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Yukon Aurora and Rockies Winter Rail

Length

10 days / 9 nights

Hotel type

Downtown hotel

Nights of viewing

3 nights

Where it goes

When to go

December - March

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

  • Decide your desired budget
  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
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Winter wonderland adventure in Canada

This winter vacation is a dream come true! Spend three days exploring the winter wilderness of the Canadian Rockies before catching the sleeper train to Vancouver. Then, fly to Whitehorse for three nights of Northern Lights viewing. Since Whitehorse sits under the auroral oval, it's the perfect spot to experience this incredible natural phenomenon.

Highlights of your trip

Overnight journey on VIA Rail from Jasper to Vancouver

Splendour of Banff and Jasper National Parks in winter

Experience the mystical Aurora Borealis on guided viewing excursions 

Discover the stunning landscape of the Yukon

Winter adventures at your own pace 

Seamless transfers in each destination

Top experiences and features

VIA Rail travels a wintry and area dense with trees powdered with snow

Relax on the sleeper train to Vancouver

See snow-covered mountains and forests as you travel from the Canadian Rockies to the West Coast.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation
Return airfare from Vancouver to Whitehorse
Unique guided activities such as dogsledding, cultural tours and more
Guided Northern Lights viewing experiences
Winter clothing rentals (for your time in Whitehorse only)
Airport and train station transfers
Transfer between Calgary and Banff
Transfers in Whitehorse, between airport and hotel
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip.
Indicates featured activities
Your vacation begins - Calgary to Banff
Day 01

Your vacation begins - Calgary to Banff

Your Canadian winter vacation starts in Calgary, the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. From the airport, head straight to Banff National Park. Watch as the landscape evolves around you, with snow-capped mountains appearing on the horizon. 

  • Transfer from Calgary Airport to Banff
Explore Banff
Day 02

Explore Banff

Banff is the liveliest of the mountain towns on your Canadian holiday, and the energy on Banff Avenue is contagious. There are plenty of quaint shops to visit, and the delicious smell of homemade maple fudge from nearby sweet stores will lure you in for a truly delicious experience. 

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Banff Sightseeing Tour and Daytime/Evening Gondola

    On a morning small-group bus tour, discover Banff’s unique heritage, enchanting folklore, and stunning backdrop in the Canadian Rockies. Choose a daytime Gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain after your tour, or take the Gondola at dusk and experience the Nightrise light show.

  • Paint Pots Snowshoe Tour

    Snowshoe across the frozen Vermilion River and through the forest to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure within Banff National Park. 

  • Johnston Canyon Icewalk Tour

    Explore Johnston Canyon with the help of ice cleats. As you wander along the catwalks built into the canyon walls, enjoy the views of the gorge below.

The Icefields Parkway - Banff to Jasper
Day 03

The Icefields Parkway - Banff to Jasper

Spend the morning in Banff before heading north to Jasper this afternoon. Travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic highways!

  • Transfer from Banff to Jasper
Explore Jasper
Day 04

Explore Jasper

Discover Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. The small town of Jasper offers visitors a more laid-back mountain experience with equal opportunities for adventure, discovery and relaxation.  

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • Jasper Walking Food Tour

    Join a foodie guide and explore Jasper’s eclectic (and delicious) food scene on an afternoon tasting tour. Sample Canadian classics, locally brewed beers, and globally inspired cuisine. 

  • Morning Wildlife Discovery Tour of Jasper

    Take in the beautiful winter landscape and spot wildlife around Jasper on a sightseeing bus tour. 

VIA Rail - Depart Jasper National Park
Day 05

VIA Rail - Depart Jasper National Park

Board The Canadian train in Jasper and begin your westward journey to Vancouver. 

  • Transfer from Hotel to Train Station
VIA Rail - Arrive in Vancouver
Day 06

VIA Rail - Arrive in Vancouver

After travelling through BC’s Fraser Valley, your journey onboard The Canadian train comes to an end. Arrive in coastal Vancouver — a spectacular city surrounded by mountains and the ocean.   

  • Transfer from Train Station
  • Dinner in Vancouver

    Dine at one of our favourite harbourside restaurants. Watch seaplanes land and enjoy views of the North Shore Mountains.

Into the North – Vancouver to Whitehorse
Day 07

Into the North – Vancouver to Whitehorse

Head north to Whitehorse, one of North America's best Northern Lights (aurora borealis) viewing locations. Whitehorse has low precipitation levels — it is practically a desert — which means little cloud cover and maximum viewing time! 

  • Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport
  • Flight from Vancouver to Whitehorse
  • Transfer from Whitehorse Airport

    A friendly guide will take you to your hotel. After check-in, there is a short evening information session.

  • Aurora Viewing

    Head away from the city for a chance to see the Northern Lights. A heated, cozy cabin or wall tent is available for your comfort. Hot drinks, snacks, and transfers to and from your hotel are provided. 

Discover Whitehorse
Day 08

Discover Whitehorse

Explore the Yukon's largest city, set on the mighty Yukon river. Learn about the history of Whitehorse, the land and its people. Finish your day by gazing into the dark sky and searching for the aurora borealis.  

  • Whitehorse City Tour

    With a local guide, explore the Yukon's capital city and visit sites such as the SS Klondike, Main Street, Schwatka Lake, and the Old Log Church. See fantastic street murals and learn about the city's rich culture and history.  

  • Yukon Wildlife Preserve with Optional Hot Springs Visit

    Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and see Dall sheep, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, woodland caribou, wood bison, musk-ox, and moose. Afterwards, soak in the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs and admire the beautiful winter landscape.

    If your party includes children, or you'd prefer not to visit the hot springs, a Wildlife Preserve-only tour runs every other day of the week.

  • Aurora Viewing

Trip Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip.
Indicates featured activities
  • Day 1

    Your vacation begin...

    Your vacation begins - Calgary to Banff

  • Day 2

    Explore Banff

    Explore Banff

  • Day 3

    The Icefields Parkw...

    The Icefields Parkway - Banff to Jasper

  • Day 4

    Explore Jasper

    Explore Jasper

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, selected activities, and hotel. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
Comfort Level
Hotel Accommodations
3 star
Activities and Northern Lights Viewing
Fully Guided
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Superior Level
Hotel accommodations
4 star
Activities and Northern Lights Viewing
Fully Guided
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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
Banff Caribou Lodge in the winter with snowy mountains in the background and snow-lined streets

Banff Caribou Lodge

Example of a Comfort hotel in Banff

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa is a short walk away from downtown Banff. Relax in one of the hotel’s cozy guestrooms, pamper yourself at the full-service spa, or rent a bike and explore the local area.

Personalize this itinerary

Here are some of our most popular enhancements to personalize this journey.

Visit Dawson City

Visit Dawson City

If travelling between January and March, extend your time in the Yukon with our 3-night Dawson City add-on. Discover the area's Klondike Gold Rush history, learn cultural crafting practices, explore the rugged Tombstone Territorial Park, and of course, see the Northern Lights.

Discuss your Northern Lights tour with a Canadian travel expert

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