Canadian Rockies Northern Lights Winter Explorer
© G Adventures Inc.
9 Days Calgary to Edmonton
Winter in the Canadian Rockies hits differently — the air’s crisper, the mountains feel bigger, and everything slows under a thick, magical blanket of snow. On this nine-day adventure, you’ll explore the iconic landscapes of Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, then dive deeper into local culture at Alberta’s first and only Métis cultural interpretive centre.
Spot wildlife, learn the stories and traditions of the Métis, and watch the sky for a chance to see the Northern Lights. From snowshoeing through powdery meadows to cruising the legendary Icefields Parkway, this is winter in its purest form — wild, beautiful, uncrowded, and deeply meaningful.
Tour 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
Is this tour right for you?
Travel Style Classic. All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-those moments, all at a great price.
Service Level Standard. Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type Small Group. Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10.
Age requirement 12+ all travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
© G Adventures Inc.
Itinerary
-
Arrive in Calgary at any time. In the evening, enjoy a welcome meeting to connect with fellow travellers. An optional group dinner is available for those who’d like to get to know the group over a shared meal.
-
Begin the day with an orientation tour of Calgary, showcasing some of the city’s winter highlights such as the 1988 Winter Olympic Games site, Barb Scott Park, and the vibrant neighbourhoods of Inglewood and East Village. After some free time for lunch, travel to Banff and take a short walk to local scenic spots such as Tunnel Mountain, Bow Falls, or Vermilion Lakes. With early winter nights, the town’s main street glows with festive lights—perfect for an evening stroll and dinner at leisure.
-
Travel to Johnston Canyon this morning to walk the trail and boardwalk past frozen waterfalls and dramatic icicles, using provided crampons for safety. Return to Banff for a relaxed afternoon with time to enjoy optional activities such as a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, a soak in the Upper Hot Springs, or winter adventures like sleigh rides, skating, or snow tubing.
-
Head to Sunshine Village for a half-day snowshoeing experience through alpine meadows and forests, led by an expert local guide. After returning to the base for lunch, continue to Lake Louise. In the afternoon, take a guided walk on the Fairview Lookout Trail and enjoy free time to explore the lake, ice castle, or join optional activities such as ice skating or a sleigh ride. Overnight in Lake Louise Village.
-
Journey along the iconic Icefields Parkway, with scenic stops including Peyto Lake and (weather permitting) a walk on Abraham Lake to see the spectacular frozen methane bubbles. Enjoy an included lunch featuring local cuisine in this pristine wilderness. Continue north with stops at Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Falls, and Sunwapta Falls before arriving in Jasper for an evening at leisure.
Included: Lunch
-
Explore the Jasper area with guided hiking or snowshoeing in the morning, followed by a walk along the Mary Schaeffer Loop at Maligne Lake, known for its dramatic winter landscapes. The afternoon is free for optional experiences such as skiing at Marmot Basin, ice canyon walks, or an introduction to ice climbing. In the evening, if skies are clear, there may be a chance to see the Northern Lights.
-
Depart Jasper and stop in Edmonton for some free time before continuing to Smoky Lake. Settle in at a beautifully situated lodge overlooking the North Saskatchewan River, adjacent to the Métis Cultural Gathering Centre. In the evening, enjoy a three-course dinner featuring local, sustainably sourced ingredients. Before dinner, take part in an immersive cultural introduction led by Métis interpreters, offering insight into the history and traditions of this vibrant Indigenous community.
Included: Dinner
-
Begin the day with a guided SUV tour of the Métis Crossing Wildlife Park, home to rare heritage species such as white bison and elk. Learn about the interconnected relationships between nature, Indigenous communities, and the land. After lunch and some downtime at the lodge, choose to explore nearby trails by snowshoe or skis. In the evening, discover the significance of the night sky to the Métis people through storytelling, stargazing, and a traditional tea ceremony. With clear conditions, the Northern Lights may also make an appearance.
Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
-
Smoky Lake to Edmonton
After breakfast, transfer to Edmonton International Airport. The tour ends upon arrival. (Note: onward flights should not be booked before 2:00pm.)Included: Breakfast
Itinerary Inclusions
Hotels (6 nights), Indigenous Cultural Centre Lodge (2 nights)
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners. Allow USD330-430 for meals not included.
Private Vehicle, Snowshoeing.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, Métis Interpreter/guide while at Métis Crossing
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
Sale pricing often available. Contact us with your preferred travel dates to find out more.
Pricing Per Person
Departures 24 Jan | 07 Feb | 21 Feb 2026 from $5,059
Important Notes
If you are a solo traveller the price remains the same as above, this will require you to team up with another solo traveller. If you’d like your own room, there is a surcharge available to do so. All departures are subject to availability. Contact your travel expert for terms & conditions.
Interested in this experience? Mention this Deal Code: 1144 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.