Rockies in Depth and Alaska Cruise

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Overview

Embark on a spectacular Small Group Tour spanning the soaring, snowcapped Rocky Mountains of Calgary to the Strait of Georgia near Victoria in British Columbia. Witness the immense natural beauty of Canada and gain a deeper insight into the people, culture, cuisine, history and wildlife of this captivating nation. Experience what it takes to be an ice hockey player, travel aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, and sample local cider at a distillery enjoyed with shared charcuteries boards. After your land journey, step aboard Holland America Line's Koningsdam ship and explore Alaska's legendary Inside Passage on a seven-night ocean cruise, visiting iconic destinations such as Glacier Bay, while keeping a close watch for the region's famous wildlife.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Calgary, Banff

Welcome to Canada. Once you’ve landed in Calgary, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel in Banff. Settle into your room before meeting your fellow travellers and APT Tour Director at a welcome dinner.

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

Day 2: Banff

Choose how you’d like to spend today in Banff with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer, then enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

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 – 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

Day 3: Banff, Kananaskis

Travel to Kananaskis, stopping en route to enjoy a signature experience Experience. Continue
to your accommodation, nestled among breathtaking mountain scenery. Settle in and enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

Signature Experience – Canadian Hockey Experience

Step onto the ice like a true Canadian hockey player during this two-hour, hands-on experience. Perfect for beginners, you’ll learn ice hockey skills and enjoy a fun, immersive taste of Canada’s beloved hockey culture.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Pommeroy Kananaksis Mountain Lodge.

Day 4: Kananaskis, Lake Louise

Today, head to breathtaking Moraine Lake (season permitting), nestled in the spectacular Valley of the Ten Peaks. Later, arrive at Lake Louise, known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. Choose where to dine this evening from your hotel’s collection of restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Banff National Park, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 5: Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper

Travel along the Icefields Parkway and stop at the Columbia Icefield, where you’ll take an exhilarating Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. Then, continue to Jasper via Athabasca Falls. Tonight, dine at the lodge and savour a special Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – First Nations Warrior Women Performance

Enjoy a captivating performance from First Nations Warrior Women, featuring songs and drumming. Learn about Indigenous culture, hearing stories of the land and legends of the Cree people.

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

Day 6: Jasper

Discover Jasper your way with a range of Freedom of Choice sightseeing activities available today.

Freedom of Choice – Harley–Davidson Sidecar Tour

Experience the thrill of the open road as you coast through Jasper’s breathtaking wilderness on a chauffeured motorcycle sidecar tour.

Freedom of Choice – Maligne Valley Tour with Hike

Journey to Maligne Canyon, a stunning natural wonder teeming with iconic Canadian wildlife. On a trail hike, look for osprey, eagles, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, elk, deer and bears.

Freedom of Choice – Maligne Valley Tour with Cruise

Set against the backdrop of jagged mountain peaks, cruise across the glacial waters of Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, a destination only accessible by boat.

Freedom of Choice – River Rafting

This is the perfect introduction to rafting. Small rapids and calm waters ease you into the activity, and your licensed guide is around to point out areas of interest and wildlife along the way.

Freedom of Choice – Jasper SkyTram

Jasper’s peak attraction provides an unforgettable view of the Athabasca Valley and Jasper National Park. Transport on the SkyTram shuttle is included.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Jasper, Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops

Your incredible rail journey through the Rockies starts this morning when you board the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer. Relax and soak up the views from the bi-level glass-dome carriage in GoldLeaf Service en route to Kamloops.

Image credit: Rocky Mountaineer

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

Day 8: Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver

Your Rocky Mountaineer journey continues west today, bringing you to Vancouver. Marvel at the orange truss bridge at the Cisco Crossing and the water crashing over Hell’s Gate.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Two Nights, The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

Day 9: Vancouver

Embark on a sightseeing tour of beautiful Vancouver this morning, where you’ll discover the city’s must-see attractions, including vibrant Chinatown and vast Stanley Park. Continue to nearby Granville Island for a Signature Experience, sampling the wonderful flavours of local food at Granville Market.

Signature Experience – Granville Island Food Tour

Visit Granville Island, a vibrant, creative neighbourhood brimming with markets, artist studios and galleries, ideal for a relaxed stroll. Here, you’ll set out on a food tour of the public market, visiting the most popular stalls and sampling their produce and creations; an ideal way to directly support local businesses while enjoying an authentic local culinary experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Vancouver, Whistler

This morning, enjoy early access to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Afterwards, travel along the Sea to Sky Highway to the alpine town of Whistler. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

Day 11: Whistler, Georgia Strait, Victoria

Travel south along the Sea to Sky Highway, then take the BC Ferries service to Vancouver Island where a signature experience awaits, before arriving in the charming city of Victoria.

Signature Experience – Charcuterie & Cider Social

Share tantalising charcuterie boards, featuring cured meats, chutneys, and brick-oven bread — paired with crisp local cider at Cowichan Valley.

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

Day 12: Victoria

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 13: Victoria, Vancouver, Embark Ship

Return to Vancouver and board your ship to begin your spectacular cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: 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.