11 days Luxury Escorted Tour
11 Days: This luxury coach tour combines a coach & rail tour in Western Canada with an optional Alaska cruise with Holland America. Highlights include the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train, a choice of inclusive excursions and stays in some of Canada's finest hotels.
Visit:: Vancouver | Rocky Mountaineer | Banff | Lake Louise | Jasper| Sun Peaks| Whistler | Victoria | optional Alaska Cruise
A holiday of highlights, this exclusive tour stays in some of the iconic hotels in Alberta and British Columbia and includes a two day journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf class. From a luxurious waterfront setting in Vancouver your journey will take you through snow-capped peaks to the delights of the Banff National Park and on to the amazing beauty of Lake Louise. The splendour of Moraine Lake and the Athabasca Glacier are beyond compare and the scenic beauty of Jasper will amaze you. Alpine Whistler is a true delight and the charm of Victoria irrepressible; and then there’s the magic of a cruise to Alaska.
Tour Highlights
GoldLeaf on Rocky Mountaineer
Ride the Banff Gondola for amazing views
Stay at the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Wildlife spotting on a Blue River safari
Breakfast at Butchart Gardens
Day 1: Arrive Vancouver
On arrival into Vancouver, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Settle in to your elegant room and enjoy lovely views of the city skyline, then meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director at an informal Welcome Dinner this evening. (D) Hotel for 2 nights: The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.
Day 2: Vancouver
This morning, take a sightseeing tour of beautiful Vancouver that will introduce you to the city’s must-see attractions. Visit Stanley Park, a world-class, 400-hectare evergreen oasis located just steps away from downtown Vancouver. Then head to Granville Island, the bustling heart of Vancouver’s cultural scene. Here, wander amid the colourful public market. You’ll also see picturesque English Bay and Vancouver Harbour, before enjoying the afternoon and evening to spend at your leisure, discovering this vibrant harbourside city. You may like to wander through the old cobblestone streets of Gastown, the birthplace of Vancouver, whilst others may prefer to visit the shopping mecca of Robson Street. Those seeking tranquillity can admire the native trees and panoramic views of Queen Elizabeth Park. (B)
Day 3: Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops
This morning following breakfast, you’ll step aboard the famous Rocky Mountaineer and relax in the comfort of your GoldLeaf carriage as you set out into the mountains along the awe-inspiring route. Take in the lush fertile fields of the Fraser River Valley; see the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains; pass the thundering waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon; and glide past the steep rocky slopes as your train follows the Thompson River on its way to the city of Kamloops. (B,L) Hotel: As assigned by Rocky Mountaineer (Kamloops has limited accommodation – two or three-star hotels).
Day 4: Spiral Tunnels – Banff
Your wonderful Rocky Mountaineer rail journey continues east this morning towards the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Journey through vast ranchlands past Shuswap Lake and along the South Thompson River; see the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels; and traverse Kicking Horse Pass, which takes you across the Continental Divide of the Americas and into the province of Alberta. On arrival in Banff National Park, disembark and head for the magnificent ‘Castle in the Rockies’ – The Fairmont Banff Springs. Enjoy the evening at leisure to relax and take in your incredible setting. (B, L) Hotel for 2 nights: The Fairmont Banff Springs.
Day 5: Banff (Freedom of Choice Sightseeing & Dining)
Today you’ll enjoy the opportunity to select from a range of activities in Banff. You may like to take part in the Banff Experience – which includes a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Alternatively, absorb views of the park as you take to the skies on a wonderful heli-flightseeing trip; enjoy a float trip down the Bow River; relax at the Willow Stream Spa; go for a cruise on Lake Minnewanka; or perhaps embark on a Voyageur Canoe Tour. Following your selected activity, this evening enjoy dinner at one of the superb restaurants located within The Fairmont Banff Springs. (B, D)
Day 6: Moraine Lake – Lake Louise (Freedom of Choice Dining)
This morning you’ll meet a Mountie, who’ll regale you with tales of the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Afterwards, board the Banff Gondola and ascend to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you’ll be awe-struck by the sweeping panoramic views out over six mountain ranges. Returning to the foot of the mountain, you’ll then enjoy a guided tour of Banff township, before setting off by coach over the Trans-Canada Highway. Travel through the lush forest of Banff National Park to Moraine Lake, located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. After pausing to admire the beauty of this stunning glacially-fed lake, continue on to your iconic hotel, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Here, after settling in, join an expert Mountain Heritage Guide and learn about the rich natural history of the region as you set off on a leisurely stroll beside the shoreline of this iconic emerald-coloured lake. Later this evening, dine at one of the exceptional restaurants located in your hotel. (B, D) Hotel: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Day 7: Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier – Jasper (Freedom of Choice Dining)
This morning following breakfast, you’ll set out along the Icefields Parkway, a famous and picturesque route that winds through the Canadian Rockies past the ancient glaciers, vast icefields, broad sweeping valleys and pristine lakes that straddle the Continental Divide of the Americas. After pausing to admire the bright, turquoise colour of Peyto Lake, continue on to the giant Columbia Icefield. Here, you’ll board a specially-designed Ice Explorer vehicle and journey right out onto the Athabasca Glacier, formed from snow falling as long as 400 years ago. Afterwards, having entered Jasper National Park, you’ll stop to take in the spectacle of powerful Athabasca Falls before arriving at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. After settling in, this evening enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants located within your lodge. (B, D) Hotel: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Day 8: Mount Robson - Blue River - Sun Peaks
Join the Yellowhead Highway this morning, which will take you over the Yellowhead Pass and back across the Continental Divide into British Columbia. Stop in Mount Robson Provincial Park to take in views of the south face of Mount Robson – the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. On arrival in the town of Blue River, board a custom-designed boat and skim over the waterways, watching for the grizzly and black bears that are frequently sighted here, as well the caribou, moose, eagles and many other native creatures that call the Monashee Mountains home. After your Blue River Safari, enjoy lunch then continue on by coach to Sun Peaks, a delightful European-style alpine resort village nestled at the base of three mountains. (B, L, D) Hotel: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel.
Day 9: Whistler
This morning, depart Sun Peaks and follow the tracks of the early gold rush pioneers through the rugged Cariboo region. Travel via the city of Kamloops and the rural towns of Cache Creek and Lillooet, stopping along the way to take in the views out over both Seton and Duffey lakes. Later, you’ll travel though the towering Coast Mountains before arriving in the enchanting alpine town of Whistler (B,D) Hotel: The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa
Day 10: Georgia Strait – Victoria
This morning you’ll depart Whistler, travelling down the Sea-to-Sky Highway via pretty Shannon Falls on the way to Horseshoe Bay. From here, board a ferry for the journey across Georgia Strait to the small city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Disembark, and travel by coach via Chemainus, home to a number of unique outdoor murals, to Victoria. Optional floatplane to Victoria: Take a one-hour flight from Whistler to Victoria (own expense). Enjoy incredible views of the Georgia Strait and arrive in Victoria in the early afternoon. (B) Hotel for 2 nights: Hotel Grand Pacific
Day 11: Victoria, Butchart Gardens (Freedom of Choice Sightseeing)
This morning visit The Butchart Gardens before the crowds have arrived, and enjoy breakfast in the original Butchart residence. Afterwards; go on a whale watching cruise; take a seaplane flight; tour the city’s historic houses and gardens; fish for salmon; ride in a horse-drawn carriage; or delight in afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel. Tonight, as the land portion of your trip draws to an end, enjoy Farewell Dinner. (B,D)
Day 12: Holland America Line Cruise
After breakfast board the ferry and return to Vancouver.Guests on the coach tour transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
Tour & Cruise guests will transfer to the cruise terminal to board your ship and settle in for your magical Inside Passage cruise. Accommodation is in Verandah Stateroom. Cruise Ship: Holland America Line’s ms Volendam for 7 nights. (BD)
Day 13: Cruise the Inside Passage
Enjoy a full day at sea as your ship cruises along coastal British Columbia and the Alaska Panhandle. Glide past rocky headlands and over the icy waters of the Inside Passage. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Tracy Arm – Juneau
Cruise through Tracy Arm this morning, a narrow and twisting fjord that features 2,000-metre-high peaks, sheer rock faces and waterfalls at almost every turn. At the end of the fjord, continue past the twin Sawyer glaciers. Then, make your way to Alaska’s capital, Juneau, set at the foot of the majestic Coast Mountains, on the shores of the Gastineau Channel. Here, disembark and explore at leisure or set off on one of the available excursions (own expense). (B, L, D)
Day 15: Skagway
Today you’ll arrive in Skagway at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage. Once a gateway city for the Klondike gold rush, Skagway’s frontier-style atmosphere remains evident today. Disembark your ship after breakfast and enjoy a variety of unique excursions (own expense). (B, L, D)
Day 16: Glacier Bay
Wake up to the breathtaking sight of World Heritage-listed Glacier Bay National Park, which boasts more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere else in the world. As you cruise through the national park and take in the rivers of ice and sky-scraping peaks, you’ll benefit from the insightful commentary of local rangers who will come aboard your ship to explain the geological wonders and point out some of the diverse wildlife and marine mammals. (B, L, D)
Day 17: Ketchikan
Wake up to the breathtaking sight of World Heritage-listed Glacier Bay National Park, which boasts more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere else in the world. As you cruise through the national park and take in the rivers of ice and sky-scraping peaks, you’ll benefit from the insightful commentary of local rangers who will come aboard your ship to explain the geological wonders and point out some of the diverse wildlife and marine mammals. (B, L, D)
Day 18: The Inside Passage
Heading south through the Inside Passage, watch the glorious landscape slip by on your final day at sea. Marvel at the snow-capped peaks and glaciers, and from the ship’s deck, watch for whales that frequently frolic in nearby waters. (B, L, D)
Day 19: Depart Vancouver
On arrival back in Vancouver this morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
B- Breakfast, L - Lunch, D- Dinner, FD- Farewell dinner, WR- Welcome reception.
A unique feature of this tour is the ability to choose from a selection of excursion and dining options with “Freedom of Choice”. In Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff you will enjoy an expanded range of dining experiences with a choice of restaurants at each location. In Victoria and Banff you can also choose from the following excursions at no additional cost;
Victoria:
Whale Watching Boat Trip – Enjoy a boat trip off the coast of Victoria to search for orca, sea lions, and minke whales. Choose from a covered boat or a high speed zodiac boat ride.
20 Minute Floatplane Flight *#– The flight offers stunning views of Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains in the distance.
Historic Walking Tour – Walk back in time and imagine life in the past along Victoria’s harbour. The leisurely pace of this tour will suit all fitness levels.
Horse Drawn Carriage Tour – Visit the James Bay district, enjoy waterfront views, see the gardens of Beacon Hill and visit Totem Park from the comfort of a horse drawn carriage.
Traditional Afternoon Tea – Indulge in one of Victoria’s grandest traditions with an afternoon tea of scones, clotted cream and jam at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Historic Gardens Visit # – Join a local guide and visit some of Victoria’s beautiful private and public gardens (some walking is required)
Salmon Fishing *# – Join an experienced guide on a fishing adventure and experience the thrill of catching British Columbia’s famous wild salmon.
Banff:
Banff Experience – Learn about the mountain resort of Banff, its people and wildlife while exploring the spectacular sights on this tour.
Heli Flightseeing *# - Get an eagle eye’s view of the Rockies on this thrilling 12 minute helicopter tour. Escape to the Spray Valley and the spine of the Goat Range.
Bow River Float Trip * - Enjoy a relaxing float trip down the majestic Bow River, keeping your eyes peeled for any wildlife on the river banks. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Cruise on Lake Minnewanka * - Cruise through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies and discover a paradise steeped in history, folklore and geology.
Willow Stream Spa – Relax with vistas of mountains, glaciers and emerald lakes and soothe your muscles at the mineral pool of the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Voyageur Canoe Tour * - Listen to intriguing tales from your guide as you paddle along the Bow River in a Voyageur Canoe.
* These activities are seasonal and dependent on weather conditions
# Operation is subject to minimum numbers
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