Canadian Rockies: Northern Lights Winter Explorer

Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening and afterwards choose to have an optional dinner together as a group.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Grab some breakfast on your own at a cozy local spot in town before enjoying an orientation tour of Calgary led by your CEO. See some of the city’s winter highlights like the home of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, Barb Scott Park where ice skaters flock, Inglewood—Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, and East Village; the liveliest. Then, transfer to the magical winter atmosphere of Banff, stopping en route for lunch on your own. Upon arrival see some of the highlights on foot before short walks to either Tunnel Mountain, Bow Falls, or Vermilion Lakes. As darkness comes early, enjoy the festive lights along the iconic main street and find a cozy restaurant for dinner on your own.

Included Experiences

• Calgary CEO-led Orientation Walk: Embark on a CEO-led orientation walk of Calgary. Take in the city under the presence of winter and visit various neighbourhoods and parks as you learn the lay of the land. During this time travellers will be given the opportunity to purchase warmer clothes should this be needed.
• Banff Exploration Tour: Enjoy some time to get to know Banff with your CEO. Flanked on all sides by towering mountains, this town is alive with adventure and the winter is no different. The vibrant streets of downtown are lined with fantastic restaurants, shops, and impressive art galleries. Plus, the town is small enough that it's easy to get around by walking. See some of Banff's highlights by minibus and on foot before taking short walks to Tunnel Mountain, Bow Falls, or Vermilion Lakes.

In the morning travel to Johnston Canyon and witness the beauty of this place blanketed in sparkling winter snow and towering icicles. The group will walk on the trail and boardwalk to the frozen Lower Falls and Upper Falls using crampons. Drive back to Banff in time for lunch on your own and then enjoy a free afternoon for optional winter activities. Choose to take the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain or relax in the warmth of Upper Banff Hot Spring. From sleigh rides, to tubing, or skating, there are so many opportunities to get out and explore the gorgeous winter landscape.

Included Experiences

• Winter Hike in Johnston Canyon: Hike through the dramatic winter scenery of Johnston Canyon. Not only will you see towering icicles, but you may also have the chance to observe some ice climbers adventuring at the Upper Falls which happens to be a popular ice-climbing spot. Walk along the trail, boardwalk, and narrow bridges using crampons to both Lower and Upper falls. Round trip this hike is 5km and gains 120m in elevation.
• Free Time: Spend the afternoon in Banff on your own. Choose from a variety of winter-themed optional activities like going on a sleigh ride, or tubing in Norquay, or renting skates to try one of the indoor or outdoor ice skating rings, or (depending on conditions) Lake Minnewanka. Based on dates you could also potentially watch a hockey game, or attend the Snow Days Festival in January. Other activities you can choose from are a gondola ride up to Sulphur Mountain, soaking in Upper Banff Hot Springs, or a fat-tire e-bike tour around the town. After dark you can even choose to try, "Wonder of the Sky" for a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain after sunset.

Optional Experiences

• Banff Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain: Take a gondola to the famous Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the spectacular view of the whole mountain range and the village below. (75-90 CAD per person)

Depart Banff in the morning and drive to Sunshine Village, a ski resort located on the Continental Divide of the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park in Alberta and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park in British Columbia. Here, you will meet your local guide and ride the gondola up to Sunshine Meadows for a half-day snowshoe trip through the pristine winter wonderland environment. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you go. Return to the base of the resort for lunch on your own and then drive to Lake Louise. Enjoy a guided walk with your CEO on the Fairview Lookout Trail and then have time for a self-guided walk around Lake Louise. Take advantage of free time to check out the ice castle or try ice skating on the lake. If you’re feeling really festive head out on a sleigh ride. Your overnight stay will be in Lake Louise Village.

Included Experiences

• Sunshine Meadows Guided Snowshoeing: Meet a local guide and snowshoe on top of the world at Sunshine Meadows. Start with a gondola and chairlift ride straight up to the land above the tree line. Then put on your snowshoes and walk through the pristine alpine environment where there are no trails. It's simply miles and miles of powdery wilderness stretching out in front of you. During this half-day excursion you will have access to the beautiful winter backcountry for a mix of fun, challenge, and learning, combined with the simple joy of being outside amid nature and the fresh winter mountain air.
• Winter Visit to Lake Louise: Winter is known as a quieter time at Lake Louise, but no less scenic. Enjoy the far less crowded gorgeous views for yourself on a guided CEO-led walk on the Fairview lookout trail. Begin southeast from the lake shore and head into the trees. 1km later you will step onto a viewing platform poised above the snowy expanse of the lake for an unforgettable view. After, take some time for a self-guided walk around the shore of the lake with the option to try some ice skating, embark on a sleigh ride, or choose to check out the impressive Ice Castle, open to the public during Ice Magic Festival.

Get ready for a winter exploration of the famous Icefield Parkway today. Leave Lake Louise in the morning and stop along the way at Peyto Lake to stretch your legs on a walk. This stunning glacial lake is a serene winter wonderland between December and March, plus it’s often less crowded which offers a quieter excursion through nature’s vast beauty. Depending on conditions the group may be able to walk on Abraham lake to observe the stunning visual display of the bubbles in the ice. Sit down for an included lunch amid the pristine wilderness surrounding Abraham Lake and enjoy a delicious local culinary experience. Then, hit the Icefield Parkway with stops to Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Falls, and Sunwapta Falls. Arrive in Jasper by early evening and have dinner on your own in town.

