Christmas in the Rockies

Victoria, the capital of a province whose license plates brazenly label it “The Best Place on Earth,” is a walkable, livable seaside city of fragrant gardens, waterfront paths, engaging museums, and beautifully restored 19th-century architecture. In summer, the Inner Harbour—Victoria’s social and cultural center—buzzes with visiting yachts, horse-and-carriage rides, street entertainers, and excursion boats heading out to visit pods of friendly local whales. Yes, it might be a bit touristy, but Victoria’s good looks, gracious pace, and manageable size are instantly beguiling, especially if you stand back to admire the mountains and ocean beyond. At the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria dips slightly below the 49th parallel. That puts it farther south than most of Canada, giving it the mildest climate in the country, with virtually no snow and less than half the rain of Vancouver. The city’s geography, or at least its place names, can cause confusion. Just to clarify: the city of Victoria is on Vancouver Island (not Victoria Island). The city of Vancouver is on the British Columbia mainland, not on Vancouver Island. At any rate, that upstart city of Vancouver didn’t even exist in 1843 when Victoria, then called Fort Victoria, was founded as the westernmost trading post of the British-owned Hudson’s Bay Company. Victoria was the first European settlement on Vancouver Island, and in 1868 it became the capital of British Columbia. The British weren’t here alone, of course. The local First Nations people—the Songhees, the Saanich, and the Sooke—had already lived in the areas for thousands of years before anyone else arrived. Their art and culture are visible throughout southern Vancouver Island. You can see this in private and public galleries, in the totems at Thunderbird Park, in the striking collections at the Royal British Columbia Museum, and at the Quw’utsun’Cultural and Conference Centre in nearby Duncan. Spanish explorers were the first foreigners to explore the area, although they left little more than place names (Galiano Island and Cordova Bay, for example). The thousands of Chinese immigrants drawn by the gold rushes of the late 19th century had a much greater impact, founding Canada’s oldest Chinatown and adding an Asian influence that’s still quite pronounced in Victoria’s multicultural mix. Despite its role as the provincial capital, Victoria was largely eclipsed, economically, by Vancouver throughout the 20th century. This, as it turns out, was all to the good, helping to preserve Victoria’s historic downtown and keeping the city largely free of skyscrapers and highways. For much of the 20th century, Victoria was marketed to tourists as “The Most British City in Canada,” and it still has more than its share of Anglo-themed pubs, tea shops, and double-decker buses. These days, however, Victorians prefer to celebrate their combined indigenous, Asian, and European heritage, and the city’s stunning wilderness backdrop. Locals do often venture out for afternoon tea, but they’re just as likely to nosh on dim sum or tapas. Decades-old shops sell imported linens and tweeds, but newer upstarts offer local designs in hemp and organic cotton. And let’s not forget that fabric prevalent among locals: Gore-Tex. The outdoors is ever present here. You can hike, bike, kayak, sail, or whale-watch straight from the city center, and forests, beaches, offshore islands, and wilderness parklands lie just minutes away. A little farther afield, there’s surfing near Sooke, wine touring in the Cowichan Valley, and kayaking among the Gulf Islands.

Victoria, the capital of a province whose license plates brazenly label it “The Best Place on Earth,” is a walkable, livable seaside city of fragrant gardens, waterfront paths, engaging museums, and beautifully restored 19th-century architecture. In summer, the Inner Harbour—Victoria’s social and cultural center—buzzes with visiting yachts, horse-and-carriage rides, street entertainers, and excursion boats heading out to visit pods of friendly local whales. Yes, it might be a bit touristy, but Victoria’s good looks, gracious pace, and manageable size are instantly beguiling, especially if you stand back to admire the mountains and ocean beyond. At the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria dips slightly below the 49th parallel. That puts it farther south than most of Canada, giving it the mildest climate in the country, with virtually no snow and less than half the rain of Vancouver. The city’s geography, or at least its place names, can cause confusion. Just to clarify: the city of Victoria is on Vancouver Island (not Victoria Island). The city of Vancouver is on the British Columbia mainland, not on Vancouver Island. At any rate, that upstart city of Vancouver didn’t even exist in 1843 when Victoria, then called Fort Victoria, was founded as the westernmost trading post of the British-owned Hudson’s Bay Company. Victoria was the first European settlement on Vancouver Island, and in 1868 it became the capital of British Columbia. The British weren’t here alone, of course. The local First Nations people—the Songhees, the Saanich, and the Sooke—had already lived in the areas for thousands of years before anyone else arrived. Their art and culture are visible throughout southern Vancouver Island. You can see this in private and public galleries, in the totems at Thunderbird Park, in the striking collections at the Royal British Columbia Museum, and at the Quw’utsun’Cultural and Conference Centre in nearby Duncan. Spanish explorers were the first foreigners to explore the area, although they left little more than place names (Galiano Island and Cordova Bay, for example). The thousands of Chinese immigrants drawn by the gold rushes of the late 19th century had a much greater impact, founding Canada’s oldest Chinatown and adding an Asian influence that’s still quite pronounced in Victoria’s multicultural mix. Despite its role as the provincial capital, Victoria was largely eclipsed, economically, by Vancouver throughout the 20th century. This, as it turns out, was all to the good, helping to preserve Victoria’s historic downtown and keeping the city largely free of skyscrapers and highways. For much of the 20th century, Victoria was marketed to tourists as “The Most British City in Canada,” and it still has more than its share of Anglo-themed pubs, tea shops, and double-decker buses. These days, however, Victorians prefer to celebrate their combined indigenous, Asian, and European heritage, and the city’s stunning wilderness backdrop. Locals do often venture out for afternoon tea, but they’re just as likely to nosh on dim sum or tapas. Decades-old shops sell imported linens and tweeds, but newer upstarts offer local designs in hemp and organic cotton. And let’s not forget that fabric prevalent among locals: Gore-Tex. The outdoors is ever present here. You can hike, bike, kayak, sail, or whale-watch straight from the city center, and forests, beaches, offshore islands, and wilderness parklands lie just minutes away. A little farther afield, there’s surfing near Sooke, wine touring in the Cowichan Valley, and kayaking among the Gulf Islands.

Victoria, the capital of a province whose license plates brazenly label it “The Best Place on Earth,” is a walkable, livable seaside city of fragrant gardens, waterfront paths, engaging museums, and beautifully restored 19th-century architecture. In summer, the Inner Harbour—Victoria’s social and cultural center—buzzes with visiting yachts, horse-and-carriage rides, street entertainers, and excursion boats heading out to visit pods of friendly local whales. Yes, it might be a bit touristy, but Victoria’s good looks, gracious pace, and manageable size are instantly beguiling, especially if you stand back to admire the mountains and ocean beyond. At the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria dips slightly below the 49th parallel. That puts it farther south than most of Canada, giving it the mildest climate in the country, with virtually no snow and less than half the rain of Vancouver. The city’s geography, or at least its place names, can cause confusion. Just to clarify: the city of Victoria is on Vancouver Island (not Victoria Island). The city of Vancouver is on the British Columbia mainland, not on Vancouver Island. At any rate, that upstart city of Vancouver didn’t even exist in 1843 when Victoria, then called Fort Victoria, was founded as the westernmost trading post of the British-owned Hudson’s Bay Company. Victoria was the first European settlement on Vancouver Island, and in 1868 it became the capital of British Columbia. The British weren’t here alone, of course. The local First Nations people—the Songhees, the Saanich, and the Sooke—had already lived in the areas for thousands of years before anyone else arrived. Their art and culture are visible throughout southern Vancouver Island. You can see this in private and public galleries, in the totems at Thunderbird Park, in the striking collections at the Royal British Columbia Museum, and at the Quw’utsun’Cultural and Conference Centre in nearby Duncan. Spanish explorers were the first foreigners to explore the area, although they left little more than place names (Galiano Island and Cordova Bay, for example). The thousands of Chinese immigrants drawn by the gold rushes of the late 19th century had a much greater impact, founding Canada’s oldest Chinatown and adding an Asian influence that’s still quite pronounced in Victoria’s multicultural mix. Despite its role as the provincial capital, Victoria was largely eclipsed, economically, by Vancouver throughout the 20th century. This, as it turns out, was all to the good, helping to preserve Victoria’s historic downtown and keeping the city largely free of skyscrapers and highways. For much of the 20th century, Victoria was marketed to tourists as “The Most British City in Canada,” and it still has more than its share of Anglo-themed pubs, tea shops, and double-decker buses. These days, however, Victorians prefer to celebrate their combined indigenous, Asian, and European heritage, and the city’s stunning wilderness backdrop. Locals do often venture out for afternoon tea, but they’re just as likely to nosh on dim sum or tapas. Decades-old shops sell imported linens and tweeds, but newer upstarts offer local designs in hemp and organic cotton. And let’s not forget that fabric prevalent among locals: Gore-Tex. The outdoors is ever present here. You can hike, bike, kayak, sail, or whale-watch straight from the city center, and forests, beaches, offshore islands, and wilderness parklands lie just minutes away. A little farther afield, there’s surfing near Sooke, wine touring in the Cowichan Valley, and kayaking among the Gulf Islands.

Vancouver is a delicious juxtaposition of urban sophistication and on-your-doorstep wilderness adventure. The mountains and seascape make the city an outdoor playground for hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling, and sailing—and so much more—while the cuisine and arts scenes are equally diverse, reflecting the makeup of Vancouver’s ethnic (predominantly Asian) mosaic. Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, and it’s easy for visitors to see why. It’s beautiful, it’s outdoorsy, and there’s a laidback West Coast vibe. On the one hand, there’s easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, a fabulous variety of beaches, and amazing parks. At the same time, the city has a multicultural vitality and cosmopolitan flair. The attraction is as much in the range of food choices—the fresh seafood and local produce are some of North America’s best—as it is in the museums, shopping, and nightlife.Vancouver’s landscaping also adds to the city’s walking appeal. In spring, flowerbeds spill over with tulips and daffodils while sea breezes scatter scented cherry blossoms throughout Downtown; in summer office workers take to the beaches, parks, and urban courtyards for picnic lunches and laptop meetings. More than 8 million visitors each year come to Vancouver, Canada’s third-largest metropolitan area. Because of its peninsula location, traffic flow is a contentious issue. Thankfully, Vancouver is wonderfully walkable, especially in the downtown core. The North Shore is a scoot across the harbor, and the rapid-transit system to Richmond and the airport means that staying in the more affordable ’burbs doesn’t have to be synonymous with sacrificing convenience. The mild climate, exquisite natural scenery, and relaxed outdoor lifestyle keep attracting residents, and the number of visitors is increasing for the same reasons. People often get their first glimpse of Vancouver when catching an Alaskan cruise, and many return at some point to spend more time here.

Vancouver is a delicious juxtaposition of urban sophistication and on-your-doorstep wilderness adventure. The mountains and seascape make the city an outdoor playground for hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling, and sailing—and so much more—while the cuisine and arts scenes are equally diverse, reflecting the makeup of Vancouver’s ethnic (predominantly Asian) mosaic. Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, and it’s easy for visitors to see why. It’s beautiful, it’s outdoorsy, and there’s a laidback West Coast vibe. On the one hand, there’s easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, a fabulous variety of beaches, and amazing parks. At the same time, the city has a multicultural vitality and cosmopolitan flair. The attraction is as much in the range of food choices—the fresh seafood and local produce are some of North America’s best—as it is in the museums, shopping, and nightlife.Vancouver’s landscaping also adds to the city’s walking appeal. In spring, flowerbeds spill over with tulips and daffodils while sea breezes scatter scented cherry blossoms throughout Downtown; in summer office workers take to the beaches, parks, and urban courtyards for picnic lunches and laptop meetings. More than 8 million visitors each year come to Vancouver, Canada’s third-largest metropolitan area. Because of its peninsula location, traffic flow is a contentious issue. Thankfully, Vancouver is wonderfully walkable, especially in the downtown core. The North Shore is a scoot across the harbor, and the rapid-transit system to Richmond and the airport means that staying in the more affordable ’burbs doesn’t have to be synonymous with sacrificing convenience. The mild climate, exquisite natural scenery, and relaxed outdoor lifestyle keep attracting residents, and the number of visitors is increasing for the same reasons. People often get their first glimpse of Vancouver when catching an Alaskan cruise, and many return at some point to spend more time here.

