Calgary, known for its stunning skyline against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, offers a vibrant mix of urban culture and outdoor adventure. Home of the 1988 Winter Olympics, Calgary’s legacy brings plenty of adventure in winter. You may want to fly in a day early to relax, play or explore. There is ice skating in the heart of downtown at the fabulous Olympic Plaza. Snow tubing down the hills at the new service tubing park. Dining at the revolving Sky Guy 360 at Calgary Tower and even dog sledding with howling dog tours. See visit Calgary.com.

Check into our cool new hotel with different themed rooms, 24-hour airport shuttle, Wi-Fi, fitness and the tonic restaurant and bar as well as to rooftop hot tubs that overlook airport runways.

Tonight, we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner to get to know our fellow travelers.

Overnight  Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel .       D

After breakfast, we check out from Calgary and head an hour's drive to the nonprofit Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. It’s a unique experience to view the majestic nature of these rescued wolfdogs through close-up encounters with the cascade pack. Hear stories about each wolf, getting to know their true nature with an understanding of wolf behavior and how it differs from that of domestic dogs. You’ll learn about the importance of wolves on our ecosystem. It’s an immersive visit with our gentle ambassadors that welcome you into their space and get some close-up special selfies

 We continue our journey overland for around 4 hours to beautiful Jasper, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains; each turn reveals stunning vistas. On arrival, check into our hotel for a night to relax or explore the charming town.

Dark Sky, Northern Lights tour - In the early evening, we set out to the inspiring Dark Sky Preserve.  Jasper’s designation as the world’s second largest dark sky preserve makes it the premier spot to witness this natural wonder with a chance of seeing the Aurora borealis.  It’s a special visit with our Astronomy guides for a full evening of cosmic exploration. It begins inside the domed theater for commentary to learn of Jasper’s 11,000 mi.² of dark sky preserve. Outside, see Canada’s largest telescope. Participants enjoy a laser-guided tour of the constellation with binoculars to explore the Milky Way, deep space, objects, and celestial phenomena through telescopes.  We hope to see the new phenomenon called “the White Aurora Borealis “dancing in the sky or any colors of the northern lights.

Overnight Chateau Jasper 1nt.    B

After breakfast, we check out from Calgary and head an hour's drive to the nonprofit Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. It’s a unique experience to view the majestic nature of these rescued wolfdogs through close-up encounters with the cascade pack. Hear stories about each wolf, getting to know their true nature with an understanding of wolf behavior and how it differs from that of domestic dogs. You’ll learn about the importance of wolves in our ecosystem. It’s an immersive visit with our gentle ambassadors who welcome you into their space and get some close-up special selfies

 We continue our journey overland for around 4 hours to beautiful Jasper, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains; each turn reveals stunning vistas. On arrival, check into our hotel for a night to relax or explore the charming town.

Dark Sky, Northern Lights tour - In the early evening, we set out to the inspiring Dark Sky Preserve.  Jasper’s designation as the world’s second-largest dark sky preserve makes it the premier spot to witness this natural wonder with a chance of seeing the Aurora borealis.  It’s a special visit with our Astronomy guides for a full evening of cosmic exploration. It begins inside the domed theater for commentary to learn of Jasper’s 11,000 mi.² of dark sky preserve. Outside, see Canada’s largest telescope. Participants enjoy a laser-guided tour of the constellation with binoculars to explore the Milky Way, deep space, objects, and celestial phenomena through telescopes.  We hope to see the new phenomenon called “the White Aurora Borealis “dancing in the sky or any colors of the northern lights.

Overnight Pyramid Lake Lodge.  (1 nt)    B

This morning we continue our journey from Jasper to Banff in the heart of the Rockies.     Banff National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, was Canada‘s first park. This mountain paradise has over 1000 miles of maintained trails for great hiking and skiing.  The charming town of Banff is surrounded by peaks and has everything one can wish for with unique souvenirs, shops, museums, cafés with the freshest Canadian cuisines, and lively bars.  Check into the deluxe Royal Canadian Lodge with its huge lobby fireplace, heated indoor pool with hot tubs, and a great restaurant.

Canadian Wildlife Tour.   Late afternoon, as the sun sets, the wildlife of Banff National Park becomes more active.  We travel by vans through Athabasca Valley in search of Canada's iconic creatures, such as moose, elk, caribou, coyotes, wolves, big horn, sheep, and more.  Our naturalist guides will teach you how the park protects these animals and their natural habitat from many threats to the ecosystem.

 Return to the hotel and enjoy the nightlife of lively Banff.  (Fun opportunities abound for leisure time, such as snowshoeing the painted pots, booking a dog sled ride, or Banff mountain tubing.)

