6-Day Group Tour by VIA Rail from Winnipeg to Calgary: Explore Banff, Yoho, Jasper National Parks, Visit Second-Largest Icefield, Four Famous Lakes, and Maligne Canyon

Day 1: Poetry and Distant Lands (Hometown – Vancouver – VIA Rail Train)

Vancouver

VIA Rail Canada

# Itinerary Arrangement

## Itinerary Overview

The train will arrive at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver at approximately 14:00. Please arrive at the station at least 90 minutes in advance to complete relevant procedures (the train departs at 15:00). Take the VIA Rail train from Vancouver to Jasper (approx. 19 hours of travel) and arrive in Jasper at 11:00 the next day.

Address of Pacific Central Station, Vancouver: Pacific Central Station, 1150 Station Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 4C

As the train departs Vancouver, you will be treated to stunning scenery of the Pacific Coast and the Fraser Valley along the way. Upon entering the Rocky Mountains, snow-capped peaks, glaciers and alpine lakes will unfold one after another. The forests are lush and green in summer, and wild animals may occasionally come into view. At dusk, the setting sun bathes the mountain ranges; at night, you can gaze up at a sky full of stars, and with luck, catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. You will spend the night onboard the VIA Rail train with coach seats as the default ticket type (upgrades to sleeper berths or private cabins are available; no tour guide service is provided on the train).

## Notes

There will be no Weststar tour guide service for this day’s itinerary, which is a self-guided trip. If assistance is needed, you may contact the travel service hotline listed in the Trip Confirmation Form in advance.

The train departs at 15:00. Please arrive at the station at least 90 minutes early for check-in and baggage check-in (to be processed with valid identification documents and your VIA Rail e-ticket).

### Baggage Allowance (varies based on your booked train accommodation class)

- Coach Seat: 1 checked baggage item meeting airline size standards (23kg) + 1 carry-on baggage item meeting airline size standards (7kg) + 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag or garment bag)

- Comfort Sleeper: 1 checked baggage item meeting airline size standards (23kg) + 2 carry-on baggage items meeting airline size standards (7kg each) + 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag or garment bag)

- Comfort Cabin: 1 checked baggage item meeting airline size standards (23kg) + 2 carry-on baggage items meeting airline size standards (7kg each) + 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag or garment bag)

### Meal Arrangements (varies based on your booked train accommodation class)

- Coach Seat: Meals are not included; a variety of light meals and snacks are available for purchase onboard at your own expense.

- Comfort Sleeper: One dinner and one breakfast included; alcoholic beverages at extra cost.

- Comfort Cabin: One dinner and one breakfast included; alcoholic beverages at extra cost.

• Breakfast: On your own; Lunch: On your own; Dinner: On your own
• On the VIA Rail train
• Things to Know
  • If flights or trains are cancelled or delayed due to unexpected incidents and force majeure factors, including but not limited to capacity allocation by transportation companies, temporary closure of airports or stations, temporary cancellations by transportation companies, weather conditions, transportation control, etc., the travel agency will make every reasonable effort to assist you with rescheduling arrangements.
  • If the train is delayed for more than 5 hours or cancelled, you may choose to wait for the train or voluntarily cancel the train segment of your trip. Should you cancel the train journey, our team will assist you with processing the refund for the corresponding train fare, help you adjust your subsequent itinerary, arrange overnight hotel accommodation, rebook flights or other transportation alternatives. All expenses incurred for the overnight hotel and transportation rebooking shall be borne by you.
  • This product includes bundled train tickets for VIA Rail Canada. All train information and refund & modification policies shall be subject to final confirmation by VIA Rail Canada, the operating carrier.
  • It is strongly recommended that you purchase relevant travel insurance in advance.

Day 2: Slow Train Journey, Peaceful Years: Arrive at Jasper National Park - Independent Travel

Jasper Town

Jasper National Park

# Itinerary Arrangement:

## Itinerary Overview:

11:00 Arrive at Jasper Train Station - Make your own way to Jasper Hotel - Free time in the afternoon with optional paid activities available

Early the next morning, the train enters the region of [the Rockies], passing through alpine meadows and travelling amid snow-capped mountains and waterfalls. Beneath the blue sky lie snow-white glaciers. You may catch a distant glimpse of Mount Robson, Canada’s highest peak, while emerald-green lakes stretch out below. As writers and poets put it: "The Rockies are a temple worthy of profound reverence, a place to cleanse your soul." The train is scheduled to arrive at Jasper Train Station at 11:00 AM.

