White Christmas and Northern Lights in Canada

Day 1 - Monday 23 December 2024

Melbourne - Sydney - Vancouver - Calgary - Banff

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  Join your tour hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for your flight to Canada.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards our fantastic adventure.

On arrival into Calgary Airport, we will be met and transferred to Banff.  It takes approximately 1½ hours to get to Banff.

Check into the hotel for our three-night stay.

Accommodation:  Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff (or similar)

Day 2 - Tuesday 24 December 2024

Banff (B, D)

This morning, we depart on the Discover Banff and its wildlife private tour.  Build a connection to the World Heritage Site as we visit Banff’s landmarks and historic places. Hear how the 11,000-year-old human history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered the Cave & Basin, now a National Historic Site.  See and learn about wildlife behaviour, habitat, and winter survival adaptations.  

The remainder of the day is at leisure.   

This evening, celebrate the season with a Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation:  Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff (or similar)

Day 3 - Wednesday 25 December 2024

Banff (B, BR)

Merry Christmas!  Today is at leisure in Banff. 

Banff has a wide range of recreational activities, shopping and nightlife possibilities.  Banff National Park is the oldest national park in Canada, covering an area of 6,594 sq km.  It is a natural wonderland of mountains, lakes, rivers and canyons and is also a wildlife refuge for elk, deer and bighorn sheep.  In fact, it is not uncommon to see elk or deer grazing by the highway while travelling in the area. 

The park is open year-round and offers visitors winter activities such as ice walks, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and countless opportunities for photographers.

Christmas Day Brunch at the hotel is included today.

Accommodation:  Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff (or similar)

Day 4 - Thursday 26 December 2024

Banff - Lake Louise (B)

This morning is at leisure in Banff.  Early afternoon, we depart Banff for Lake Louise. 

We'll depart on a sleigh ride that follows the lake-side trail beneath Victoria Glacier and enjoy views of the Ice Falls at the end of the lake. There is no better way to spend time together than drinking in the beauty of sparkling snow and blue sky, beneath a blanket on a horse-drawn sleigh! 

Check into the hotel for a two-night stay.

This evening is at leisure.

Accommodation:  Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, Lake Louise (or similar)

Day 5 - Friday 27 December 2024

Lake Louise (B)

Today is at leisure to explore Lake Louise.

Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park amid the magnificent Rocky Mountains. There is an enchanting winter experience for everyone in Lake Louise. 

Immerse yourself in the Canadian Rockies by strolling through snow-covered streets, cosy up by a fire with a decadent hot chocolate, ski or snowboard freshly groomed runs or ice skate over a frozen lake. 

Accommodation:  Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, Lake Louise (or similar)

Day 6 - Saturday 28 December 2024

Lake Louise - Jasper (B)

Today we'll depart Lake Louise and travel along the most scenic road of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Icefield Parkway. 

We'll pass some of Canada’s highest mountains and most magnificent glaciers before arriving into Jasper.  

Check-in at the hotel for a four-night stay.

Accommodation:  Forest Park Hotel, Jasper (or similar)

Day 7 - Sunday 29 December 2024

Jasper (B)

This morning we will be picked up for the private tour to Maligne Canyon Ice Walk. Experience the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up!  

The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50-metre gorge. On a mostly downhill route, encounter frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and discover the mystery of the disappearing Medicine Lake. 

All necessary equipment is included on this private tour.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation:  Forest Park Hotel, Jasper (or similar)

Day 8 - Monday 30 December 2024

Jasper (B)

Enjoy the morning at leisure. This afternoon, show your foodie side some love on this walking food tour of Jasper.  The mountain town has come a long way from its humble beginnings without losing sight of what makes it special. The same can be said for the restaurant scene, and this is the perfect chance to explore it!  

Visit four restaurants and taste four carefully handpicked dishes, each paired with an alcoholic beverage. Along the way, we will learn about Jasper’s history and take in some of the town’s tastiest tales.

Please note Non-alcoholic beverage substitutions are available and most food allergies or dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice (incl. dairy, shellfish, nuts, gluten, vegetarian).

