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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights

Ten-day independent rail journey from Calgary through the Rockies to Whitehorse

Illustration of Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights

Vacations By Rail's Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights is a ten-day independent vacation that combines the winter landscape of Alberta's national parks with a remote Yukon lodge experience. You fly into Calgary, transfer by coach to Banff, then travel deeper into the Rockies to Jasper, where a guided wildlife excursion takes you into the national park in search of moose, elk, lynx, and wolves. From Jasper, you board VIA Rail's Canadian, one of North America's signature train journeys, for an overnight ride in a Sleeper Plus berth to Vancouver, with dinner served in the Dining Car. After a day in Vancouver, you fly north to Southern Lakes Resort in Whitehorse, Yukon, for three nights in a private lakefront cabin. Here you snowshoe through the property, enjoy winter clothing rentals, and have evenings to watch for the Northern Lights. This package suits independent travellers who want structure and some guidance, couples seeking a mix of adventure and comfort, and photographers drawn to mountain and arctic light. Most days are self-directed, though key excursions are guided or supported.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 3,995 excludes flights; air travel between cities and return to Vancouver are booked separately.
  • Northern Lights viewing is not guaranteed; one review noted the traveller did not see them and plans to return at a different time of year.
  • Optional activities in Jasper (beyond the included guided wildlife excursion) and snowmobiling or dog sledding at Southern Lakes Resort are available at additional cost.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Banff

    Arriving in the Canadian Rockies via Calgary

    Fly into Calgary International Airport and take an included transfer into the Canadian Rockies to Banff.

  2. Day 2overnight: Banff

    Exploring Banff's epic views

    An open-voucher visit to the Banff Gondola for panoramic winter views from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

  3. Day 3overnight: Jasper

    To Jasper via Icefields Parkway

    A free morning in Banff, then a coach journey along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper for a two-night stay (early fall departures include a lunch-inclusive tour version of this transfer).

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper

    Uncovering Jasper and its wildlife

    A guided winter wildlife excursion in Jasper National Park in search of moose, elk, lynx, big-horned sheep, wolves and foxes.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Overnight aboard VIA Rail's Canadian

    Aboard VIA Rail's Canadian to Vancouver

    Board VIA Rail's Canadian in a Sleeper Plus berth for an overnight journey from the Rockies toward Vancouver, with dinner included in the Dining Car.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Vancouver

    Arriving in coastal Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver and transfer independently to a downtown hotel, with the rest of the day free.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Whitehorse (Southern Lakes Resort)

    Into the Northern Territories to Southern Lakes Resort

    Fly to Whitehorse, Yukon, and transfer to Southern Lakes Resort for a three-night stay in a private lakefront cabin, with included winter clothing rentals and dinner at the on-site restaurant.

    Meals: Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Whitehorse (Southern Lakes Resort)

    A Yukon snowshoeing experience

    A self-guided snowshoe expedition through the resort property, with optional snowmobiling or dog sledding available at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Whitehorse (Southern Lakes Resort)

    Relaxing at Southern Lakes Resort

    A full day at leisure at the resort, with a final chance to view the Northern Lights this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10rail

    Tour conclusion

    An included transfer to Whitehorse's airport for the return flight to Vancouver, or extend the stay with a Rail Specialist's help.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Open-voucher visit to the Banff Gondola for panoramic winter views from Sulphur Mountain.
  • Day 3Day 3: Coach journey along the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper through mountain scenery.
  • Day 4Day 4: Guided winter wildlife excursion in Jasper National Park in search of moose, elk, lynx, bighorn sheep, wolves, and foxes.
  • Day 5Day 5: Overnight aboard VIA Rail's Canadian in a Sleeper Plus berth from Jasper to Vancouver, with dinner in the Dining Car.
  • Day 9Day 9: Full day at leisure at Southern Lakes Resort with a final evening to view the Northern Lights.

Included

  • 8 nights hotel accommodation
  • 1 night in a Sleeper Plus curtained berth aboard VIA Rail's Canadian
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Flights and airport transfers
  • All internal flights
  • 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes all rail travel, including one night aboard VIA Rail's Canadian from Jasper to Vancouver in a Sleeper Plus curtained berth, with dinner in the Dining Car. All coach and internal flight travel are also included.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is independent. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary. A guided wildlife excursion in Jasper National Park and a self-guided snowshoe expedition at Southern Lakes Resort are included, but most exploration is on your own.
Which hotels are included?
The Moderate tier includes the Elk and Avenue Hotel in Banff, The Crimson in Jasper, Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown, and Southern Lakes Resort & Restaurant (or similar properties). The package includes eight nights' accommodation.
What meals are included?
Four breakfasts, one lunch, and four dinners are included. The lunch is on the Icefields Parkway coach journey (on early fall departures). Dinner is included at Southern Lakes Resort and aboard VIA Rail's Canadian.
When does this trip depart?
The evidence does not list specific departure dates or a seasonal schedule. Contact Vacations By Rail directly to confirm availability and timing.
How much walking and activity is involved?
The trip includes a self-guided snowshoe expedition at Southern Lakes Resort, a guided wildlife excursion in Jasper, and free time for city walking in Banff and Vancouver. There are no strenuous hikes, though winter conditions apply.

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