6-Day Winter Train+Bus Tour: Vancouver to Calgary, Jasper & Banff

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Itinerary Overview Note : No tour guide service is provided. This is a self-guided journey. 1:30 PM: Arrive at Vancouver Pacific Central Station for check in Pacific Central Station Adress : 1150 Station St, Vancouver, BC V6A 4C7 3:00 PM: Train departs from Vancouver Travel from Vancouver to Jasper aboard VIA Rail (approximately 19 hours) 11:00 AM the following day: Arrive in Jasper Economy Seat: Baggage: One checked bag (23 kg) and one carry-on bag (7 kg), each within airline-standard dimensions, plus one personal item, such as a laptop bag or garment bag. Meals: Meals are not included. Light meals and snacks are available for purchase on board.

Jasper National Park

Note: This is a self-guided journey. No tour guide service is provided. Schedule 11:00 AM: Arrive at Jasper Station aboard VIA Rail. Station Address: 607 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0. Make your own way to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a free afternoon with optional winter activities available at an additional cost. Travel through the spectacular Rocky Mountains aboard VIA Rail before arriving in Jasper. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Jasper National Park

Note: This is a self-guided journey. No tour guide service is provided. 8:30 AM: Please wait in your hotel lobby for the intercity bus to Banff ( travel time approximately 4 hours). The intercity bus is scheduled to arrive at your hotel between 8:30 AM and 8:45 AM. Please wait in the hotel lobby at least 15 minutes in advance. The driver will confirm your name before you board.

Duration: 15 minutes

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The journey follows Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway, which has been named one of the world’s top scenic drives by National Geographic. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful snow-covered landscape.

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12:45 PM: Arrive in Banff Upon arrival, make your own way to the hotel and complete self-check-in. Enjoy a free afternoon to have lunch and explore Banff town at your own pace.

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Begin your day at your hotel in Banff and join the Westar Travel guided tour. Enjoy a memorable day exploring the stunning scenery and highlights of the Canadian Rockies with your tour guide.

Duration: 10 minutes

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Hike through the stunning Johnston Canyon to the Upper Falls, surrounded by towering canyon walls and sparkling frozen waterfalls. Enjoy a magical winter adventure on this 5 km round-trip trail, with ice cleats provided in winter.

Duration: 2 hours

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Note: This location also serves as your designated lunch stop. Enjoy a lunch break in Banff Town, where you can explore local restaurants and cafés, grab a bite to eat, and recharge before continuing your Rocky Mountain adventure.

Duration: 1 hour

Bow Falls

After lunch, visit the beautiful Bow Falls where you'll be captivated by the majestic waterfall and scenic surroundings

Duration: 15 minutes

Surprise Corner

Next, visit Surprise Corner, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Rockies—perfect for capturing postcard-worthy winter scenery.

Duration: 15 minutes

Banff Gondola

Note: Banff Gondola admission not included End your day with a ride on the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain’s summit, where breathtaking 360° views of the snow-covered Rockies and Banff await, especially at sunset.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Banff Avenue

Relax and unwind at your conveniently located Banff accommodation, or take the opportunity to explore the charming town of Banff at your own pace after a day of adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

Duration: 5 minutes

Bow Lake

Your first stop is Bow Lake, where you’ll admire its vivid turquoise waters fed by Bow Glacier — an ideal spot for photos and fresh mountain views.

Duration: 15 minutes

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Visit iconic Peyto Lake, famous for its maple-leaf shape and breathtaking panoramic views. Enjoy a short scenic winter walk to the lookout, with ice cleats provided for safety.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Crowfoot Glacier

Pass by Crowfoot Glacier and enjoy its dramatic icy views framed by the surrounding mountains, a perfect backdrop for photos.

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Note: This location also serves as your designated lunch stop. Enjoy a lunch break in Lake Louise Village, where you can grab a bite to eat and recharge before continuing your Rocky Mountain adventure.

Duration: 45 minutes

Lake Minnewanka

Experience the winter magic of Lake Minnewanka, where, under the right conditions, frozen methane bubbles create the stunning “bubble lake” effect beneath the ice—a truly unforgettable sight.

Duration: 20 minutes

Two Jack Lake

Enjoy a picturesque drive past Two Jack Lake, capturing stunning views of the frozen lake and snow-covered peaks.

Duration: 15 minutes

Banff Avenue

Relax and unwind at your conveniently located Banff accommodation, or take the opportunity to explore the charming town of Banff at your own pace after a day of adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

Duration: 5 minutes

Yoho National Park

Explore the scenic beauty of Yoho National Park, with breathtaking mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and stunning natural wonders along the way.

Emerald Lake

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Emerald Lake, where brilliant turquoise waters, majestic mountains, and stunning forest scenery create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos.

Duration: 20 minutes

Natural Bridge

Visit the Natural Bridge, a striking rock formation carved by the rushing waters of the Kicking Horse River. See firsthand how powerful water flow has sculpted this natural stone arch over thousands of years.

Duration: 15 minutes

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Note: This location also serves as your designated lunch stop. Next, you’ll visit the iconic Lake Louise, where the frozen lake and snow-covered landscape sit beneath the towering Victoria Glacier. From January to April (subject to official schedules), the area comes alive with the Ice Magic Festival, featuring beautifully crafted ice sculptures by artists from around the world — transforming the lakeside into a truly enchanting winter scene.

Duration: 2 hours

Marble Canyon

After lunch, head to Marble Canyon for a light walk. The zigzagging wooden bridges cross a winding stream, flanked by towering limestone cliffs and frozen waterfalls. In winter, the ice formations sparkle like crystal, creating a truly breathtaking scene.

Duration: 45 minutes

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Enjoy a scenic sunset drive from Banff to Calgary, taking in the beautiful Rocky Mountain views along the way. Thank You for Joining Us! This marks the end of your tour. We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the beautiful Canadian Rockies and creating unforgettable memories with us. Thank you for traveling with us, and we wish you a safe and pleasant onward journey! Drop-off Locations: 1. NE Calgary – Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel 2. Downtown Calgary 3. Calgary International Airport (YYC) Airport Departure Advisory: To ensure a smooth departure, we recommend booking your return flights from Calgary International Airport (YYC) for: Domestic Flights: After 9:30 PM International Flights: After 10:30 PM Please note: These times are recommended guidelines. Westar is not liable for missed flights caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as weather or traffic delays.