Snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes and forests of pine in a dusting of white: such are the sights that await those exploring the Rocky Mountains this winter. And for those keen to do so in style, Bon Voyage offers a new luxury eight-day experience with one night aboard VIA Rail’s luxurious Canadian train.
With its vintage 1950s railcars transformed into concierge-serviced Prestige Class cabins, one night on the train is combined with six-nights in luxury Fairmont Hotels, for a journey through the Canadian wilderness that reinvents rail travel’s golden age.
Better known simply as the Snow Train, Canadian is perfectly suited to wintry sightseeing. Its Dome Car offers panoramic views of the surrounding scenery, while the bar and lounge provide a convivial space for mingling with other passengers. The Prestige cabins are equipped with double beds and showers to ensure that the night spent onboard is elegant and comfortable. Better still, the package is complemented with overnights at legendary Fairmont Hotels in such prestigious spots as Jasper, Banff and gorgeous Lake Louise.
The journey begins in Vancouver before crossing the border into Alberta and a daylight train journey through the Rockies to the wilds of Jasper. Between Jasper and Lake Louise take a scenic drive on the famous Icefields Parkway via glaciers and frozen waterfalls and on to Banff National Parks. The package also included exceptional excursions such as an “ice walk” into Maligne Canyon, one of Jasper’s most impressive winter attractions. Other highlights include a birds-eye view of Banff National Park from a helicopter ride plus one-hour snowshoeing and picnic.
In Banff, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride along the shores of Lake Louise, then ride a gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for jaw-dropping views. Finally, warm up in the naturally balmy mineral waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs before a private transfer to journey’s end in the cowboy town of Calgary – just ranked as the fifth most liveable city in the world.
Bon Voyage, the North America travel specialist, can package one-night on the Snow Train (including dinner and breakfast) with six-nights’ accommodation (room only) in Fairmont Hotels, flights from either London, Manchester or Glasgow, private transfers throughout and activities as stated, to create an eight-day holiday costing from £4,995 per person.
Available between Vancouver and Calgary on specific days of the week from November 2019 to April 2020. For more information and to book, call 0800 316 0194 or visit bon-voyage.co.uk.
