Don't Stay Home For the Holidays
Aug 16, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
Don't stay home for the holidays this year; there are so many incredible places to explore, and our array of Christmas and New Year's Vacations can take you there.
Read moreSix UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two of the world's oldest national parks, over 10,600 square miles of protected lands, and a handful of sparkling cities encompass one of Canada's most scenic provinces: Alberta. From the moment visitors enter Alberta, there is no denying just how marvelous this Western Canadian province truly is. And selecting one of the thoughtfully designed Alberta tour packages is the key to discovering just how varied it can be.
Join one of the Alberta train tours to traverse through little-seen landscapes where roads do not reach. Aboard VIA Rail's Canadian or the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, venture between Vancouver on the West Coast and the Canadian Rockies' striking destinations, including Banff and Jasper. The Canadian train offers a classic overnight journey that stops in Jasper, Alberta, en route to its final destination, Toronto. Rocky Mountaineer's scenic rail experience presents Alberta's highlights and the Rocky Mountains by daylight only on its route to either Jasper or Banff. Once in the mountains, travelers may explore with self-drive adventures or enjoy guided experiences with a group of adventure-minded travelers. The sights are endless between Jasper, Banff, and Yoho National Parks and include vividly hued lakes, like iconic Lake Louise and stunning Maligne Lake, home to Spirit Island; powerful waterfalls, including Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls; and spectacular mountainscapes. Jasper tour packages may also include an excursion to Athabasca Glacier on Icefields Parkway, known to be one of the most scenic byways in the world. Things to do in Alberta do not end at the national parks' perimeters, though; instead, there are bountiful offerings in Alberta's metropolises, like Edmonton and Calgary. A trip to Calgary may focus on the city's amenities or be based around one of Canada's most highly anticipated annual events, the Calgary Stampede. From mountain train rides and backcountry explorations to cow folk festivities, Alberta is a place like no other.