Day 1
Calgary
Upon arrival into Calgary, pick up your private transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, perhaps with a stroll along Stephen Avenue to enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants.
Overnight: The Westley Calgary Downtown or upgrade to The Fairmont Palliser or similar
Day 2
Calgary to Banff
Depart from Calgary this morning for a full-day tour which ends in the lovely mountain town of Banff. Discover the most iconic landmarks of the Canadian Rockies on this unforgettable journey through Banff and Yoho National Parks. Along the way, you’ll learn how the region’s fascinating geological history has shaped its dramatic landscapes, including visits to Lake Louise (except on departures from Lake Louise), Moraine Lake, the Spiral Tunnels, and Takakkaw Falls, subject to seasonal access. The experience is enhanced by a light lunch at the picturesque Emerald Lake Lodge, with light snacks and refreshments provided throughout, all accompanied by a dedicated onboard host. Your tour will drop you off at your chosen hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Canoe and Suites or upgrade to The Fairmont Banff Springs or similar
Day 3
Banff
A full day to enjoy Banff including admission on the Banff Gondola to see the stunning views. A gorgeous town to stroll with the backdrop of the mountains and an array of boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants, plus there are several well-marked trails along the Bow River that you can pick up from Banff Avenue. Alternatively we could book you onto a full day tour which takes you into the Yoho National Park and onto Lake Louise or onto a helicopter tour of the Rockies - click on the "Optional Excursions" tab for more details. Or you can get the best of both worlds and enjoy a few hours exploring Banff and it's beautiful surroundings then hop on one of the frequent shuttles to visit Lake Louise and perhaps enjoy a cocktail or lunch at the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise.
Overnight: Hotel Canoe and Suites or upgrade to The Fairmont Banff Springs or similar
Day 4
Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway
Travel along the renowned Icefields Parkway today, one of the most impressive highways in the world. Travel through Banff and Jasper National Parks and stop off at the Columbia Icefield and the Glacier Skywalk. After enjoying lunch at the Discovery Centre, board an Ice Explorer and travel onto the Athabasca Glacier, as your guide explains the geological features of the area and how the glaciers are formed. Be sure to keep your camera ready for your sighting of the mighty Athabasca Falls.
Overnight: Forest Park Hotel or upgrade to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or similar
Day 5
Jasper
In the morning, begin with an excursion along the Athabasca Canadian Heritage River, learning about David Thompson and the valley ecosystem. Afterwards, travel above Maligne Canyon and visit a mysterious place of Indian legend on your way to Medicine Lake, which sometimes disappears entirely! Keep a lookout upon arrival at Medicine Lake for the abundance of mountain wildlife found here.
Overnight: Forest Park Hotel or upgrade to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or similar
Day 6
Jasper to Kamloops via Rocky Mountaineer Train in Goldleaf Service
All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for your two day adventure in GoldLeaf Service. You'll travel in a two-level glass domed coach offering panoramic views as you wind your way through the landscape that’s dotted with glaciers, sparkling streams and rugged mountain scenery. Goldleaf Service also features an exclusive dining room where you'll be served gourmet meals and a full complimentary list of drinks. Along the way, you’ll pass the Monashee and Cariboo mountain ranges, Okanagan and eventually will finish the day in Kamloops.
Overnight: Kamloops. Breakfast and lunch included
Day 7
Kamloops to Vancouver via Rocky Mountaineer Train in Goldleaf Service
Continue on your Rocky Mountaineer adventure from Kamloops to Vancouver, watching as the surrounding landscape changes dramatically from the luxurious glass domed carriage of Goldleaf Service. You’ll pass through the striking Hell’s Gate Canyon on your way to the fresh air of the coastal city of Vancouver. Enjoy complimentary drinks throughout the day, as well as a delicious lunch in the exclusive dining room. Upon arrival, independently transfer to your downtown hotel.
