100% customisable travel idea

Winter in the Canadian Rockies Snowshoeing, Sledding and Hot Springs

Canada - Alberta - Calgary - The Rocky Mountains

The Snow-Covered West

From $4300 to $5700 per person for 10 days Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Itinerary highlights

  • After Calgary, settle in for winter in Banff and explore the snow-covered Rockies with spectacular panoramic views at every stop
  • The charm of a cosy lodge surrounded by mountains, with the added bonus of a sauna and heated rooftop pool
  • Relax in the hot springs, take a nighttime hike or go snowshoeing or dog sledding: It’s all planned out!
  • Direct flights, carbon absorption, rental car, Concierge service: the extra Voyageurs touch
In summer, the turquoise lakes and dense forests easily attract nature lovers seeking spectacular scenery. But when winter comes, the mountains and valleys, engulfed by sub-zero temperatures, are covered with a thick blanket of snow. While this harsh climate may deter those tourists most sensitive to the cold, it actually presents an opportunity: For anyone visiting between December and April, they have the privilege of discovering unspoilt landscapes without the usual crowds, as well as a delightfully family-friendly atmosphere. The journey begins in Calgary, the largest city in Alberta. Behind the skyscrapers and contemporary feel, the city retains a decidedly country soul, a vestige of the era of the conquest of the West. From its tallest tower, the view of the Rockies is absolutely breathtaking. The call of the great wilderness is soon felt. The road leads on to Banff National Park. Nestled among the mountains, life in the eponymous town moves at the tranquil pace of winter. In January, Banff Snow Days transform the town into a living museum of snow and ice sculptures. Scheduled for your stay… No skiing or snowmobiling, but truly immersive activities: a special encounter with wolfdogs, a relaxing time in the Banff hot springs, a snowshoe walk, a nighttime hike, another hike along the Johnston Canyon trail and a dog sledding excursion through Kananaskis Valley. What an incredible programme! Which, if you wish, can of course be adapted to suit your preferences. The rest of the time, you are free to explore the Rockies at your leisure and, why not, try your hand at ice skating or hockey… The Canadian winter truly delivers on all its promises of outdoor excitement.

Your Trip

To make your adventure as enjoyable as possible, we take care of all the logistics. Starting with transport, we book direct flights for you, as well as a hire car suitable for winter weather, promising freedom and flexibility throughout your trip. Since it is important to choose the right accommodation when the weather outside is harsh, we have selected two beautiful locations that are comfortable and in keeping with the spirit of the place. In Calgary, you’ll stay in a modern hotel in a neighbourhood undergoing a kind of revival. In Banff, a cosy, centrally located lodge nestled among the mountains awaits you - you’ll feel right at home in no time. Although your programme already includes a number of exciting activities, the final decision is yours. For example, you could add tickets for the Calgary Tower or the city’s standout museums, a helicopter flight over Abraham Lake or a tour of the lake via the scenic Icefields Parkway… And if, during your trip, you have any sudden ideas or desires, or experience any minor setbacks, you will have the contact details of our on-site Concierge, who will be happy to assist you. An unstructured journey makes perfect sense in this vast snow-covered playground.
Canada © Grant Harder
Canada © Grant Harder
Alberta - Canada © Josh Duke/Unsplash
Alberta - Canada © Josh Duke/Unsplash
raquette - France © Yann Allegre / Unsplash.com
raquette - France © Yann Allegre / Unsplash.com
Alberta - Canada © dragana991/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Alberta - Canada © dragana991/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Calgary - Alberta - Canada © Getty Images
Calgary - Alberta - Canada © Getty Images
Calgary - Alberta - Canada © Ryunosuke Kikuno / Unsplash.com
Calgary - Alberta - Canada © Ryunosuke Kikuno / Unsplash.com
Alberta - Canada © Tom Du Bois / Pexels.com
Alberta - Canada © Tom Du Bois / Pexels.com
Parc national de Banff - Alberta - Canada © Un Cercle
Parc national de Banff - Alberta - Canada © Un Cercle
Parc National de Banff - Alberta - Canada © Priscilla du Preez / Unsplash.com
Parc National de Banff - Alberta - Canada © Priscilla du Preez / Unsplash.com
Calgary - Alberta - Canada © Getty Images
Calgary - Alberta - Canada © Getty Images
Calgary - Alberta - Canada © Blake Guidry / Unsplash.com
Calgary - Alberta - Canada © Blake Guidry / Unsplash.com
Parc national de Banff - Canada © surangaw/stock.adobe.com
Parc national de Banff - Canada © surangaw/stock.adobe.com

