Canada’s West: Experience the Northern Lights on a Winter Wonderland Luxury Small-Group Tour
Witness the magic of winter in Canada’s West – the best place in the world for watching the spectacular Northern Lights – on a 12-day luxury small-group tour (max. 16 travellers). Chase the Northern Lights in Yellowknife, which enjoys at least 200 starlit viewing nights a year. Cosy up next to the woodfire in dedicated teepees in Aurora Village and snuggle up in heated chairs that spin 360 degrees for perfect Northern Lights viewing. Experience Vancouver, the vibrant waterfront city with nature on its doorstep, home to foodies’ paradise Gastown, then travel to wildly beautiful Banff National Park for unforgettable moments including an evening ice walk of Johnston Canyon and a picture-perfect sleigh ride through the Rockies. Spend two nights at the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, learn to snowshoe and indulge in a fabulous Fairmont afternoon tea. Your tour includes 11 nights of luxury accommodation and feature stays – including the renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the newly built Mount Royal Hotel in Banff – daily breakfast and select dining experiences (including a top-rated foodies’ tour in Gastown), domestic flights from Vancouver to Calgary and Calgary to Yellowknife, private expert local guides, all sightseeing and entrance fees, insider experiences, private airport transfers and transportation throughout, and so much more.
Your Itinerary at a Glance:
- Chase the Northern Lights in Aurora Village, Yellowknife, the best place in the world for aurora viewing
- Take a guided evening walk of Johnston Canyon in Banff
- Watch for wildlife on a cosy sleigh ride through the Canadian Rockies
- Ride the Banff Gondola to the pinnacle of Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree mountain views
- Go snowshoeing with an expert guide in Lake Louise
- Visit Stanley Park, Granville Island and more on a city tour of Vancouver
- Explore the gastronomy of Gastown on a private foodie tour, rated one of the world’s best by Forbes
What You’ll Love…
The Experiences – Chase the Northern Lights, take a sleigh ride through the Rockies, go snowshoeing and more
Travel to Canada’s untamed, beautiful Northwest Territories, where wildlife outnumbers humans and rich culture, history and tradition collide to paint an unforgettable picture of this breathtaking country.
Visit the city of Yellowknife for three nights of Northern Lights viewing in ‘the aurora capital of the world’. Thanks to its clear skies and optimal location, Yellowknife boasts 200 perfect nights of ‘aurora borealis’ viewing – and you are travelling right in peak season.
Watch the spectacular natural light show from the heated tepees of Aurora Village, set out on an expansive wilderness property with bespoke heated chairs that swivel 360 degrees to allow for perfect viewing. Complimentary winter clothing, including Canada Goose parkas, will be provided for extra-cosy viewing nights.
Make the most of Yellowknife’s winter wonderland with an exciting dogsledding excursion across the frozen lake, an afternoon of fun on a giant ice slide, snowshoeing and guided tours taking you deeper into the history and the culture of its indigenous people – then warm up toasting marshmallows by the fire.
Enjoy a city tour of Vancouver, the waterfront city with spectacular nature on its doorstep, visiting Stanley Park, Granville Island, Chinatown and more. Take a food tour through Gastown – rated one of the best in the world by Forbes – trying Canadian delicacies and meeting local restaurateurs as you dine in four of the historic neighbourhood’s best restaurants while enjoying matched cocktails, craft beers and award-winning wines.
Immerse yourself in the local wildlife in Banff at the hands of an expert guide, learning about nature’s clever winter survival tactics and take a breathtaking evening ice walk through Johnston Canyon, where the rushing water of the falls and creek are the only thing that disturb the perfect stillness of the surrounding woods.
Huddle into a warm woollen blanket on a magical sleigh ride through the Canadian Rockies, watching for grazing elk and coyotes, then warm up with hot chocolate and marshmallows around the campfire. Step into the Banff Gondola and enjoy panoramic views of the majestic landscape as you ascend the pinnacle of Sulphur Mountain.
Head to one of the highlights of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and embrace snowshoeing on a mountaintop tour offering incredible birds-eye views of the Rockies.
Stay cosy throughout your tour with magical moments around the campfire, crackling log fires and winter treats including a fondue, roasted marshmallows, soothing hot chocolate and Canadian maple cookies, plus plenty of blankets and even complimentary loaned winter clothing in Yellowknife.
The Accommodation – Stay in five-star Fairmont luxury in Lake Louise and at the brand-new Mount Royal in Banff
Located in an amphitheatre of majestic mountain peaks, surrounded by the glistening lake and Victoria Glacier, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise places you in the beating heart of Banff National Park. Breathe in its history as a base for alpinists and admire the way the property has been transformed to provide luxury accommodation, with a five-star spa and exceptional dining experiences. Partake in the wonderful tradition of afternoon tea here, dining on fresh seasonal berries with alpine whipped cream, finger sandwiches, buttermilk scones and more overlooking Lake Louise. Optional winter activities here are straight out of a picture book and include ice skating on the lake and husky rides (charges apply).
Recently renovated, the Mount Royal in Banff blends its heritage mountain influence with modern design and impeccable luxury service. Standing proud in the heart of Banff for more than 100 years, the hotel draws heavily on its natural surroundings and remains intimately involved in the life and spirit of the region. Soak amid stunning mountain scenery in the rooftop hot tubs, find fascinating local art, photos and artefacts in the lobby museum and take quiet moments to reflect on historical tales and modern culture in the hotel library.
Your base in Yellowknife is The Explorer Hotel, a calm sanctuary to retreat to after breathtaking days in the Aurora capital. Warm up by the glow of the fire, take in tranquil forest views and stargaze in a property that brings you closer to nature.
A perennial Condé Nast Traveler Gold List favourite and named in Travel and Leisure’s Top 500 List of hotels, The Sutton Place Hotel welcomes you in Vancouver with an unrivalled location near the city’s bustling shopping, arts and entertainment precincts. Elegant décor and first-class service bring a touch of European charm to the very Canadian backdrop of sea and mountains.
Your Package Includes:
- Eleven nights’ luxury accommodation and feature stays including three nights in the heart of Vancouver at the Sutton Place - a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List Hotel, three nights at the recently rebuilt Mount Royal Hotel perfectly located right on Banff Avenue, two nights at the magical Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and three nights in the Aurora capital at the Explorer Hotel, Yellowknife’s best hotel
- Daily breakfast and select dining experiences, including a traditional afternoon tea at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and a cosy fondue dinner
- Domestic flights from Vancouver to Calgary and Calgary to Yellowknife
- Three nights of spectacular Northern Lights viewing at Aurora Village, in heated tepees and bespoke heated chairs that spin 360 degrees
- Complimentary winter clothing pack during your stay in Yellowknife, including Canadian goose-down parkas, winter pants, boots, mitts and face mask
- Dogsled over a frozen lake in Yellowknife and a sleigh ride through the Canadian Rockies
- Ride to the pinnacle of Sulphur Mountain in the Banff Gondola with an included lunch
- Mountaintop snowshoeing in Banff National Park
- Private foodie tour in Gastown, Vancouver with matching cocktails and award-winning wines – rated one of the world’s top food tours by Forbes
- Guided evening ice walk and star gazing at Johnston Canyon in Banff
- Return airport transfers and transportation during the tour
- Services of expert local and wildlife guides
- All sightseeing and entrance fees
Your tour starts in Vancouver and ends in Yellowknife. Flights to Vancouver (YVR) are available with carriers such as Air Canada, United, Qantas and more with one stop en route and an approximate flight time of 17 hours from Australia.
You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, a Luxury Escapes concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements including flights.
Return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last days only from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) by private transfer and to Yellowknife Airport (YZF) by shared shuttle. Please book your flight to arrive into Vancouver before 2pm on Day 1. Your hotel room will be made available after 3pm.
Day 1: Arrive Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver, the waterfront city with nature on its doorstep! Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, located in the heart of the city.
A perennial Condé Nast Traveler Gold List favourite and named in Travel and Leisure’s Top 500 List of hotels, The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver is set against a majestic backdrop of mountains and sea, with the city’s famous shopping, business, arts, and entertainment districts just steps away.
This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at the hotel’s inhouse restaurant.
Accommodation: Sutton Place Vancouver
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Vancouver
After breakfast, join your guide on a morning tour of Vancouver as you discover the city’s highlights. Visit popular attractions such as Stanley Park, Granville Island, Chinatown and Gastown, see totem poles, wander through food stalls and craft galleries, and get great city views from lookouts like Prospect Point.
This afternoon is at leisure to further explore Vancouver city independently.
Accommodation: Sutton Place Vancouver
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Vancouver
This morning is at leisure before we embark on a private gastronomic walking tour and explore Vancouver’s historic neighbourhood of Gastown*. Named one of the Forbes’ Top 9 Food Tours in the World, this gastronomic experience will satisfy any foodie with an opportunity to dine at a selection of the area’s noted local restaurants with an expert guide leading the way. Laden with iconic restaurants, quirky pubs and historic dining rooms, you’ll weave through Gastown’s cobblestone maze, meet local restaurateurs and indulge in an all-inclusive, progressive meal served across four of Gastown’s best restaurants, complete with Vancouver craft beer, award-winning wine, and cocktail pairings.
Accommodation: Sutton Place Vancouver
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
*Note: 30 December 2019 departure, the food tour will not operate and the full day will be at leisure. Instead, guests on this departure will enjoy a special New Year’s eve dinner on Day 2
Day 4: Vancouver – Calgary – Banff
This morning you will be transferred to Vancouver Airport for your included flight to Calgary. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and you will be transferred to the newly re-built Mount Royal Hotel, located right on Banff Avenue. Enjoy a prime position in the heart of this picturesque town with local restaurants, shops and village life at your fingertips.
