HIGHLIGHTS - CANADA
- A private sightseeing tour of Vancouver
- The Skyride gondola up Grouse Mountain, with breathtaking views over Vancouver and Howe Sound
- The two day Rocky Mountaineer Silver Leaf experience from Vancouver to Banff
- Explore the Rocky Mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper
- Visit Cave & Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Canada's national parks
- Ascend Sulphur Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola for panoramic views across six mountain ranges
- A Traditional Afternoon Tea in the serene setting of Lake Louise with the Victoria Glacier as your backdrop
- Travel the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in North America
- An Ice Explorer ride out onto the Athabasca Glacier at Columbia Icefield
- A gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park
- A half day walk along the shores of Maligne Lake
- A sightseeing gondola ride up Whistler/Blackcomb with a full day to explore one of North America's great alpine resorts
- Seven nights cruising the breathtaking waters of Alaska
HIGHLIGHTS - ALASKA CRUISE
- A 7 night deluxe ship experience on board Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas from Vancouver to Alaska
- Cruise the Inside Passage
- Tracy Arm Fjords & Glacier cruising
- Alaskan townships of Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan
PRE TOUR STAY, VANCOUVER
Consider arriving a day before the tour starting date. You can relax and refresh after the flight. The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs
DAY 1
Vancouver Arrival
Welcome to Vancouver, Canada. Early evening, meet up with your tour director and other group members for a trip briefing. After, there is the option to join your tour director and other group members for a drink*
Meals: N/A
* drinks on own account
DAY 2
Vancouver
This morning we enjoy a city tour of Vancouver showing sites such as English Bay, Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Canada Place, Chinatown, Gastown, Marine Building, Public Library, Provincial Law Court, Granville Island, Stanley Park with totem poles, Prospect Point and Lions Gate Bridge. Crossing the bridge, North Vancouver is only minutes away and the base of Grouse Mountain is reached.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT
We ‘Skyride’ up the mountain with a breathtaking view of Vancouver and Howe Sound (weather permitting). Skyride is North America's largest aerial tramway and the gateway to the majestic nature of The Peak of Vancouver. There will be time to take lunch at your leisure. You can enjoy Theatre in the Sky, the Lumberjack Show, Birds in Motion and the refuge for grizzlies. The evening a group dinner together
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3
Vancouver - Join Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops
Early this morning the group is transferred to the nearby rail station of Rocky Mountaineer to commence the two day journey for the journey to Banff, with an overnight stay in Kamloops. Hot gourmet breakfasts and lunches served at your spacious seat (in Silver Leaf Class) which means you won't have to miss a moment of the splendour of the scenery. Nor will you miss a moment of the latest captivating yarn or historical tidbit from your onboard Rocky Mountaineer host.
Silver Leaf Class Inclusions:
- A refreshing welcome aboard toast
- A single-level dome coach with panoramic views through oversized windows
- Regionally inspired meals created by the team of award-winning chefs
- Gourmet meals plated to your preference and served at your seat
- Complimentary beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and gourmet snacks
- Complimentary baggage delivery to your hotel
The train passes through the rich fields of the Fraser River Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. It follows the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes to historic Kamloops, the gateway to the interior of British Colombia. Upon arrival, Rocky Mountaineer passengers disembark the train and are transferred by the train’s shared service, to the Silver Leaf hotel in Kamloops. The train arrives into Kamloops between 6 to 7:30pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (on train)
SPECIAL NOTES:
As part of the two day journey Rocky Mountaineer elect the hotel. The hotel is not announced until just prior to departure.
DAY 4
Rejoin Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops - Banff
This morning, transfer from your overnight hotel to re-board the Rocky Mountaineer train, for the continuing journey enjoying SilverLeaf class through to Banff. The transfer from the hotel back to the rail station is part of a shared service provided by Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board.
Continue to take in a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranch lands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Crossing into the province of Alberta, we arrive late afternoon in the peaceful resort town of Banff. There’s a short coach transfer to our group hotel, where we stay for the next two nights. The evening is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5
Banff
In the morning enjoy a private sightseeing tour of the town of Banff and its surrounds. You can expect to see, amongst others, the Hoodoos, Surprise Corner, Bow Falls, Banff Springs Hotel, Lake Minnewanka and Tunnel Mountain Drive. We also visit the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, where you can explore the rich natural and cultural history of Canada's national parks, discover the original hot springs, stroll scenic trails and take in majestic Rocky Mountain views.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT
Ascend Sulphur Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola, rising above the treeline in just eight minutes to breathtaking views across six mountain ranges. At the summit, explore the exhibits, take in a theatre presentation and step out onto the 360-degree observation deck.
In the afternoon you will have free time to explore the town on your own. In the evening, the group enjoys a relaxing dinner at a restaurant within walking distance.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
Banff - Lake Louise
Leaving Banff National Park behind, today we head into Yoho National Park. Yoho, named for a Cree word expressing awe, is a park of rock walls, waterfalls and glacial lakes, snow-topped mountain peaks, roaring rivers and silent forests. Its history is bound up with the railroad, with spiral tunnels inside mountains and stories of runaway trains. Stops will be made at the natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River and Emerald Lake. Overnight Lake Louise.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT
Enjoy a very special treat today: Traditional Afternoon Tea, served in a serene and quiet setting with the famous lake and Victoria Glacier as your backdrop. Included are tea, sandwiches, scones, fruit and chocolate.
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea
DAY 7
Lake Louise to Jasper
Today we travel along one of the most scenic highways in North America, the Icefields Parkway. En route stops will be made at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake before arriving at the Columbia Icefield, covering an area of nearly 325 square kilometres and reaching a depth of 320 metres. Enjoy the Ice Explorer Glacier Tour, a ride out onto the Athabasca Glacier itself. Along the way stops will be made to take pictures or view wildlife, as this highway is renowned for sightings of bear, elk, moose and mountain goats. The last stops will be at Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls before arriving to our hotel in Jasper, where we enjoy a relaxing two night stay.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
Jasper
The morning is at leisure with time to explore the small town of Jasper.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT
Later in the morning our group embarks on a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. In the afternoon the group enjoys a half day walk along Maligne Lake. The late afternoon or early evening is the best time to see wildlife and learn more about Jasper's original inhabitants of bear, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyotes, wolves, moose and many other small and big mountain creatures.
Dinner tonight with your fellow travellers at the hotel or a restaurant within walking distance.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
Jasper - Sun Peaks
Today we cross the Yellowhead Pass heading west passing Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Drive via Valemount at the end of the 1300 km journey for salmon migrating up the Fraser River. Continue south west to Clearwater and the beautiful Wells Gray Park, a vast wilderness area and a paradise for nature lovers. Wells Gray Park offers numerous trails and view points to explore including Helmcken Falls, Dawson Falls and Spahat Falls which are just a few of the many natural wonders of the park. We continue our journey south to Sun Peaks Resort for our overnight stay and dinner together tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
Sun Peaks to Whistler
This morning we depart Sun Peaks, heading south through Kamloops before travelling west along the shore of Kamloops Lake. From Lillooet, the Mile Zero of the Gold Rush Trail, we wind through pristine wilderness along the Duffey Lake Road to reach our destination: Whistler, one of North America's premier four-season resorts, where alpine village charm meets world-class amenities.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11
Whistler
A full day to explore the four-season resort of Whistler.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT
Included today is a sightseeing gondola ride up Whistler/Blackcomb, taking in spectacular alpine views across the Coast Mountains.
There are so many optional activities to choose from including a visit to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. For those who prefer a slower pace, there are plenty of nature trails to wander or a sunny patio to settle into.
Tonight we gather for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers at a restaurant within walking distance.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12
Whistler to Vancouver. Join the Cruise.
This morning we depart Whistler for Vancouver travelling on the Sea to Sky Highway along beautiful Howe Sound. We pass through the communities of Squamish and Britannia Beach. Highlights along the way include Shannon Falls and the Stawamanus Chief, the second largest standing piece of granite in the world and popular rock climbing area.
Arriving to Vancouver we reach the Vancouver Cruise Terminal by early afternoon. Touring comes to an end, as you farewell your tour director and embark on your 7 night Alaskan Cruise.
Meals: Breakfast
CRUISE ITINERARY
DAY 1 (Day 12) VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA (4PM DEPART)
DAY 2 (Day 13) INSIDE PASSAGE (CRUISING)
DAY 3 (Day 14) SITKA (10:30AM), ALASKA
DAY 4 (Day 15) TRACY ARM FJORDS & GLACIER (6:30-10:30AM) & JUNEAU (1:30PM), ALASKA
DAY 5 (Day 16) KETCHIKAN, ALASKA
DAY 6 (Day 17) PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. CANADA
DAY 7 (Day 18) INSIDE PASSAGE (CRUISING)
DAY 8 (Day 19) VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA (7AM ARRIVAL)
Website map to be updated to reflect this recent change announced by cruise company
Day 19
Disembark Cruise. Vancouver.
Your Alaskan cruise returns to the Port, Vancouver by 7AM. Guests disembark in the morning for their next destination or onward journey. There is the option to join our group transfer from the cruise ship terminal to our nominated Vancouver city hotel.
Meals: Breakfast (Cruise ship)
