Canada’s West: 12-Day Luxury Small-Group Winter Tour with Northern Lights Viewing
Witness the winter wonderland magic of 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). Experience Vancouver, the vibrant waterfront city with nature on its doorstep, home to foodies’ paradise Gastown, where you’ll take a progressive food tour with matching wines, beers and cocktails. 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. Enjoy two nights at the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise, where you’ll learn to snowshoe and indulge in a fabulous Fairmont afternoon tea.
Chase the Northern Lights in Yellowknife — which enjoys at least 200 starlit viewing nights a year — and warm up by the woodfire in dedicated teepees in Aurora Village, where you can watch the striking Northern Lights dance across the sky from the comfort of heated chairs that spin 360 degrees.
Your journey takes you to: Vancouver – Calgary – Banff — Lake Louise – Calgary – Yellowknife.
Christmas departure available: Experience the wonder of Christmas from this winter wonderland with a special 15 December 2022 departure. Spend Christmas Eve and Day in Yellow Knife’s The Explorer Hotel, hidden in a remote tepee village away from the city lights, offering unsurpassed Aurora viewing.
Covid-19 health and safety practices: Our expert Tours team is working hard to ensure the highest health standards at every point of your journey. Find out more.
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 loaned 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 – rated one of the best in the world by Forbes – through Gastown, 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 is the only thing that disturbs 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
Located in an amphitheatre of majestic mountain peaks, surrounded by the glistening lake and Victoria Glacier, Fairmont Château 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).
Your tour begins at Vancouver Airport (YVR) and ends at Yellowknife Airport (YZF).
International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please book your flights to arrive at Vancouver Airport by 4pm on Day 1 and depart Yellowknife any time after 10am on Day 12. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Domestic flights from Vancouver to Calgary and Calgary to Yellowknife are included. Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
You MUST complete your booking form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Vancouver on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist.
Need flights? Australian customers can now purchase flights with or without accommodation packages. We are working hard to launch this functionality in other markets. For now, our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements. Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information: Canada
Time zone: GMT-7 (Vancouver)
Telephone: +1
Currency: Canadian dollar
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: English and French
Climate: The northern two-thirds of the country have very cold winters and short, cool summers. The central-southern area of the interior plains typically experiences very cold winters and hot summers.
Day 1: Arrive Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver, an easy-going waterfront city that revels in a two-for-one deal with nature — mild temperatures at sea level, frosty alpine fun on the easy-to-reach mountain peaks. Meet your local representative on arrival at Vancouver Airport (YVR), where you will be transferred to your hotel — The Sutton Palace Hotel Vancouver — set against a majestic backdrop of mountains and sea, and located in the heart of the city.
Walkable Vancouver earns its title as one of the world’s most liveable cities and the locals love getting outdoors, whatever the weather. If you have time, why not get out and hit the fresh air for a walk or cycle around the Stanley Park seawall — a paved walkway with spectacular views of the city, ocean and mountains? Or explore the famous shopping, business, arts and entertainment districts, just steps from your hotel.
This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at the hotel’s in-house restaurant — Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
Accommodation: The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Vancouver
After a hearty breakfast, join your guide on a morning tour of Vancouver and 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, enjoy free time to explore Vancouver at leisure and enjoy the very best of the city at your own pace.
Accommodation: The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Vancouver
Enjoy a morning at leisure before exploring Vancouver’s historic neighbourhood of Gastown on a private gastronomic walking tour*. Named one of 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 and an expert guide leading the way. Laden with iconic restaurants, quirky pubs and historic dining rooms, Gastown’s cobblestone maze leads you to local restaurateurs. Indulge in an all-inclusive, progressive meal served across four of Gastown’s best restaurants along the way, complete with Vancouver craft beer, award-winning wine and cocktail pairings.
Accommodation: The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
*Note: 2 December 2021 departure, the food tour will operate on Day 2 and the sightseeing tour will operate on Day 3. 30 December 2021 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 your Banff accommodation for the next three nights — 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: Mount Royal Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
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: Mount Royal Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Banff
After breakfast, 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 the expert 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: Mount Royal Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
*Lunch included at Northern Lights Café or Sky Bistro Restaurant pending availability, group size and COVID regulations. Otherwise, will be substituted with lunch at a local restaurant
Day 7: Banff – Lake Louise
Enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to picture-perfect Lake Louise and the breathtaking Fairmont Château Lake Louise — your home for the next two nights. Enjoy an afternoon exploring this iconic hotel at leisure 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 or a delicious à la carte dinner at the Fairmont’s popular Walliser Stube restaurant, which pays homage to the region’s Swiss mountain guide heritage.
Accommodation: Fairmont Château Lake Louise
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Lake Louise
Today you will continue your 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.
Return to the hotel, where this afternoon, you will experience the wonderful tradition of afternoon tea at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise while enjoying spectacular views of the lake and Victoria Glacier.
Accommodation: Fairmont Château Lake Louise
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 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 drinks.
After the viewing, transfer back to your hotel.
Accommodation: The Explorer Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Yellowknife
Enjoy a morning at leisure before heading out for an exciting dog sledging excursion. Board a traditional sledge, towed by an enthusiastic dog team, for a thrilling ride over the frozen lake and through the wooded trails. Following this, return to Aurora Village and strap on snowshoes for a guided walk along the local trails, where your 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 Dinner
Day 11: Yellowknife
This afternoon you will have the chance to explore the historically and culturally vibrant city of Yellowknife on a tour. Your guide will reveal its early beginnings, when the ‘streets were paved with gold’, and its deeply rooted Aboriginal culture. See the Legislative Assembly and Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center and take a scenic drive through downtown, Old Tow, and onto the Frozen Ice Road. A third evening of Aurora viewing caps off a perfect day, before being transferred back to The Explorer Hotel.
Accommodation: The Explorer Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Depart Yellowknife
Today your winter adventure comes to an end with a shared shuttle transfer to Yellowknife Airport (YZF) for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast