Passage Through the Rockies & Alaska Cruise

Day 2 : Calgary - Banff

After breakfast this morning depart Calgary for Banff, stopping at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary along the way. Upon arrival in Banff this afternoon check into your hotel, located within walking distance of the Banff’s lively downtown area. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Hotel for 2 nights: Banff Park Lodge 
 

Day 3 : Banff Sightseeing

Today is free for you to explore at leisure. Perhaps you’ll browse the shops along Banff Avenue or visit one of the charming local cafés, dine out, or just relax and enjoy the facilities in your hotel. If you’re feeling adventurous why not set off on one of the optional experiences that are available today. Perhaps enjoy a Banff Experience Tour, or take to the skies over Banff National Park on a heli-sightseeing trip.

Day 4 : Banff - Lake Louise

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Banff before heading for the stunning beauty of Moraine Lake. With water that are the most amazing vivid shade of turquoise, you’ll be able to see the mountains reflecting in the still waters. Afterwards. Continue to the most photographed lake in Canada, the breathtaking 
Lake Louise. 

Hotel: Lake Louise Inn 
 

Day 5 : Lake Louise - Athabasca Glacier - Jasper

Relax during breakfast this morning before travelling along the spectacular Icefields Parkway – a scenic route that winds through the Canadian Rockies past the ancient glaciers, vast icefields, broad sweeping valleys and pristine lakes that straddle the Continental Divide. You’ll witness amazing scenery as mountain peaks reflect in still lakes and pine clad slopes give way to alpine meadows. This drive is an experience itself. En route stop at the giant Columbia Icefield. At Athabasca Glacier, climb on-board a specially designed Ice Explorer for a guided tour over steep grades, snow and ice as you ascend part way up the glacier. Afterwards, continue on to the fairy tale village of Jasper, located within picturesque Jasper National Park. In Jasper, you’ll be escaping the urban bustle and will be at the heart of Canada’s extraordinary wilderness. 

Hotel: A Mountain Park Lodges hotel
 

Day 6 : Jasper - Blue River

Today you’ll travel out of Jasper National Park to Blue River where pristine lakes, rivers, waterfalls and wilderness abound and enjoy a River Safari through Grizzly Bear Valley. Upon arrival in Blue River, check in to your wonderful hotel, Mike Wiegele Heli Village. Enjoy a relaxed dining experience by the river. This provides the perfect opportunity to share travel stories with new-found friends and meet the friendly locals. 

Hotel: Mike Wiegele Heli Village
 

Rocky Mountaineer Option: 
Perhaps replace Days 6 & 7 touring with a memorable rail journey from Jasper to Vancouver aboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer‘s Journey Through the Clouds service; from £975 per person, ask for details.
 

Day 7 : Blue River - Vancouver

Glide through glacially-fed, jade-coloured waters on a river safari through Grizzly Bear Valley. Watch for grizzly and black bears that are frequently sighted here. From tranquil Blue River, travel to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver and enjoy the evening at leisure. Consider heading out to one of Vancouver’s many fabulous restaurants. Vancouver has a thriving dining scene and is known for its locally-sourced, fresh ingredients that make for truly incredible meals.

Hotel for 2 nights: Coast Coal Harbour
 

Day 8 : Vancouver at Leisure

Today enjoy a guided orientation tour of Vancouver’s attractions including the Waterfront, Gastown, Granville Island and Stanley Park. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace. You may like to take the opportunity to embark on an optional tour to Vancouver’s famed Granville Island Public Market. Here, you’ll sample fresh locally-grown produce and wander amid the vibrant stalls that showcase a range of home-made craft and art. Alternatively, you may prefer to simply relax and make use of the facilities at your hotel or further explore the city. 

Day 9 : Vancouver - Whistler

This morning head out of the city along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, discovering scenic ocean vistas, soaring mountains and dramatic waterfalls along the way. This afternoon, arrive in the alpine resort village of Whistler. After settling into your hotel, the evening is then yours to enjoy at leisure. This provides the perfect opportunity to sample a local restaurant and take in the resort’s evening ambiance. 

Hotel: Summit Lodge & Spa
 

Day 10 : Whistler - Victoria

After breakfast, travel to Horseshoe Bay and here, ride a ferry to Vancouver Island. Then, travel by coach to the city of Victoria. The evening is then yours to enjoy at leisure to continue exploring as you wish.

Hotel for 2 nights: The Parkside Hotel & Spa
 

Day 11 : Victoria

Enjoy time at leisure after breakfast this morning. This provides the opportunity to explore the city of Victoria at your own pace. Perhaps visit some of the city’s sights, take an exciting whale watching excursion or ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Later, delight in the opportunity to explore The Butchart Gardens – one of the world’s premier floral show gardens established by the Butchart family in 1904. Here, you will have ample time to stroll through the wonderful estate and view the truly enchanting gardens. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner in the former Butchart family residence with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. 

Day 12 : Victoria - Vancouver departure or Alaska Cruise

Say farewell to Victoria and return to Vancouver. Guests on the coach tour only transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. 
Guests taking the Cruise Extension will transfer to the cruise terminal to board your ship and settle in for your magical Inside Passage cruise. Accommodation is in an inside cabin, upgrades are available, please ask for details and prices. 
Cruise Ship: Holland America Line’s ms Nieuu Amsterdam or ms Volendam for 7 nights.
 

Day 13 : Cruise the Inside Passage

Start your day with the incredible scenery of 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, one of the most picturesque sea lanes in the world and one of the few places where deep-draft vessels can sail close to steep mountain walls.
 

Day 14 : Juneau

After breakfast this morning, continue your journey to the Alaskan capital of Juneau. Set at the foot of the majestic Coast Mountains on the Gastineau Channel, this beautiful capital city attracts many travellers despite its remote location. Here, you may explore at leisure, or set off on an exciting excursion (own expense).

Day 15 : Skagway

Arrive in Skagway at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage. Never failing to intrigue visitors with its wide range of historic buildings and stories to be told, there are a variety of unique excursions on offer (own expense). Or, you can also choose to set out on your own discovery.

Day 16 : Glacier Bay National Park

Today you will draw back your curtains to the sight of World Heritage-listed Glacier Bay National Park. As you cruise through rivers of ice and between sky-scraping peaks, you’ll enjoy commentary from local rangers who have come aboard your ship. They will explain the geological wonders of the passage and hopefully point out some of the diverse wildlife and marine mammals found here, such as sea lions and killer whales.

Day 17 : Ketchikan

Arrive at the city of Ketchikan, set right on the shores of the Tongass Narrows. Ketchikan acts as a gateway to a wide variety of attractions, including Misty Fjords National Monument – one of America’s largest wilderness areas. This city also lays claim to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles.

Day 18 : The Inside Passage

Heading south through the Inside Passage, watch the glorious landscape slip by on your final day at sea. 

Day 19 : Depart Vancouver

Disembark your ship on arrival in Vancouver today and transfer to the airport