12 Day Canadian Rockies Winter Wonderland With Northern Lights

A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.

Escorted Type
Partially Escorted

This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5

 

Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.

 

 

As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.

Pace
Leisurely

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

Cooling Off Period
7 Days
Classic Tour
2,574 people have travelled to this destination

✓ 11 nights in central 3 - 4 star accommodation
✓ Including 3 nights at a remote wilderness lodge in The Yukon
✓ Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 4 dinners, including a wine tasting 
✓ Return flights from Vancouver to Whitehorse
✓ Included winter clothing package and snowshoe rental in The Yukon
✓ Guided snowmobiling, ice fishing and aurora viewing (weather permitting)
✓ Authentic Indigenous campfire experience
✓ Witness the majestic Canadian Rockies in all its winter glory
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary
✓ Christmas departure available - includes iconic sleigh ride in Banff

✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.

What we love about this tour

From the stunning views of Vancouver and the Northern Lights in Whitehorse to thrilling activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing, every day offers something unique. Highlights include exploring Banff’s winter wonderland, learning about Indigenous culture, savoring local wines, and immersing in the serene beauty of the Canadian Rockies. This journey combines relaxation and excitement, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Hotel
Opus Hotel Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and make your way to your downtown hotel, where you'll check in and settle into your room. After a day of travel, enjoy the evening at your leisure—perfect for relaxing or exploring the vibrant city at your own pace before the adventure kicks off.

Days 1 and 2 of your tour are yours to enjoy independently, giving you the chance to discover Vancouver at your own speed. On the morning of Day 3, you’ll be transferred to Vancouver airport with the assistance of a team member, to begin your Yukon adventure.

Special Information 

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Hotel
Opus Hotel Vancouver
Meals
Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, then set off to explore the best of Vancouver. You can choose to add a Hop-On, Hop-Off tour at your own expense or visit iconic attractions like the Capilano Suspension Bridge or the Vancouver Lookout Tower. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure, discovering the city’s vibrant sights and relaxing at your own pace.

Hotel
Inn on The Lake
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll transfer to Vancouver International Airport for your flight to Whitehorse, with assistance from a team member. Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you and guide you on a tour of the quaint northern city. 

Next, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife like moose, bison, and elk up close. 

Afterward, check in at the Inn on the Lake and receive your winter gear for the stay. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a gourmet group dinner and later, take in the magical Northern Lights, visible from the lodge.

Inspiring Highlights

  •  Yukon Wildlife Preserve
  •  Whitehorse City Tour
  •  Aurora Borealis - The Northern Lights 

Special Information 

The Aurora Borealis are a natural occurrence and cannot be timed or guaranteed.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Hotel
Inn on The Lake
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation before heading out for a snowmobiling adventure on Marsh Lake with a professional guide. At the lake, we’ll watch an ice fishing demonstration while your guide prepares a campfire (only the guide is licensed to fish). 

After this, we’ll head to the included lunch while taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery, followed by a relaxing dinner back at the Inn. 

This afternoon, enjoy free time to unwind with the hotel's amenities, including an outdoor hot tub, and later, take in the Northern Lights just outside your lodge.

Inspiring Highlights

  •  Marsh Lake
  •  Aurora Borealis - The Northern Lights 

Special Information

The Aurora Borealis are a natural occurrence and cannot be timed or guaranteed.

Hotel
Inn on The Lake
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at the Inn, get ready for your last day in Whitehorse. 

For those who pre-booked the dog sledding tour, which can be done on-tour with your guide at your own expense, you will depart from the lodge after breakfast. 

The rest of the day can be spent snowshoeing, using the fat bikes provided by the lodge, or simply kick back and relax. A packed lunch is included today. 

For your last evening in Whitehorse, dinner at the Inn will be included and it will be your last chance to view the Northern Lights. 

Inspiring Highlights

  •   Aurora Borealis - The Northern Lights 

Special Information 

The Aurora Borealis are a natural occurrence and cannot be timed or guaranteed.

Hotel
Opus Hotel Vancouver
Meals
Breakfast

Time to say goodbye to Whitehorse! Today we venture back to Vancouver. You will have airport transfers in both Whitehorse and Vancouver. 

Enjoy an evening of leisure in Vancouver. Tomorrow morning, you will meet the rest of the group who are joining for the Rockies, and your trip leader. 

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Hotel
South Thompson Inn
Meals
Breakfast

Today, we depart for the Rockies! 

After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to meet your trip leader and your travel group. We’ll depart Vancouver at 8:00 am, where your friendly tour guide will introduce you to your fellow travelers and will share facts about Vancouver as you journey into the mountains. 

Along the way, we’ll enjoy scenic stops at the Coquihalla Highway, Bridal Falls, and Canada’s only desert. For lunch, we’ll stop in Kamloops and spend the afternoon doing a wine tasting at a local winery.

Later, check in to your beautiful riverside accommodation and enjoy a group dinner (Please note - for our December departure, this will occur on Day 8).

Finish the day with a captivating First Nations Cultural Talk led by the Okanagan Indian Band, where an Indigenous Cultural Host will share entertaining stories and legends around a campfire.

Inspiring Highlights

  •  Coquihalla Highway
  •  Local Wine Tasting
  •  First Nations Cultural Talk

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Hotel
Elk + Avenue Hotel
Meals
Breakfast

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before departing in the morning for a scenic drive through the breathtaking snow-capped peaks of Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore the stunning Lake Louise, with an optional ice skating experience which can be booked and paid for on the tour with your trip leader. 

