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The Twelve Days of Christmas

Save up to $2,400 per couple*!

Vancouver to Calgary

12 days / 11 nights

Rail Holiday

Guided Tour

Holland America Line ship

Departs 16 Dec 2025

Overview

From snow-dusted pine trees and twinkling fairy lights in the rainforest through to bonfires and s'mores, this holiday will satisfy every enchanting dream of a white Christmas. This 12-day tour takes you to Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise and finally Banff, where you'll enjoy a magical Christmas Day. 

Signature Experiences

Designed Exclusively for APT guests

These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options

Inclusions

  • A maximum of 40 guests in your APT group
  • Freedom of Choice inclusions
  • Locally inspired dining – a total of 18 meals
  • Expert APT Tour Director
  • Lakeview Room at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
  • Overnight VIA Rail journey into the Rockies
  • Transfers, porterage and gratuities
  • Dash through snowy landscapes on a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Lake Louise

Itinerary

Day 1 | 16 December: Arrive Vancouver

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers this evening.

Stay: Two Nights, Vancouver, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel

Daily: Dinner

Day 2 | 17 December: Vancouver

Today, experience the best of Vancouver on a fantastic half-day sightseeing tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll soak up the scenery at the vast Stanley Park, explore the trendy Granville Island, and immerse yourself in the historic neighbourhood of Gastown. Later, savour a spectacular Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Immerse yourself in the magic of the festive season as you wander through Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland for the Canyon Lights display. Walk across the illuminated suspension bridge and admire the mesmerising glittering lights that are scattered throughout the rainforest.

Daily: Breakfast

Day 3 | 18 December: Vancouver, Whistler

Travel North along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler and learn why this spectacular alpine town attracts so many outdoor enthusiasts. Settle into your luxurious accommodation for the night, Fairmont Chateau Whistler. This evening, choose where to dine from the hotel’s impressive collection of restaurants. 

Stay: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 | 19 December: Whistler, Vancouver, VIA Rail

Today begins with a memorable Signature Experience. Afterwards, travel back to Vancouver and head to the railway station for your overnight VIA Rail journey to Jasper National Park. Dinner is served on board your train.

Signature Experience – Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and feast on a breakfast inspired by traditional First Nations food. Explore the museum, discovering your First Nations ‘animal spirit’ with the help of your guide.

Stay: VIA Rail, in Sleeper Plus Class

Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 | 20 December: VIA Rail, Jasper

Your journey continues this morning along the railway. Sights set on Jasper, watch as the snowy Canadian Rockies pass by your window. Once at your lodge, become familiar with the beauty of Jasper National Park. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of your lodge’s restaurants. 

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

Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 | 21 December: Jasper

Choose how you want to explore Jasper National Park today, with a range of exciting Freedom of Choice activities on offer. This evening, perhaps head out for a bonfire on the shores of Lac Beauvert and make your own delicious s’mores to round off a fun-filled day.

Freedom of Choice – Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour

In winter, everything seems all the more beautiful. Set off into the frozen wilderness of Jasper National Park with a guide, and observe the region’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

Freedom of Choice – Jasper Planetarium Dark Sky Astronomy Tour

Being the world’s largest dark sky reserve, Jasper is the perfect place for an astronomy tour. Spend an evening with local experts in a heated dome theatre and gaze through the outdoor telescope.

Freedom of Choice – Maligne Canyon Icewalk

The deepest canyon in Jasper National Park is best seen from the frozen floor. See ice caves, fossils, and waterfalls that are frozen in a dive of over 30 metres.

Freedom of Choice – Snowshoeing Tour

Strap on your snowshoes and join your experienced guide as you travel through some of the most inspiring winter scenery in the Rockies. 

Daily: Breakfast

Day 7 | 22 December: Jasper, Lake Louise

Leaving Jasper, you’ll journey through the Rocky Mountains and along the Icefields Parkway (weather permitting), before heading to Lake Louise.

Stay: Two Nights, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, in a Lakeview Room

Day 8 | 23 December: Lake Louise

Soak up the wintry atmosphere of this special place today. You might like to use the time to curl up by the fireplace and watch the snowy landscapes outside. Or you can venture outdoors and choose from one of the resort’s many activities on offer, which are available at an extra cost. Choose where to enjoy dinner this evening from your hotel’s remarkable collection of restaurants. 

Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 | 24 December: Lake Louise, Banff

Delight in a special Signature Experience this morning. Then head to Banff, where you will enjoy a ride on the Banff Gondola and take in the sweeping mountain views across Banff National Park. Later, another memorable Signature Experience awaits.

Signature Experience – Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

Set out on a horse-drawn sleigh ride along a frozen lakeside trail at Lake Louise. Admire the breathtaking beauty of the stunning surroundings.

Signature Experience – Meet a Mountie

In spectacular Banff National Park, you’ll have the chance to meet one of Canada’s renowned Mounties and hear tales from the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Stay: Three Nights, Banff National Park, Fairmont Banff Springs, in a Mountain View Room

Daily: Breakfast

Day 10 | 25 December: Christmas in Banff

Wake to a fairy-tale white Christmas in Banff. Whether you choose to relax in your hotel or enjoy the great outdoors, today promises to be an unforgettable Christmas Day. Round off the festivities with a celebratory drink and Christmas dinner this evening.

Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 | 26 December: Banff

Today, choose how to explore Banff your way with a range of Freedom of Choice activities available. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelling companions.

Freedom of Choice – Dog Sledding^

When it comes to snow activities, dog sledding is at the top of many peoples’ lists. Experience the thrill as a passenger, or if you’re feeling daring, give your guide a helping hand. ^Surcharge applies.

Freedom of Choice – Johnston Canyon Icewalk

Walk along a series of steel paths built into the walls of Banff’s Johnston Canyon. Walk by waterfalls and icefalls, and wander over deep gorges and through natural caves.

Freedom of Choice – Banff Experience

It’s Banff’s people, alpine architecture and wildlife that make it so unique, and this is your chance to hear about it all. You will also visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Freedom of Choice – Ice Hockey Player for a Day

When in Canada, it’s only fitting that you experience a day in the life of an ice hockey player. Get to know the Canmore Eagles as you tour their dressing rooms, try on their gear and step onto the ice.

Freedom of Choice – Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Banff Springs

Savour a special festive-themed afternoon tea in the Rundle Lounge of Fairmont Banff Springs. Enjoy the traditional English-style indulgences and a selection of fine teas.

Freedom of Choice – Fairmont Spa

Harking back to the hot spring that first called travellers some 100 years ago, soothe your tired muscles in the mineral pool and pulsating waterfalls at Fairmont Banff Springs. 

Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 | 27 December: Banff, Depart Calgary

Following breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Calgary for your onward flight.

Daily: Breakfast

Booking terms and conditions apply.

* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.

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