Rockies Explorer & Alaska Cruise

Overview

Rockies Explorer & Alaska Cruise

A holiday of highlights, this exclusive tour stays in some of the most iconic hotels in Alberta and British Columbia and includes a two day journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf class and a magical cruise to Alaska.

What's included:

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • Free door-to-door transfer service
  • 21 meals – 11 breakfasts, 6 dinners, 3 lunches (plus all meals from dinner day 12 to breakfast day 19 if taking cruise option, drinks package also included, please ask for details)
  • 7 nights cruising in a Verandah stateroom if taking cruise option
  • Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf from Vancouver to Banff
  • 6 sightseeing activities
  • Airport transfers in Canada
  • Gratuities for driver and tour director
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach travel
  • Professional Tour director

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Vancouver

On arrival in Vancouver you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Meet your Tour Director at a welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most liveable cities in the world. As you take in the sights on you included tour you’ll understand why, as stunning green spaces like Stanley Park sit side by side with the funky artist quarter of Granville Island; great shopping on Robson Street and in the modern malls contrasts with the eclectic charm of quaint Gastown. The rest of the day is free so why not take in a gallery or museum, visit one of the many food trailers or take a cycle tour.

Day 3: Vancouver - Rockie Mountaineer - Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer and relax in your GoldLeaf carriage as you set out into the mountains. Take in the lush fertile fields of the Fraser River Valley; see 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 train follows the Thompson River on its way to the city of Kamloops.

Day 4: Kamloops - Spiral Tunnels - Banff

Your wonderful Rocky Mountaineer rail journey continues east this morning towards the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Journey through vast ranch lands 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. Enjoy the evening at leisure to relax and take in your incredible setting.

Day 5: Banff

Today you’ll enjoy the opportunity to select 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 down the Bow River; relax at the Willow Stream Spa; go for a cruise on Lake Minnewanka; or perhaps embark on a Voyageur Canoe Tour. Following your selected activity, this evening enjoy dinner at one of the superb restaurants located within The Fairmont Banff Springs.

Day 6: Banff - Moraine - Lake Louise

This morning meet a Mountie who’ll tell tales of the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Then ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views over six mountain ranges. Take a guided tour of Banff before setting off by coach along the Trans-Canada Highway. Travel through the forest of Banff National Park to Moraine Lake, located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. After admiring the beauty of this stunning glacially-fed lake, continue on to your iconic hotel, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Here, after settling in, join an expert Mountain Heritage Guide and learn about the rich natural history of the region as you set off on a leisurely stroll beside the shoreline of this iconic emerald-coloured lake. This evening, dine at one of the exceptional restaurants located in your hotel.

Day 7: Lake Louise - Icefields Parkway - Jasper

This morning travel along the Icefields Parkway, a famous and picturesque route that winds through the Canadian Rockies past the ancient glaciers, vast Icefields, broad sweeping valleys and pristine lakes. Admire the bright, turquoise Peyto Lake, then continue to the Columbia Icefield to board a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle and journey onto the Athabasca Glacier, formed from snow falling as long as 400 years ago. Continue into Jasper National Park and see the spectacle of powerful Athabasca Falls before arriving at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. After settling in, this evening enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants located within your lodge.

Day 8: Jasper - Blue River - Sun Peaks

Join the Yellowhead Highway this morning, which will take you over the Yellowhead Pass and back across the Continental Divide into British Columbia. Stop in Mount Robson Provincial Park 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. After your Blue River Safari, enjoy lunch then continue on by coach to Sun Peaks, a delightful European style alpine resort village nestled at the base of three mountains.

Day 9: Sun Peaks - Whistler

This morning you’ll depart Sun Peaks and follow the tracks of the early gold rush pioneers through the rugged Cariboo region. Travel via the city of Kamloops and the rural towns of Cache Creek and Lillooet, stopping along the way to take in the views out over both Seton and Duffey Lakes. Later, you’ll enter the Coast Mountains before arriving in Whistler, which famously hosted many events during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Day 10: Whistler - Georgia Strait - Victoria

This morning travel down the Sea-to-Sky Highway via pretty Shannon Falls on the way to Horseshoe Bay. From here, board a ferry for the journey across Georgia Strait to the small city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Disembark, and travel by coach via Chemainus, home to a number of unique outdoor murals, to Victoria.

Day 11: Victoria - Butchart Gardens

This morning visit Butchart Gardens and enjoy breakfast in the original Butchart residence. Afterwards you have a choice of activities: go on a whale watching cruise; tour the city’s historic houses and gardens; fish for salmon; ride in a horse-drawn carriage; take 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.

Day 12: Victoria

After breakfast, return by ferry to the mainland, where you will board your ship for a seven-night Inside Passage cruise.

Day 13: 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: Tracy Arm

Cruise to the entrance of Tracy Arm and continue your journey to Alaska’s capital, 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

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

Head south back through the Inside Passage, towards your final port of call.

Day 19: Vancouver

On arrival in Vancouver this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Hand Picked By

Vicky Gurney

Canada simply has something for everyone: breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife, vibrant cities, wonderful restaurants and plenty of shopping – to name just a few. I was lucky to travel to this amazing country and enjoyed some if its wonderful highlights.

Vicky Gurney

Additional Information

  • Date: Various departures for 2024
  • Board Basis: Mixed meal plan
  • Duration: 18 nights
  • Departure Airport: London
  • Guide Price: From £7,249pp
  • Free private door-to-door transfers
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