Explore the beautiful Banff area while discovering the rich Indigenous culture with a private Winter Medicine Walk. Take a stroll and snowshoe through the stunning Continental Divide. Enjoy the famous Icefield Parkway, one of the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the world, with its glaciers and breathtaking views. Delve into the frozen waterfalls, ice caves and formations of the deep Maligne Canyon. Discover Jasper’s lively food scene and search for wildlife in Jasper National Park. Experience Banff National Park by dog sled. Finally, you can strap on traditional wooden snowshoes for a nature walk and take in the stunning beauty of Lake Louise by horse-drawn sleigh.
Itinerary Highlights
Experience a private Indigenous Winter Medicine Walk
Travel the famous Icefield Parkway, with its stunning views
Search for wildlife in Jasper National Park
Walk the bottom of the deep Maligne Canyon
Soak in the beauty of Lake Louise by horse-drawn sleigh
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
9
Nights
Price Guide
$TBC pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Calgary
Day 2
Banff
After breakfast, meet your Driver-Guide for your introduction to winter in the incredible Canadian Rockies. Begin your adventure with an overview of the Town of Banff and the sweeping six mountain ranges of the Bow Valley at the top of the Banff Gondola. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant recommended by your guide. This afternoon will have you getting acquainted with the region and its history during a private Indigenous Winter Medicine Walk. Learn the hidden benefits of the forest as your knowledgeable local guide points out key plants and trees and how to use them should you ever need to make items crucial to survival.
Day 3
Banff
Today, you can check off visiting the Continental Divide from your bucket list. After breakfast, meet your guide and explore along the Continental Divide by snowshoe and further winter walks. Explore the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies and learn the importance of the Continental Divide. Enjoy lunch at a small, local restaurant and a chance to enjoy the indoors before heading out on more afternoon exploration.
This evening, your nighttime adventure begins as the sun sets. Return to Sulphur Mountain (Mînî Rhuwîn) for Nightrise – an inspiring experience that invites you to look, listen and connect with the mountain in an entirely new way. As the gondola ascends to the summit, listen for the music, narration and original soundscapes that honour the magic of the sacred mountains — a place of gathering since time immemorial for many, including for the Stoney Nakoda People (Îyârhe Îethka). Reach the summit and explore the Four Wonders — immersive stations of light, sound and projections. Created by Moment Factory in participation with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, this unique winter gathering successfully merges immersive multimedia and nature for a truly memorable experience.
Day 4
Banff-Jasper
Have your bags packed as today your base of adventure changes as you travel from Banff to Jasper National Park and the Town of Jasper. Journey along the famous Icefield Parkway, known for its glaciers and stunning views, and ranked one of the Top 10 Scenic Drives of the world.
Stop for breathtaking sights on the route as your Driver-Guide informs you about the peaks, geology and what winter can be like along this stretch of the Rockies. Look for ice climbers on ‘The Weeping Wall’.
Upon arrival at the Columbia Icefield, walk to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier, an area that is busy in the summer but will be yours to explore at this time of year.
Day 5
Jasper
After breakfast, meet today’s guide for your shared Maligne Canyon Icewalk. Walk in awe along the frozen bottom of the deep Maligne Canyon, exploring frozen waterfalls, ice caves and ice formations in ways impossible during the summer months. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share interesting insights into the karst topography, valley and mysterious story of Medicine Lake.
After your Icewalk, continue with your Driver-Guide up Maligne Valley to Maligne Lake, where you will explore the area with a Winter Walk or Snowshoe.
Day 6
jasper
This morning’s adventure is a search for wildlife with your Driver-Guide. Jasper National Park can be a great location to find elk, moose or big horn sheep.
This afternoon, set out on an adventure with a local guide to experience all that Jasper’s food scene has to offer. Wine and dine through this picturesque mountain town with four stops along the way while your guide relays stories of local folklore.
Day 7
Jasper – Lake Louise
After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you’ll join your Driver-Guide to travel from Banff to picturesque Lake Louise. Head south on the Icefield Parkway on what seems like an entirely new drive based on the views. Stop at Athabasca Falls to see how this incredible waterway runs all year.
Your journey, with beautiful views, will continue the rest of the way along the Icefield Parkway to the village of Lake Louise.
Day 8
Lake Louise
After breakfast today, experience Banff National Park in an entirely new and entertaining way – by dog sled. Your Driver-Guide will transfer you to the trailhead, where you will meet your team of dogs and sled guide. Spend some time getting to know the dogs before heading out on the sled (you’ll quickly discover they are as excited, if not more, to get on the trail as you are). On your dog-mushing adventure, spot cascading glaciers and mountaintop cornices, as well as animal tracks in the snow. Your guide will also share stories about their lives with the sled dogs. Depending on the conditions, you may even be able to drive your team.
After your Dogsledding adventure, join your Driver-Guide for additional sightseeing in beautiful Banff National Park or Yoho National Park.
The remainder of your afternoon and evening is at your leisure. Perhaps try a Canadian tradition and go ice skating on frozen Lake Louise (payable locally).
Day 9
Lake Louise
Today, with your Driver-Guide, try a new Snowshoe Adventure on traditional wooden snowshoes. Your guide will take you to a quiet winter playground in the Lake Louise area to enjoy and explore.
This afternoon, bundle beneath blankets and drink in the beauty of Lake Louise from the cozy comfort of a traditionally styled, horse-drawn sleigh. It’s a picture-perfect experience with sparkling snow and views of the Ice Falls and the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise set against the glory of the snow-covered Canadian Rockies.
Later today, enjoy some time at leisure; perhaps relax at the spa (payable locally) as you reminisce upon your Winter Wonderland experience.
