Christmas in the Canadian Rockies

Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

At the hotel.

Orientation: 8:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

We transfer by coach to Cave and Basin National Historic Site where we will be joined by a local expert to learn about the fascinating story and geology of the Canadian Rockies. Then explore Banff's natural heritage and share a discovery that changed the course of history at Cave and Basin. In 1883, hot springs were discovered by CPR railway workers, and the notion to protect natural and cultural treasures in Canada was born shortly thereafter. Stand in the dramatic spot that started it all. Watch plumes of billowing, sulphureous steam coming from the cave’s vent hole. See colourful lights shimmering in an underground Cave. Marvel from raised boardwalks at breathtaking Bow Valley.

At a local restaurant.

We’ll ride on the motorcoach to the Banff Park Museum, which displays an extensive collection of natural history specimens from stuffed bears to minerals and plants. The museum is also involved in educating the public about natural resource management. We’ll explore the museum with a Park expert and learn about the wildlife found in the Banff area. Next we will depart for a motorcoach exploration of Banff and the surrounding area. See the area in all its winter wonder with waterfalls and lakes providing dramatic winter scenes. Keep an eye out for wildlife seeking shelter from the elements; animals shelter themselves in the valley against harsh winter conditions, but you can still spot, elk, coyotes and sometimes deer and wolves. We will end our exploration at the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At leisure. Enjoy outdoor festivities at the holiday bonfire or relax by the fireplace. Alternatively, stroll through the town of Banff and admire the decorations.

At the hotel.

At the hotel, an expert from the Whyte Museum will introduce us to the “Women of the Rockies.” This presentation will introduce us to historical and current figures that have shaped our mountain culture landscape. Discover the women whose lives are a part of a legacy of backcountry travel, ranching, climbing, scientific research, writing, drama, and art. We will then transfer by motorcoach to step into the 1931 home of artists and Whyte Museum founders Peter and Catharine (Robb) Whyte, whose home illuminates their simple yet classic mountain style. Then, we’ll journey back a generation to soak in the rustic elegance enjoyed by collectors Phillip and Pearl (Brewster) Moore in their 1907 home. This field trip provides an intimate look at both homes and the intriguing people who lived in them. In addition, we’ll visit the galleries and exhibits in the Whyte Museum including the “Gateway to the Rockies” exhibit and learn how these mountains were opened up to all. Who were the guides in this unforgiving landscape? Who protected it? Many people have been drawn to these peaks; come discover their stories. The Museum also has exceptional collections documenting the Stoney First Nation. Its art collection contains close to 4,000 works relating to the visual arts of the Canadian Rockies, including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, prints, mixed media works and objects of fine craft. Afterwards, we’ll take the motorcoach back to the hotel.

On your own. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. There are few places more magical in the world than Banff at Christmas. The streets are carpeted in white, snow covered trees look more dramatic than ever and there is a general feeling of Christmas cheer around this glorious little lit up town.

On your own.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

A short motorcoach ride will take us to the stables to embark on a 45-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride through the winter wonderland of the Canadian Rockies, a unique and memorable way to experience another side of this wonderful mountain area. Glide beneath the snowy boughs and over fields of white powder on a crisp and clear morning. Breathe in that fresh mountain air as we listen to the jingle of the sleigh bells. The friendly drivers will help deliver the perfect “Western Touch.”

On your own to explore the many dining options in Banff.

Free time to take part in Christmas celebrations; or some winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing; the sparkling, glacier-fed waters of Banff National Park freeze over in winter, providing you with some of the most scenic ice skating rinks in the world.

At the Rimrock Hotel.

At leisure. Feel free to attend midnight service or just relax at the hotel. Information on church services will be supplied to you on arrival at the hotel.

On your own.

Free time to attend a church service or take part in Christmas activities. Information will be provided on area services and activities available on Christmas Day.

We’ll head out by motorcoach to the historic Banff Springs Hotel for afternoon tea. Since 1888, the Fairmont Banff Springs has symbolized the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Styled as a Scottish baronial castle, it was originally built for adventurous travelers crossing the Canadian Rockies by train. The grandeur of the holiday décor will add to this special experience. See why few hotels in the world can rival its majesty, hospitality and location. We will enjoy a festive-themed afternoon tea while overlooking the breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains at the Banff Springs Hotel.

Free time.

We’ll enjoy a spectacular Christmas feast in a private room at the Rimrock Hotel. Mix and mingle until the festive meal begins. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

At the hotel. This concludes our program.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!