Winter Phenomena – Ice Bubbles to Aurora

Transfer from Calgary into Banff National Park, to the picturesque village of Lake Louise, and check into your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore, or perhaps hire some skates and go ice skating on the frozen lake.

Strap in for an inspiring winter adventure combining a heli-tour over the Canadian Rockies, winter wonderland activities, and a hands-on photo walk exploring a natural phenomenon!

Take flight on a heli-experience offering front-row views of the surrounding glaciers and untouched snow-covered landscapes. Once on land, embrace the magic of Canadian winter with a scenic snowshoe tour before warming up with a hot chocolate.

Enjoy a hearty Canadian lunch complete with Maple Snow Toffee before your adventure takes you to Abraham Lake to see the famous ice bubbles. This stunning, wide-open lake completely freezes over in the winter and in the process traps methane gas underneath the ice creating a spectacular visual display! The gas bubbles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, trapped at many levels in layers of ice as it forms at the different temperatures.

Capture this natural wonder through your lens with a guided bubbles photo-safari and experience first-hand the solitude and magic of the Canadian Rockies in the wintertime. (L)

It’s time to leave the lake behind and transfer into the lively mountain town of Banff. Take a stroll down Banff Avenue, or perhaps head up for a soak in the Upper Hot Springs or ride the Banff Gondola at your leisure.

Today is all about the wildlife that calls Banff National Park home. Visit Banff’s landmarks and view local wildlife in their natural winter habitat on a guided small-group excursion. See and learn about wildlife behavior, habitat, and their winter survival adaptations.

Take a tour to Johnstone Canyon, where you will walk on steel pathways built into the canyon walls for an airy view of the canyon below. This popular walk will lead you past the lower falls and to the breathtaking upper icefalls.

Take a morning shuttle transfer to Calgary for your flight north.

Arrive in the city of Yellowknife, which is located directly beneath the auroral oval, and transfer to your hotel. Settle in, then don your winter clothing and head to Aurora Village for the first chance to witness the Northern Lights.

Warm up in a picturesque teepee glowing in the night, wood fire stove burning, heated seats, and choose from a delicious selection of hot beverages. Situated around the village on high ground and away from the lights of the city, the view of the Aurora is unsurpassed.

Today is a day of adventure! After being picked up at your hotel mid-day, embark on a guided dogsledding excursion. Board a traditional sled towed by an enthusiastic dog team for an exciting ride over the frozen lake and through the wooded trails.

Afterward, strap on your snowshoes for a guided walk along the local trails where your guide reveals how the indigenous people of the area used the flora and fauna to survive this harsh climate. An afternoon of fun on a giant ice slide and roasting marshmallows completes the daytime activities before nightfall and your second evening of Aurora viewing. (D)

Today you are picked up at your hotel in the afternoon for your tour exploring the historically and culturally vibrant city of Yellowknife! Your guided tour reveals its early beginnings where the "streets were paved with gold", to its deeply rooted Aboriginal culture. See the Legislative Assembly, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center, as well as a scenic drive through downtown, Old Town, and onto a drive on the frozen Ice Road! An evening of Aurora viewing caps off a perfect day.

Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to continue your onward journey.