Overnight: Paradox Hotel or upgrade to Pan Pacific Vancouver or similar
Day 8
Vancouver
Explore Vancouver on your own today, a city edged by the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. Head to Robson Street for a spot of shopping, to Stanley Park if you want to relax or to Granville Island to wander around the markets. If you’re looking for something that really makes the most of the beautiful scenery, take a gondola ride to the summit of Grouse Mountain.
Overnight: Paradox Hotel or upgrade to Pan Pacific Vancouver or similar
Day 9
Vancouver – with optional floatplane day trip to Victoria
Today you can have another lovely day of leisure in this waterfront city, and perhaps we could book you onto a food tour of Granville Market or over to see the breathtaking Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Alternatively you can take a seaplane for an exciting flight over the Islands to beautiful Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, located on Vancouver Island. From there, take a tour to famous Butchart Gardens. In Victoria, enjoy shopping, visiting the museum and lunch. Return to Vancouver on a scheduled afternoon flight, then stroll back to your hotel.
Overnight: Paradox Hotel or upgrade to Pan Pacific Vancouver or similar
Day 10
Vancouver
After a leisurely morning, transfer independently to the cruise port and board the Silversea cruise ship for the next exciting part of your holiday. Silversea ships sail from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska alternate weeks, departing Thursdays, May to September so specific ships are dependent on your sailing date.
Overnight: Silversea cruise ship. All Inclusive board basis.
Day 11
Inside Passage
Today will be spent onboard, cruising northbound along the Inside Passage. A renowned seaway between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island, the scenery as you cruise the Inside Passage is spectacular, so spend time on-deck admiring the views.
Day 12
Ketchikan
Today will be spent in the charming town of Ketchikan, well-known for its colourful totem poles, steep sloping streets and island setting. Head to City Park or to Creek Street to observe the colourful houses situated on stilts over the water. The Totem Heritage Centre is also a must-see, with authentic Native totem poles preserved in this inspiring rare collection. Choose from the range of included shore excursions, including a land & sea tour of Ketchikan, a visit to a wildlife sanctuary, an Alaskan Lumberjack Show or a sea-kayaking tour of the Tatoosh Islands.
Day 13
Juneau
Alaska’s third-largest city is today’s destination; a city with hilly scenery and historic buildings that cannot be reached by road. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier sprawls down from Juneau Icefield, which provides an icy cap to the area's rip-roaring scenery. There’s a modern vibe to this area that makes for an interesting mix of attractions, from the cultural museums to the culinary delights housed in numerous restaurants. Juneau is an easy place to navigate, thanks to its relatively small size, so it’s a great place to explore. For your shore excursion, you can choose from a tour of the Mendenhall Glacier & Gardens, an Alaska Culinary Experience & Whale Quest, Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip or many more.
Day 14
Skagway
North-country folk call this sightseeing route the Golden Horseshoe or Golden Circle tour, because it passes a lot of gold rush country in addition to spectacular lake, forest and mountain scenery. The town is an amazingly preserved artifact from North America's biggest, most documented gold rush. You can choose to take the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad on a once-in-a-lifetime trip or adrenalin junkies might opt for the Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition! There are excursions to suit everyone, so take your pick.
Day 15
Sitka
Originally home to the Tlingit people, this is a location steeped in history and tradition, and enveloped by dramatic scenery. Visit the Sitka National Historical Park where you’ll be able to see some of the intricately carved totem poles or visit some of the museums to learn more about the varied heritage of this area. You can also choose to take a sea otter and wildlife quest.
Day 16
Hubbard Glacier
For some, today will be the highlight of the cruise to see the mighty Hubbard Glacier - the largest glacier in North America, with a calving front that is more than six miles wide. Wrap up warm to spend time on deck marvelling at this natural phenomenon.
Day 17
Seward to Anchorage, fly home
Today you will dock in Seward and be transferred by coach back to Anchorage airport for your flight home via Seattle. Alternatively, if you wish to extend your stay, how about flying to Seattle for a few nights?
