Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Canadian Rockies
What if you spent Christmas in the Canadian Rockies? Proper winter wonderland vibes guaranteed. Vancouver and Banff, Kamloops Okanagan wines, Christmas celebrations and winter activities, shopping, and authentic sleigh rides. New Year in the mountains hits differently than the cities, and the Canadian Rockies do Christmas properly. Magical!
10 best christmas & new year Canadian Rockies tours
Compiled by
MelissaCanadian Rockies travel expert at TourRadar
- Yukon Northern Lights & Rockies Christmas Premium Tour
- Christmas in the Rockies 2026
- Christmas Vancouver, Banff & Rockies - 5 days
- Christmas in the Rockies 2027
- Iconic Canada: Rockies, Rails, and City Lights
- Vancouver to Banff 4 Days Rockies Lake Louise Snow adventure Tour Private
- 5-Day Canadian Rockies Private Exploration Tour
- Vancouver, Banff & Rockies Winter - 5 days
- Private Rockies Escape: 6 Days from Vancouver
- 4-Day Canadian Rockies Private Exploration Tour
Yukon Northern Lights & Rockies Christmas Premium Tour
“The itineraries for both legs of the tour (Yukon, Rockies) were great with a lot to see and do.”
Stuart, traveled in November
Three nights at Inn on the Lake near Whitehorse come before heading to Banff National Park for festive celebrations. Glide through snowy wilderness on a traditional sleigh ride in Banff, check out Lake Louise with ice skating opportunities, and have a Christmas dinner featuring local Canadian cuisine. Families with children 6+ can see UNESCO-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks while roasting marshmallows at an authentic Indigenous campfire storytelling session.
Duration 9 days Destinations Whitehorse, Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff, Emerald Lake, Glacier National Park of Canada, Craigellachie, Salmon Arm Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Discover Canada Tours From
- US$3,727
Christmas in the Rockies 2026
“Accomodation was just as amazibgbut what made it special was our tour manager Cathy.”
Jan, traveled in December
The magic of a Rocky Mountain Christmas unfolds with festive lights, traditional dinner at Fairmont Château Lake Louise, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. A former Mountie plays Santa while winter wildlife roams Jasper. Luxurious stays span three Fairmont mountain properties.
Duration 14 days Destinations Victoria, The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver, Kelowna, Jasper, Lake Louise, Sulphur Mountain, Banff, Grotto Canyon, Calgary Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
- US$11,299
Christmas in Banff includes a sleigh ride through snowy landscapes, then you head to Golden for a festive group dinner and campfire s'mores. Lake Louise's frozen surface offers ice skating, Sulphur Mountain Gondola provides wide views, and Craigellachie's Last Spike marks where the Canadian Pacific Railway finished.
Duration 5 days Destinations Vancouver, Kamloops, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park of Canada, Emerald Lake, Lake Louise, Banff, Sulphur Mountain, Golden, Craigellachie Age Range Ages 6+ Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$1,805
Duration 14 days Destinations Victoria, The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver, Sun Peaks, Jasper, Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise, Banff, Johnston Canyon, Calgary Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $11,320
8% Off- US$10,385
Duration 10 days Destinations Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Toronto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Landsby From
8% Off- US$2,642
Snow blankets the Rockies from December-March, transforming Lake Louise, Bow Falls, and Banff Hot Springs. The Banff Gondola offers winter panoramas while Rogers Pass showcases its snowy beauty.
Duration 4 days Destinations Vancouver, Kelowna, Revelstoke, Lake Louise, Banff, Golden, Kamloops, Hope Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globalduniya From
8% Off- US$4,045
5-Day Canadian Rockies Private Exploration Tour
“Vehicle is large and spacious. have fun and enjoy with my friends.”
Vijay, traveled in January
Winter enchantment fills the Rockies with festive stays near Lake Louise, seasonal activities at Banff Gondola, and holiday charm in mountain towns. Snow-covered peaks and frozen waterfalls line Icefields Parkway.
Duration 5 days Destinations Vancouver, Revelstoke, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Sun Peaks Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globalduniya From
8% Off- US$5,633
Duration 5 days Destinations Vancouver, Kamloops, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park of Canada, Emerald Lake, Lake Louise, Banff, Craigellachie, Salmon Arm Age Range Ages 6+ Operator On The Go Tours From
8% Off- US$1,930
This 6-day private tour through the Canadian Rockies starts in Vancouver and takes you to turquoise Lake Louise, Athabasca Falls, and Columbia Icefield Skywalk. You'll drive the Icefields Parkway with stops at Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint and Bow Lake, staying in 3-4 star spots in Revelstoke, Banff, and Whistler.
