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First Class Holidays · Independent & Rail Tour

Winter Rockies, Rail and Vancouver

Winter Rockies rail and flight loop from Calgary to Edmonton via Banff, Lake Louise,

Illustration of Winter Rockies, Rail and Vancouver

First Class Holidays operates this 9-day winter escape across the Canadian Rockies, starting with a flight from Manchester to Calgary and ending with a rail journey from Jasper to Edmonton. The tour blends scenic mountain driving with one train leg and three nights in Banff, where you will ride a horse-drawn sleigh and snowshoe to Paint Pots to hear stories of the region's Indigenous and fur-trading history. You will spend a night at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, a luxury hotel beside the frozen lake, then travel the Icefields Parkway past snow-covered peaks and frozen waterfalls to Jasper for two nights. From Jasper, VIA Rail's Canadian train carries you to Edmonton, where a free day allows independent exploration before your return flight. The pace is relaxed, with most stops lasting two nights, and the mix of included activities and free time suits couples and independent travellers seeking a winter mountain experience without constant guided commentary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Meals are not included except where listed; verify dining options with the operator before booking.
  • The from-price is in GBP 2,749 (USD 3,671 equivalent); final cost depends on your chosen flights and accommodation tier.
  • Most of the tour follows scenic drives rather than train travel; rail comprises one segment from Jasper to Edmonton.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Banff

    UK - Banff

    On arrival in Calgary you will be transferred to Banff for a 3 night stay where you'll enjoy 3 sightseeing experiences. A morning tour will showcase the town and area around it then a horse drawn sleighride manifests the magic of winter in the Rockies. On a snowshoe trip to Paint Pots hear stories of Banff's Indigenous people and fur traders that lived in the mountains.

  2. Day 2overnight: Banff

    UK - Banff

    On arrival in Calgary you will be transferred to Banff for a 3 night stay where you'll enjoy 3 sightseeing experiences. A morning tour will showcase the town and area around it then a horse drawn sleighride manifests the magic of winter in the Rockies. On a snowshoe trip to Paint Pots hear stories of Banff's Indigenous people and fur traders that lived in the mountains.

  3. Day 3overnight: Banff

    UK - Banff

    On arrival in Calgary you will be transferred to Banff for a 3 night stay where you'll enjoy 3 sightseeing experiences. A morning tour will showcase the town and area around it then a horse drawn sleighride manifests the magic of winter in the Rockies. On a snowshoe trip to Paint Pots hear stories of Banff's Indigenous people and fur traders that lived in the mountains.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Louise

    Lake Louise

    Travel the scenic highway through Banff National Park to iconic Lake Louise. Overnight at Fairmont Château Lake Louise set beside the lake.

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Jasper

    Towering snow covered peaks and frozen waterfalls afford a truly magical scenic experience as you journey along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper where you'll stay for the next 2 nights.

  6. Day 6overnight: Jasper

    Jasper

    Towering snow covered peaks and frozen waterfalls afford a truly magical scenic experience as you journey along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper where you'll stay for the next 2 nights.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Edmonton

    Edmonton

    Take VIA Rail's Canadian train to Edmonton for a 2 night stay then enjoy a free day to explore Alberta's capital.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Edmonton

    Edmonton

    Take VIA Rail's Canadian train to Edmonton for a 2 night stay then enjoy a free day to explore Alberta's capital.

  9. Day 9

    Departure

    Make your way to the airport for your onward flight.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Horse-drawn sleigh ride through winter-covered Banff to experience the Rockies in snow.
  • Day 2Snowshoe walk to Paint Pots while learning of Banff's Indigenous and fur-trader heritage.
  • Day 4Overnight at Fairmont Château Lake Louise beside the frozen lake, surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
  • Day 5Journey along the Icefields Parkway past towering snow-covered peaks and frozen waterfalls to Jasper.
  • Day 7VIA Rail Canadian train departs Jasper for Edmonton through the Canadian Rockies.

Included

  • Return economy flights from Manchester with Air Canada
  • 8 nights' accommodation
  • Snowshoe to Paint Pots
  • Banff Sightseeing and Sleigh Ride
  • Transfers as shown
  • VIA Rail Canadian Jasper - Edmonton

Not included

  • Meals, sightseeing and attractions not shown as included
  • Gratuities not shown as included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. VIA Rail Canadian from Jasper to Edmonton on Day 7 is included. Other transport involves flights from Manchester and scenic coach transfers.
Is this escorted or independent?
It is an independent tour with included transfers and sightseeing experiences. You have a free day in Edmonton (Day 8) to explore on your own.
What is included in the price?
Return economy flights from Manchester, eight nights' accommodation, VIA Rail Canadian Jasper-Edmonton, transfers, and three experiences in Banff (morning sightseeing tour, sleigh ride, snowshoe walk to Paint Pots). Meals and gratuities are not included.
Which hotels are named?
Fairmont Château Lake Louise is confirmed for Lake Louise (1 night). Other hotels are not named in the available details; confirm them with First Class Holidays before booking.
How much walking is involved?
A snowshoe walk to Paint Pots, morning sightseeing tour in Banff, and self-guided exploration in Edmonton and other towns. No difficult hikes or high-altitude terrain is described.
When does this tour run?
It is a winter tour. Specific departure dates are not listed in the available information; contact First Class Holidays for the current schedule.

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