12 Day Winter Highlights of British Columbia and Alberta

Vancouver is one of the most captivating cities in Canada, with its multicultural fusion and spectacular mountains and ocean setting. A city tour includes Stanley Park, Chinatown, English Bay as well as some prestigious residential areas of Vancouver. Visit Capilano Park and experience the suspension bridge, the tree top adventure and the cliff walk, plus Salish First Nations culture.

This morning you will board your motor coach transportation to Whistler. On arrival, spend the day skiing in Whistler. Located only 2 hours from Vancouver, Whistler blends the charm of an alpine village with the amenities of an urban centre. The pedestrian, only Whistler Village, offers fine dining, vibrant nightlife and outdoor adventure. This afternoon strap on your snowshoes for an introductory snowshoe trip through the snow covered forests of British Columbia. (A Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Day Pass is available as an option extra)

Today you will be transferred to the train station in Vancouver where you will board the "Canadian" for your eastward journey towards Alberta and Jasper National Park. Travelling in Sleeper Class, by day you will sit back in comfortable armchairs, at night attendants will transform your quarters into cozy bunks or a private bedroom. You will have access to the Park Car which offers a lounge atmosphere and the Dome Car for 180 degrees panoramic windows for spectacular viewing. Gourmet meals are included in the dining room while travelling in Sleeper Class.

The Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour is one of Jasper's most popular and impressive winter adventures. Your Sundog tour guide will take you to the bottom of the Maligne Canyon "“ the deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park "“ where you will explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and incredible ice formations. You will learn about Jasper's Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mystery of the "disappearing" Medicine Lake.

For those looking to explore some of the most thrilling ski runs in Alberta, you might chose to use your Marmot Basin Ski Pass for the day. Located in the breathtaking Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Marmot Basin is a ski and snowboard destination that inspires lasting memories. Only 20 minutes from the town of Jasper, Marmot Basin offers 3,000 vertical feet (914m) of superb skiing and snowboarding on 1,675 acres of varied terrain. Large, snow filled bowls are paradise for powder skiers and snowboarders. For those who enjoy cruising, our state of the art grooming fleet keeps the tree-lined trails groomed to perfection. Those who have already discovered Marmot Basin come back for the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the superb variety of terrain, the all around affordability, first class service and the spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery.

This morning you will be transferred to Banff, where you can enjoy a sleigh ride with your family, friends or loved ones. Relax and take in the breathtaking views and sparkling winter air of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The sleigh ride will take you through the Bow River Valley showing you the remote areas around Banff, western style!

Banff National Park is home to one of the longest ski seasons in North America and three world-class ski areas, which are all located within 45 minutes of the Town of Banff: Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Enjoy a day skiing or snowboarding and experience the "champagne powder" Banff is known for.

An easy afternoon introductory tour to snowshoeing. Travel to Kootenay National Park and admire the dramatic colours of Marble Canyon. See how the pounding and frozen waters of Tokumn Creek have eroded a 40 meter deep limestone gorge. Walk through the forest left standing from the 2003 Kootenay fire and search for snowshoe hare, moose and wolf tracks while exploring how the landscape is changing and animals are adapting

Hike on steel walkways built into the canyon walls that give an airy view of the canyon below - Travel through prime wildlife habitat on your way to the trail head and learn the clues to how Johnston Canyon was formed - This popular walk will lead you past the lower falls and to the breathtaking upper icefalls.

Depart Banff and transfer to Calgary. Calgary exudes a youthful vitality. Bold energetic Calgarians have created a dynamic city with an ever-changing list of "must-see" attractions. Today's Calgary will surprise and inspire visitors. Every visit offers new experiences, adventures and memories. Calgary has emerged as a must-visit food destination with a buzzing arts and culture scene. Known for its western hospitality, chef-driven cuisine, classic and quirky theatre and lively music events and outdoor festivals, Calgary is a vibrant city. A visit to Calgary Tower will be included.

Pre arranged departure transfer from your Calgary hotel to airport.