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

On arrival, collect your rental car and settle in for two nights in the lively East Village, just a few minutes from downtown. Inside, the hotel has a young, creative feel. Rooms are warm and well-appointed - perfect for recovering after a long flight. At the breakfast table, there is plenty to set you up for a day in the city or its surroundings.

Calgary is a city of skyscrapers - modern, yet deeply rooted in cowboy culture, hence its nickname “Cowtown”. The Wild West spirit still resonates here, shaped by a past built on cattle trading. The city later channelled that energy into hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics, cementing its place among Canada’s most dynamic metropolises. To truly appreciate it at its best, make sure you head up to Scotsman’s Hill at dawn or dusk. And if the cold gets too much, you can seek shelter in the Glenbow Museum - the largest museum in Western Canada - delves into the fascinating history of the region and its Indigenous peoples, all in the warmth. To truly experience Calgary like a local, catch a Flames game — a passion that borders on religion and sends the city into a frenzy as sticks clash on the ice. Steadfast on the horizon, snow-capped mountains remind you that the great adventures of central Canada begin here - and hint at what’s to come, without giving too much away.
Optional -
Tickets for the Calgary Tower.

Drive to Banff.
Planned along the way - Meeting wolfdogs at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. This sanctuary rescues wolfdogs and gives its four-legged residents spacious enclosures where they can roam freely. Visits are designed to allow visitors to approach them respectfully and aim to raise awareness of these animals, often abandoned by their owners in the region. Each admission also supports the rescue efforts set up by the charity. 

On arrival in Banff, check in for a six-night stay in a stone-and-wood lodge. The carefully designed rooms evoke the warmth of alpine chalets, with a real crackling fireplace - a welcome treat on long winter evenings. Italian cooking takes pride of place: wholesome, flavoursome, and built around local produce. Sauna, massages and heated rooftop pools take care of body and mind. 

The small town of Banff blends the elegance of an upmarket resort with the raw beauty of its natural surroundings. Here, people learn to ski almost before they can walk, and the famous hot springs are tempting to all. Nearby, Lake Minnewanka reflects the surrounding peaks in a vision that's worth the trip on its own. As evening falls, head to the bar of the Banff Springs Hotel - a true 19th-century architectural gem - for a drink in an atmosphere steeped in historic elegance.
Already included - your tickets for the Upper Hot Springs. The only hot-springs pool within Banff National Park, visitors have been coming here for over a century to unwind in its naturally warm, mineral-rich water. A tradition not to be missed. 

In your itinerary - Snowshoe walk through the Rockies. Accompanied by a local expert, strap on your snowshoes and head out for a bracing walk. Along the way, your guide shares captivating anecdotes as pristine mountain landscapes slowly unfurl around you. With relatively flat terrain, the route is ideal for a first introduction to this regional activity. 
Optional - A day exploring Lake Abraham and its ice bubbles; a helicopter flight over the lake followed by a snowshoe hike.


See and do - Hire ice skates and glide across beautiful outdoor skating rinks, such as the Vermillion, Two Jack and Johnson lakes; grab a hockey stick and organise a friendly match; rent cross-country skis and head out on the many trails around Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore
Already included - Night-time walk in the Rockies
. Exploring the Canadian Rockies by day is an experience in itself, with snow-covered landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. But when night falls, the magic takes on an entirely different dimension. Under a seemingly endless starry sky, snow reflects the moonlight, deep silence settles over the mountains, and darkness lends the landscape an almost otherworldly charm. This easy walk lets you fully enjoy the spectacle.

Already included - Hike in Johnston Canyon. In the heart of Banff National Park, the canyon trail stretches for nearly three miles (five km) through conifer forest, where suspended walkways lead to the impressive Lower and Upper Falls. In winter, the canyon wears a superb white cloak and the waterfalls freeze into a fairytale tableau.
Optional - Admission to the Buffalo Nations Museum, dedicated to the history and culture of the Plains peoples of North America and the crucial role of the bison; or the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, focused on preserving and promoting the Rockies’ history, culture and art.

