9-Day Premium Yukon & Rockies Christmas Expedition with Northern Lights
What your day looks like
Celebrate the ultimate Canadian winter on this 9-day premium expedition that pairs the celestial magic of the Yukon with the festive wonder of the Rocky Mountains. Your journey begins with a flight to the far north for a three-night, all-inclusive stay at a secluded wilderness lodge near Whitehorse. Here, away from the glow of city lights, you’ll have the extraordinary opportunity to witness the Northern Lights dancing directly above the lodge. Days are filled with quintessential winter activities and chef-prepared, home-cooked meals, offering a cozy and intimate introduction to the rugged beauty of the Canadian North before you return to the vibrant urban energy of Vancouver. The holiday spirit continues as you travel eastward from the coast into a true Christmas wonderland. Winding through the snow-dusted landscapes of Kamloops and Salmon Arm, you’ll arrive in Banff to experience the heart of the Rockies during their most enchanting season. This leg of the journey is rich with tradition, featuring Indigenous cultural experiences and breathtaking views of frozen lakes and towering peaks. Combining serene wilderness solitude with high-altitude holiday cheer, this dual-region tour offers a comprehensive and deeply moving celebration of winter in Canada.
The experience, in brief
- Chase Northern Lights during magical Yukon Christmas adventure
- Threenight allinclusive lodge stay near Whitehorse
- Enjoy winter activities and chefprepared homecooked meals
- Overnight stay in vibrant downtown Vancouver
- Travel through Kamloops, Banff, and Salmon Arm
- Celebrate Christmas in snowy Canadian Rockies landscapes
Your day, step by step
Vancouver
Welcome to Canada! 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).
Whitehorse
Eco Tour. Yukon Wildlife 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.
Whitehorse
Accommodation.
Vancouver
Snow Mobiling at Marsh Lake. On the Ice Start your day with a buffet breakfast at the inn. Join a guided snowmobiling tour on Marsh Lake.
Whitehorse
Fishing. Fishing 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.
Whitehorse
Evening at leisure with the option to view the Northern Lights* right outside your lodge.
Vancouver
Dog Sledding. Dog sledding 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).
Whitehorse
Leisure. Staying Inn? 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.
Whitehorse
Accommodation.
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.
Vancouver
Upon arrival in Vancouver, enjoy an overnight stay at a boutique hotel.
Kamloops
Sightseeing. 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.
Kamloops
Wine Tasting. Wine up Experience a wine tasting at a local winery. Check in to your riverside accommodations in Kamloops.
Kamloops
Engage in a First Nations Cultural Talk guided by the Okanagan Indian Band, featuring stories and legends around a campfire.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Emerald Lake (British Columbia). Emerald Lake 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)
Banff
Arrive in Banff and check into your hotel downtown. Enjoy free time to explore, shop, and dine along Banff Avenue.
Banff
City/Town Tour at Bow Falls (Canada). Banff Celebrate Christmas Day in the heart of the Rockies! Begin with breakfast at your hotel. Take a guided driving tour of Banff, visiting Bow Falls, the HooDoos, Banff Springs Hotel, and more.
Banff
Leisure. 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.
Banff
Join the group for a festive Christmas dinner (included).
Banff
Accommodation.
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Emerald Lake (British Columbia). Emerald Lake Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy a scenic drive along Bow Valley Parkway where you may spot wildlife. Visit the beautiful Emerald Lake. Drive through Roger’s Pass National Historic Site. Stop at the Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Craigellachie.
Vancouver
Leisure at Shuswap Lake. Shuswap Lake Check into your boutique hotel located on Shuswap Lake. Free time to go for a walk on the lakeside boardwalk or relax in the indoor/outdoor heated pool and hot tub. There are many options for dinner this evening, including a popular restaurant located in your hotel.
Vancouver
Accommodation.
Vancouver
Thank you for visiting! Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing Salmon Arm. Enjoy some sightseeing stops on the return drive to Vancouver. Return to Canada Place in Vancouver at approximately 6:30pm
What to know before booking
Included
Roundtrip airfare to The Yukon on Air North Roundtrip delux-coach transportation Experienced and friendly tour guide (Rockies leg only) 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 Authentic Indigenous experience Traditional Canadian campfire Scenic sightseeing stops along the way All park passes
Not Included
Tips & Gratuity Lunches All but 1 dinner
What to Bring
Warm winter clothing Comfortable waterproof boots or sturdy shoes Hat Gloves Scarf Swimsuit 2 pieces of ID Sunglasses Sunscreen (recommended) Camera (wide-angle lens recommended for capturing the Northern Lights) Cash for personal use
Meeting & Pickup
Meet a DCT representative at the Air North check-in counter of the Vancouver International Airport – Domestic Terminal, 3211 Grant McConachie Wy, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4, Canada. Check in as a group.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Minimum age: 6 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business