## Notes:

No Weststar tour guide service will be provided for this day’s itinerary, which is self-guided free time. If you need assistance, you may contact the travel service hotline listed in the Tour Confirmation Form in advance.

Check-in at North American hotels generally starts at 15:00 PM. If your room is not ready upon arrival, you may store your luggage at the hotel free of charge before heading out for leisure activities. Your tour guide will contact you in the evening to inform you of the meeting time and arrangements for the following day.

For convenience in Jasper, Athabasca Hotel will be arranged as the priority accommodation, a roughly 3-minute walk from the train station. If other hotels are assigned instead, you may book a local taxi to the hotel on your own (Booking hotline: Caribou Cabs +1 7819312334)

## Recommended Afternoon Activities:

### Option 1: [Jasper SkyTram + Shuttle]

Tour Mode: Shuttle transfer to the tram station (English-speaking driver only), no tour guide service; independent sightseeing

Recommended Tour Duration: 2 hours

Built in 1964, Jasper SkyTram is Canada’s highest and longest aerial tramway. It features vintage red enclosed cabins that ascend 970 meters to a summit at an altitude of 2,263 meters, offering a full 360-degree view of mountain landscapes spanning nearly ten thousand square kilometers in the surrounding area.

• Breakfast: at your own expense; Lunch: at your own expense; Dinner: at your own expense
• Athabasca Hotel in Jasper Town or similar
• Things to Know
  • Please refer to the detailed prices of different packages for train cabin upgrades
  • Travel time of VIA train from Vancouver to Jasper: approximately 19 hours
  • The arrival time in Jasper may be subject to change depending on the schedule of activity programs, thank you for your understanding.

Day 3: Jasper National Park - Maligne Lake - Maligne Canyon (replaced with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Lake Beauvert during closure periods) - Banff

Jasper National Park

Maligne Canyon

Maligne Lake

Banff Town Area

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Beauvert Lake

# Itinerary Arrangement:

Jasper - Medicine Lake - Maligne Lake (Optional Paid Cruise, 90 minutes) - Lunch at Maligne Lake (Optional at Own Expense, 45 minutes) - Maligne Canyon (30 minutes) - The Crossing - Banff

Depart from your hotel in Jasper, pass by [Medicine Lake], and arrive at [Maligne Lake], the world’s second-largest glacial lake at the lake’s far end. Take the optional paid [Maligne Lake Cruise] for a 90-minute leisurely sail across the 22-kilometre-long lake, slowly approaching [Spirit Island], known as "the place where gods gather". After lunch at Maligne Lake, head to [Maligne Canyon], the longest and deepest canyon in the Rocky Mountains. (Due to the 2024 wildfires, this stop may be replaced with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Beauvert Lake subject to the national park’s opening status.) Carved by glacial erosion, the canyon boasts steep, jagged rock walls and breathtaking scenery. Afterwards, travel south along the Icefields Parkway, stop for a rest at [The Crossing] service station, then proceed back to Banff for hotel check-in.

*The optional paid Maligne Lake Cruise operates from May 29 to October 11. Its schedule is subject to adjustment based on lake ice melt conditions. When cruises are unavailable, the alternative itinerary includes Pyramid Lake (45 minutes) and Patricia Lake (15 minutes).

## Pyramid Lake

It takes its name from its symmetric triangular mountain peak. The mountain’s rock formations contain pyrite, which weathers into pink and orange hues that look as if gilded with gold.

## Maligne Canyon

*Due to the 2024 wildfires, this 30-minute stop may be substituted with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Beauvert Lake depending on national park access conditions.

## Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

This century-old log cabin resort stands as an iconic landmark of Jasper. Scattered among forests and lakes, its log architecture preserves the frontier charm of Western Canada while delivering upscale luxury comfort. It has hosted countless international celebrities, offering sweeping mountain views and an authentic taste of classic Rocky Mountain resort culture.

