When you picture Canada, chances are you’re thinking of the snowcapped peaks, pristine glacial lakes and epic wildlife in Calgary & the Canadian Rockies. Make your clients’ daydreams a reality with three exclusive Viva Holidays trips that highlight Alberta’s natural appeal and so much more.
Why not try something new in Canada? Viva Holidays and Destination Canada have curated three different ways to explore the Canadian Rockies’ natural parks, plentiful wildlife and cultural activities in the off-peak seasons.
Viva Holidays Product Coordinator Alex MacWilliam is an Alberta sales specialist who has lived in Banff and has firsthand experience with its unrivalled natural appeal.
“I love Alberta because it is so diverse with stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, skiing, hiking, hot springs, culture and great events like the Calgary Stampede,” he said.
“Banff National Park has the most amazing scenery and you will see so many critters. I saw black bears in my backyard and wolves crossing the road in front of my car.
“I worked at the Banff Gondola and spent most of my days looking out at breathtaking views and watching visitors have their minds blown when they arrived at the top.”
All about the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are best explored in spring, autumn and winter (November to May) when an eye-popping array of wildlife is around and the slopes are still primed for snow sports.
MacWilliam recommends the springtime months of April and May as the ideal time to visit Alberta.
“Visit in spring – the mountains are still snowcapped, the streets are quieter and the temperatures are manageably pleasant. You may see a little snow, but it tends to warm up in May when the lakes begin to thaw and rivers start to flow again,” he said.
“Animals are out and about for wildlife viewing and if you’re up for it, the ski resorts are still open for skiing or snowboarding.”
Experience The Canadian Rockies
The western Canadian province of Alberta is easy to reach but not so easy to leave.
Air Canada operates year-round, direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane and onto Calgary with a choice of Economy, Premium Economy and Signature Class cabins.
Begin or end your Alberta experience in Calgary, which MacWilliam says is a welcoming city with country vibes and less than one hour from the Canadian Rockies.
7-day Rockies Winter Wildlife
Tick off your Canadian Rockies bucket list on this seven-day package that ventures into Jasper, Banff and Kootenay national parks. Stay in mountain lodging in Jasper and the downtown area of Banff to experience the best of both Rocky Mountain resort towns.
Embark on a wildlife-viewing and regeneration tour in Jasper before transferring to Banff for a snowshoeing hike in Kootenay National Park, stepping back in time from colonial days to First Nations experiences at the historic Paint Pots natural phenomenon.
Your package includes:
- 2 nights at the 3.5-star Crimson Jasper
- 4 nights at the 3.5-star Banff Park Lodge
- 3.5-hour Winter Wildlife of Jasper & the Ecology of Fire Tour in Jasper
- 4-hour Snowshoe to Paint Pots Tour in Banff
- One-way coach transfer from Calgary Airport to Jasper
- One-way transfer from Jasper to Banff
- One-way coach transfer from Banff to Calgary Airport
- From $1,495pp twin-share*
Find out more here
10-day Snow Train to the Rockies
All aboard from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies on VIA Rail’s iconic The Canadian train journey. This magical 10-day rail-and-stay package will whisk you away to a winter wonderland with luxury accommodations at four renowned Fairmont hotels.
Immerse yourself in guided tours of nature and wintry activities in Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff before swapping the pristine environment for city thrills in cosmopolitan Calgary, including panoramic views from Calgary Tower and a tasting tour.
Your package includes:
- Overnight cabin on The Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper
- 2 nights at the 4.5-star Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- 2 nights at the 5-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- 2 nights at the 5-star Fairmont Banff Spring
- 2 nights at the 4.5-star Fairmont Palliser Calgary
- 3.5-hour Winter Wildlife of Jasper & the Ecology of Fire Tour in Jasper
- 4-hour Snowshoe to Paint Pots Tour in Banff
- Sleigh Ride experience in Banff
- Calgary Tower admission
- 2.5-hour Iconic Eats of Calgary Tour in Calgary
- One-way transfer from Jasper to Lake Louise
- One-way transfer from Lake Louise to Banff
- One-way coach transfer from Banff to Calgary
- From $5,399pp twin-share*
Find out more here
4-day Calgary Stampede Extravaganza
Yee-haw! Discover why Calgary is known as ‘Cow Town’ at the world-famous Calgary Stampede – an annual celebration of Alberta’s western and First Nations cultural heritage each July with a rodeo, live music, evening shows, parades, food stalls and much more.
Enjoy a three-night stay, including a two-day Calgary Stampede Thrill Ticket Package to experience one rodeo and one evening show across two days, plus fun extras such as themed cowboy merchandise and a lift on the WestJet SkyRide gondola over Stampede Park.
Your package includes:
- 3 nights at the 3.5-star Alt Hotel Calgary East Village
- Calgary Stampede event tickets at Stampede Park
- Reserved rodeo seat – main level
- Reserved evening show seat – balcony level
- Calgary Stampede cowboy hat, tote bag and souvenir program
- 2 WestJet SkyRide tickets across Stampede Park
- 15% discount voucher for the Calgary Stampede Store
- From $2,065pp twin-share*
Find out more here
The Canada package deets
For more inspiration and curated packages, head to Viva Holidays’ dedicated ‘Try Something New in Canada‘ campaign page or speak to your preferred travel agent.
Advisors, discover more about these Canada packages, including marketing assets and much more, via Viva Holidays’ dedicated agent platform.
Ready to show your clients something new in Canada? Book these exclusive packages through Mango, Viva Holidays’ online agent reservation system.
Travel advisors can also book Air Canada airfares through Air Tickets or Express Tickets.
This article is brought to you by Viva Holidays & Destination Canada:
