Christmas in Canada

Land Tour

Vancouver → Calgary

Experience Canada at the most festive time of year. Explore the stunning Rocky Mountains region draped in snow and ice, and enjoy a magical Christmas in Banff.

Highlights

Step into a world of wonder as you explore the Canyon Lights display, which transforms Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into a dazzling spectacle during the festive season. Marvel at the hundreds of thousands of lights glittering throughout the rainforest and across the suspension bridge, creating a majestic winter wonderland.
Feast on a menu inspired by traditional First Nations food at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Enjoy an immersive cultural performance accompanied by stories that share the ancient traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the land. Delve into the past and connect with culture through this meaningful experience, gaining a deeper appreciation of the community’s enduring heritage.

From price

$6,995

$6,195

Price per person, twin share

Tour Provider	Travel Marvel
Number Of Days	11
Start Location	Vancouver, Canada
End Location	Vancouver, Canada
Age Range	Avg. 45+
Group Size	10 to 45
Tour Style	Premium
Tour Themes	No specific theme
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

Price per person, twin share

Start	End	Availability	Price
17 Dec 2026	27 Dec 2026	Available	$6,995 $6,195
17 Dec 2027	27 Dec 2027	Available	$6,995 $6,545

Itinerary details

Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver

Welcome to the coastal city of Vancouver for the start of your magical winter adventure. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Settle into your accommodation and meet your fellow guests and friendly Travelmarvel Tour Director at a Welcome Reception this evening.

Day 2 - Vancouver

Spend the morning at your leisure. Perhaps stroll through this cosmopolitan city and enjoy the festive decorations or spend time Christmas shopping. Later, explore Vancouver on a sightseeing tour, which includes the city’s Waterfront, Gastown, Granville Island and Stanley Park.

Insider Experience – Canyon Lights

Step into a world of wonder as you explore the Canyon Lights display, which transforms Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into a dazzling spectacle during the festive season. Marvel at the hundreds of thousands of lights glittering throughout the rainforest and across the suspension bridge, creating a majestic winter wonderland.

Day 3 - Vancouver, Whistler

After breakfast, travel along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway and take in views of the Coast Mountains on your way to Whistler. The scenery along this route at this time of the year is magical, with a thick blanket of snow covering the surrounding peaks. Arrive in Whistler, which is an exceptional adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in winter. This evening, a memorable Insider Experience awaits.

Insider Experience – Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Feast on a menu inspired by traditional First Nations food at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. You will also witness a cultural performance and hear stories of ancient traditions and the people of these lands.

Day 4 - Whistler

Enjoy the day at leisure to relax or explore Whistler at your own pace. We have a range of exciting Enhance Your Journey optional experiences on offer today.

Enhance Your Journey – Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Enjoy a breathtaking journey on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which spans the distance between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Peak. The longest and highest gondola in the world, this epic 4.4-kilometre adventure offers a unique vantage point to take in the scenery.

Enhance Your Journey – Snowmobile Tour

Journey through the pristine Callaghan Valley to a historic goldmine site for an introduction to Whistler’s backcountry. This tour must be pre-booked.

Enhance Your Journey – Vallea Lumina - Multimedia Nightwalk

Experience Vallea Lumina with an immersive night time forest walk featuring lights, soundscapes, and interactive storytelling, guiding guests along a magical trail that blends nature, art, and technology.

Enhance Your Journey – Heli-Flightseeing

Take in the spectacular sights surrounding Whistler from the air during a helicopter flight. Enjoy an aerial view of the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

Enhance Your Journey – Ziptrek Bear Tour

Ideal for adventure seekers, soar above British Columbia’s rugged terrain on a Ziptrek Ecotour. You’ll be captivated by the mesmerising views during this high-flying adventure.

Day 5 - Whistler, Thompson Valley

This morning, after breakfast, embark on a scenic journey through breathtaking alpine landscapes, where towering peaks and dense forests create a picture-perfect backdrop. Along the way, soak in the ever-changing vistas before arriving at the charming South Thompson Inn, nestled along the banks of the South Thompson River.

Day 6 - Thompson Valley, Jasper

After breakfast, you’ll continue to the charming resort town of Jasper, which is the perfect base for exploring this stunning region of the Rockies.

Day 7 - Jasper

Enjoy time at leisure today to explore the fairy-tale setting of Jasper. The town will have an array of Christmas decorations on display for you to enjoy. You may also like to choose one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer.

Enhance Your Journey – Snowsh Tour

Strap on your snowshs and join your experienced guide as you travel through some of the most inspiring winter scenery in the Rockies. 

Enhance Your Journey – Maligne Canyon Icewalk

Explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves and incredible ice formations in the Maligne Valley.

Enhance Your Journey – Winter Wildlife Tour

In winter, everything seems all the more beautiful. Set off into the frozen wilderness of Jasper National Park with a guide, and observe the region’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

Day 8 - Jasper, Banff

After breakfast, depart Jasper and journey along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, a chain of large icefields situated parallel to the Continental Divide. Continue to the alpine town of Banff. Here, enjoy time to settle in and spend Christmas Eve relaxing, as you prepare to wake to a stunning white Christmas.

Day 9 - Banff, Christmas Day

Merry Christmas! There is truly nothing like waking up on Christmas morning with fresh snow underfoot and breathing in crisp mountain air. Christmas in the Rockies will be magical today. Travel to the iconic Lake Louise, which is known as the jewel of the Canadian Rockies. The lake’s azure glacier-fed waters and surrounding scenery are truly breathtaking, especially at this time of year. Perhaps enjoy our Enhance Your Journey experience available to you here. Tonight, rejoin your fellow guests for a festive celebration dinner, packed with Christmas cheer.

Enhance Your Journey – Sleigh Ride

Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride along a frozen lakeside trail in Lake Louise.

Day 10 - Banff

Enjoy a full day at leisure to either relax or continue exploring more of Banff. We have a range of Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer today. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey – Johnston Canyon Icewalk

Traverse steel catwalks for views of the Johnston Canyon, then journey past the lower falls to the breathtaking upper icefalls. This tour must be pre-booked.

Enhance Your Journey – Dog Sledding Tour

Try your hand as a dog musher on an exhilarating sled ride. Spend time on a spectacular mountain trail and get to know your team of huskies. This tour must be pre-booked.

Enhance Your Journey – Banff Gondola Ride

Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for incredible views of the surrounding region.

Enhance Your Journey – Heli-Flightseeing

Escape to Spray Valley and the spine of the Goat Range on this extraordinary tour for the first-time flyer in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 11 - Banff, Depart Calgary

Your festive journey comes to an end today. After breakfast this morning, transfer to Calgary airport for your onward flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose this tour?

This premium tour offers a magical way to experience Canada during the festive season, blending stunning winter landscapes with unique cultural experiences. Highlights include the dazzling Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, an immersive First Nations dinner and performance at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and the opportunity to spend a breathtaking white Christmas in the iconic Rocky Mountains.

What type of traveller is this tour designed for, what type of traveller will enjoy this tour most?

This tour is designed for those who appreciate a premium travel experience and love the magic of winter. It is ideal for travellers who enjoy a mix of organized sightseeing, cultural immersion, and the flexibility to add their own adventures, such as dog sledding or heli-flightseeing, making it perfect for anyone wanting a festive holiday in the snow.

What are the pros and cons of this tour?

The pros include a well-curated itinerary featuring 'Insider Experiences,' a professional Tour Director, and the chance to visit world-famous locations like Lake Louise and Banff during Christmas. A potential con is that many of the most exciting activities, such as the snowmobile tour or dog sledding, are optional 'Enhance Your Journey' add-ons that require pre-booking and additional payment.

Is this a good option for solo travellers, couples, or families?

This tour is a wonderful option for couples and families looking to celebrate the holiday season together in a winter wonderland. While not specifically tailored for solo travellers, the group setting with a maximum of 45 guests and a Welcome Reception helps guests meet and socialize with their fellow travellers.

Is this tour better for first-time visitors or experienced travellers?

This tour is excellent for both first-time visitors and experienced travellers. First-timers will benefit from the guided sightseeing of major landmarks like Stanley Park and the Icefields Parkway, while experienced travellers can customize their trip with a variety of specialized optional activities in Whistler, Jasper, and Banff.

Is this suitable for people with mobility concerns?

The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality. While many activities are accessible, some optional experiences like the Maligne Canyon Icewalk or the Johnston Canyon Icewalk involve traversing catwalks or frozen terrain, so guests with significant mobility concerns may wish to contact the provider for specific accessibility details.

Is this tour more focused on sightseeing, culture, or adventure?

This tour provides a balanced blend of all three. It focuses on sightseeing through the Rockies and Vancouver, culture via the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and adventure through numerous optional activities like ziptrekking, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.

What is the pace of this tour (fast-paced vs relaxed)?

The pace of the tour is generally relaxed and balanced. It includes several days with leisure time in Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper, and Banff, allowing guests to explore at their own pace or choose optional excursions without feeling rushed.

Does the itinerary feel rushed or relaxed?

The itinerary feels relaxed, as it incorporates multiple 'at leisure' days and dedicated time to settle into destinations. The schedule allows for a steady journey from the coast to the mountains, ensuring guests can enjoy the scenery of the Sea to Sky Highway and Icefields Parkway.

Are key highlights and landmarks included?

Yes, the tour includes many iconic landmarks such as Gastown, Granville Island, and Stanley Park in Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Icefields Parkway, and the breathtaking Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies.

Are language barriers handled by the guide?

The tour includes a friendly Travelmarvel Tour Director who accompanies the group, which helps manage the travel experience; however, the text does not specifically mention translation services for language barriers.

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