Majesty of Canada and Alaska

Majesty of Canada and Alaska

Testify to the supreme majesty of Western Canada and Alaska by road, rail and sea. The first part of your incredible journey is via luxury, escorted touring through historic towns and verdant National Parks. Then you have the option to experience one of the world's most romantic train journeys on the Rocky Mountaineer, or embarking on a classic cruise on the glacial waters of Alaska. Dine at the highly rated YEW Seafood + Bar in Vancouver. Meet a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman who'll fascinate you with personal stories and traditions of the ‘Mounties'. The graceful Emerald Lake Lodge is set on a 13-acre peninsula making the perfect location to enjoy Yoho National Park.

What's Included:

• Meals
• Expert Insight Travelling Concierge
• Air-conditioned coach
• Personal radio headset
• Baggage handling
• Coach and hotel WiFi
• Transfers on the first and last days

Excursions

• Whistler
• Yoho National Park
• Lake Louise
• Athabasca Glacier
• Jasper
• Maligne Lake
• Vancouver

Day 1: Vancouver

Welcome to Canada's vibrant port city of Vancouver. On arrival at Vancouver International Airport you'll be met and transferred to your luxury downtown hotel in the heart of the city's premier shopping and entertainment district. At 18:00, join your Travelling Concierge for a Welcome Dinner with drinks at the Zagat-rated YEW Seafood + Bar.

Day 2 & 3: Victoria

Experience the best of Vancouver during your exclusive sightseeing tour. Explore historic Gastown, Chinatown, the eclectic community of English Bay and view the famous totem poles in Stanley Park. Later, board your ferry and relax in the exclusive Seawest Lounge, with scenic coastal views all the way to Victoria. On arrival, an orientation introduces you to the Inner Harbour, the ornate Parliament Buildings and Bastion Square.

Begin the next day with a visit to Butchart Gardens with ample time to explore the 55 acres (22 ha) of stunning floral displays, meandering paths and spectacular views which have delighted visitors for over 100 years. With a botanist on hand, find out more about your favourite flora before enjoying the afternoon at leisure in Victoria.

Day 4: Whistler

Journey across the Strait of Georgia back to the mainland. On the way to Whistler stop to see the roaring Shannon Falls. Upon arrival in Whistler, you will visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre and take part in a one-of-a-kind holistic tea workshop, creating your own tea concoction.

Day 5: Okanagan Valley

Travel into the lush Okanagan Valley region, known for producing some of the best fruit and hybrid wines in the world. Your home for the night is at the lakeside Delta Grand Okanagen Resort. In the evening, enjoy dinner complemented by local wines.

Day 6: Mount Revelstoke, Glacier & Yoho

Journey through three of Canada's most breathtaking National Parks: Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, and Yoho en route to Emerald Lake, one of Canada's most outstanding wilderness settings. Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, your destination is the beautiful Emerald Lake Lodge. After dinner, savour a liqueur at the lodge before stargazing under the night sky and roasting s'mores (a traditional campfire treat) by a lakeside bonfire.

Day 7: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

The morning is yours to relax in the peaceful setting of Emerald Lake before heading to the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint and pass by the spectacular Natural Bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River, before departing for another great icon of the Canadian Rockies, Moraine Lake. An easy walk along the Moraine Lake shoreline is the best way to appreciate the beauty of this famous alpine lake. A flat, easy trail weaves its way through shoreline trees and offers extraordinary views of the Ten Peaks, a series of encircling summits all over 10,000 feet (3,048 metres). Hike up the Rock Pile for an alternative view of the turquoise waters and nearby Tower of Babel. Then drive to Lake Louise and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for your stay.

Day 8 & 9: Banff National Park

Enjoy an interpretive talk along the shore of Lake Louise also known as the 'Jewel of the Rockies' and learn about the history and geography of the area. The rest of the morning is yours to do as you please. Take a canoe out on the lake, take a hike to Lake Agnes and the historic teahouse or just relax and take in the beauty of the lake, surrounded by dense green forest and crowned by the glistening Victoria Glacier.

In the afternoon, head out for the popular resort city of Banff where you will have an orientation including viewpoints, landmarks, historic places and a ride aboard the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy a private meet and greet with a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman, wearing the iconic red serge uniform. For your evening meal, choose from a selection of restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Enjoy the next day at leisure to relax and take advantage of the hotel facilities, browse the shops along Banff Avenue or join a helicopter tour flying over the Canadian Rockies.

Day 10: Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park

Motor along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway and witness amazing scenes such as the Crowfoot Glacier and Columbia Icefield, North America's largest sub-polar ice pack. 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.

After a Celebration Dinner, enjoy a fun and interactive talk by a wildlife expert that will transport you back in time through storytelling and costume. Their first hand experience in Jasper's environment reveal an authentic voice teaching about some of the park's most interesting residents including elk, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, black bear, beaver and caribou.

Day 11: Jasper National Park and Maligne Lake

In the morning, embark on a private, narrated cruise on the serene waters of iconic Maligne Lake, one of the jewels of the Canadian Rockies. Stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites of the Canadian Rockies. Then, join your Travelling Concierge for an informative walk at Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Canadian Rockies. Stroll along the canyon's trail, past beautiful waterfalls, astounding rock formations and learn about the underground river system. Gain a unique perspective of the beautiful park on an afternoon raft trip.

Day 12: Mount Robson & Sun Peaks

Head west over Yellowhead Pass and arrive at Mount Robson, the Rockies' tallest peak at 12,989 feet (3,989 metres). Follow the Thompson River as you descend through the Columbia Mountains and arrive at your overnight hotel in the thriving ski resort of Sun Peaks.

Day 13 & 14: Vancouver

Returning to the Pacific Coast, arrive back in Vancouver and head to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park. Cross the spectacular suspension bridge, 230 feet (70 metres) above the Capilano River, and join the award-winning Treetops, a guided nature tour along a series of elevated walkways, offering fabulous photo opportunites. In the evening, gather with your Travelling Concierge and fellow companions for dinner at the hotel.

The next day, transfer to Vancouver International Airport, or the tour hotel in Vancouver for guests extending their stay. Airport arrival time will be 9:30.