Enchanting Christmas

Get ready to delve into a world of glistening snowy landscapes, frozen lakes and icefalls, twinkling Christmas lights and festive cheer on a Winter Wonderland journey. On arrival in Vancouver, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After settling in to your room, this evening you’ll enjoy the opportunity to meet your fellow guests and APT Tour Director at a Welcome Dinner.

Stay: Vancouver, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel

• Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit The Butchart Gardens to marvel at the incredible Magic of Christmas lights display. This world-famous floral exhibit attracts over a million visitors each year. Embrace the magic of Christmas as you walk through the fairytale gardens with each of the Twelve Days of Christmas set out in lights. As you wander through the twinkling displays, see if you can spot the Partridge in a Pear Tree, Two Turtle Doves and more. A ride on the hand-painted carousel rouses nostalgic Christmas feelings.

Board a ferry for the journey to Vancouver Island. Later, gather together and enjoy a delicious dinner in the original Butchart family residence, feasting on a medley of satisfying seasonal dishes.

Stay: Two Nights, Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort

• Breakfast
• Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing

Perhaps you’ll choose to take an enchanting tour of the city in a horse-drawn carriage, taking in beautiful waterfront views and the gardens of Beacon Hill Park and Totem Park, with the rhythmic beat of the horse’s hooves along the pavement adding to the experience. Those who appreciate the finer things in life may prefer one of Victoria’s most indulgent traditions, a sumptuous afternoon tea at the elegant Fairmont Empress. Alternatively, delve into British Columbia’s rich history at the Royal BC Museum, which houses more than seven million objects. History aficionados may prefer an enthralling visit to Craigdarroch Castle where you can learn about the Dunsmuir family and see some of North America’s most incredible displays of stained glass windows.

Today you have the opportunity to shape your day with an array of Freedom of Choice Sightseeing activities.

• Breakfast

Board a ferry across Georgia Strait, then travel along one of the most spectacular drives in the world, the Sea to Sky Highway, to Whistler. Marvel at unparalleled scenery as you follow the curving cliff-side road past soaring peaks, cascading waterfalls and emerald forests scaling the surrounding mountains. This evening, meet with your fellow guests to enjoy a festive drink and a lavish Christmas Eve dinner.

Stay: Two Nights, The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Awake today to a magical Christmas Day in Whistler! Festive cheer and Christmas merriment abound, enjoy the day as you wish while you celebrate in one of the world’s most picturesque settings. In the evening, meet for an included festive drink and then indulge in a special Christmas dinner with all the trimmings that warm the soul.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing

Perhaps view the mountains from a bird’s-eye perspective on a thrilling helicopter ride, or explore Whistler’s ancient forest on a tree trek or zip trek tour. If it’s speed you’re seeking, then why not jump on a snowmobile, or enjoy an exciting dog sled ride. Alternatively, admire spectacular views aboard the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. For those who prefer a more easygoing activity, simply relaxing in Scandinave Spa’s peaceful baths will provide the right kind of pace.

With a choice of included activities, how will you spend this magical day in Whistler? Later, return to Vancouver.

Stay: Vancouver, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel

• Breakfast

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Head for the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to see the magical festive Canyon Lights display. Today, you’ll see more than 250,000 lights attached to the bridge, making it an absolutely spellbinding sight.

Enjoy the morning at leisure. You’ll then set out to explore the city sights. Visit Stanley Park and head to Granville Island, the bustling heart of Vancouver’s cultural scene. Enjoy dinner in the city before transferring to Pacific Central Station for your overnight VIA Rail journey into the heart of Jasper National Park. Along the way, be treated to delightful dining experiences, with all meals included and served in the dining car. Also enjoy access to the glass-dome observation deck, which provides panoramic views of the dramatic winter scenery. Tonight, you’ll experience all the convenience of premium Sleeper Plus Class, which is transformed from a seated lounge by day to a cosy bedroom by night. As night descends upon the Rockies, your train continues its journey across the vast, snowy terrain towards Jasper.

Stay: VIA Rail in Sleeper Plus Class

• Breakfast
• Dinner

After a relaxing day on board your VIA Rail journey, you will arrive in the charming alpine town of Jasper late in the afternoon. Here, enjoy the grand Canadian lodge experience with the next two nights spent in a village of chalets at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, offering views across nearby Lac Beauvert and the surrounding landscapes.

Stay: Two Nights, Jasper National Park, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

• Breakfast
• Lunch