Ski Canada (Winter 2024-2025)
Ski Canada (Winter 2024-2025)
Ski Canada (Winter 2024-2025)
9 Days Starting in Vancouver, Canada and ending in Calgary, Canada
Visiting: Vancouver, Whistler, Banff, Calgary
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SKIRA19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure with the Ski Canada tour for 2024-2025. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Vancouver, exploring iconic sites like Stanley Park and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Travel along the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler, North America's largest ski resort, where you can ski, snowboard, or simply enjoy the après-ski atmosphere. Continue to the stunning Banff National Park, where you can take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, hike the Johnston Canyon Icewalk, or even experience a thrilling helicopter ride. Along the way, visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary for a unique wildlife encounter. With guided tours, select meals, and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in Canada's winter wonderland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: YWCA Hotel Vancouver
Meals Included: Dinner
We’ll start out with a guided tour of Vancouver (including visits to Stanley Park and the legendary Totem Poles.) You’ll then have free time to explore the city, plus the chance to experience FlyOver Canada, Canada’s ultimate flying ride. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the mighty Capilano Suspension Bridge (tickets included) and then take a walk amongst the treetops of a magical old-growth forest – soothing our minds and souls with that fresh Canadian mountain air. After that, Vancouver is yours to lap up as you please. Get to know the squad over dinner tonight, then if you're in town at the right time, we might head to the hockey rink to watch the Vancouver Canucks do their thing on the ice.
Day 2: Vancouver To Whistler
Location: Whistler
Accommodation Name: Pangea Pod Hotel (Multi-Share)
Meals Included: Dinner
Out of Vancouver, we journey north in search of the mecca of snowsports that is Whistler, via the stunning Sea to Sky Highway. As gondolas float between snow-capped mountain peaks, this cosy village buzzes with life and powdery flakes coat everything in sight. We'll have the chance to explore the wondrous slopes by snowmobile too. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with what is essentially North America’s largest ski resort, before tucking in to a scrumptious (if we do say so ourselves) dinner with the crew.
Day 3: Whistler
Location: Whistler
Accommodation Name: Pangea Pod Hotel (Multi-Share)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's slopes o'clock! Whether you’re a beginner bound for the bunny hill or a blackcomb bandit who owns the terrain park, Whistler’s diverse grounds have you covered. Rent a board or a set of skis (or if you've brought your own then that's cool with us), then get ready to shred. If you’ve got the energy for après, there could even be a pub crawl on the cards tonight.
Day 4: Whistler
Location: Whistler
Accommodation Name: Pangea Pod Hotel (Multi-Share)
If you’re not keen to drag your aching body back up the mountain today, there’s plenty to do downtown. Take a stroll through the snow, pamper yourself at a day spa or just maintain a steady flow of hot chocolates and watch the world go by. For those back up the mountain, the same deal as yesterday applies, pow pow! If you want a great view and an adrenaline rush, then choose to fly through the skies on a zipline. Tonight, enjoy free time to find a spot for dinner and reflect on just how awesome this mountain playground is. Tomorrow, a new spot beckons... let's do this.
Day 5: Whistler To Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: Tunnel Mountain Resort (multi-share)
Meals Included: Dinner
It’s time to say goodbye to Whistler’s perfect powder and jump on a plane to Calgary so we can head to the other-worldly beauty of Banff National Park. Flight time. With heads full of breathtaking British Columbian scenery, we'll board a quick flight to Calgary. Almost there. Just a picturesque drive to go before we touch down in Banff.  You may have seen photos of Banff on your computer’s desktop background, but nothing can prepare you for how ridiculously good-looking it is in real life. It’s been a long day of travel, so dinner’s on us – eat up and get some rest so you can jump out of bed early tomorrow and explore.
Day 6: Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: Tunnel Mountain Resort (multi-share)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Banff is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, so if you feel like exploring, you have three resorts to choose from – Mt Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. Don’t miss the opportunity to travel by dog sled today too. And if you’re keen to burn the candle at both ends, you can spend tonight exploring Banff’s epic range of bars.