Day 10
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $TBC per person
When to travel
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Trying to distil the climate of Canada into an easy-to-understand statement is impossible, given the vast area and diverse geography within the country. Overall, in most places, winters are harsh compared to much of the world, on par with northern Eurasia. The most populated region, southern Ontario, has a less severe climate. Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, is just south of the Arctic Circle and remains very cold except for the months of July and August when the July average maximum is only 12°C. On the other hand, the coastlines of British Columbia are very mild for their latitude, remaining above freezing for most of the winter, yet they are not far away from some of the largest mountain glaciers found on the continent.
January is a tricky time to travel through Canada, as the weather can be quite unpredictable. Some regions may experience extreme cold and heavy snowfall, while others may see milder temperatures and rainy conditions. It's important to check the forecast for your specific destination and pack accordingly, with warm layers and waterproof gear. If you're planning on driving, be sure to have winter tires and a full tank of gas in case of any unexpected delays. Overall, it's best to be prepared for anything when travelling through Canada in January.
February is another unpredictable month for travel weather in Canada. Some regions may still experience extreme cold and heavy snowfall, while others may see milder temperatures and rainy conditions. It's important to check the forecast for your specific destination and pack accordingly with warm layers and waterproof gear, just as you would in January. Winter tires and a full tank of gas are still recommended if you're planning on driving. It's always best to be prepared for any type of weather when travelling through Canada in the winter months.
As winter slowly fades away, March brings a glimmer of hope for travellers to Canada. The weather begins to warm up in most regions, but it's still important to check the forecast for your specific destination before packing. Some areas may still experience snow and cold temperatures, while others may see milder conditions. It's always a good idea to bring layers that can be easily added or removed, as well as waterproof gear in case of rain or snow. If you plan on driving, winter tires may still be necessary in some areas. Overall, March can be a more comfortable time to travel compared to the harsh winter months, but it's still important to be prepared for any type of weather.
As spring begins to take hold in Canada, April can bring a mix of weather conditions for travellers. While some regions may experience mild temperatures and sunny skies, others may still see snow and colder temperatures. It's important to check the forecast for your specific destination before packing and to bring layers that can be easily added or removed. Waterproof gear may also come in handy in case of rain or wet snow. Overall, April can be a great time to travel to Canada, but it's important to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.
As May arrives in Canada, travellers can expect a transition to warmer weather with longer days and more sunshine. However, some regions may still experience cooler temperatures and occasional rain showers. It's important to check the forecast for your specific destination before packing and to bring layers that can be easily added or removed. Waterproof gear may also come in handy in case of rain. Overall, May can be a great time to travel to Canada, but it's important to be prepared for changes in weather conditions.
If you're planning on travelling to Canada in June, be prepared for a variety of weather conditions depending on your destination. In general, the eastern part of the country experiences warmer temperatures and more sunshine during this time of year, with average highs ranging from 19°C to 24°C. However, areas like the Rocky Mountains and northern Canada may still have snow and cooler temperatures, so be sure to pack accordingly. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast for your specific destination before you go to ensure you're prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
If you're planning a trip to Canada in July, you can expect warm temperatures across most of the country. The eastern part of the country experiences an average high of around 26°C, while the western coast remains cooler with an average high of around 21°C. However, as with any travel, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast for your specific destination to ensure you're prepared for any unexpected changes in the weather. Happy travels!
If you're planning a trip to Canada in August, you can expect warm temperatures across most of the country as well. The eastern part of the country experiences an average high of around 25°C, while the western coast remains cooler with an average high of around 20°C. However, it's always important to check the weather forecast for your specific destination as temperatures and conditions can vary depending on the location. Keep in mind that August is also peak travel season, so it's recommended to book accommodations and activities in advance for a stress-free trip.
September is a great time to visit Canada, as temperatures start to cool down from the summer heat. The eastern part of the country experiences an average high of around 20°C, while the western coast remains cooler with an average high of around 15°C. However, it's always important to check the weather forecast for your specific destination as temperatures and conditions can vary depending on the location. Keep in mind that September is also a popular travel season, especially for fall foliage, so it's recommended to book accommodations and activities in advance for a hassle-free trip.
October is a beautiful time to travel in Canada, but it's important to be prepared for the weather. Generally, temperatures will be cool, ranging from around 5-15 degrees Celsius depending on where you are in the country. In some areas, particularly in the north, snow may start to fall towards the end of the month. It's a good idea to bring layers and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable in case of rain or snow. Despite the cooler temperatures, October can still be a great time to enjoy the stunning fall foliage and other outdoor activities.
November is a transitional month in Canada when it comes to weather. Temperatures begin to drop, averaging around 0-10 degrees Celsius depending on where you are in the country. Snow may start to fall in some areas, particularly in the higher elevations. It's important to bring warm layers and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable in case of rain or snow. Despite the colder temperatures, November can still be a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing or snowshoeing.
December is one of the coldest months in Canada, with temperatures ranging from -10 to -20 degrees Celsius in many areas. Snow is a common occurrence throughout the country, which can make for beautiful winter scenery. It's important to bring warm layers and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable in the cold and potentially wet weather. Despite the chilly temperatures, there are still many outdoor activities to enjoy such as ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding. Be sure to check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling to ensure safe and enjoyable travels.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Canadian itinerary, for example, you could head to Vancouver to explore the rich heritage of this city, tour Victoria and its amazing Butchart Gardens.
Canada is also easily accessed from Australia either by direct flights to Vancouver or by the main flight hubs of Los Angeles or San Francisco, making it perfect for adding tours in these two fascinating Westcoast US cities.
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