We’ll then continue our journey to Banff, where you'll check into your hotel and enjoy some free time. Spend the rest of the day shopping along Banff Avenue or dining at one of the many fantastic local restaurants.

Inspiring Highlights

  • Lake Louise 

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

Hotel
Elk + Avenue Hotel
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on an included driving tour of Banff town, including highlights like Bow Falls, the HooDoos, and the iconic Banff Springs Hotel. 

For those visiting during the Christmas tour, a scenic sleigh ride through a winter wonderland is included, while it's available for an additional cost on regular winter tours. 

You can also opt to take the Banff Gondola for stunning views (additional cost), or take part in thrilling winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice walking, or skiing/snowboarding at Lake Louise Ski Resort (additional cost). If you prefer a more relaxed day, enjoy free time to explore Banff at your own pace.

Special Information 

Please note - any additional cost optional tours can be booked on ground with your trip leader 

Hotel
Prestige Harbourfront Resort
Meals
Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before enjoying a scenic drive along Bow Valley Parkway, where you might catch sight of local wildlife.

From here, we’ll visit the stunning Emerald Lake and the historic Roger’s Pass National Historic Site, then stop at Craigellachie, home to the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway. 

After a day on the road, you’ll check into your boutique hotel situated on the shores of Shuswap Lake. You’ll have free time to take a leisurely walk along the lakeside boardwalk or unwind in the indoor/outdoor heated pool and hot tub. For dinner, you can choose from a variety of options, including a popular restaurant located within your hotel.

Inspiring Highlights

  •  Emerald Lake
  •  Rogers Pass National Historic Site 

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Hotel
Opus Hotel Vancouver
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, we will make our Journey back to Vancouver. 

On the way, we will visit the BC Wildlife Park - a wildlife park and rehabilitation centre for orphaned and endangered wildlife. Here, your admission is included. After exploring the park, enjoy a few scenic sightseeing stops on the drive back to Vancouver. 

You’ll return to the city around 6:30 PM and check into your downtown hotel for the night.

Inspiring Highlights

  •  BC Wildlife Park

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye! Please make your own way to the Vancouver Airport or your next destination. 

Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.

Special Information

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Inclusions

  • 11 nights in central 3 - 4 star accommodation
  • Including 3 nights at a remote wilderness lodge in The Yukon
  • Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 4 dinners, including a wine tasting
  • Return flights from Vancouver to Whitehorse
  • Included winter clothing package and snowshoe rental in The Yukon
  • Guided snowmobiling, ice fishing and aurora viewing (weather permitting)
  • Authentic Indigenous campfire experience
  • Witness the majestic Canadian Rockies in all its winter glory
  • Dedicated private transportation throughout
  • Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
  • Incredible sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary

  • Vancouver - Explore this cosmopolitan city at your own pace
  • Whitehorse - Yukon Wildlife Preserve
  • Whitehorse - Northern Lights viewing
  • Whitehorse - Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, demonstration of ice-fishing
  • Coquihalla Highway and Bridal Falls
  • Kamloops - First Nations Cultural Talk led by the Okanagan Indian Band
  • Mount Revelstoke National Park & Glacier National Park
  • Lake Louise
  • Banff - Sightseeing tour including Bow Falls, Hoodoos, and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
  • Banff National Park - Bow Valley Parkway scenic drive
  • Salmon Arm - Stay on the shores of Lake Shuswap with a hot-tub and heated pool
  • Salmon Arm - Visit BC Wildlife Park

Fine Print

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

  1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
  2. Pay a 1st installment of $1,474.00 per person within 7 days.
  3. Pay a 2nd installment of $1,474.00 per person within 90 days.
  4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

  • Your booking is confirmed
  • Your departure date is within 11 months
  • You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.

It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a ‘3’

3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Tipping
Tipping in Canada is a complex cultural practice. While not technically mandatory, it's deeply ingrained in the service industry and considered a crucial part of an employee's income. Understanding the tipping etiquette can be confusing for visitors, as it varies depending on the type of service, location, and even the bill amount.

Here is some information to assist you with tipping in the Canada.

Tipping in the Canada is expected, but not mandatory. Generally 15-20% of the bill (before tax) is considered standard for good service, while higher tips are customary for exceptional service. Some restaurants may automatically add gratuity, so check your bill carefully. 

Tipping your tour leader in the Canada is not as common as tipping in restaurants, but it's certainly a kind gesture and a way to show your appreciation for their hard work and guidance throughout your trip. If you had a good experience, CAD$5-$10 per person per day is a decent starting point. For exceptional service or longer tours, aim for CAD$10-$20 or a lump sum at the end.

Ultimately, tipping your tour leader is a personal decision. If you felt they provided a valuable service and made your trip more enjoyable, a tip is a thoughtful way to express your thanks. Remember, even a small gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation for their hard work.
While navigating the intricacies of tipping can feel overwhelming at first, understanding the basics will ensure you navigate this cultural practice confidently during your visit to Canada.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $950.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

Group Size
Minimum: 12
Maximum: 34

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

  • Partially Escorted - this trip will have a mixture of independent travel with local guides, and a dedicated trip leader

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

  • International airfares
  • Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer in Vancouver
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Tipping
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Click HERE for more information on weather in Canada & Alaska.

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