Canadian Rockies: Northern Lights Winter Explorer
Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply
From AUD $4649
Small Group
Light
Rating
Canadian Rockies: Northern Lights Winter Explorer
Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply
9 days
Small Group
Budget
Light
English
Experience Overview
Winter in the Canadian Rockies hits different — the air’s crisper, the mountains feel bigger, and everything slows down under a thick, magical blanket of snow.
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Calgary CEO-led Orientation Walk
- Banff Exploration Tour
- Winter Hike in Johnston Canyon
- Sunshine Meadows Guided Snowshoeing
- Winter Visit to Lake Louise
- Peyto & Abraham Lake Winter Visit
- Local Lodge Lunch Experience
- Icefields Parkway Winter Exploration
- Maligne Lake Visit & Hike
- Introduction to Métis Crossing
- Métis Crossing Wildlife Park Visit
- The Magic of the Skies Experience
- Free time Banff, Jasper, Edmonton, & Métis Crossing
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (6 nts), Indigenous Cultural Centre Lodge (2 nts).
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
- Private Vehicle, Snowshoeing.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, Métis Interpreter/guide while at Métis Crossing
Highlights
- Hike through Johnston Canyon past towering icicles and frozen waterfalls
- Ride a gondola to Sunshine Meadows for a snowshoe trek through pristine powder
- Take in sweeping views of glaciers snow-capped peaks and icy lakes along the Icefields Parkway
- Connect with Métis culture during an immersive lodge stay near Smoky Lake
- Spot wildlife on a morning excursion across the lands of Métis Crossing
- Gaze at the stars and hear ancestral stories during a night of Métis sky lore and constellations
Trip Details
9 days
Private Vehicle, Snowshoeing.
English
Calgary, Canada
Edmonton, Canada
Budget
Classic
Light
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown
Day 2: Calgary/Banff
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Embark on a CEO-led orientation walk of Calgary. Take in the city under the presence of winter and visit various neighbourhoods and parks as you learn the lay of the land. During this time travellers will be given the opportunity to purchase warmer clothes should this be needed.Transport - Sit back and relax as you scan the wintry scenery between Calgary and Banff. There will be a stop along the way for travellers to grab some lunch on their own.Activity - Enjoy some time to get to know Banff with your CEO. Flanked on all sides by towering mountains, this town is alive with adventure and the winter is no different. The vibrant streets of downtown are lined with fantastic restaurants, shops, and impressive art galleries. Plus, the town is small enough that it's easy to get around by walking. See some of Banff's highlights by minibus and on foot before taking short walks to Tunnel Mountain, Bow Falls, or Vermilion Lakes.Accommodation - Charltons Banff
Day 3: Banff
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Banff and Johnston Canyon. The drive will take around a half hour.Activity - Hike through the dramatic winter scenery of Johnston Canyon. Not only will you see towering icicles, but you may also have the chance to observe some ice climbers adventuring at the Upper Falls which happens to be a popular ice-climbing spot. Walk along the trail, boardwalk, and narrow bridges using crampons to both Lower and Upper falls. Round trip this hike is 5km and gains 120m in elevation.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Johnston Canyon and Banff. The drive will take around a half hour.Free_time - Spend the afternoon in Banff on your own. Choose from a variety of winter-themed optional activities like going on a sleigh ride, or tubing in Norquay, or renting skates to try one of the indoor or outdoor ice skating rings, or (depending on conditions) Lake Minnewanka. Based on dates you could also potentially watch a hockey game, or attend the Snow Days Festival in January. Other activities you can choose from are a gondola ride up to Sulphur Mountain, soaking in Upper Banff Hot Springs, or a fat-tire e-bike tour around the town. After dark you can even choose to try, "Wonder of the Sky" for a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain after sunset.Accommodation - Charltons Banff
Day 4: Banff/Lake Louise
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the winter scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Banff and Lake Louise. There will be a stop at Sunshine Village along the way for a snowshoeing experience.Activity - Meet a local guide and snowshoe on top of the world at Sunshine Meadows. Start with a gondola and chairlift ride straight up to the land above the tree line. Then put on your snowshoes and walk through the pristine alpine environment where there are no trails. It's simply miles and miles of powdery wilderness stretching out in front of you. During this half-day excursion you will have access to the beautiful winter backcountry for a mix of fun, challenge, and learning, combined with the simple joy of being outside amid nature and the fresh winter mountain air.Activity - Winter is known as a quieter time at Lake Louise, but no less scenic. Enjoy the far less crowded gorgeous views for yourself on a guided CEO-led walk on the Fairview lookout trail. Begin southeast from the lake shore and head into the trees. 1km later you will step onto a viewing platform poised above the snowy expanse of the lake for an unforgettable view. After, take some time for a self-guided walk around the shore of the lake with the option to try some ice skating, embark on a sleigh ride, or choose to check out the impressive Ice Castle, open to the public during Ice Magic Festival.Accommodation - Lake Louise Inn
Day 5: Lake Louise/Jasper
Meals included: Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Lake Louise and Jasper. The total drive time includes today's stops. There will be a deeper exploration of Icefield Parkway along the route.Activity - Along today's drive the group will make a stop to Peyto Lake for a walk amid the snow-covered landscape. Then, if conditions allow, walk on Abraham Lake to check out the impressive bubbles in the ice. This natural phenomenon is caused by methane gas that becomes trapped in the ice during winer. The gas comes from the organic matter and bacteria breaking down on the lake bottom. As it rises to the surface and freezes it creates a stunning visual display.Activity - Sit down for a delicious locally made lunch at a secluded mountain lodge nestled in the heart of pristine wilderness with views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Sit in the cozy cabin-like environment and watch the winter scenery from the window while you eat lunch together as a group.Activity - The Icefields Parkway is also known as Alberta Highway 93. This scenic route spans 232km between Lake Louise and Jasper in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It is renowned for its breathtaking views of ancient glaciers, snow peaked mountains, and ice covered lakes. The group will have plenty of time to enjoy the winter atmosphere with stops to the foot of the Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Falls (where you can check for ice climbers), and a short walk to Sunwapta Falls. It's the perfect way to see as much of the Canadian Rockies natural charm as possible.Accommodation - Jasper Inn
Day 6: Jasper
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, which is a popular destination for winter activities. Depending on conditions the group will hike or snowshoe with your CEO on the trails in the area and walk along the 3km Mary Schaeffer loop offering gorgeous winter views.Free_time - Spend a free afternoon enjoying all Jasper has to offer its winter guests. From a canyon icewalk to an introductory ice climbing demonstration, and skiing at Marmot Basin, there's plenty of optional activities for travellers to get involved in. Later in the evening if there's a clear sky, opt to take a walk with your CEO to try and catch a glimpse of the northern lights. There's also an optional experience available at the Jasper Planetarium should you want to learn more about stargazing and the aurora borealis.Accommodation - Jasper Inn
Day 7: Jasper to Smoky Lake via Edmonton
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Enjoy some free time in Edmonton to grab lunch on your own.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Upon arrival the group will enjoy the signature introduction to the vibrant spirit of Métis culture. Become inspired, educated, and forge deeper connections led by a knowledgeable Métis interpreter. Be taken on a journey through their history and traditions as you witness an immersive explanation of the Indigenous Métis people. Afterwards, the group will gather together for a sustainably sourced meal. The perfect blend of community and education.Accommodation - The Lodge at Métis Crossing
Day 8: Smoky Lake
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Métis Crossing has its own wildlife park and the group will enjoy a tour within the paddocks this morning alongside their knowledgable interpreter. This experience showcases the rich culture and traditions of the Métis community and allows travellers to connect with nature while forging deeper understanding of the land and culture present here. See the natural beauty of Métis heritage species, including the rare white bison and elk, woods bison, plains bison, and majestic Percheron horses. And gain more knowledge of the interconnected nature of relationships between communities and the natural environment. Hear more about the significant role of bison within Métis heritage.Free_time - Walking trails, sliding, and a small museum are available on site at Métis Crossing. This afternoon, travellers can chose to strap on some snowshoes and set out to explore the more than 10km of ski trails that wind through the property. With options for both experienced adventurers and leisurely walkers, the area offers the perfect mix for everyone, and plenty of time to enjoy the crisp winter air.Activity - The night skies are filled with stars and constellations that have long served as guiding lights for the Métis. During tonight's activity the group will hear more about why the skies were so important to the Métis in settling the west during the fur trade. Hear more about how they served as a guide relied upon for survival and were used as a clock and calendar to provide critical instructions for understanding when to plant, hunt, and work the land. Travellers will also experience legends and folklore about the local Indigenous community that have been observed and passed down through the culture for generations during a tea ceremony. If you keep looking towards the sky and the conditions are right, tonight is your chance to witness the alluring phenomenon of the Northern Lights.Accommodation - The Lodge at Métis Crossing
Day 9: Smoky Lake/Edmonton
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Métis Crossing and the Edmonton airport.Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.
Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.
If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.
Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
- Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
- Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Duration: 9 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Light
Winter in the Canadian Rockies hits different — the air’s crisper, the mountains feel bigger, and everything slows down under a thick, magical blanket of snow.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Jan 2027
Tour Operator
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
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