Passage Through The Rockies & Optional Alaskan Cruise

Day 1  Calgary                                                              
Arrive into Calgary and transfer to your hotel to join your tour director and fellow travellers for an informal welcome reception.                                                              

Day 2  Calgary to Banff              
Head for picturesque Banff National Park stopping off at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary en route. On arrival enjoy dinner at your hotel and relax, taking in the surrounding mountain views.                                                              

Day 3  Banff              
The day is yours to explore this charming town at leisure or perhaps purchase an optional excursion. Maybe enjoy a heli flightseeing tour, join a float trip down the majestic Bow River or ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Rockies.                                                              

Day 4  Banff to Lake Louise              
Take a short drive to the world famous Lake Louise, known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’, to marvel at the stunning turquoise waters. Soak up the spectacular alpine surroundings and perhaps stroll along the lakeshore.

Day 5  Lake Louise to Jasper                                    
Gaze out at memorable views as you travel along the Icefields Parkway, before stopping at the Columbia Icefield where you will ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier.                      

Day 6  Jasper to Blue River/Thompson Valley      
Leave Jasper National Park and head for the pristine lakes and waterfalls of the Blue River Valley. Glide along the jade coloured waters of the Blue River through Grizzly Bear Valley on a river safari and watch for the bears that make it their home.                            

Day 7  Blue River/Thompson Valley to Vancouver                
Head through the rugged Cariboo region to cosmopolitan Vancouver and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 8  Vancouver            
Enjoy a sightseeing tour through this wonderful city, often voted one of the world’s most liveable places. You can arrange an optional excursion to Granville Island’s famed Public Market or wander across Capilano Suspension Bridge, high above the meandering Capilano River.                                                              

Day 9  Vancouver to Whistler      
After a leisurely breakfast head off along the Sea to Sky Highway to the picturesque alpine village of Whistler. Optional excursions include a glacier jeep safari or a zipline tour.            

Day 10  Whistler to Victoria      
Head back along the Sea to Sky Highway before taking a ferry across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island and charming Victoria.                              

Day 11  Victoria                        
This morning enjoy some free time on Vancouver Island. You can arrange an optional excursion to join a whale watching cruise or a horse-drawn carriage tour. Later visit the renowned Butchart Gardens which have been delighting visitors for over 100 years, followed by a farewell dinner in the former family residence.                                                              

Day 12  Victoria to Vancouver – Holland America Line Cruise            
(Optional cruise extension begins). Start the day by boarding a ferry across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver for your overnight flight home, or alternatively join your ship for your Alaska Inside Passage Cruise and settle in to your well-appointed Inside Stateroom.      

Day 13  Inside Passage Cruising              
Enjoy a day at sea as your ship navigates its way past rocky headlands and dramatic cliff faces. Keep an eye out for humpback whales and orcas as you sail through the stunning Inside Passage scenery.    

Day 14  Juneau              
Sail into Juneau, Alaska’s capital since 1906. Spend some time taking in the diverse terrain or perhaps make your way to the town and explore the rustic shops located here.          

Day 15  Skagway                      
Reach the northernmost point of the Inside Passage at Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike gold rush of 1898. Take some time to explore this frontier town with an optional gold prospecting experience.                  

Day 16  Glacier Bay NP            
Awake to the breathtaking sight of Glacier Bay National Park with its striking rivers of ice and glittering icebergs. Enjoy commentary from a local ranger explaining the geological wonders and diverse marine mammals that inhabit this World Heritage listed region.

Day 17  Ketchikan            
Arrive into Ketchikan, known as the salmon capital of the world. You might like to join an optional walking tour of the town or learn about Tlingit Indian culture at the Saxman Native Village.  

Day 18  Inside Passage Cruising            
Spend a final day cruising south through the spectacular landscape of the Inside Passage.        

Day 19  Vancouver                                  
Your cruise ends today in Vancouver. Disembark after breakfast and enjoy some time at leisure before being transferred to the airport for your overnight flight home.          

Notes      
27 Apr; 7 Sep 24 - Glacier Bay is not available. Cruise ships stops at Hubbard Glacier in lieu of Glacier Bay.  
27 Apr 24 - Blue River Safari and lunch is not available.