YUKON & ROCKIES CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PREMIUM
Overview
Soak in the magic of Christmas on this 9-day journey that combines the stunning Northern Lights* of the Yukon with a Christmas wonderland in the Canadian Rockies. Travel by air to The Yukon Territory and enjoy a 3-night, all-inclusive stay at a remote lodge near Whitehorse. Enjoy Northern Lights viewing* directly from the lodge, an array of winter activities, and home-cooked meals by the inn’s chef.
Return to downtown Vancouver and relax for 1 night at a boutique hotel before continuing to the Canadian Rocky Mountains for a festive adventure. Stay in Kamloops, Banff, and Golden, and experience an authentic Canadian winter with Indigenous cultural experiences, breathtaking snowy landscapes, and a sleigh-ride in Banff! This combo tour perfectly blends serene wilderness with holiday magic for a Christmas season you will never forget.
This Combo Tour package deal includes the full Yukon Northern Lights Holiday Premium and Rockies Christmas Premium itineraries at a reduced rate, as well as a night in Vancouver on December 22, 2024.
Itinerary
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or road closures.
Vancouver to Whitehorse
- Meet a DCT representative at the Air North check-in counter of the Vancouver International Airport – Domestic Terminal. Check in as a group
- Depart for Whitehorse by air, with complimentary snacks during the flight
- Upon arrival, be greeted by a representative from Inn on the Lake and enjoy a Whitehorse city tour (may be scheduled for Day 4 depending on flight times)
- Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve for a guided tour, with opportunities to see and photograph local wildlife
- Check in at your lodge and receive your arctic winter clothing rental
- Savor a gourmet group dinner at the lodge
- Optional late-night/early-morning Northern Lights viewing*
Photos courtesy of ©Gov’t of Yukon
Yukon Adventures
- Start your day with a buffet breakfast at the inn
- Join a guided snowmobiling tour on Marsh Lake
- Experience an ice fishing demonstration followed by a campfire lunch in a scenic mountain setting
- Return to the inn for a family-style gourmet dinner
- Enjoy free time to relax in the lodge’s outdoor hot tub
- Evening at leisure with the option to view the Northern Lights* right outside your lodge
Photos courtesy of ©Gov’t of Yukon
Yukon Adventures
- Begin your day with a buffet breakfast at the accommodation
- Guests who have pre-booked the traditional dog sledding tour will depart after breakfast with a packed lunch (advance booking required due to limited availability)
- For those staying at the inn, enjoy a free day with options like snowshoeing, fat biking, or simply relaxing at the lodge
- Gather for a home-cooked group dinner in the evening
- Free time to unwind and seize your final opportunity to view the Northern Lights*
Northern Lights photo courtesy of ©Gov’t of Yukon – Dan Carr
Whitehorse to Vancouver
- Have a buffet breakfast at your accommodation
- Pack up and depart the inn for Whitehorse Airport
- Catch an early afternoon flight back to Vancouver
- Upon arrival in Vancouver, enjoy an overnight stay at a boutique hotel
*Photo courtesy of ©Destination Vancouver & Avision Photography – Chris Collacott
Vancouver to Kamloops
- Meet your tour guide and depart Vancouver in the morning
- Journey into the mountains, learning about the highways and valleys you pass through
- Enjoy stunning sights along the way, including the Coquihalla Highway and Canada’s only desert in the Okanagan
- Stop in Kamloops for lunch at leisure
- Experience a wine tasting at a local winery
- Check in to your riverside accommodations in Kamloops
- Engage in a First Nations Cultural Talk guided by the Okanagan Indian Band, featuring stories and legends around a campfire
Kamloops to Banff
- Start with breakfast at your hotel
- Depart Kamloops for Banff, admiring the snow-capped peaks of Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park
- Stop at Roger’s Pass National Historic Site
- Visit the famous Emerald Lake, covered by a blanket of snow
- Explore Lake Louise with an optional ice skating activity (seasonal)
- Arrive in Banff and check into your hotel downtown
- Enjoy free time to explore, shop, and dine along Banff Avenue
*Photos courtesy of ©Travel Alberta – Gerard Yunker and ©Banff & Lake Louise Tourism – Paul Zizka
Banff
- Celebrate Christmas Day in the heart of the Rockies!
- Begin with breakfast at your hotel
- Enjoy a scenic sleigh ride through a winter wonderland (included)
- Take a guided driving tour of Banff, visiting Bow Falls, the HooDoos, Banff Springs Hotel, and more
- Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own or opt for additional activities (additional cost), such as the Banff Gondola or winter adventures like ice walking or skiing/snowboarding at Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Join the group for a festive Christmas dinner (included)
*Photo courtesy of ©Travel Alberta
Banff to Golden
- Start your day with breakfast at your hotel
- Choose to ski or snowboard at Lake Louise Mountain Resort, engage in other winter activities, or enjoy a leisurely day in Banff
- Depart for Golden in the afternoon
- Check into your hotel and enjoy free time for dinner and exploring the hotel amenities
- Optionally, join your guide for a campfire and marshmallow roast, and learn how to make s’mores!