Vancouver is a delicious juxtaposition of urban sophistication and on-your-doorstep wilderness adventure. The mountains and seascape make the city an outdoor playground for hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling, and sailing—and so much more—while the cuisine and arts scenes are equally diverse, reflecting the makeup of Vancouver’s ethnic (predominantly Asian) mosaic. Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, and it’s easy for visitors to see why. It’s beautiful, it’s outdoorsy, and there’s a laidback West Coast vibe. On the one hand, there’s easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, a fabulous variety of beaches, and amazing parks. At the same time, the city has a multicultural vitality and cosmopolitan flair. The attraction is as much in the range of food choices—the fresh seafood and local produce are some of North America’s best—as it is in the museums, shopping, and nightlife.Vancouver’s landscaping also adds to the city’s walking appeal. In spring, flowerbeds spill over with tulips and daffodils while sea breezes scatter scented cherry blossoms throughout Downtown; in summer office workers take to the beaches, parks, and urban courtyards for picnic lunches and laptop meetings. More than 8 million visitors each year come to Vancouver, Canada’s third-largest metropolitan area. Because of its peninsula location, traffic flow is a contentious issue. Thankfully, Vancouver is wonderfully walkable, especially in the downtown core. The North Shore is a scoot across the harbor, and the rapid-transit system to Richmond and the airport means that staying in the more affordable ’burbs doesn’t have to be synonymous with sacrificing convenience. The mild climate, exquisite natural scenery, and relaxed outdoor lifestyle keep attracting residents, and the number of visitors is increasing for the same reasons. People often get their first glimpse of Vancouver when catching an Alaskan cruise, and many return at some point to spend more time here.

Today, we’ll drive into the picturesque Okanagan Valley, known for its fine wineries and abundant local produce. Immerse yourself in the lakeside ambience amid British Columbia’s Wine Country at Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, surrounded by picturesque mountains.

The evening is free for you to relax and unwind at your stylish resort.

Nestled in British Columbia’s picturesque landscape, the Okanagan Valley is renowned for its stunning scenery, award-winning wineries, and abundant outdoor experiences. You’ll be in awe of the scenery of rolling vineyards, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic mountains.

Scenic Enrich
Discover the world of wines growing near Okanagan Lake, taste varieties made from vines grown in volcanic soil, and learn how the area’s unique geology impacts its grapes. As the day unfolds, take in the breathtaking views of local vineyards and of the lake, and savour a delectable lunch feasting on local produce paired with local wines.

Guests will have the choice of ending the day at the hotel or joining their guide on an optional orientation walking tour of the waterfront promenade (weather permitting). The guide will share stories , points of interest and local street art along the way.  Twinkling lights, outdoor ice skating, and a roaring bonfire to warm up are only moments aways as the holiday vibe is in the air.

Keep a look out for wildlife such as elk as you arrive at Jasper. For the next two nights, enjoy a cosy home at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Wake up to stunning views of snow-covered trees, frosted mountaintops and glittering ice crystals. Dine in your choice of restaurant included at your hotel.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Indulge in an authentically local twist on Northern Italian food or a cosy chalet offering traditional alpine cuisine. With warm Canadian hospitality and the perfect backdrop of Lac Beauvert, Scenic Freechoice dining is a highlight for guests looking to enjoy a warm, casual dining atmosphere.

Keep a look out for wildlife such as elk as you arrive at Jasper. For the next two nights, enjoy a cosy home at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Wake up to stunning views of snow-covered trees, frosted mountaintops and glittering ice crystals. Dine in your choice of restaurant included at your hotel.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Indulge in an authentically local twist on Northern Italian food or a cosy chalet offering traditional alpine cuisine. With warm Canadian hospitality and the perfect backdrop of Lac Beauvert, Scenic Freechoice dining is a highlight for guests looking to enjoy a warm, casual dining atmosphere.

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Today, explore its rugged beauty of towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and pristine wilderness by choosing from a range of Scenic Freechoice experiences.

Scenic Freechoice:
Maligne Canyon Ice Walk: Rug up and explore ancient Maligne Canyon from the ground up. Cross a river bridge made of ice, reach out to touch waterfalls hanging like icy glowing curtains and discover secret caves.

Snowshoeing: Newly groomed snowshoe trails are now set at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Snowshoe through the woods on marked trails towards Lake Annette. You may even see some wildlife.

Wildlife Discovery Tour: Big or small, there are lots of animals to see in Jasper. Learn all about how these creatures contribute to the rich diversity of the National Park and how they survive the mountain winters.

The Icefields Parkway is renowned as one of the most spectacular drives in the world due to its breathtaking scenery of towering mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Today we’ll travel through this magnificent highway, winding through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering unparalleled vistas at every turn.

Scenic Enrich
Marvel at the unique, natural phenomenon of ice bubbles trapped below the surface of Abraham Lake.

Arrive at Lake Louise and delight in your lakeview room during a three-night Special Stay at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

The Icefields Parkway is renowned as one of the most spectacular drives in the world due to its breathtaking scenery of towering mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Today we’ll travel through this magnificent highway, winding through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering unparalleled vistas at every turn.

Scenic Enrich
Marvel at the unique, natural phenomenon of ice bubbles trapped below the surface of Abraham Lake.

Arrive at Lake Louise and delight in your lakeview room during a three-night Special Stay at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Merry Christmas. If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, then today your dream comes true. Celebrate with a traditional Christmas Day dinner.

Scenic Enrich
Continue the festive spirit with a celebratory drink, then savour dinner with all the Christmas trimmings – a tantalising feast for the tastebuds. Celebrate Christmas surrounded by elegant decorations and the natural beauty of Lake Louise.

Enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride along the snowy shores of beautiful Lake Louise.

Scenic Enrich
Today, the man in the red suit is a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

The Canadian Rockies will astound you as you survey them from the top of Sulphur Mountain. Explore this winter wonderland by helicopter. At this festive time of year, the Fairmont Banff Springs resembles a magical castle in an enchanted forest. To make your magical winter fairytale complete enjoy a two-night Special Stay.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: Indulge your palate as you please with dinner at any of a variety of restaurants at your hotel.

The Canadian Rockies will astound you as you survey them from the top of Sulphur Mountain. Explore this winter wonderland by helicopter. At this festive time of year, the Fairmont Banff Springs resembles a magical castle in an enchanted forest. To make your magical winter fairytale complete enjoy a two-night Special Stay.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: Indulge your palate as you please with dinner at any of a variety of restaurants at your hotel.

Scenic Freechoice: Complete your Canadian winter experience with an icewalk into Grotto Canyon. Alternatively, enjoy snowshoeing at Sunshine Mountain. If you prefer, stay cosy in your ‘Castle in the Rockies’ and rejuvenate in the mineral pools of the Willow Stream Spa.  

Time at leisure to enjoy this magical winter wonderland.

Transfer to Calgary airport for your homeward flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of a white Christmas.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons.  Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Transfer to Calgary airport for your homeward flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of a white Christmas.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons.  Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.