Reflection of the Rockies & Alaska Cruise

Day 2 : Victoria

Enjoy a short tour and then visit Butchart Gardens to explore the extraordinary collection of plants on show and exquisite floral displays. Afterwards, enjoy time at your leisure or take an optional whale-watching cruise or a horse-drawn carriage tour.
 

Day 3 : Victoria - Whistler

Drive to Chemainus then cross the Georgia Strait by ferry to Horseshoe Bay. Stop at Shannon Falls on your way to Whistler. Tonight enjoy an indigenous-inspired dinner at the Lil’wat Squamish Cultural Centre. You may prefer enhance your journey and fly from Victoria to Whistler on an optional flight.

Hotel for 2 nights: Aava Whistler Hotel

Day 4 : Whistler at leisure

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in this alpine village, nestled in the Coastal Mountain range and surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. Why not take the gondola between the two peaks for an exhilarating view of the village and ski slopes, or try your hand at mountain biking, horseback riding or a round of golf.

Day 5 : Whistler - Blue River

After breakfast this morning you travel through the rugged Cariboo region of British Columbia to Blue River. This evening relax during a laid-back dinner on the waterfront.

Hotel: Mike Wiegele Heli Village
 

Day 6 : Blue River - Jasper

This morning set off on an extraordinary River Safari to Grizzly Bear Valley where you’re likely to witness active native wildlife on the riverbank. Later follow the famous Yellowhead Highway past Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, on your way to Jasper National Park.

Hotel for 2 nights: The Crimson

Day 7 : Jasper at Leisure

Today relax in the fairy tale setting of Jasper. The “Gem of the Canadian Rockies” is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls, glaciers, lakes and rivers running in deep canyons, a region where wildlife abounds. Perhaps embark on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Sidecar Tour; enjoy a Maligne Valley Wildlife Experience; or set off on a rafting adventure on the Athabasca River. Enjoy a western style BBQ dinner tonight.

Day 8 : Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise

First, visit Maligne Canyon for a walk along its deep rocky caverns. Then travel along the Icefields Parkway marvelling at the stunning Rockies scenery, watch for bear and mountain sheep then stop at the Columbia Icefield for a ride in an ice explorer on the Athabasca Glacier. Continue to the world-famous Lake Louise, “the Jewel of the Rockies” and most photographed lake in Canada, for a special stay.

Hotel: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
 

Day 9 : Lake Louise - Banff

See the stunning beauty of glacier-fed Moraine Lake on your way to Banff National Park. Later, explore Banff on a sightseeing tour, then ride the Banff Gondola along Sulphur Mountain and enjoy incredible views of the Canadian Rockies.

Hotel for 2 nights: Banff Park Lodge
 

Day 10 : Banff at Leisure

Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a town that makes you feel at home and exhilarated with wonder all at the same time; a town that truly celebrates its heritage, lives and breathes mountain culture and never takes its backyard for granted. The town of Banff is a spirited place, alive with adventure and wonder. In all directions you’re surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. You might even see a herd of deer wandering down the main street You’ll have a day to explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll browse the shops along Banff Avenue, or you might like to set off on a Banff Experience Tour and learn all about the area. Or perhaps fly over the Canadian Rockies during a Heli Flightseeing Tour or take a float ride along the Bow River.

Day 11 : Banff - Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops

Travel on board the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf from Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. Your journey takes you through a spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranch lands of the Interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.

Hotel: Moderate hotel allocated by Rocky Mountaineer
 

Day 12 : Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver

Your train journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes along the Thompson River and Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon.

Hotel for 2 nights: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel
 

Day 13 : Vancouver sightseeing

This morning enjoy breakfast and bear viewing at Grouse Mountain Bear Refuge, then enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver. Afterwards the remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure. There’s so much to see and do in this liveable city, from the totem poles and open spaces of Stanley Park to the history of Gastown; the chic shops of Robson Street and the artistic hotspot of Granville Island. Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner.
 

Day 14 : Vancouver departure or optional cruise

Tour only guests transfer to the airport for your return flight. Tour and cruise guests transfer to the cruise terminal to board your premium ship for your magical Inside Passage cruise. Accommodation is in an inside stateroom, upgrades are available please ask for prices.

Cruise ship: Holland America Line’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam or ms Volendam
 

Day 15 : Inside Passage

Relax on board today as you cruise the Inside Passage. Shaped by the staggering force of massive glaciers millions of years ago, the Inside Passage boasts wildlife-filled fjords and lush island scenery; a perfect habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises and whales.

Day 16 : Juneau

Alaska’s capital city was born in the gold rush of 1880. Today it’s the scenery and fauna that is the town’s fortune. During your stop in Juneau, perhaps experience a dog sled ride over a glacier, sample salmon baked over a fire or pan for gold (all optional).

Day 17 : Skagway

A hundred years ago some 20,000 gold prospectors came stampeding through Skagway, a little town that survives today with its false fronted buildings and wooden boardwalks lining the streets. Discover gold prospecting or view some of the local wildlife (both optional).

Day 18 : Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay is home to an abundance of wildlife; rangers will join you today to explain the geological wonders and wildlife of this unique region.

Day 19 : Ketichikan

The name ‘Ketchikan’ comes from the native language word for ‘Where the eagles meet”. Much of the town’s colourful past is still in evidence, like the world’s largest collection of totem poles, staring out to see. Ketchikan and its surrounds present a range of attractions, including Misty Fjords National Monument, one of America’s largest wilderness areas.

Day 20 : Inside Passage

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage.

Day 21 : Vancouver - departure

Disembark your ship after breakfast then transfer to the airport for your onward flight, please ensure your onward flight departs after 1 pm.