In your itinerary - Dog sledding in the Kananaskis Valley. A pioneer of dog-sled activities in the region, this family-run business always puts the well-being of the dogs at the heart of its ethics. This is far more than a simple ride: the reins are handed to you - it’s your job to lead the pack! The feeling of freedom is intoxicating, as is gliding over fresh powder in almost complete silence. Along the way, a friendly lunch around a campfire gives you the chance to chat and share your impressions with the mushers.

Drive back to Calgary, return the vehicle and take your direct return flight. Night on board, arrival the next day.

À la carte

This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.

Calgary Tower

191 metres high, 55 floors, 762 steps… Calgary Tower stands proud as the city’s iconic landmark. In 1988, it even had the honour of hosting the Olympic flame. From the top, the observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, the snow-capped Rockies can be seen on the horizon. And for thrill-seekers, a glass floor lets you walk above the city and enjoy a dizzying view of the streets below.

Abraham Lake and its Ice Bubbles

Abraham Lake is home to an astonishing natural phenomenon: Methane bubbles, born from decomposing plants, freeze at various depths beneath the ice and are a stunning sight to behold. From Banff, you’ll set off on a scenic SUV drive along the spectacular Icefields Parkway before continuing on foot to the lake, accompanied by a guide. This is the perfect opportunity to observe these mysterious landscapes up close.

Helicopter Flight Over Abraham Lake and Snowshoe Hike

A helicopter ride over Abraham Lake and the neighbouring glaciers unveils new perspectives on this astonishing natural phenomenon and the snow-covered landscapes. After this spectacular aerial display, it’s time to put on your snowshoes for an hour-long hike through the heart of the frozen landscape.

Why visit Canada with Voyageurs du monde?

Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)

Let us create your trip

A few of the advantages of travelling with us to Canada

  • Globally unique concierge service
  • Wi-Fi: 1 GB/day included
  • Gourmet Voyageurs
  • Adjust your trip while travelling
  • 24-hour assistance
  • CO2 absorption

You might also like

Estimated budget

Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Trip available from December to April.

The estimated budget for this trip is $4,300 to $5,700 per person.

A fixed price is rarely applicable to a bespoke journey. The final cost depends on various factors, such as the level of service, travel dates, and booking lead times. The only definitive price will be the one provided in your personalized proposal.

The average price for this trip is $4,800 per person


Included in this suggestion

  • Direct international flight with a scheduled airline
  • Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Carbon absorption contribution for your trip's CO2 emissions through reforestation projects (via our Philippe Romero Insolite Bâtisseur Foundation)
  • Car rental for nine days
  • Two nights in Calgary, in a double room (accommodation only)
  • Six nights in Banff, in a double room (accommodation only)
  • Meet wolfdogs at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
  • Admission to Banff Hot Springs
  • Snowshoe hike in the Rockies with private guide
  • Nighttime hike in the Rockies with private guide
  • A hike in Johnston Canyon with private guide
  • Dog sledding in Kananaskis Valley
  • Our on-site Concierge service
  • Wi-Fi access during your trip: an international mini router or eSIM allowing you to connect your various devices (phones, tablets, computers)
  • A travel booklet with useful information (your day-by-day itinerary, hotel contact details, a personalized selection of our recommendations, etc.)
  • Our recommendations and reservations at selected restaurants
Ref:1720111
The Voyageurs du Monde spirit

Travel with complete freedom, guided by your interests,
ideas and passions.

Wherever you want

250 travel specialists, organised by country and region. Driven by a passion for beauty and never short of ideas, they inspire you and design an ultra-personalised journey: itineraries, accommodation, workshops, encounters, and more.

Whenever you want

Always at your service: with a dedicated travel specialist, Concierge service and 24/7 assistance, our teams support you and adapt in real time, for a trip that is both flexible and expertly supported.

However you want

With family, as a couple, in a group of ten, on a road trip, by train, by boat, for a weekend or a round-the-world journey... Trips tailored to your preferences, enhanced by clever services, for ever smoother travel.