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Alberta

Christmas in the Canadian Rockies

Program No. 16593RJ
Join us for Christmas in Banff to experience the winter wonderland of the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the local wildlife and culture, and marvel at the majestic mountain scenery.

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At a Glance

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas filled with old-fashioned charm and stunning mountain scenery, then join us for the holidays in Banff! Savor breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies as you learn firsthand about local wildlife like deer and elk. Dip your hands in thermal waters at Cave and Basin National Historic Site, marvel at colorful lights shimmering in the cavern and discover plumes of steam billowing through the cave’s vent. Experience everything Christmas in the Rockies can offer as you celebrate the season with new friend and Christmas cheer!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one mile daily on varied terrain; snow and ice, slippery conditions. Elevations up to 4,540 feet.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Harken back to a bygone era as you dash through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh through the pristine Bow River Valley.
  • Sip afternoon tea in the luxurious Banff Springs Hotel as you gaze out at the majestic mountain peaks of Banff.
  • Learn about the culture shaped by the mountain landscape at the Whyte Museum and hear the stories of the early explorers drawn to these rugged mountains.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Brent MacDonald
Brent Macdonald has been a resident of the Canadian Rockies for almost 30 years. As a geology expert, he provides a wealth of knowledge about geography and geomorphology. Brent has had a diverse career as a freelance natural history interpreter, also working as a consultant for a geotechnical engineering company. He has shared his knowledge of geology and natural history as an interpreter and guest lecturer. Brent is also a certified mountain leader and ski instructor.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Brent MacDonald
Brent MacDonald View biography
Brent Macdonald has been a resident of the Canadian Rockies for almost 30 years. As a geology expert, he provides a wealth of knowledge about geography and geomorphology. Brent has had a diverse career as a freelance natural history interpreter, also working as a consultant for a geotechnical engineering company. He has shared his knowledge of geology and natural history as an interpreter and guest lecturer. Brent is also a certified mountain leader and ski instructor.
Profile Image of Greg Allemang
Greg Allemang View biography
Growing up in the military has brought Greg across Canada and given him a real taste of everything the country has to offer. Finally settled now in the Calgary area, Greg has followed his passions for his country to study travel management and become a certified hiking instructor. Greg also enjoys climbing and enjoying the beautiful wilderness that surrounds his home. His love of nature has fueled his passion for connecting people to their environment and showing off his country to visitors.
Profile Image of Jennifer Royal
Jennifer Royal View biography
Jen Royal graduated with a bachelor’s in Canadian history from the Wilfred Laurier University and has over ten years of experience teaching, leading and interpreting history. She has worked at the Whyte Museum since 2014 in both the Education Department and the Archives and Library.
Profile Image of Jacob Johnson
Jacob Johnson View biography
Jacob Johnson has spent the better part of his life in the mountains, from growing up in Fernie, B.C. to his current home in Canmore, Alberta. His love for being in the mountains has taken him rock climbing in Thailand, mountain biking in Italy and skiing and mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies. Now retired from a career in engineering, you will often find Jacob with a camera in his hand as he’s also a professional photographer, constantly seeking to capture the beauty of the environment.
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Routes Adventures Mobile Phone View biography
Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
MEALS
10 Meals
4 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
  • Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
  • Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
  • Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025
5 nights
Location: Banff
The Rimrock Resort Hotel is a AAA/CAA Four Diamond Hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. The Rimrock Resort Hotel offers exceptional views of the Canadian Rockies, fine dining, a luxury spa, along with special accommodation packages to suit your vacation needs. With unmatched style, decor and superb hospitality, the Rimrock Resort Hotel is a very special place to visit for a truly remarkable experience. Enjoy the Canadian Rockies in Rimrock style. You will see the difference! Toll Free: 1-888-RIMROCK (746-7625) Spoil yourself in the splendour and tranquility of the Canadian Rockies in our full service Rimrock Spa. Choose from an extended menu of treatments including body treatments, facials, hand & foot care, and massages. Hotel and Spa guests are welcome to use our indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool, or to relax and unwind on our pool decks. Don’t worry if you forget your swimsuit, you may purchase one from our retail area. There is no lifeguard on duty. Change rooms are equipped with lockers, steam rooms, showers, towels and full amenities. In the summer months, enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio decks (weather permitting). Our Fitness Facility is available to Hotel guests 16 years and older. We are pleased to offer the Atlantis 5-Person Multi-Station; Star Trac Cardiovascular equipment; exercise balls and mats; resistance tubing; and a full array of dumbbells, barbells and Olympic free weights for squat rack or bench press use. Squash court bookings may be made in advance. Racket and ball rental is also available.
5 nights
Location: Banff
The Rimrock Resort Hotel is a AAA/CAA Four Diamond Hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. The Rimrock Resort Hotel offers exceptional views of the Canadian Rockies, fine dining, a luxury spa, along with special accommodation packages to suit your vacation needs. With unmatched style, decor and superb hospitality, the Rimrock Resort Hotel is a very special place to visit for a truly remarkable experience. Enjoy the Canadian Rockies in Rimrock style. You will see the difference! Toll Free: 1-888-RIMROCK (746-7625) Spoil yourself in the splendour and tranquility of the Canadian Rockies in our full service Rimrock Spa. Choose from an extended menu of treatments including body treatments, facials, hand & foot care, and massages. Hotel and Spa guests are welcome to use our indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool, or to relax and unwind on our pool decks. Don’t worry if you forget your swimsuit, you may purchase one from our retail area. There is no lifeguard on duty. Change rooms are equipped with lockers, steam rooms, showers, towels and full amenities. In the summer months, enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio decks (weather permitting). Our Fitness Facility is available to Hotel guests 16 years and older. We are pleased to offer the Atlantis 5-Person Multi-Station; Star Trac Cardiovascular equipment; exercise balls and mats; resistance tubing; and a full array of dumbbells, barbells and Olympic free weights for squat rack or bench press use. Squash court bookings may be made in advance. Racket and ball rental is also available.





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