## Beauvert Lake

Beauvert Lake is like an emerald gem hidden deep within the forest. Its distinctive turquoise water shifts shades with changing light. Less crowded than more famous lakes, it features equally stunning natural scenery. The still water reflects surrounding snow-capped peaks and pine forests, making it a beloved hidden haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

• Breakfast: Optional add-on; Lunch: Optional add-on; Dinner: At your own expense
• Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodge / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge in Banff Town or similar
• Things to Know
  • You may tick the box to add a gourmet package if needed. **Lunch will be served at Maligne Lake LAKE HOUSE Restaurant. Local chefs select fresh regional ingredients and infuse unique experiences of nature, exploration and adventure into an array of exquisite dishes. (Groups with fewer than 15 simultaneous bookings may be offered plated meals or set lunch options including soup, main course and dessert.)**
  • The arrival time in Banff is subject to change depending on the schedule of activity programs, and we appreciate your understanding.

Day 4: Banff - Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Yoho National Park - Emerald Lake - Natural Bridge - Banff

Lake Louise

Moraine Lake

Emerald Lake

Yoho National Park

Natural Bridge Banff

Emerald lake

Banff Town Area

# Itinerary:

Banff - Lake Louise (75 mins) - Moraine Lake (60 mins) - Lunch at Lake Louise Village (at your own expense; Grill & Bar lunch add-on available, 45 mins) - Emerald Lake (20 mins) - Natural Bridge (15 mins) - Banff

Depart the hotel early in the morning and head west along Highway 1. The steep and imposing Castle Mountain will come into view, and you will soon arrive at Lake Louise, the most renowned lake in the Rocky Mountains. Bathed in sunlight, its mineral-rich waters shimmer with mesmerizing sapphire blue, enclosed on three sides by the towering Victoria Glacier. Resembling a jade gem scattered amid the mountains, it has earned the moniker "Sapphire of the Rockies". Glancing back from the lakeshore, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise stands serenely amid pine forests, welcoming visitors. Afterwards, hike to the top of the trail, where the vivid turquoise waters of seasonal Moraine Lake mirror the jagged Ten Peaks. Standing at the high vantage point, you will take in the full grandeur of the lake and mountain scenery, losing all sense of time. After leaving Moraine Lake, proceed to Lake Louise Village for lunch (self-paid; Chinese or Western plated meals available as add-ons). Following lunch, continue westbound, passing the Spiral Tunnel built through the backbreaking labor of Pacific Railway workers before entering Yoho National Park. You will reach the tranquil Emerald Lake, where red canoes ripple across its glassy surface. Next, visit the Natural Bridge, carved over thousands of years by the Kicking Horse River. The waterway, ancient pine trees, distant mountain ranges and shallow shoals together form a breathtaking natural painting. Drive back to Banff.

*Moraine Lake: Seasonal access only. Tentative opening period runs from the Victoria Day long weekend in May through late September to early October each year, subject to official announcements from Parks Canada. If the lake is closed and inaccessible during your trip, it will be substituted with a 30-minute stop at Lake Minnewanka plus a 15-minute visit to Two Jack Lake. The mandatory Moraine Lake entry fee will be waived in such cases.

## Lake Minnewanka

Summer at Lake Minnewanka: As the largest and deepest lake within Banff National Park, it is famed for its vivid blue waters and stunning natural vistas. Its name translates to "Lake of the Spirits" in Indigenous languages. Stretching over 20 kilometers along the valley, the lake boasts magnificent sweeping scenery. A boat tour deep into the lake offers views of dramatic canyon formations and rolling mountain ranges, alongside stories of the ancient village submerged beneath its waters, lending an air of mystique to this iconic lake.

• Breakfast: Optional add-on; Lunch: Optional add-on; Dinner: At your own expense
• Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodge / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge in Banff Town or similar
• Things to Know
  • The arrival time in Banff is subject to change depending on the schedule of activities. We appreciate your understanding.
  • You may tick to add a gourmet package if needed. **Lunch will be served with Chinese or Western plated meals at [Lake Louise Village Grill & Bar in Lake Louise Village].**

Day 5: Banff - Banff Gondola - Bow Falls - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Johnston Canyon - Banff

Banff National Park

Sulphur Mountain

Banff Gondola

Bow Falls

The Fairmont Banff Springs

Johnston Canyon

Banff Town Area

# Itinerary:

Banff - Banff Gondola (self-funded, 90 minutes) - Hoodoos (15 minutes) - Bow Falls (15 minutes) - Surprise Corner (15 minutes) - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Lunch (self-funded, French bistro-style set meal available as an add-on, 90 minutes) - Johnston Canyon (60 minutes) - Check in to the hotel

