Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Canada – The Rockies – Calgary – Banff
100% customisable for you
Your Canadian winter adventure begins today. Head to the airport, breeze through security and grab your go-to snacks for the journey. Soon enough, you’ll be boarding your direct flight to Calgary – around nine hours in the air. Settle in, stick on a wintry film and enjoy a snooze if you can.
When you touch down in Calgary later today, pick up your hire car and head into the East Village, just minutes from downtown. Check in at your hotel for a two-night stay, drop your bags and ease into the evening at your own pace. If you’re feeling energised, head out for a stroll through the twinkling streets – perhaps even popping into a local boutique to pick out a cosy scarf, hat and mittens set for the chilly days ahead. Alternatively, enjoy a quiet night in, as tomorrow promises plenty more excitement.
Start your day the Canadian way, with a comforting breakfast of waffles drenched in maple syrup, before heading out to explore Calgary. This is a city that effortlessly blends modern skyscrapers with its cowboy roots, earning it the nickname Cowtown, and you’ll feel that famous rodeo spirit wherever you go.
For one of the best views, climb up to Scotsman's Hill, which is particularly beautiful at dawn or dusk. If the winter chill starts to bite, warm up inside the Glenbow Museum, where you can learn all about the region’s history and Indigenous culture. And for a true taste of local life, catch a Calgary Flames ice hockey game – think flying pucks, die-hard fans and just enough chaos to have you hooked and cheering along by the second period.
Still raring to go? We can also arrange tickets to Calgary Tower for panoramic views stretching all the way to the Rockies on a clear day.
After a jam-packed day, head to a restaurant recommended by our in-country Concierge, as this multicultural city offers a dazzling mix of cuisines just waiting to be savoured.
Hit the road this morning and set off towards Banff, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Calgary.
En route, stop at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, a rescue and conservation centre dedicated to giving wolfdogs a second chance when life in the wild (or as pets) hasn’t worked out. Up close, they’re every bit as striking as you’d imagine: thick winter coats, piercing eyes and each with their own personality, from gentle giants to cheeky troublemakers. After all, these wolfdogs are still wild at heart, and the team does a brilliant job of helping you understand the balance.
Eventually, it’s time to tear yourself away from these playful pups and continue on to Banff. Settle into your home for the next six nights, a lodge nestled in the heart of the forest, surrounded by mountains. Light the fire, pour a hot chocolate and cosy up as the snow drifts softly outside.
In true Canadian spirit, rise and shine early this morning raring to explore the great outdoors. Kick things off on the slopes, whether you’re building confidence on gentle runs or carving down steeper pistes, skiing here is a thrilling way to get moving with the Rockies as your backdrop. After a few runs, stroll along Lake Minnewanka, snapping plenty of photos (this is prime holiday album material) and making pitstops at local cafes to warm up with a glass of eggnog.
Fancy some pampering? Unwind in the Upper Hot Springs in Banff National Park, where bathing in naturally warm and mineral-rich waters has been a tradition for over a century.
All this action is bound to work up a mountain-sized appetite (pun intended), so round off the day with a dinner and drink at the nearby bar and restaurant – history, elegance and cosy vibes included.
Strap on your snowshoes and hit the trails with a local guide who knows the Rockies like the back of their hand. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of the region’s folklore, wildlife and history – stories that bring this breathtaking landscape to life. The terrain is fairly gentle too, so it’s a great introduction if it’s your first time snowshoeing.
Not ready to call it a day just yet? We can keep the adventure going with a trip out to Lake Abraham, known for its surreal ice bubbles. If you’re up for something extra special, there’s the option of a helicopter flight over the lake, an incredible way to take in the landscape before heading back on foot.
Come evening, find a cosy spot to refuel. This part of Canada is all about hearty fare – think locally raised Alberta beef, classic fondue to share or maple-glazed salmon. And of course, a mug of mulled wine is practically mandatory in this weather.
After another indulgent plate of maple-glazed pancakes, bundle up for a day of fresh mountain air and classic Canadian fun. Rent a pair of ice skates and glide across one of the beautiful outdoor rinks – such as Vermillion, Two Jack or Johnson Lakes – whether you’re unleashing your inner figure skater or hanging on tight to your travel companion.
Feeling competitive? Grab a hockey stick and improvise a game with friends or the ever-active locals, putting those skills you admired at the Calgary Flames game to the test and embracing that Canadian ‘give it your all’ energy. If you’re keen to cover more ground, rent some touring skis and explore the cross-country trails around Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore.
As evening falls, head out for a night hike in the Rockies, the snow glowing under the moonlight and the starry canopy, before ending the night with another delicious dinner.
Lace up your comfiest (and warmest) walking boots today for a hike through Johnston Canyon, and don’t forget a flask filled with some hot coffee to sip along the way. The trail winds nearly three miles through the heart of Banff National Park, taking you through snowy forests and across suspended walkways carved into the canyon walls. Stop at the Lower and Upper Falls and marvel at the ice formations shaped naturally by the winter cold.
Keen to keep exploring? We can also organise a visit to the Buffalo Nations Museum, where the rich history and culture of the Indigenous peoples of the North American plains are celebrated, or the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, showcasing art, heritage and stories that make this region so unforgettable.
After all that trekking, you’ve earned a treat. After dinner, keep your eyes peeled for maple taffy – a classic Canadian sweet made by pouring hot maple syrup onto snow, where it sets into a chewy candy.
Today’s the day for a true bucket-list experience – a dog sledding adventure in the Kananaskis Valley. After breakfast, meet your team of eager huskies, all with lolling tongues, wagging tales and boundless energy, along with an expert musher who’ll show you the ropes. Then it’s over to you: reins in hand, you’ll lead the pack as you glide across the snowy landscape.
Halfway through, pause at a small camp where the dogs can enjoy a well-deserved snack and snooze in the snow (complete with a few ear scratches of course), while the mushers show you how to prepare lunch around the campfire. When you and the pups have warmed up and refuelled, hop back on the sled for the return journey.
And for a truly special send-off, our Concierge can recommend their favourite spot in town for dinner, where you can enjoy one last taste of Canadian cuisine and toast to your time in the Rockies.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Canada. This morning, drive back to Calgary, a journey of around an hour and a half, before returning your hire car and checking in for your direct nine-hour flight back home. Most flights to the UK depart in the early evening, so you’ll spend the night on board, before touching down tomorrow morning.
By the time you land, the temperatures on home turf might feel surprisingly mild – anything above freezing will feel almost balmy after your time in the Rockies. As for what’s next, perhaps somewhere sun-soaked, or maybe you’re already dreaming up your next winter escape...
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
