Rockies, the Yukon and Alaska Cruise

Rockies, Yukon & Alaskan Cruise

Experience the Canadian train through the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Stay in Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. Visit Yukon, the smallest territory in Canada, where its all about nature, then take an Alaska cruise to top off this perfect trip.

Rail is a fantastic way to explore Canada, taking you through the lush green and white mountain passes of the Canadian Rockies to some of Canada’s most serine lakes.

Enjoy breath taking views the Canadian Rockies with views of snow-capped peaks, Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Ice¬fields, and pass by Mount Robson, which at 3954 metres is the highest peak in the Ca¬nadian Rockies.

Then take a city tour of Whitehorse, with it’s old log church and the Miles Canyon Lookout. Finally, take a trip out to Skagway, Alaska for a shopping fix or a bite to eat before returning to Vancouver.

What's Included:

• 7 nights on the MS Volendam, 1 night on board a VIA raila sleeper and 7 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar).
• Mixed meal plan basis
• Entrance fees, tours and excursions as described.
• Services of an experienced tour leader.

Day: 1 Vancouver - Jasper (Rail)

This evening (7.30pm), check in at the Pacific Central Station and board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for the famous train journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Travel back in time to the days of classic rail travel. The original stainless steel ‘stream­liner’ railcars (made famous by the ‘Canadian’ in the 1950) are totally refurbished with air conditioning, a café car, lounge car.
Overnight - Private Sleeper Bedroom on VIA Rail

Exclusive to Sleeper Touring Class:

In the evening attendants transform your quarters into a cozy bunks or bedroom. Visit the Dome where you will experience the true essence of travelling by train as a panoramic scene sweeps by. In Sleeper Touring Class some of the amenities include thick towels, plump pillows, cozy down duvets and a shower kit.

Day 2: Canadian Rockies by daylight on-board VIA Rail; arrive Jasper late after­noon. (Rail)

By the time you awake this morning the train will have just departed Kamloops to begin a day of travelling towards the Canadian Rockies and Jasper. Enjoy breakfast (included) while surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Around lunchtime the ‘Canadian’ begins its passage into the Canadian Rockies with views of snow-capped peaks, Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Ice­fields. Pass by Mount Robson, which at 3954 metres is the highest peak in the Ca­nadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper at 4.00pm and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the afternoon is yours to explore this unique mountain community. (Breakfast & lunch included today on-board VIA Rail)
Overnight - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Day: 3 Jasper - Evening wildlife tour

Today is free to explore Jasper before departing this evening to experi­ence the environs of Jasper, and for some amazing close-up photo op­portunities of wildlife.
Overnight - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day: 4 Jasper to Lake Louise (Coach)

Travel by coach today via one of the most scenic highways in North America - the Icefields Parkway. Visit the Columbia Icefield that covers an area of nearly 125 sq mi (325 sq km) and reaches a depth of 1050 ft (320 m). Time allows for an Ice Ex­plorer ride (included) on the Athabasca Glacier, then a stop at the award-winning Glacier Skywalk (included) to experience a glass-floored observation platform 918 ft (280 m) over spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. After, continue along the Icefield Parkway where stops will be made at Bow & Peyto Lakes, the Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. This highway is renowned for sightings of bears, elk, moose & mountain sheep, so keep your camera handy. Please note: mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid-June. (Pic­nic lunch included today)
Overnight - Fairmont Chateau Lake Loiuise Meals - Lunch

Day: 5 Lake Louise - Banff (Coach)

Depart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive via the scenic Bow Valley to Banff, arriving midday.
Overnight - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Day: 6 Morning sightseeing tour of Banff with Gondola

This morning, tour the town of Banff and its environs. Among the high­lights are visits to the Hoodoos (shaped by centuries of wind) & Bow Val­ley Viewpoint, Surprise Corner, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka and Bank­head: an abandoned mining town and relic of Banff’s industrial past. At the end of the tour you will be taken to Banff Gondola for a breathtaking ascent to the pinnacle of Sulphur Mountain for an awe-inspiring 360-de­gree panorama of sheer mountain majesty. Return to downtown Banff at your leisure. (Transfer not included).
Overnight - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Day: 7 Banff via Calgary - Whitehorse (Coach / Air)

This morning is free to explore Banff before your scheduled coach to Calgary departs early-afternoon. Follow the Trans Canada Highway and leave the Rocky Mountains to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and the breadbas­ket of Canada. Arrive Calgary Airport late afternoon to check-in for a scheduled flight to Whitehorse. Upon arrival transfer (own cost) to your hotel.
Overnight - Best Western Gold Rush Inn

Day: 8 Whitehorse City Tour (Coach)

Located on the banks of the Yukon River, Whitehorse is the largest city in the territory as well as the Yukon capital. This morning join a city tour for a brief introduction to the local history of Whitehorse. Highlights include Old Log Church, Log Skyscraper, Fish Ladder, SS Klondike, Miles Canyon and Miles Canyon Lookout. A stop will be made at the Visitor Information Centre, which offers a great variety of information on Whitehorse, Yukon, Alaska and Northwest Territories. An excellent film “As the Crow Flies” shown every thirty minutes is a must see for all those interested in Yukon. Use this centre to help plan your stay, or enjoy the additional information. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight - Best Western Gold Rush Inn

Day: 9 Whitehorse to Skagway Excursion (Train & Coach)

Board a motor coach at the White Pass Depot in Whitehorse for a trip along the scenic South Klondike Highway to Fraser, BC, where you will connect with the world famous narrow gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Your 28-mile rail excursion will descend over the White Pass Summit and into Skagway, Alaska. Includes a two hour layover in Skagway long enough to shop, have lunch, or just stroll around the unique and historic town. You’ll then re‐board your motor coach for the trip from Skagway back to Whitehorse.
Overnight - Best Western Gold Rush Inn

Day: 10 Whitehorse - Vancouver

Depart this morning for your return flight to Vancouver. Make your own way to your downtown hotel and enjoy a city tour this afternoon.
Overnight - Fairmont Waterfront

Day 11: Vancouver – Inside Passage Cruise

Make your way to the cruise terminal for your Alaska Cruise with Holland America.
Overnight - MS Volendam Meals - Dinner

Days 12 – 17: Cruise the Inside passage to Alaska

Overnight - MS Volendam Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Arrive Vancouver

Disembark this morning and make your own way to the airport for your return flight.