springs Hotel and reserve a meal there, spend some time exploring the history of the building, or (for a fee) access their spa and pool area.

Banff Elk + Avenue Hotel, Banff Inn, Canalta Lodge, Caribou Lodge, or similar

Itinerary:

Banff → Marble Canyon (45 min) → Yoho National Park → Emerald Lake (20 min) → Natural Bridge (15 min) → Lunch Stop at Lake Louise Village  Optional [Grill & Bar] (Asian or Western Set Lunch with additional charges) (45 min) → Lake Louise (60 min) → Banff Town (30 min) → Banff.

From Calgary, passing through the charming town of [Canmore] and along the scenic Bow Valley, the journey begins toward the majestic Rockies. First stop is [Marble Canyon], where rushing waters carve through dramatic limestone walls, creating a striking natural wonder. Continue west into [Yoho National Park] to visit the quiet beauty of [Emerald Lake], its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding peaks and forests. Nearby, discover the [Natural Bridge], a powerful rock formation shaped by the relentless force of the Kicking Horse River.

Enjoy a relaxing lunch stop at [Lake Louise Village] with an optional Grill & Bar Set Lunch (Asian or Western menu available, additional charges apply) before heading to the breathtaking [Lake Louise]. Spend an hour taking in its iconic turquoise waters, framed by the majestic Victoria Glacier and the elegant [Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise]. Indulge in an optional Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (additional charges apply), featuring premium teas and pastries with stunning views of the lake and surrounding peaks. Continue your journey to [Banff Town], where boutique shops, cozy cafés, and mountain charm invite you to explore. As the day winds down, return comfortably to Banff.

Banff Elk + Avenue Hotel, Banff Inn, Canalta Lodge, Caribou Lodge, or similar

Itinerary:

Banff → Peyto Lake (75 min) → Bow Lake (15 min) → Lake Louise Village [optional lunch (grill and bar set lunch)] (45 min) → Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint (15 min) → Lake Minnewanka (20 min) → Two Jack Lake (15 min) → Banff/Canmore/Calgary

From Calgary, travel west through the mountain gateway of [Canmore] en route to the legendary Icefields Parkway. Your first panorama is the glacier-fed jewel of [Peyto Lake], famed for its vivid turquoise hue and sweeping lookout over Bow Summit. Continue to serene [Bow Lake], where still waters mirror ancient peaks and time seems to slow.

Return south to [Lake Louise Village] for an optional [Grill & Bar Set Lunch], a relaxed break amid alpine scenery. Then swing back toward Banff for the classic postcard vista at [Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint], where glassy wetlands frame the skyline. Round out the afternoon along the Minnewanka Loop: stroll the vast shores of [Lake Minnewanka],  rich with stories, and pause at tranquil [Two Jack Lake], a favourite for its calm reflections and easy lakeside wander.

If you plan to connect to a flight departing from Calgary on the same evening:

For domestic flights within Canada, please book a departure after 9:00 PM.

For international flights, please book a departure after 10:00 PM.