Canadian Rockies: Northern Lights Winter Explorer
- Trip code: 441X020
- Dauer: 9
- Stil: Classic
Winter in the Canadian Rockies hits different — the air’s crisper, the mountains feel bigger, and everything slows down under a thick, magical blanket of snow. On this nine-day adventure, you’ll explore the iconic landscapes of Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, then dive deeper into local culture at Alberta’s first and only Métis cultural interpretive centre. Spot wildlife, learn the stories and traditions of the Métis, and watch the sky for a chance to see the Northern Lights. From snowshoeing through powdery meadows to cruising the legendary Icefields Parkway, this is winter in its purest form — wild, beautiful, uncrowded, and full of meaning.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Hotels (6 nts), Indigenous Cultural Centre Lodge (2 nts)
Checklist
Clothing:
• Comfortable sleepwear (that layers for temperature fluctuations)
• Fleece jacket or warm layer
• Fleece pants
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Thermal base layer
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Winter Weather:
• Warm winter coat
• Waterproof gloves
• Waterproof pants
• Winter boots/shoes
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, Métis Interpreter/guide while at Métis Crossing
Group Size Notes
Max 12, Avg. 10
Highlights
Hike through Johnston Canyon past towering icicles and frozen waterfalls, Ride a gondola to Sunshine Meadows for a snowshoe trek through pristine powder, Take in sweeping views of glaciers snow-capped peaks and icy lakes along the Icefields Parkway, Connect with Métis culture during an immersive lodge stay near Smoky Lake, Spot wildlife on a morning excursion across the lands of Métis Crossing, Gaze at the stars and hear ancestral stories during a night of Métis sky lore and constellations
Introduction
Winter in the Canadian Rockies hits different — the air’s crisper, the mountains feel bigger, and everything slows down under a thick, magical blanket of snow. On this nine-day adventure, you’ll explore the iconic landscapes of Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, then dive deeper into local culture at Alberta’s first and only Métis cultural interpretive centre. Spot wildlife, learn the stories and traditions of the Métis, and watch the sky for a chance to see the Northern Lights. From snowshoeing through powdery meadows to cruising the legendary Icefields Parkway, this is winter in its purest form — wild, beautiful, uncrowded, and full of meaning
Meals Included
2 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD330-430 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Banff National Park of Canada
- Gondelbahnfahrt auf den Sulphur Mountain in Banff (75-90CAD pro Person)
Banff
- Hot Springs Soak (17.32CAD pro Person)
- Radfahren (36.75-93.45CAD pro Person)
Start / Finish
Calgary nach Edmonton
Transport
Private Vehicle, Snowshoeing
What's Included
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen. Calgary CEO-led Orientation Walk. Banff Exploration Tour. Winter Hike in Johnston Canyon. Sunshine Meadows Guided Snowshoeing. Winter Visit to Lake Louise. Peyto & Abraham Lake Winter Visit. Local Lodge Lunch Experience. Icefields Parkway Winter Exploration. Maligne Lake Visit & Hike. Introduction to Métis Crossing. Métis Crossing Wildlife Park Visit. The Magic of the Skies Experience. Free time Banff, Jasper, Edmonton, & Métis Crossing. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Minimum Age
Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre
Itinerary
Day 1 Calgary
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening and afterwards choose to have an optional dinner together as a group
Day 2 Calgary/Banff
Grab some breakfast on your own at a cozy local spot in town before enjoying an orientation tour of Calgary led by your CEO. See some of the city’s winter highlights like the home of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, Barb Scott Park where ice skaters flock, Inglewood—Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, and East Village; the liveliest. Then, transfer to the magical winter atmosphere of Banff, stopping en route for lunch on your own. Upon arrival see some of the highlights on foot before short walks to either Tunnel Mountain, Bow Falls, or Vermilion Lakes. As darkness comes early, enjoy the festive lights along the iconic main street and find a cozy restaurant for dinner on your own
Day 3 Banff
In the morning travel to Johnston Canyon and witness the beauty of this place blanketed in sparkling winter snow and towering icicles. The group will walk on the trail and boardwalk to the frozen Lower Falls and Upper Falls using crampons. Drive back to Banff in time for lunch on your own and then enjoy a free afternoon for optional winter activities. Choose to take the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain or relax in the warmth of Upper Banff Hot Spring. From sleigh rides, to tubing, or skating, there are so many opportunities to get out and explore the gorgeous winter landscape
Day 4 Banff/Lake Louise
Depart Banff in the morning and drive to Sunshine Village, a ski resort located on the Continental Divide of the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park in Alberta and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park in British Columbia. Here, you will meet your local guide and ride the gondola up to Sunshine Meadows for a half-day snowshoe trip through the pristine winter wonderland environment. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you go. Return to the base of the resort for lunch on your own and then drive to Lake Louise. Enjoy a guided walk with your CEO on the Fairview Lookout Trail and then have time for a self-guided walk around Lake Louise. Take advantage of free time to check out the ice castle or try ice skating on the lake. If you’re feeling really festive head out on a sleigh ride. Your overnight stay will be in Lake Louise Village
Day 5 Lake Louise/Jasper
Get ready for a winter exploration of the famous Icefield Parkway today. Leave Lake Louise in the morning and stop along the way at Peyto Lake to stretch your legs on a walk. This stunning glacial lake is a serene winter wonderland between December and March, plus it’s often less crowded which offers a quieter excursion through nature’s vast beauty. Depending on conditions the group may be able to walk on Abraham lake to observe the stunning visual display of the bubbles in the ice. Sit down for an included lunch amid the pristine wilderness surrounding Abraham Lake and enjoy a delicious local culinary experience. Then, hit the Icefield Parkway with stops to Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Falls, and Sunwapta Falls. Arrive in Jasper by early evening and have dinner on your own in town
Day 6 Jasper
After breakfast on your own in town the group will explore the Jasper area via hiking or snowshoeing with your CEO. Then, drive along Maligne Valley up to the lake to walk the 3km Mary Schaeffer loop offering unparalleled winter views. You’ll be back in Jasper in time for lunch on your own and a free afternoon for optional activities like an introduction to ice climbing, skiing at Marmot Basin, or a canyon icewalk. In the evening, if you have a clear sky, take a walk to try and see the northern lights accompanied by your CEO
Day 7 Jasper to Smoky Lake via Edmonton
After having breakfast on your own in Jasper the group will drive to Edmonton for some free time in town before continuing onwards to Smoky Lake. Enjoy a stay at a beautiful lodge overlooking the majestic North Saskatchewan River and become inspired, educated, and familiar with the vibrant spirit of Métis culture. The lodge operated by this local Indigenous nation offers a place to share warmth and space within their rich culture located directly adjacent to their Cultural Gathering Centre. Before an included dinner featuring a 3-course meal of sustainably sourced local ingredients, there will be an immersive introduction to Métis Crossing led by knowledgeable Métis interpreters, taking travellers on a journey through the history, traditions, and river-lot life of the Métis people
Day 8 Smoky Lake
Connect with nature this morning at the Métis Crossing Wildlife Park. Your interpreter will accompany the group on a SUV tour of the paddocks where you can become immersed with the natural beauty of the Métis heritage species, including the rare white bison and elk. Gain a deeper understanding of the interconnected relationships between nature, communities, and natural systems on the Métis land. Head back to the lodge for lunch and downtime before choosing to explore the nearby trails. Strap on snowshoes or skis and set out to explore. This evening hear why the skies were so important to the ancestors of the Métis and observe stars and constellations above. Listen to legends and folklore from this Indigenous community and enjoy a tea ceremony under the dark sky. If conditions allow, you may be able to witness the beautiful Northern Lights
Day 9 Smoky Lake/Edmonton
After breakfast at the lodge the group will transfer to the Edmonton Airport where the tour ends upon arrival. Please do not book onward travel prior to 2pm
