8 Days/7 Nights

Canadian Rockies—Christmas in November

All aboard for an early Yuletide celebration in the majestic Canadian Rockies! You’ll savor the holiday spirit as top entertaining and decorating experts show you how to make this year’s family gatherings the best ever. Enjoy breathtaking scenery…luxurious railway adventure…and an unforgettable stay in fabled Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge!

Tour Highlights

• Marvel at spectacular scenery—soaring, snow-covered peaks, crystal-clear lakes and more!
• Enjoy four nights at the fabled Jasper Park Lodge and partake in their holiday festivities.
• Travel aboard the legendary Canadian, North America’s most historic train.
• Stay one night at historic Banff Springs Hotel, Canada’s “castle” in the Rockies.

Itinerary

Day 1—Calgary: We begin our Christmas in November adventure today in glorious Calgary, located in the foothills of the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Meet your fellow travelers in a friendly get-together this evening. Meals included: Welcome Reception.

Day 2—Calgary/Banff: Start today with a guided tour of this delightful city, including the tree-lined Stephen Avenue Mall, the majestic Calgary Tower and the colorful Eau Claire indoor market. This afternoon we’ll transfer to Banff and enjoy a brief orientation tour. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you like. Meals included: B, L.

Day 3—Chateau Lake Louise/Columbia Icefields Parkway/Jasper: This morning we’ll explore the beauty of the area viewing snowcapped mountains, towering rock walls and pristine glacial lakes. Savor a delectable meal overlooking Victoria Glacier and ­spectacular mountain scenery at the century-old Chateau Lake Louise.

After brunch we’ll depart for Jasper National Park, traveling along the beautiful Columbia Icefields Parkway. The glacial scenery will astound you. Plus, you’ll see amazing wildlife—travelers often spot mountain goats, big-horn sheep and elk!

Later this afternoon we’ll arrive at the renowned Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, located on 903 acres of pristine wilderness in the heart of the majestic Canadian Rockies nestled along the beautiful shores of scenic Lac Beauvert.

A popular haven for the rich and famous, royalty and movie stars, the elegant Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge had humble beginnings as a camp with just a few simple tents in 1915. In 1922, the new Canadian National Railway took over the tent encampment and opened Jasper Park Lodge.

Today this spectacular alpine resort consists of cedar chalets and heritage log cabins with 446 rooms connected by picturesque pathways. In the center of the village is the magnificent mountain lodge where we’ll enjoy a festive reception to kick off our Christmas in November program. Meals included: Brunch, D.

Day 4—Christmas in November Events: Get ready for several days of holiday fun and fascinating demonstrations. More than a dozen of Canada’s finest chefs, home entertaining experts and decorators will inspire you with creative ideas to use in your own celebrations!

You’ll have a variety of seminars to choose from during your stay. Talented guest presenters demonstrate how to fashion awe-inspiring and beautiful holiday arrangements that you can re-create in your own home.

Hands-on craft classes show you how to make fresh and exciting holiday decorations and creations that you can take back home with you.

Plus, you’ll get practical advice from some of North America’s best-loved interior decorators to help you prepare for the upcoming Christmas season, such as simple lighting ideas and quick-and-easy ways to add festive colors and decor all around your house.

Later, tour the delightfully bedecked holiday cottages. Then you’ll have time to enjoy Jasper Park Lodge’s many luxurious amenities. Visit the spa, take a refreshing swim in the pool, savor a massage—or simply relax by a crackling fire. Meals included: B, L, D.

Day 5—Christmas in November Events: The festivities continue today with more entertaining demonstrations to give you ideas on how to create your own exquisite holiday gifts and crowd-pleasing cuisine at home.

This afternoon, stroll through a winter wonderland on easy walking trails, do some early holiday shopping or just unwind with a good book by the warm and cozy fireplace.

This evening you’ll be among the guests of honor at our delicious gala Christmas dinner featuring fabulous Fairmont cuisine and dazzling desserts. Meals included: B, L, D.

Day 6—Jasper: Our Christmas in November events may be drawing to a close—but not the festivities! Attend your final holiday demonstration, then join us for a fun-filled Holiday Celebration Brunch, complete with fabulous food and door prizes. Afterward, enjoy the rest of the day to spend as you please. Meals included: B, Brunch.

Day 7—Jasper/VIA Rail’s Canadian: Today you’ll see Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, a pair of sparkling glacial gems in the shadow of soaring Pyramid Mountain.

Later this afternoon, we’ll board the Canadian for our relaxing return trip. We’ll enjoy an award-winning dinner in the dining car as the train heads west through the heart of the beautiful and breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Meals included: B, D.

Day 8—Vancouver: We’ll arrive in Vancouver shortly after breakfast. You’ll be rested and ready for the holidays, with lovely mountain memories and a treasure trove of new ideas for delighting your family and friends this Christmas! Meals included: B.

Accommodations

• Day 1: International Hotel & Suites, Calgary
• Day 2: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff
• Days 3-6: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper
• Day 7: VIA’s Canadian (train)
• Post-Tour: Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver