Summary
Short description
Search for the Northern Lights in the remote town of Yellowknife, followed by a magical journey through the Canadian Rockies
Highlights
- Witness the Northern Lights in the spectacular Yukon
- See some of Canada's most famed & beautiful regions – Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper
- Spot moose, elk & wolves on an included wildlife tour
- Snowmobile to a wilderness cabin
- Stay in gorgeous mountain lodges, including the famed Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
In Brief
- 1 Night Calgary
- 3 Nights Yellowknife
- 1 Night Calgary
- 1 Night Lake Louise
- 2 Nights Jasper
- 2 Nights Banff
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | December holidays | February holidays | History & culture | January holidays | Natural world | Northern Lights | Winter
This epic itinerary will see you experience some of Canada's most beautiful regions, from witnessing the Northern Lights in the vast wilderness of the Yukon to exploring the stunning snow-dusted resorts of Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. You'll begin by discovering the gold-rush history of Yukon's capital Yellowknife before you head out in search of that spectacular aurora on included viewing tours. You'll then head to Calgary, with time to explore its Western brashness before your epic road trip through the spectacular Rocky Mountains begins, ending at the charming resort towns of Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. We've included myriad winter activities along the way, from a magical sleigh ride to a wildlife tour in search of moose, elk and wolves, as well as a stay at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Calgary
After included VIP airport lounge access, arrive in Calgary on a daytime flight from the UK and check in to your overnight airport hotel.
Stay: Hotel Arts, Calgary (Superior)
Day
2
Yellowknife
Head north today on a flight to Yellowknife and transfer to your hotel on arrival. You'll then be picked up for an informative guided tour of the city which includes an epic drive along an ice road before, later today, the real adventure begins. After a trip orientation, you'll be taken to a viewing point outside the city – warm winter clothing to hand – where you'll, with luck, spot the beautiful blue and green tendrils of the lights under the clear night sky while enjoying snacks and hot drinks.
NB: While every effort will be made to ensure guests see the aurora, success is dependent on favourable weather conditions.
Stay: Capital Suites Yellowknife
Days
3-4
Yellowknife
Day three will see you enjoy a two-hour tour of Yellowknife as you learn about the rich gold-rush history of the town, witnessing the tunnels of the gold mines that lie directly under the city's modern streets. Other tour highlights include the Old Town, the Prince of Wales Heritage Centre and the N'Dilo Indian Village. The following day is left free for you to enjoy the city and its spectacular surroundings, including an aurora viewing session on the first evening, with warm drinks provided as you watch the skies from around a blazing bonfire.
Stay: Capital Suites Yellowknife
Day
5
Calgary
Fly south again to Calgary and transfer to your stylish downtown hotel. You'll have the afternoon to explore – perhaps visit the Olympic Plaza, or book a table for dinner at the revolving restaurant at the top of the Calgary Tower.
Stay: Hotel Arts, Calgary (Superior)
Day
6
Lake Louise
Today, after an ultra-scenic drive through Alberta's rolling ranchlands, you'll reach Lake Louise, its iconic milky-blue instantly recognisable. Glazed over with ice, it's a truly spectacular sight during winter, nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Rockies and colossal Victoria Glacier. Enjoy an afternoon among its surrounding towering peaks and snow-covered forests – we can help you arrange ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more. Be sure to make time to take advantage of your hotel for this evening – the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where a full-service spa lies alongside several gourmet restaurants, from authentic Swiss fondue at an alpine-style chateau to fine dining and cocktails at The Fairview.
Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Superior)
Days
7-8
Jasper
Day seven will see you enjoy a sleigh ride along the shores of Lake Louise before you head north to the alpine town of Jasper, passing huge hanging glaciers, deep river valleys, waterfalls, forests and the famous Columbia Icefield, one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. We've included a wildlife excursion to Jasper National Park the following day, where there's a chance of spotting moose, elk and even wolves. Return each evening to the cosy log-cabin feel of your city-centre hotel.
Stay: The Crimson, Jasper (Superior)
Days
9-10
Banff
Today the final leg of your journey begins as you head to the resort of Banff, a charming alpine town surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies. We've included a sleigh ride around the snow trails – but we also recommend a trip to the top of the Sulphur Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the snowy surrounds.
Stay: Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Banff (Superior)
Days
11-12
Departure
Transfer to Calgary airport in time for your flight home, arriving on day 12.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
12-day tailor-made holiday
from £2,395 pp
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Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0635
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