The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy this quaint city independently.
Accommodation: The Mount Royal Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Flight: Flight departs Vancouver @ 10am and arrives into Calgary @ 12.24pm (Air Canada)
Day 5: Banff
This morning, join your expert guide on a three-hour tour, visiting Banff’s landmarks and viewing the local wildlife in its natural habitat. Hear how the history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered a hidden treasure and learn about the local wildlife’s behaviour, habitat and winter survival adaptations. Stop to enjoy a hot chocolate and a light snack before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
This evening, participate in an evening ice walk of Johnston Canyon*. Light your way through this narrow, water-formed canyon as you follow your guide to the lower falls. The suspended catwalks, built into the limestone walls, make this an easy trip for everyone. Along the way, your guide will highlight unique features by powerful flashlight and pause for moments of darkness and quiet to foster an appreciation for spending time in the canyon at night. Warm up with hot chocolate and a maple cookie snack while you look around the lower falls before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: The Mount Royal Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
*Note: 01 February departure will offer the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk on Day 4
Day 6: Banff
After breakfast, we enjoy a memorable sleigh ride among the stunning and tranquil Canadian Rockies. Cuddle up under warm woollen blankets as a team of horses pulls you through sparkling, snow-covered meadows. Watch for grazing elk or coyotes prowling near the edge of the forest as our guides take you on a quintessential winter experience, and then warm up by a campfire and toast a marshmallow while you enjoy a hot drink.
Next, we step into the Banff Gondola and take a breathtaking ascent to the pinnacle of Sulphur Mountain for an awe-inspiring 360-degree panorama of sheer mountain majesty. Enjoy an included mountaintop lunch at the Northern Lights Café and later, take in the interpretative hiking trails that lead along the ridge of the mountain.
Return to your hotel later this afternoon for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: The Mount Royal Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Banff – Lake Louise
Enjoy a morning at leisure before we transfer to the picture-perfect Lake Louise and the renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, your home for the next two nights.
Enjoy an afternoon exploring this iconic hotel on your own and take advantage of the many winter programs available, including ice-skating on the beautiful Lake Louise (extra charges may apply).
This evening, enjoy an authentic Swiss fondue dinner at the Fairmont Hotel’s popular Walliser Stube Restaurant, which pays homage to the region’s Swiss mountain guide heritage.
Accommodation: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Lake Louise
Today we continue our exploration of this winter wonderland with an introduction to snowshoeing. The tour will take you to the top of the mountain, where you will experience a view previously only accessible to skiers and snowboarders. Certified guides will show you how to use snowshoes, while sharing stories of the history, landscape and wildlife of Lake Louise. Enjoy breathtaking views while taking your first steps in snowshoes.
We return to the hotel, where this afternoon you will experience the wonderful tradition of afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise while enjoying spectacular views of the lake and the Victoria Glacier.
Accommodation: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Afternoon Tea
Day 9: Lake Louise – Calgary – Yellowknife
Today we transfer back to Calgary for our flight to Yellowknife, gateway to the mighty North West Territories and the incredible Northern Lights. Upon arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the Explorer Hotel, one of the city’s finest properties.
This afternoon, get kitted out with complimentary loaned winter clothing, including a Canada Goose parka, mitts, pants, boots and a face warmer, before departing to the Aurora Village – a remote tepee village away from the city lights, offering unsurpassed Aurora viewing. Warm up in a picturesque tepee, welcoming you in with a cosy wood stove, heated seats and a delicious selection of hot beverages.
After the viewing, transfer back to your hotel.
Accommodation: The Explorer Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Flight: Flight departs Calgary @ 10.15am and arrives into Yellowknife @ 12.52pm (Air Canada)
Day 10: Yellowknife
Enjoy a morning at leisure before we head out for an exciting dogsledding excursion. Board a traditional sled, towed by an enthusiastic dog team for a thrilling ride over the frozen lake and through the wooded trails. Following this, we return to Aurora Village for an included à la carte lunch and afterwards strap on snowshoes for a guided walk along the local trails, where your local guide reveals how the indigenous people of the area used the flora and fauna to survive this harsh climate. An afternoon of fun on a giant ice slide and roasting marshmallows completes the daytime activities before nightfall and the second evening of Aurora viewing.
Accommodation: The Explorer Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: Yellowknife
This afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel for a tour exploring the historically and culturally vibrant city of Yellowknife. Your guide will reveal its early beginnings, when the “streets were paved with gold”, to its deeply rooted Aboriginal culture. See the Legislative Assembly and Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center, and take a scenic drive through downtown, Old Town, and onto the Frozen Ice Road. A third evening of Aurora viewing caps off a perfect day, with an included dinner before being transferred back to Explorer Hotel.
Accommodation: The Explorer Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12: Depart Yellowknife
Today your winter adventure comes to and end with a shared shuttle transfer to Yellowknife Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast