22 day Escorted Tour
Embark on a 22 day Odyssey exploring the beautiful Canadian Rockies in style and enjoy a luxury cruise through the Inside Passage in Alaska for 7 nights. Your journey will show-off some of the world’s most incredible landscapes.
Visit: Vancouver | Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops | Banff | Lake Louise | Jasper | Sun Peaks | Whistler | Victoria | Holland America Alaska Cruise
On this luxury tour take in all the wonderful sights Canada has to offer. Start in one of the most exciting cities in the world, Vancouver before heading on a 2 day journey on-board the famous Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy the views of the countryside as you relax in GoldLeaf service. Your tour will then take you to visit Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Whistler before heading back to Vancouver, where you will make a stop in the lovely city of Victoria situated on Vancouver Island. An optional luxury Alaska cruise is available for those wanting to take in the breath-taking sights of Alaska. This tour allows for you to live in luxury with stays at some of the most prestigious hotels in Canada plus gourmet dining.
Tour Highlights
2 day rail journey on-board the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf service
7 night Holland America Alaska cruise in a Verandah Stateroom
Dedicated Tour guide
Stays in spectacular Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Freedom of choice sightseeing
Meet a Mountie in Banff
Spot bears and other wildlife on a Blue River Safari
Visit beautiful Butchart Gardens in Victoria
Day 1: Vancouver
On arrival at Vancouver Airport, 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 at an informal Welcome Dinner. Hotel for 2 nights: The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. (D)
Day 2: Vancouver, Freedom of Choice Sightseeing
After breakfast today, select from a number of activities. Perhaps wander above the Capilano River and through the treetops of coastal rainforest along the bridges and walkways of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Or take a tour of the Granville Island Public Market, where you’ll enjoy the opportunity to sample fresh locally-grown produce and wander amid the colourful stalls that showcase a range of home-made craft and art. Alternatively, take a city sightseeing tour; enjoy a Coast Rainforest Adventure in Stanley Park; take a Gastown Neighbourhood Shopping Tour; or perhaps explore Stanley Park by bicycle. Afterwards, the rest of the day is yours at leisure to relax or further explore. (B)
Day 3: Kamloops
Today you’ll board the famous Rocky Mountaineer and relax in the comfort of your GoldLeaf carriage as you set out into the mountains aboard one of the only passenger trains that covers this historic and awe-inspiring route. View 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 luxurious train follows the Thompson River on the way to the city of Kamloops. Hotel is assigned by Rocky Mountaineer (Kamloops has limited accommodation - two or three-star hotels) (B,L)
Day 4: Spiral Tunnels, Banff
Today your rail journey continues east towards the 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. Hotel for 2 nights: The Fairmont Banff Springs. (B,L)
Day 5: Banff, Freedom of Choice Sightseeing and Dining
Today choose 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 or go paddling down the Bow River; relax at the Willow Stream Spa; or go for a cruise on Lake Minnewanka. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of the superb restaurants located within The Fairmont Banff Springs. (B,D)
Day 6: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise
Enjoy the chance today to Meet a Mountie and hear 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. Afterwards, tour Banff then travel via Moraine Lake to Lake Louise. This evening, experience the rustic cowboy-style charm of a bygone era at a special Rocky Mountain Muster Dinner and Dance, held in a unique Canadian barn. Hotel for 2 nights: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. (B,D)
Day 7: Lake Louise, Freedom of Choice Dining
This morning, join an expert Mountain Heritage Guide and learn about the rich natural history of the region as you take a leisurely stroll by the shores of this iconic emerald-coloured lake. Afterwards, board the Lake Louise Gondola and watch for the local grizzly bears as you glide over a prolific wildlife corridor up to a viewing point that offers great views of Lake Louise and its surrounds. This evening, dine at one of the exceptional restaurants within your hotel. (B, D)
Day 8: Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper
This morning, join the Icefields Parkway, a 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. After pausing to take in Peyto Lake, stop at the giant Columbia Icefield. Here, you’ll board a specially-designed Ice Explorer vehicle and journey right onto the Athabasca Glacier, formed from snow falling as long as 400 years ago. Having entered Jasper National Park, you’ll continue on via Athabasca Falls to The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. After settling in, head over to the shore of Trefoil Lake, located at the foot of Pyramid Mountain within the lodge grounds. Here this evening, immerse yourself in the serenity of the outdoors at a stylish barbecue dinner. Dine on deliciously fresh local Canadian produce as you take in a live performance by a talented group of First Nations entertainers. Hotel for 2 nights: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. (B,D)
Day 9: Jasper, Freedom of Choice Sightseeing
This morning you might choose to explore the surrounding area an exhilarating Harley Davidson Motorcycle Sidecar Tour; embark on a thrilling Maligne Valley Wildlife Experience; go rafting down the Athabasca River; or ride the Jasper Tramway for stunning views of the park. Alternatively, you may instead prefer to set out on an Interpretive Nature Hike; or perhaps take part in an Evening Wildlife Discovery. Following your activity, the rest of this afternoon and evening is then at your leisure. (B)
Day 10: Mount Robson, Blue River, Sun Peaks
Join the Yellowhead Highway and re-enter British Columbia today, stopping 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. Afterwards, enjoy lunch then continue on to Sun Peaks. Hotel: Delta Sun Peaks Resort. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Whistler
Follow the tracks of the gold rush pioneers through the Cariboo region today. Travel via the rural towns of Cache Creek and Lillooet, and stop at Seton and Duffey lakes. Then enter the Coast Mountains on the way to the alpine resort of Whistler. Hotel for 2 nights: The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa. (B,D)
Day 12: Whistler, Freedom of Choice Sightseeing
For an insight into the heritage of Canada’s indigenous people, enjoy breakfast at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre this morning. This afternoon, take an eco-trek to Lost Lake; enjoy a floatplane flight; explore Whistler Mountain on a 4WD or Snowcat adventure; enjoy a Blackcomb Mountain Jeep Safari; ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola; or perhaps set out on a Tree Trek. This evening is then yours at leisure. (B)
Day 13: Georgia Strait, Victoria
Travel via Shannon Falls to Horseshoe Bay. Here, ride a ferry to Vancouver Island and the small city of Nanaimo. Travel by coach via Chemainus, home to a number of outdoor murals, to Victoria. Hotel for 2 nights: Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa (or similar). (B)
Day 14: Victoria, The 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 a Farewell Dinner and Drinks. (B, D)
Day 15: Holland America Line Cruise
Those who are not continuing on with the Alaska cruise will have to say farewell to your fellow travellers as your tour concludes on arrival back into Vancouver. For those taking part with the Alaska cruise you will be transferred to the ferry terminal, where you will board your ship and settle in for your seven-night cruise of the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay. Seven nights on Holland America Line’s ms Zuiderdam, in a Verandah Stateroom (B,D)
Day 16: Cruise the Inside Passage
Enjoy a full day at sea as your ship cruises along coastal British Columbia and the Alaska Panhandle, gliding past rocky headlands and over the frigid waters of the Inside Passage. (B, L, D)
Day 17: Tracy Arm, Juneau
Cruise through Tracy Arm this morning, passing fjords and rivers of ice. Later, arrive in Alaska’s capital, Juneau, set at the foot of grand mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel. Here, disembark and explore at leisure or set off on one of the many available excursions (own expense). (B, L, D)
Day 18: Skagway
Today you’ll arrive in Skagway, at the Inside Passage’s northernmost point. Once a gateway city for the Klondike gold rush, Skagway’s frontier-style atmosphere remains evident today. Here, a variety of unique excursions are on offer (own expense). (B, L, D)
Day 19: Glacier Bay
Wake to the breath-taking sight of World Heritage-listed Glacier Bay National Park with its rivers of ice and sky-scraping peaks. As you cruise through the national park, you’ll benefit from the insightful commentary of local rangers who have come aboard your ship to explain the geological wonders and point out some of the diverse wildlife and marine mammals. (B, L, D)
Day 20: Ketchikan
A cheerful town set on the shores of the Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan and its surrounds present a range of attractions, including Misty Fjords National Monument - one of America’s largest wilderness areas. (B, L, D)
Day 21: The Inside Passage
Heading south through the Inside Passage, watch the glorious landscape slip by on your final day at sea. (B, L, D)
Day 22: Depart Vancouver
On arrival back in Vancouver, transfer to the airport. (B)
B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner
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