If you are looking for some inspiration for a truly Canadian winter adventure, then we have an itinerary for you. Take in Banff and Jasper, ski at four different resorts and experience two of Canada’s most iconic national parks in one amazing holiday. Use the below itinerary as inspiration for your own Canadian Rocky Mountain experience and immerse yourself in the natural beauty, laid back hospitality and iconic sights of Alberta, Canada.
Part 1: Banff
Banff is located an easy 2 hour shuttle or drive from Calgary International Airport. Arrive and stay at the historic Mount Royal Hotel
About the Mt Royal Hotel
Located in the ideal position on Banff Avenue, the Mount Royal is a reimagined and modern take on a mountain classic. Extensively damaged by fire in 2017, it has been redeveloped into a beautiful hotel. The mountain-chic style and relaxed approach to luxury promise to elevate your Canadian Rockies experience. Post-adventure, head to the rooftop for a soak in one of our outdoor hot tubs. The view from here is next level. Cocktails, craft beer and shareable plates in the Cascade Lounge are another favourite way to après. A full-service restaurant, general store, library and museum — sharing cool historic facts about the legendary Mount Royal and Banff will enhance your stay.
When in Banff
Go Skiing
A SKIBIG3 Lift ticket includes access to Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, as well as the convenient ski bus that will get you to your mountain of choice each day. Make time to visit all 3 mountains as they all offer a different ski experience.
Sightseeing
The Banff Gondola is a must do experience. Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a stunning bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges on the Banff Gondola.
New in 2023 is ‘Nightrise’ – Sulphur Mountain’s summit comes alive after sunset with the Banff Gondola’s all-new experience, Nightrise. Created by multimedia trailblazers Moment Factory in partnership with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, Nightrise lets you explore the Canadian Rockies under the stars through interactive and immersive lighting, projections and original soundscapes both aboard the gondola and at the peak.
Part 2: Jasper
Getting There: Rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, the Icefield Parkway is a 232 km stretch of double-lane highway winding along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields and vast sweeping valleys that links Banff to Jasper. Completely transformed with snow-laden forests, white-capped peaks, frozen waterfalls and roadside wildlife, the Icefields Parkway is the essence of a winter wonderland. What always surprises, is the utter solitude and silence of this majestic area. Highlights along the way include the Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and viewing the foot of the Athabasca Glacier. Find out more about the Icefields Parkway highlights here
Where to Stay in Jasper
There are many hotels in Jasper which offer very affordable accommodation, especially in the winter months which is considered ‘low season’. Chateau Jasper offers recently renovated studio rooms and family suites with galley kitchens. For those for some apres ski atmosphere then check out The Crimson. For skiers who want to tune skis and hit the pool or hot tub after a day on the slopes, check out the Marmot Lodge. The newly renovated and revamped Forest Park Hotel offers modern, stylish accommodation with numerous room type options.
Go Skiing
Marmot Basin is Canada’s best value ski resort when you book a package. Save 50% on your lift ticket, plus kids ski for free. Don’t let the cheap lift tickets make you think it is not worth skiing at Marmot Basin. The ski area is vast and uncrowded – they say seeing a Moose on the slopes is more likely to happen than getting stuck in a lift line. Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding Jasper National Park will you coast or charge down the wide, open slopes.
Sightseeing
Make sure you save some time in your itinerary for checking out the local sights in Jasper. The Maligne Canyon Icewalk is highly recommended. It goes for about 3 hours, and is a great winter experience of a natural wonder!
If you are lucky you might also get to experience the Northern Lights when in Jasper.