Duration 6 days Destinations Vancouver, Kelowna, Revelstoke, Golden, Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper National Park, Jasper, Valemount, Sun PeaksSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globalduniya From
8% Off- US$6,452
Snow-covered peaks of the Canadian Rockies shine brightest during December-January peak season. The wintry landscape showcases Crowfoot Glacier, frozen Athabasca Falls, while Banff and Lake Louise sparkle with holiday cheer.
Duration 4 days Destinations Vancouver, Merritt, Kelowna, Revelstoke, Golden, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper, Muncho LakeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globalduniya From
8% Off- US$3,931
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Canadian Rockies
- Rockies Premium Christmas Tour
A very wonderful experience. Everything was on time and very well organized. The tour guide, Ryan was very knowledgeable and friendly. I will recommend this tour to all my friends.
- Yukon Northern Lights & Rockies Christmas Premium Tour
We're a family of four (with two adult children) from Australia. The itineraries for both legs of the tour (Yukon, Rockies) were great with a lot to see and do. Both legs of the tour were very well organized and hassle free. We added a few optional activities in Banff (Canyon Walk and Gondola) and are very glad we did. Needless to say the sights were spectacular. The hotels we stayed at were all very good. The guide (Ryan) and coach driver (Brian) on the Rockies leg were fantastic. The coach was very comfortable and smooth. The tour group was very nice. There was no DCT guide on the Yukon leg but instead we were very well looked after by the staff at the Inn on the Lake (Marsh Lake, near Whitehorse), including Carson, Emma, Yosser and Zoe. We thoroughly recommend these tours.
- The Twelve Days of Christmas Vancouver → Calgary (2026)
Overall the tour was well.planned and places we visited were beautiful. The accommodation was first class but the quality of the food was poor given the reputation of Fairmont Hotels being exclusive. It was the only disappointing aspect.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Canadian Rockies
What makes Christmas & New Year in the Canadian Rockies special?
During the holiday season the Canadian Rockies offer a classic winter setting with snow-covered peaks and festive celebrations throughout the region. Visitors can join traditional Christmas dinners at historic properties like the Fairmont Banff Springs and explore holiday light displays including the decorated Butchart Gardens. A TourRadar traveler noted "Absolutely amazing experience spending Christmas in Banff surrounded by snow-capped mountains and festive decorations at the Fairmont castle."
How cold does it get during Christmas & New Year in the Canadian Rockies?
Winter temperatures in the Canadian Rockies range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F) in December and January. The temperature can drop below -20°C (-4°F) on some days but the dry mountain air makes the cold feel less intense. Most accommodations including the Fairmont properties provide warm shelter with heating and fireplaces. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Despite the cold temperatures the winter wonderland setting and well-heated accommodations made our Christmas stay incredibly comfortable."
What kind of winter activities are available during Christmas & New Year in the Canadian Rockies?
The Canadian Rockies present numerous winter activities for visitors. The Paint Pots Trail in Kootenay National Park offers snowshoeing while Johnston Canyon features ice walk tours through frozen waterfalls. Lake Louise Ski Resort provides over 100 runs for skiers. Guests can spot wildlife along Bow Valley Parkway relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs or take in mountain views from the Banff Gondola. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The Johnston Canyon ice walk was breathtaking with its frozen waterfalls and staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge made the New Year celebration unforgettable."
Which hotels offer the best Christmas & New Year celebrations in the Canadian Rockies?
The Fairmont hotels stand out for their holiday celebrations. The Fairmont Banff Springs known as the "Castle in the Rockies" hosts traditional Christmas events and New Year's galas. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise specializes in holiday teas and seasonal dining while Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge features winter activities and holiday decor. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Spending Christmas at the Fairmont Banff Springs was like being in a fairy tale with its stunning decorations and special holiday events."
What's special about celebrating New Year's Eve in the Canadian Rockies?
New Year's Eve celebrations in the Canadian Rockies blend elegant events with natural beauty. The Fairmont Banff Springs presents a formal gala dinner and countdown while downtown Banff comes alive with street celebrations and fireworks displays. Jasper designated as the world's second largest Dark Sky Preserve often treats visitors to Northern Lights viewing during New Year festivities. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Watching fireworks over the Rockies at midnight from the Banff Springs Hotel's terrace was an unforgettable New Year's experience."
What are the most scenic winter photo spots for Christmas & New Year in the Canadian Rockies?
Winter photography locations abound in the Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise showcases its ice castle and skating rink while Surprise Corner offers views of the snow-draped Fairmont Banff Springs. Johnston Canyon displays frozen waterfalls and the Icefields Parkway connects Banff to Jasper with winter scenes. Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park presents untouched snowy vistas. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The view of the ice castle at Lake Louise on Christmas Eve was absolutely magical with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise lit up in the background."