In the morning, take a coach to Banff National Park and arrive at Sulphur Mountain to ride the Banff Gondola (self-funded). As the gondola ascends slowly, you can admire the snow-laden alpine landscape ringed by rolling mountain ranges. Afterwards, head to the Hoodoos towering above the Bow River bank, then witness the magnificent Bow Falls surging downwards, where dark rock formations contrast vividly with foamy white rushing water, just like a mighty river flowing eastward. Next, proceed to Surprise Corner for panoramic distant views of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River. You will then enter the Scottish castle-style Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and stop here for lunch at your own expense. After lunch, explore Johnston Canyon, one of the three major canyons in the Rocky Mountains, and walk along the trail to the rushing waterfalls. (In case of force majeure such as park maintenance and temporary closure, the visit will be replaced with Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake). Check into the hotel in Banff for the night.

• Breakfast: Add-on available; Lunch: Add-on available; Dinner: At your own expense
• Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodge / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge in Banff Town or similar
• Things to Know
  • You may tick to add a gourmet package if needed. **Lunch will be served with French bistro-style cuisine at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, blending Banff’s unique charm into every bite. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel features Scottish castle architecture, sits on the Bow River, and stands as an iconic landmark of the Canadian Rockies.**
  • The arrival time in Banff is subject to change based on the schedule of activity programs, and we appreciate your understanding.
  • The actual sequence of the itinerary may be adjusted depending on the departure date of the tour group to ensure a smooth trip.

Day 6: Banff - Bow Lake - Peyto Lake - Icefields Parkway - Glacier Adventure Vehicle - Calgary

Bow Lake

Columbia Icefield

Jasper National Park

Peyto Lake

Rocky Mountain Icefields Parkway

Calgary

# Itinerary Arrangement:

Banff – Crowfoot Glacier – Bow Lake (20 minutes) – Peyto Lake (30 minutes) – Icefields Parkway – Lunch (at your own expense; buffet lunch available for additional booking, 45 minutes) – Ice Explorer Snowcoach (at your own expense, 90 minutes) – Calgary

Depart from your hotel in Banff in the morning and catch distant views of Crowfoot Glacier along the way. First, visit Bow Lake, where the distinct silhouette of the Rocky Mountains reflects clearly on the lake surface. You may also drop by the lakeside Num-Ti-Jah Lodge to learn stories of Jimmy Simpson, a legendary guide of the Rockies. Next, proceed to Peyto Lake (visits will be substituted with Waterfowl Lake in case of force majeure such as park maintenance closures). This maple-leaf-shaped lake resembles a turquoise ribbon embedded in the valleys of the Rockies. Afterwards, buffet lunch (at your own expense) will be served at The Crossing Resort. Continue driving along the scenic Highway 93 Icefields Parkway until you reach the Icefield Centre, where you can board the Ice Explorer Snowcoach (at your own expense) to travel across the Athabasca Glacier and witness natural formations built up over hundreds of millions of years. Finally, drive back to Calgary to conclude the full itinerary.

*The Ice Explorer Snowcoach operates from May 1 to October 12.

For departures on and after October 13, there will be no optional Ice Explorer Snowcoach activity during the sightseeing stops:

- In good weather: Guests may take an easy hike up the hills in front of the glacier (around 60 minutes) to enjoy up-close icefield views.

- In poor weather: Following the tour guide’s arrangement, guests will view the glacier from a distance, with an extra stop at Waterfowl Lake added to the schedule.

• Breakfast: Available for additional order; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: At your own expense
• Things to Know
  • You may tick to add a gourmet package if needed. Lunch will be the buffet at The Crossing, where you can enjoy glaciers within easy reach that refresh your soul.
  • Tickets for today's Icefields Glacier Adventure vehicle activity are not included. If you wish to participate, please check the corresponding option during booking. No additional bookings will be accepted 7 days prior to departure.
  • The sequence of the itinerary may be adjusted according to the tour departure date while maintaining the same service standards. This itinerary connects with a one-day round-trip icefield tour, which involves a lengthy operation period.
  • If you need to connect with a flight departing Calgary on the same evening, please book flights taking off after 22:30 to avoid disrupting your travel schedule.