*Photo courtesy of ©Travel Alberta – Stevin Tuchiwsky
Golden to Vancouver
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing Golden
- Visit the Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Craigellachie
- Enjoy onboard entertainment provided by your tour guide
- Arrive back at Canada Place in Vancouver around 7:30 pm
FAQs
What weather conditions should I expect during this tour?
Due to the amount of distance and diverse landscapes covered on this tour, the weather can vary significantly. Prepare for cold weather by dressing in layers and ensuring you have appropriate winter gear.
In the Yukon leg of the tour, expect cold temperatures, often ranging from -10°C to -25°C (14°F to -13°F), with potential snow. Warm, layered clothing is essential to stay comfortable.
During the Canadian Rockies leg, temperatures are chilly, often ranging from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F). Snow is common, and conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
How do I prepare for the Northern Lights viewing?
Here are some tips to see and capture the Aurora Borealis:
- Warm Clothing: Layer your clothing to stay warm. Essential items include thermal layers, a high-quality winter jacket, and insulated gloves and boots. You can borrow additional winter gear from the inn, free of charge.
- Camera Gear: If you want to capture the Northern Lights, a DSLR camera with adjustable shutter speed and a tripod are recommended. A wide-angle lens will help you get the best shots of the Auroras.
- Timing: The best viewing time is usually late at night or early in the morning, when the skies are darkest.
- Location: You’ll be in a prime spot for viewing the auroras, away from city lights and light pollution. For best results, you can step out of the lodge into Marsh Lake.
What is the level of physical activity required for this tour?
All of our tours are designed to cater to a wide range of physical activity levels. Most days include moderate physical activity, such as walking to explore town areas, or optional snowshoeing.
Some optional activities, like skiing/snowboarding, and ice skating, require a higher level of physical effort. For any activities included in the tour that you are not comfortable participating in, you can choose to stay at your accommodations to relax.
Is travel insurance required for this tour?
While travel insurance is not mandatory, we strongly advise it for your protection. It covers unforeseen circumstances like flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
We offer different travel insurance options to fit your needs through our parent company, Uniglobe Specialty Trvael. Please fill out this form or contact us, and we can assist with booking it for you as part of your tour package.
This Combo Tour includes the Yukon Northern Lights Holiday Premium and Rockies Christmas Premium tours at special rates + a 1-night stay in downtown Vancouver on December 22, 2024.
Combo Package Deal: Save $500 CAD¹!
Duration
Size
Price
Single Room
Highlights
- Experience the world’s best locations to view the Northern Lights with optimal conditions
- Engage in authentic Canadian winter activities such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling inThe Yukon
- Immerse in the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies, with snowy landscapes and frozen lakes
- Enjoy a 2-night stay in Banff, the heart of the Rockies, with ample free time to explore the town and its festive offerings
- Celebrate Christmas with an authentic sleigh ride through winter wonderland, optional adventures, and a Christmas dinner
Inclusions
8 nights hotel accommodations- Roundtrip airfare to The Yukon on Air North
- Roundtrip mini-coach transportation from Vancouver to the Rockies
- Experienced and friendly tour guide (Rockies leg only)
- All home-cooked meals (Yukon leg) + 5 breakfasts and 1 Christmas dinner (Rockies leg)
- Admission and tour of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve
Guided snowmobiling tour & ice fishing demonstration- Sightseeing tours in Whitehorse and Banff
- A chance to see the Northern Lights in The Yukon
- Winter clothing, snowshoes and fat bikes rentals in The Yukon
- Sleigh ride through winter wonderland
- Wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley
- Authentic Indigenous experience: storytelling around a campfire
- Traditional Canadian campfires & s'mores
- Scenic sightseeing stops along the way
- All park passes
- Discounts on optional activities if you book in advance
8 nights hotel accommodations
Experienced and friendly tour guide (Rockies leg only)
Scenic sightseeing stops along the way
All park passes
Discounts on optional activities if you book in advanceWhat to Bring:
- Warm winter clothing, including layers, thermal wear, and a good winter jacket
- Comfortable waterproof boots or sturdy shoes suitable for snow and cold weather
- Hat, gloves, and a scarf
- Swimsuit for hotel amenities and hot tub
- 2 pieces of ID
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (recommended)
- Camera (wide-angle lens recommended for capturing the Northern Lights)
- Christmas Spirit!
Optional Add Ons
We highly recommend booking your optional activities in advance to get the best rates (subject to availability). You can add them online at the time of booking or after you get your confirmation email. You can also contact us directly and we will book them for you. Availability on tour is very limited.
