Christmas in the Castle (Tour code: 12650)
Highlights
Stay in an historic castle that truly comes alive with the spirit of Christmas
Enjoy a memorable and festive dining experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs
Venture into the evergreen forests on a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride
Explore the vibrant streets of downtown Banff, lined with top-class restaurants, boutiques and galleries
Find yourself on the summit of Sulphur Mountain high above the town of Banff
Explore the ice beauty of Grotto Canyon on a guided ice walk
Ice skate on the world's most beautiful outdoor rink at Lake Louise
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Christmas in the Castle Banff is a wonderful and magical experience. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, and during the holiday season, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, often referred to as the "Castle of the Rockies," becomes a festive wonderland.
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is an iconic landmark that resembles a grand castle. It's a luxurious hotel that offers a range of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy during the Christmas season. The hotel is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, garlands, and ornaments, creating a warm and festive ambiance.
During Christmas in the Castle Banff, you can expect a variety of holiday-themed activities and events. These may include:
Festive Dining: The hotel's restaurants and dining venues offer special holiday menus and lavish Christmas buffets. You can indulge in delicious holiday meals and treats while enjoying the elegant surroundings.
Christmas Decorations: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel features stunning Christmas decorations throughout its public spaces. You'll find beautifully adorned Christmas trees, wreaths, and other festive displays, creating a magical atmosphere.
Santa's Workshop: Children can visit Santa's Workshop, where they can meet Santa Claus, share their Christmas wishes, and take memorable photos.
Ice Skating: The hotel may offer an outdoor ice skating rink during the winter season. It's a delightful activity for guests of all ages, allowing you to glide across the ice while enjoying the breathtaking mountain views.
Carol Singing: The hotel may organize carol singing events where you can join in singing classic Christmas carols accompanied by live musicians.
Festive Entertainment: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel often hosts live entertainment during the holiday season. This may include live music performances, festive concerts, or even a Nutcracker ballet performance.
Spa and Wellness: The hotel's spa and wellness facilities may offer special holiday-themed treatments and packages, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate during your stay.
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Inclusions
Itinerary
Day 1 Calgary Banff
Transfer from the Calgary Airport to the village of Banff. You will get to see the mountain ranges upon landing and then when driving through the national park entrance, keep an eye out for wildlife.
Overnight in Banff at Fairmont Banff Springs.
Day 2 Banff
This small group tour is the perfect introduction and includes some of Banff's most scenic and historically significant highlights such as the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, and Banff's largest lake, Lake Minnewanka. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate or fresh water (depending on the time of year) and maple cookies at one of the scenic stops.
You'll then be transported to the base of Sulphur Mountain and ride the Banff Gondola to the top at 7,486 feet. At the summit, marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley and a 360-degree view of six scenic mountain ranges. You'll feel like you're on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck. After your download on the Banff Gondola, the guide will transport you back to your Banff hotel. It's a great tour for seeing wildlife!
Overnight in Banff at Fairmont Banff Springs.
Day 3 Banff
In the morning, explore the icy beauty of Grotto Canyon, see ancient native pictographs using special hiking crampons to grip the smooth frozen creek bed. The Grotto Canyon Icewalk is a hike through a narrow canyon, past unusual rock formations and spectacular icefalls. This is a unique experience to walk directly on the ice, and walking on the creek bed floor gives you a unique view of the canyon. In the afternoon, enjoy a tranquil sleigh ride amongst the Canadian Rockies and add a perfect “western touch” to a winter holiday.
Overnight in Banff at Fairmont Banff Springs.
Day 4 Banff
Today enjoy Christmas in the alpine town of Banff. Within the halls of Fairmont Banff Springs, the festive season is celebrated with international flavour, bleeding the traditional sights and sounds of Christmas into a magical festival.
Overnight in Banff at Fairmont Banff Springs.
Day 5 Banff
Discover the enchanting beauty of Lake Louise in Winter! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that transforms the area into a winter wonderland. Join a small group tour and witness the frozen icy-blue Lake Louise surrounded by sparkling snow in an amphitheatre of jagged mountain peaks. Your Lake Louise winter tour adventure begins with a scenic drive on the Bow Valley Parkway, where you may even catch a glimpse of wildlife. When you arrive, the tour takes you to see the Victoria Glacier and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, offering an unparalleled view of this iconic hotel. Take an optional guided walk around the lake's shoreline and learn more about this magical place. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the winter landscapes of Lake Louise at your own pace.
Overnight in Banff at Fairmont Banff Springs.
Day 6 Banff Calgary
Today your winter wonderland escape will end with a transfer from Banff back to Calgary Airport. You will still be able to see the mountains leaving the park to remember all the fond memories of your holiday.
Accommodation
Fairmont Banff Springs
Banff
Set in a castle-like building in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff. Amenities include 7 restaurants and 2 bars. There's also a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a golf course, plus a fitness centre.
Additional information
Excluded
- International airfares and taxes
- Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
- Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
- Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
- Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
- Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
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