Overnight:  Royal Canadian Lodge       (2 nts)       B

After breakfast, we embark on the exhilarating Grotto Canyon Ice Walk. On this popular adventure, we explore the frozen wonderland bed of a narrow canyon with unique rock walls, karsts, sparkling blue caverns, and massive frozen waterfalls.  This guided venture immerses you in the serene beauty of winter landscape photos like no others.

Pack your swimsuit; it's time to warm up as we had to Banff Upper Hot Springs to immerse ourselves and have ultimate relaxation. The naturally fed soaking pools are the only hot springs in the national park, and we’re establishing 1887. Water temps average 95° to soak in rejuvenating mineral waters under the jagged peaks of the Cascade Mountains. Changing rooms, café, and gift shop are on site.

Royal Canadian Lodge.                   B

We check-out after breakfast and proceeded for a breathtaking Gondola ride up to the Sulfur Mountain region for panoramic views. On our ride up to the summit, you’ll have views of six mountain ranges. At the top, gaze out at the Canadian Rockies from the rooftop observation deck. Grab a bite at the Sky Bistro and warm up in the “Above Interpretive Theater.”  Then enjoy a nature walk along a mile long boardwalk that is elevated 6000 feet along the ridge of Sanson Peak.  Pass the historic cosmic ray station and 1903 weather observatory over to the Sundance Trail. You may choose to walk as little as or far as you like, but guarantee great photo ops along the way.   Our past group saw many marmots, Canada‘s cute mascots, an endangered species.  Some may want to hike down but most will ride the gondola.

Continue two hours to fabulous Lake Louise, Canada‘s most photographed lake, crowned by Victoria glacier as a backdrop.  Check into the 5-star Fairmont Château Lake Louise resort to spoil yourself with unparalleled beauty at this iconic winter destination.  Early evening, bundle up for our horse and sleigh ride. It’s a magical experience for our group ride in Banff National Park along Lake Louise.  Wrapped in blankets provided, enjoy views of the glacier and the glow of the Fairmont under a star lit night.  Pulled by majestic draft horses, you’ll sense an all inspiring peace in the silence.  This winter wonderland transforms into a scene for your favorite Christmas card photos

Back at the resort, Eat Drink and be Merry ! You can dine in the Fairview, Louisa or Wallerstube restaurants or grab sandwiches in The Pantry.  Enjoy afternoon high tea or cocktails in several bars with amazing views.  Be sure to visit the Ice Bar, the coolest ice bar in the Rockies that is set in one of the most scenic frozen landscapes of the world.  Warm up with mulled wine, chili orange hot chocolate, cinnamon bitters or the special Canadian ice wine. Constructed with blocks of ice, it takes labor-intensive weeks to build.  Or visit the Santa bar, a whimsical pop-up for festive cocktails.

 (Note, the new 2025 calendar of special December events here are not out yet as we print this 9/20/24, but expect some special fun!..   The Social Skate Experience across the lake under the stars. Festive holiday movie night outdoors with cozy blankets and delicious treats. Locate the elf on the shelf placed around the hotel and complete their “chain of kindness” tasks around the property. Capture your photo seated in Santa’s chair in the Victoria room. Join a paint class of the surrounding scenery, a holiday escape scavenger hunt, festive card making, a gingerbread house workshop, Christmas cookie decorating,  the Paint and Sip class or a Mixology experience.

Fairmont Château Lake Louise    2 nts  LINK              B

After a breakfast buffet, the day is yours to choose how to enjoy your snowy escapade, whether it’s the exhilarating thrills of snow tubing and fabulous cross-country ski trails or serene relaxation in the Oasis Spa. They offer a festive forest meditation by candlelight, winter wellness walk, yoga and more. Unique experiences include ice fishing, the Night Owl snowshoeing adventure, and lessons in Bavarian curling, an old game on the ice to learn the basics with the FLL activity team

The hotel has equipment rentals for ice skates, cross-country or downhill skiing.  Ski shuttles depart hourly to nearby slopes, and the tubing park.  Each night, there are wine tastings, karaoke and lakeside campfires with s’mores.

Check out at 11 AM and we head a few hours back to Calgary    Enjoy a panoramic city tour with a drive past Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue to walk the historic district bustling with shops and cultural spots.  Then admire the Peace Bridge a modern architectural wonder expanding the Bow River and get a glimpse of the famous Calgary Stampede grounds and more.

Check back into the hotel and enjoy a Farewell Dinner to toast your fellow travelers over a winter journey well done.

 Hotel In Downtown Calgary | Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel   B D

Dec 13 – Depart home

Check out of the hotel and arrange a time with the hotel airport shuttle.

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