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Highlights
Discover the beauty and unbeatable adventure in the Canadian Rocky Mountains during the winter
Visit charming mountain towns and explore the endless frozen wilderness of the national parks.
Ski downhill or cross country as much or as little as you like on this flexible itinerary.
Enjoy fewer crowds and breathtaking winter scenery as you explore Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Kananaskis.
Discover the beauty of frozen waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and endless glaciers as you drive the famous Icefields Parkway.
The spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains attract visitors from around the world in the summer, but during the winter they become a beautiful snowy playground for skiers and adventurous travellers. The Winter Rockies Self-Drive Tour is a relaxed self-driving itinerary that offers longer stays in each stop, so you can fill each day with your favourite winter activities.
This tour spends two nights each in Banff and Jasper so that you can ski, hike, and enjoy the atmosphere of these mountain villages. Then you’ll go for the drive of your life on the incredible Columbia Icefields Parkway. On your way to Yoho National Park, you can visit the incomparable Lake Louise and the unusual ice bubbles at Lake Abraham. On top of skiing and hiking, you’ll have to chance to have unique winter experiences like dog sledding, heli-snowshoeing, and trekking to icefalls. This unique road trip is the perfect way to combine exciting outdoor adventures with incredible sightseeing through the famous Rocky Mountain national parks.
The spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains attract visitors from around the world in the summer, but during the winter they become a beautiful snowy playground for skiers and adventurous travellers. The Winter Rockies Self-Drive Tour is a relaxed self-driving itinerary that offers longer stays in each stop, so you can fill each day with your favourite winter activities.
This tour spends two nights each in Banff and Jasper so that you can ski, hike, and enjoy the atmosphere of these mountain villages. Then you’ll go for the drive of your life on the incredible Columbia Icefields Parkway. On your way to Yoho National Park, you can visit the incomparable Lake Louise and the unusual ice bubbles at Lake Abraham. On top of skiing and hiking, you’ll have to chance to have unique winter experiences like dog sledding, heli-snowshoeing, and trekking to icefalls. This unique road trip is the perfect way to combine exciting outdoor adventures with incredible sightseeing through the famous Rocky Mountain national parks.
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Winter Rockies Self-Drive Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Calgary
Today your tour begins, and you can pick up your rental vehicle from the Calgary Airport when your flight arrives. Get settled at your hotel and then head out to explore the city.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Calgary
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2 Your Mountain Adventure Begins
In the morning, you’ll drive towards the mountains that have already been calling to you since you arrived in Alberta. Enjoy the beautiful winter scenery as you drive into Banff.
Spend the afternoon exploring the charming mountain village and take the cable car to the top of Sulfur Mountain for a spectacular panoramic view. End the day with a relaxing soak as you take in the views from the hot springs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Banff
Distance: 127km
Meals: None
Day 3 Skiing or Hiking in Banff
Ski enthusiasts are spoiled for choice in Banff and can spend the day on the slopes at Sunshine Village or Mount Norquay. You can also take an exciting guided excursion into Johnston Canyon and go for an ice walk to explore frozen waterfalls including the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls, known as the Cathedral of Ice during the winter months.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Banff
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 4 Drive the Famous Icefields Parkway
Continue your journey through the mountains on the spectacular Columbia Icefields Parkway. You’ll want to stop often to take in the incredible mountain views of peaks, glaciers, and frozen waterfalls on your way to Jasper. Tonight, you’ll check in for the first of two nights in Jasper.
Please note, that Icefields Parkway route is not maintained during the winter, therefore in some cases the detour might be required.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Jasper
Distance: 288km
Meals: None
Day 5 Snow and Stars in Jasper
Today you have a full day to explore the mountain town of Jasper. You can go hiking or skiing on the nearby hills or take the optional winter wildlife tour to learn how to spot local animals during the winter.
The Jasper sky is part of the Dark Sky Preserve and is an excellent place to try to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. You can visit the planetarium in the evening and observe the aurora borealis from their outdoor telescope for a night of stargazing you’ll never forget.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Jasper
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 6 Frozen Lakes and Mountains Drive
You’ll find yourself back on the magnificent Icefields Parkway today as your drive to Field. Stop at Lake Abraham to see its strange and beautiful frozen bubbles. You can opt to take a helicopter snowshoeing tour to see the area from another spectacular vantage point.
Your next stop will be at Lake Louise, where you can stop for lunch in the village and enjoy the iconic view of the lake and the mountains beyond. Then it’s on to Yoho National Park where you’ll find your lodge in Field at Emerald Lake.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Field
Distance: 263km
Meals: None
Day 7 Enjoy the Snow in Yoho National Park
The beauty of your surroundings may call you to stay at the lodge today to relax and enjoy the peaceful winter’s day at the lake. However, whether you’re in the mood for downhill skiing, xc skiing, or snowshoeing, you’re sure to find that Yoho National Park has something wonderful in store for you today.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Field
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 8 Discover the Kananaskis Valley
Drive through the snow-covered mountains to Kananaskis. On the way, you can make a final stop in Banff or visit the nearby mountain town of Canmore. When you arrive in Kananaskis, you can take a dog sledding excursion to explore the valley and look for wildlife. This is also a great ski area if you want to spend a final day on the slopes or the trails.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kananaskis
Distance: 131km
Meals: None
Day 9 Tour Ends in Calgary
Today your tour officially concludes when you return your rental vehicle to the Calgary Airport in time to catch your flight.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 117km
Meals: None
Winter Rockies Self-Drive Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided winter tour of the Rockies is run as private tour for your group only, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.Prices below are per person:
- Self-Guided Groups of 2+: from CAD1975 per person*
Accommodation on the Winter Rockies Self-Drive Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences and will welcome you with comfortable rooms.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms, including those for solo travellers, are by request and may incur an additional fee.
What’s Included in the Winter Rockies Self-Drive Tour?
Meals
There are no meals included in this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Calgary are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
This is a self-drive tour, so you’ll be provided with a rental vehicle for the duration of the itinerary.
Also Included
- Standard vehicle rental, Category B
- Canadian taxes
- 24/7 access to helpline
Not included
- Flights
- Guide
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Entrance fees to national parks
- Admission to attractions, including the Banff Hot Springs and planetarium in Jasper
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Ski and equipment rental
- Vehicle insurance
- Fuel
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy
- Optional activities or excursions:
-
- Sulfur Mountain cable car
- Banff Upper Hot Springs entry
- Ski/Snowboard equipment rental and lift tickets
- Ice walk at Johnston Canyon
- Entrance to the planetarium and telescope stargazing
- Winter wildlife tour in Jasper
- Helicopter and snowshoe tour at Abraham Lake
- Dog sledding in Kananaskis
- How hard is the Winter Rockies Self-Drive Tour?
- Is my driver’s licence valid in Canada?
- Is the vehicle insurance included?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the Winter Rockies Self-Drive Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Calgary to start this tour?
- Is the Winter Rockies Self-Drive Tour in English?
- Where does the Winter Rockies Self-Drive Tour end?
- Can I rent skis?
- Can I bring my own skis?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
- When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. This tour has a flexible itinerary that allows you to choose your hikes and ski activities so that you can tailor them to your fitness level. If you choose to ski, there are trails and runs appropriate for all skill levels, and the ski hills offer lessons that we recommend you book in advance.
Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check this source about driving with foreign license in Canada.
No, vehicle insurance is not included in the package. We strongly suggest having one for this tour to avoid liability in case there is damage caused to the vehicle. You can either book vehicle insurance during the booking process, or get one by yourself.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
There are no meals included in this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all included activities. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC), and you will pick up your rental vehicle from the airport.
This is a self-guided tour, and the route guide, maps, and programs will be supplied in English.
This tour ends at the Calgary International Airport (YYC), where you can drop off your rental vehicle.
Yes, all of the ski hills on your route offer ski equipment rental. You will be able to rent downhill skis, cross-country skis, and snowboards as well as safety equipment.
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own ski equipment, however, please be aware that your rental vehicle does not include ski racks and may not be able to easily accommodate your skis. Please discuss your options with us if you’d prefer to bring your equipment.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to the Rocky Mountains for this tour is during the winter to enjoy the freshest snow and winter activities. This tour is available from December to March.
Customer Ratings
In the two decades since Toundra Voyages Inc. was founded in 1998, the company has become North America’s go-to travel agency in customized independent and group tourism.
Tounda takes a flexible, responsive approach to developing adventure travel tours. By listening to the wants and wishes of travellers, they’ve been able to create memorable, affordable tours complemented by impeccable service.
Toundra’s mission is to create and organize tailor-made travel. They select, adapt, and personalize travel experiences in North America for each and every guest, ensuring your adventure is one you’ll never forget.
Meeting your expectations is just the beginning of what Toundra aims to accomplish. Exceeding them by providing exceptional experiences in beautiful North America is their standard, and their track record of knockout customer service and customized tour planning speaks for itself.