Day 7: Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: Tunnel Mountain Resort (multi-share)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Soak up Banff’s beauty from another angle today – perhaps take a helicopter ride over the snow-laden mountains, or go for a hike on the Johnston Canyon Icewalk which can only be described as spectacular. With thundering waterfalls, imposing cliffs and ice tenticles everywhere, it's a perilous nature lovers paradise. Of course for some the mountain is always going to call, so try out a new resort or head back to one of your favourites. Come the evening, we could regroup and swap stories of our day.
Day 8: Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: Tunnel Mountain Resort (multi-share)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Those sick of riding downhill will be pleased to note they can give ice skating a whirl in town. Get arty in the afternoon at one of the town's many galleries. Over a drink tonight we will contemplate some seriously epic days of wintery wonder.
Day 9: Banff To Calgary
Location: Calgary
Meals Included: Breakfast
What better way to bid Banff farewell than a group gondola ride up to Sulphur Mountain? This could possibly be one of the best views you'll ever see, and the highest views in the Rockies at 2281m overlooking the Bow Valley. We'll stop for a visit to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary – a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience designed to leave you feeling as wholesome as can be at the end of your Canadian adventure. Afterwards, we’ll hit the road again and head to Calgary where we'll say it's not farewell, it's just see you later.
What's Included
-
Guided Tours
Enjoy guided tours of Vancouver, including visits to Stanley Park, the legendary Totem Poles, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
-
Accommodations
Stay in carefully selected accommodations throughout your journey, including the Hotel Belmont in Vancouver and the Pangea Pod Hotel in Whistler.
-
Meals
Some meals are included, offering you a taste of the local cuisine.
-
Transport
Transportation between cities and to various attractions as per the itinerary.
-
Activities
Access to a variety of activities, including skiing or snowboarding in Whistler, exploring Banff National Park, and a visit to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary.
-
Dining Summary
Includes 3 dinners and 5 breakfasts.
-
Included Experience
Experience highlights such as Vancouver's first nation's art installation, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and the legendary winter resort of Whistler.
What's Not Included
-
Airfare
International and domestic airfare to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
-
Some Meals
Not all meals are covered.
Some meals will be at your own expense, giving you the flexibility to explore local cuisine. -
Personal Expenses
Expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and optional activities are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended but not included.
Please ensure you have adequate coverage.
Mode of Transport
Transportation between cities and to various attractions is provided as per the itinerary, including a scenic drive along the Sea to Sky Highway and a flight from Whistler to Calgary.
Accommodation
Stay in carefully selected accommodations throughout your journey, including the Hotel Belmont in Vancouver, the Pangea Pod Hotel in Whistler, and the Tunnel Mountain Resort in Banff, offering a mix of comfort and convenience.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 5 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Vancouver: Fill up your Insta feed with pics of this first nation’s art installation. We love it!
- Vancouver: Probably one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world. Vancouver’s got beaches, mountains and rainforest right on its doorstep.
- Vancouver: Get your head in the clouds as you walk across this epic piece of engineering. Did we mention it’s also covered in fairy lights?
- Whistler: Ski, snowboard, walk, toboggan, or just party at the ‘apres-ski’ in this legendary winter resort.
- Banff: Cameras at the ready, folks! On our first day, we’ll visit Canada’s first ever National Park – known for its colourful lakes and beautiful mountains.
- : Meet the newest additions to your Contiki wolf pack and support the sanctuary’s amazing work. (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience)
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of activities can I expect during the tour in Whistler?
In Whistler, you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding at North America's largest ski resort. You also have the option to explore the slopes by snowmobile, participate in a pub crawl, or take a zipline for an adrenaline rush.
-
What unique experiences are included in Banff?
In Banff, you can choose to explore three different ski resorts, take a dog sled ride, or enjoy a helicopter ride over the snow-laden mountains. You can also hike the Johnston Canyon Icewalk, which features thundering waterfalls and imposing cliffs.
-
Is there an opportunity to see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where you can meet the newest additions to your Contiki wolf pack and support the sanctuary's work.
-
Are there any guided tours included in Vancouver?
Yes, the tour includes guided tours of Vancouver, with visits to Stanley Park, the legendary Totem Poles, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
-
What is the final activity of the tour before it ends in Calgary?
The final activity of the tour is a group gondola ride up to Sulphur Mountain, offering one of the best views in the Rockies at 2281m overlooking the Bow Valley.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Sunday
Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions