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
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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.
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
Relax on the sleeper train to Vancouver
Your Questions Answered
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What’s Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Itinerary
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
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.
- 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
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
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.
- 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
Board The Canadian train in Jasper and begin your westward journey to Vancouver.
- Transfer from Hotel to Train Station
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
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
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
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
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Accommodations
Banff Caribou Lodge
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
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.
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