Accommodation:  Forest Park Hotel, Jasper (or similar)

Day 9 - Tuesday 31 December 2024

Jasper (B, D)

Morning departure for the Winter Jasper Wildlife private tour.  The knowledgeable guide is trained to seek out all of the park’s most iconic creatures.  Big or small, there are lots of animals to see in Jasper!  Elk, deer, sheep, goats, coyotes, wolves, and moose are just a sample of Jasper’s wild mountain fauna.  Learn all about the ways these animals contribute to the rich diversity of Jasper National Park and how they survive the mountain winters.  The guide is well versed in the history, geology, and ecology of the area and are happy to answer any questions.  Travel through the Athabasca Valley and see some of the park’s most beautiful scenery.  The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Tonight celebrate with a New Year’s Eve Dinner (location to be confirmed).

Accommodation:  Forest Park Hotel, Jasper (or similar)

Day 10 - Wednesday 1 January 2025

Overnight Jasper to Vancouver (BR, D)

This morning, we'll transfer to the Jasper Railway Station for the VIA Rail “Snow Train” overnight journey to Vancouver onboard ‘The Canadian’ train.

Departing Jasper, enter the Yellowhead Pass, which is a gap through the Rocky Mountains over the continental divide.  The continental divide is the highest point of land on the continent and separates the watershed in Canada. Waters on the east side of the divide flow to the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans, and waters on the west side to the Pacific Ocean. The divide is also the border between Alberta and British Columbia. Once over the divide, the headwaters of the Fraser River begin and the rail line follows the Fraser to the Pacific Ocean. The Fraser River system provides the spawning grounds for millions of Pacific Salmon.

Mount Robson, at 3954 metres, is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and is visible from the train about one hour west of Jasper, as is the Albreda Icefield, a couple of hours out of Jasper, as the rail line enters the Monashee Mountain Ranges.

At Blue River, the landscape changes drastically as the rail line follows the North Thompson River through Little Hell's Gate and a tight, rugged valley. Near Clearwater, the landscape flattens as the train enters the hot, dry interior forests and grasslands of British Columbia, arriving in Kamloops in the evening. Kamloops is the meeting point of the North and South Thompson Rivers. From this point to Vancouver, the train follows the Fraser River through the Fraser Canyon and on to Vancouver, arriving in the early morning to end this classic train trip.

Accommodation:  The Canadian Train, VIA Rail

Please note that space in cabins is limited therefore we recommend that you pack an overnight bag and check your luggage. 

Day 11 - Thursday 2 January 2025

Vancouver (B)

Upon arrival into Vancouver, we will be met and taken on a Vancouver City & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – Canyon Lights private tour. 

Explore Vancouver’s soaring skyscrapers, architectural masterpieces, urban beaches, and coastal rainforests before being dazzled by the Canyon Lights display at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park!  We'll begin with the highlights of downtown, including Canada Place, home of the 2010 Olympic Cauldron.  Wind through impressive modern and historic architecture, past the Arts and Financial Districts and the fashion hub of Robson Street, before continuing to Granville Island.  After visiting Granville Island Market and its many shops and eateries, continue across the Lions Gate Bridge to Vancouver’s scenic North Shore and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. 

Experience one of the most beautiful and festive attractions in Vancouver.  With hundreds of thousands of lights illuminating the park, take an exhilarating walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to the other side where many unique and informative experiences await, including the Treetops Adventure. 

We'll return to Vancouver late afternoon and transfer to the hotel for a three-night stay.

Accommodation:  Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Vancouver (or similar)

Day 12 - Friday 3 January 2025

Vancouver (B)

Today we'll have the opportunity to view the spectacular British Columbia coastline by land and sea, as the tour makes its way to Vancouver Island to visit the quaint city of Victoria and the magical Butchart Gardens. 

From Vancouver, it’s a short journey to Tsawwassen terminal before boarding a BC Ferries vessel for a 90-minute sailing past the scenic Gulf Islands and through Active Pass.  Enjoy some fresh air and be on the lookout for marine wildlife from the outdoor ship deck, just make sure to bundle up.  Arrive at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and continue through the countryside to Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia.  Here we will be given a short introduction to the area where we will have some free time to explore the unique shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. 

Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, Victoria Parliament Building and The Fairmont Empress Hotel, both impeccably dressed for the season. Continue to the enchanting botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens and the Magic of Christmas.  Wander through a series of themed gardens, to view and experience Christmas light displays, holiday wreaths, carolers, ice skating and more.

Finally, it’s back towards Swartz Bay for the return journey to Vancouver by bus and ferry.

Accommodation:  Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Vancouver (or similar)

Day 13 - Saturday 4 January 2025

Vancouver (B)

Today is at leisure to explore this beautiful city.

Vancouver lies nestled between sea and mountains in the extreme southwestern corner of British Columbia.  The physical setting and features of Vancouver make it easily one of the most attractive cities in Canada.  The surrounding hills provide the visitor with beautiful views of the ocean, sheltered bays, the city, and Vancouver Port, one of Canada’s busiest ports.  Highlights of Vancouver include Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown, Chinatown and much more.

Accommodation:  Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Vancouver (or similar)

Day 14 - Sunday 5 January 2025

Vancouver - Whitehorse (B)

This morning we will be transferred to the Vancouver Airport for our onward flight up to the rugged beauty of the frozen north!

Upon arrival into Whitehorse, we'll be transferred to the hotel located in the heart of the city, not far from the banks of the Yukon River.  Whitehorse is small and easy to explore on foot or by vehicle.

Later in the evening we set out to the Aurora Centre and seek the sight of northern lights.

Accommodation:  The Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre, Whitehorse 

Day 15 - Monday 6 January 2025

Whitehorse (B)

In the late morning (when the sun comes up!) we discover the sights of Whitehorse, historic and yet trendy, on a city tour with character.  Visit the SS Klondike National Historic Site; among the last of the great paddle wheelers that plied the Yukon River system until the 1950s, the Old Log Church; the oldest building in Whitehorse, the unique Log Cabin Skyscraper; a three-storey tower made completely out of logs.  After you’ve seen all these top sites, Main Street is perfect for strolling and shopping with its shops, galleries and cafés. 

Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve for close views of many of the Yukon’s large mammal species including elk, moose, mule deer, caribou, Dall’s sheep, mountain goats, bison and even the musk-ox of the high Arctic, all in their natural surroundings. Not far from the preserve is Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs where you can indulge in the natural hot springs and relax in a breathtaking summer mountain setting. 

Later this evening hit the road again to seek views of the stunning Northern Lights.  Relax in sheltered comfort, or under the starry sky beside a warm fire at one of the tailor-made aurora viewing locations. 

Accommodation:  The Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre, Whitehorse 

Day 16 - Tuesday 7 January 2025

Whitehorse (B, D)

Today is at leisure for optional sightseeing and Yukon winter activities.

Whitehorse is the capital of Canada’s Yukon Territory and home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada.  On their adventures to the gold fields of the north, many prospectors had difficulty navigating the Whitehorse Rapids on the Yukon River.  Whitehorse takes its name from the waves of these river rapids, thought to resemble the manes of white horses. 

Surrounded by mountains and clear mountain lakes, Whitehorse provides year-round activities for visitors.

Optional tours may include:

Ice Fishing & Snowshoeing (half day):                                
Kicksledding (half day):                                                     
Dog Sledding (half day):                                                     
Snowmobiling (half day):                                                   
Husky Stampede (half day):                                               
Chilkoot Pass & Icefields Sightseeing Flight:                           
Mountain Canyon Tour by Helicopter:                                  

Please enquire for more information on these tours.

Later in the evening set out once more to the AuroraCentre to seek the sight of northern lights. 

Accommodation:  The Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre, Whitehorse 

Day 17 - Wednesday 8 January 2025

Whitehorse - Australia (B)

This morning is at leisure in Whitehorse. 

We'll check out of our hotel and store our luggage with the hotel Concierge. 

This afternoon we will be transferred to the airport for the onward flights back to Australia!

Day 18 - Thursday 9 January 2025

In transit (meals in flight)

Flight in transit

Day 19 - Friday 10 January 2025

Welcome Home

We arrive early afternoon back into Melbourne. 

What a fantastic adventure we've enjoyed!

Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back.

Welcome Home!