Rockies Explorer and Alaska Cruise

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Overview

Experience the best of Canada and Alaska on this fast-paced adventure. Ride the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, explore Banff and Whistler, and enjoy exclusive experiences like before-hours access to The Butchart Gardens and a meet and greet with a Mountie. Then, cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage, where breathtaking nature awaits. Image courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Vancouver

Once you’ve landed, we’ll meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel before tonight’s welcome dinner.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Two Nights, The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

Day 2: Vancouver

Today begins with an incredible Signature Experience. Then, embark on a sightseeing tour of beautiful Vancouver, where you’ll be introduced to the city’s must-see attractions, including the cobblestone streets of historic Gastown, vibrant Chinatown, and vast Stanley Park. You will also stop by Granville Island, the bustling heart of Vancouver’s cultural scene. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore at leisure.

Signature Experience – Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Enjoy a sensational visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park on the beautiful outskirts of Vancouver. After breakfast at the Cliff House Restaurant, you’ll join an insightful nature exploration through the grounds and across the suspension bridge.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Vancouver, Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops

Begin your Rocky Mountaineer rail journey and soak up mesmerising views from the bi-level glass-dome carriage in GoldLeaf Service. Gaze up at the Coast Mountains and pass Hell’s Gate. Follow the Thompson River on the way to Kamloops.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Kamloops, hotel as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer (three-star accommodation)

Day 4: Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer, Banff

Today, your rail journey heads towards the Rockies. See the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels and traverse Kicking Horse Pass. Once in Banff National Park, head for the ‘Castle in the Rockies’, Fairmont Banff Springs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Two Nights, Banff National Park, Fairmont Banff Springs, in a Fairmont Mountain View Room

Day 5: Banff

Spend the day on your preferred Freedom of Choice activity, then choose your dining experience this evening.

Freedom of Choice – Banff Locals, Lakes and Gems

Join this exclusive small-group tour and venture off the beaten path to discover Banff National Park’s hidden gems. You’ll also enjoy more time to explore Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and the stunning Lake Minnewanka.

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Head to the top of Sulphur Mountain and take in Banff from above, climbing nearly 700 metres in elevation as you are carried through the pines. Once you reach the peak, you can head off for a stroll along the boardwalk.

Freedom of Choice – Heli Flightseeing

Take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the Rocky Mountains. Soar past snowy peaks and jagged mountains, enjoying breathtaking views of pristine lakes and alpine meadows.

Freedom of Choice – Bow River Float Trip

Embrace the tranquil atmosphere as you float down the serene Bow River, keeping your eyes peeled for any signs of cheeky wildlife on the banks. This activity is suitable for most fitness levels.

Freedom of Choice – Hockey Player Experience

When in Canada, it’s only fitting that you experience a day in the life of an ice hockey player. Get to know the Canmore Eagles as you tour their dressing rooms, try on their gear and step onto the ice.

Freedom of Choice – Fairmont Spa Entry

Harking back to the hot spring that first called travellers some 100 years ago, soothe your tired muscles in the mineral pool and pulsating waterfalls at Fairmont Banff Springs.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Banff, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise

Tour Banff and enjoy a Signature Experience, then travel via Moraine Lake (season permitting) to Lake Louise. As you arrive at the hamlet of Lake Louise, you will be in awe of the unique setting. Turquoise water is bordered by a jagged mountainscape, dotted with trees. Breathe in the crisp air as you enjoy your first day in this stunning location. Choose where to dine tonight from your hotel’s exceptional collection of restaurants.

Signature Experience – Meet a Mountie

On an exciting morning in beautiful Banff National Park, you’ll have the chance to meet one of Canada’s renowned Mounties and hear tales from the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Banff National Park, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, in a Fairmont Lakeview Room

Day 7: Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper

Join the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic stretches of road. Pause at Peyto Lake and stop at the Columbia Icefield, where you will embark on a memorable journey onto the Athabasca Glacier. Continuing via Athabasca Falls, your day ends in Jasper. Choose where to dine tonight at your lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Jasper National Park, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 8: Jasper, Mount Robson, Sun Peaks

Take in Maligne Canyon before re-entering the province of British Columbia. Your journey follows the famous Yellowhead Highway. Pass Mount Robson, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, soaring at 3,954 metres above sea level. Later, arrive in the alpine village of Sun Peaks.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Day 9: Sun Peaks, Whistler

Follow the tracks of early gold rush pioneers through the Cariboo region, stopping at Seton and Duffey lakes. Later, re-enter the Coast Mountains and learn why Whistler attracts so many outdoor enthusiasts.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler

Day 10: Whistler, Georgia Strait, Victoria

Travel south along the Sea to Sky Highway, then take the BC Ferries service to Vancouver Island. Continue to Chemainus, a town famous for its vibrant outdoor murals, before arriving in the charming city of Victoria.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Two Nights, Victoria, Fairmont Empress

Day 11: Victoria, The Butchart Gardens

Begin the day with a memorable Signature Experience. Tonight, savour a special farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Signature Experience – The Butchart Gardens Before Hours

Visit The Butchart Gardens before the public is granted access and enjoy an exclusive breakfast in the original Butchart residence. More than 100 years in the making with a former quarry as the initial canvas, this space was transformed by Jennie Butchart into a haven overflowing with lush greenery and colourful blooms. Relish the opportunity to wander among the floral displays without the crowds.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Victoria, Vancouver, Embark Ship

Return to Vancouver by ferry, then board your ship to begin your cruise through Alaska’s magnificent Inside Passage. This afternoon, unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Seven Nights, Holland America Line’s Zaandam in a Vista Suite

Day 13: Inside Passage

Spend today on board, gliding past rocky headlands and over the icy waters of the Inside Passage, one of the most picturesque sea lanes in the world.