Included Experiences

• Peyto & Abraham Lake Winter Visit: Along today's drive the group will make a stop to Peyto Lake for a walk amid the snow-covered landscape. Then, if conditions allow, walk on Abraham Lake to check out the impressive bubbles in the ice. This natural phenomenon is caused by methane gas that becomes trapped in the ice during winer. The gas comes from the organic matter and bacteria breaking down on the lake bottom. As it rises to the surface and freezes it creates a stunning visual display.
• Local Lodge Lunch Experience: Sit down for a delicious locally made lunch at a secluded mountain lodge nestled in the heart of pristine wilderness with views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Sit in the cozy cabin-like environment and watch the winter scenery from the window while you eat lunch together as a group.
• Icefields Parkway Winter Exploration: The Icefields Parkway is also known as Alberta Highway 93. This scenic route spans 232km between Lake Louise and Jasper in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It is renowned for its breathtaking views of ancient glaciers, snow peaked mountains, and ice covered lakes. The group will have plenty of time to enjoy the winter atmosphere with stops to the foot of the Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Falls (where you can check for ice climbers), and a short walk to Sunwapta Falls. It's the perfect way to see as much of the Canadian Rockies natural charm as possible.

After breakfast on your own in town the group will explore the Jasper area via hiking or snowshoeing with your CEO. Then, drive along Maligne Valley up to the lake to walk the 3km Mary Schaeffer loop offering unparalleled winter views. You’ll be back in Jasper in time for lunch on your own and a free afternoon for optional activities like an introduction to ice climbing, skiing at Marmot Basin, or a canyon icewalk. In the evening, if you have a clear sky, take a walk to try and see the northern lights accompanied by your CEO.

Included Experiences

• Maligne Lake Visit & Hike: Visit Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, which is a popular destination for winter activities. Depending on conditions the group will hike or snowshoe with your CEO on the trails in the area and walk along the 3km Mary Schaeffer loop offering gorgeous winter views.
• Free Time: Spend a free afternoon enjoying all Jasper has to offer its winter guests. From a canyon icewalk to an introductory ice climbing demonstration, and skiing at Marmot Basin, there's plenty of optional activities for travellers to get involved in. Later in the evening if there's a clear sky, opt to take a walk with your CEO to try and catch a glimpse of the northern lights. There's also an optional experience available at the Jasper Planetarium should you want to learn more about stargazing and the aurora borealis.

After having breakfast on your own in Jasper the group will drive to Edmonton for some free time in town before continuing onwards to Smoky Lake. Enjoy a stay at a beautiful lodge overlooking the majestic North Saskatchewan River and become inspired, educated, and familiar with the vibrant spirit of Métis culture. The lodge operated by this local Indigenous nation offers a place to share warmth and space within their rich culture located directly adjacent to their Cultural Gathering Centre. Before an included dinner featuring a 3-course meal of sustainably sourced local ingredients, there will be an immersive introduction to Métis Crossing led by knowledgeable Métis interpreters, taking travellers on a journey through the history, traditions, and river-lot life of the Métis people.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy some free time in Edmonton to grab lunch on your own.
• Introduction to Métis Crossing: Upon arrival the group will enjoy the signature introduction to the vibrant spirit of Métis culture. Become inspired, educated, and forge deeper connections led by a knowledgeable Métis interpreter. Be taken on a journey through their history and traditions as you witness an immersive explanation of the Indigenous Métis people. Afterwards, the group will gather together for a sustainably sourced meal. The perfect blend of community and education.

Connect with nature this morning at the Métis Crossing Wildlife Park. Your interpreter will accompany the group on a SUV tour of the paddocks where you can become immersed with the natural beauty of the Métis heritage species, including the rare white bison and elk. Gain a deeper understanding of the interconnected relationships between nature, communities, and natural systems on the Métis land. Head back to the lodge for lunch and downtime before choosing to explore the nearby trails. Strap on snowshoes or skis and set out to explore. This evening hear why the skies were so important to the ancestors of the Métis and observe stars and constellations above. Listen to legends and folklore from this Indigenous community and enjoy a tea ceremony under the dark sky. If conditions allow, you may be able to witness the beautiful Northern Lights.

Included Experiences

• Métis Crossing Wildlife Park Visit: Métis Crossing has its own wildlife park and the group will enjoy a tour within the paddocks this morning alongside their knowledgable interpreter. This experience showcases the rich culture and traditions of the Métis community and allows travellers to connect with nature while forging deeper understanding of the land and culture present here. See the natural beauty of Métis heritage species, including the rare white bison and elk, woods bison, plains bison, and majestic Percheron horses. And gain more knowledge of the interconnected nature of relationships between communities and the natural environment. Hear more about the significant role of bison within Métis heritage.
• Free Time: Walking trails, sliding, and a small museum are available on site at Métis Crossing. This afternoon, travellers can chose to strap on some snowshoes and set out to explore the more than 10km of ski trails that wind through the property. With options for both experienced adventurers and leisurely walkers, the area offers the perfect mix for everyone, and plenty of time to enjoy the crisp winter air.
• The Magic of the Skies Experience: The night skies are filled with stars and constellations that have long served as guiding lights for the Métis. During tonight's activity the group will hear more about why the skies were so important to the Métis in settling the west during the fur trade. Hear more about how they served as a guide relied upon for survival and were used as a clock and calendar to provide critical instructions for understanding when to plant, hunt, and work the land. Travellers will also experience legends and folklore about the local Indigenous community that have been observed and passed down through the culture for generations during a tea ceremony. If you keep looking towards the sky and the conditions are right, tonight is your chance to witness the alluring phenomenon of the Northern Lights.

After breakfast at the lodge the group will transfer to the Edmonton Airport where the tour ends upon arrival. Please do not book onward travel prior to 2pm.