Day 1 - VIA Rail - Vancouver to Jasper
Upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport, you will be met by your private sedan and transfer to the Pacific Central train station. Tonight, you will travel aboard VIA Rail's Canadian. In the early evening the train departs for Jasper and will take you through the Fraser Valley & Canyon areas. By nightfall you will be lulled to sleep by the peaceful movement of the train.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a “Romance by Rail" Suite
Day 2 - Arrival in Jasper/ Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
This morning you will wake up on the train just as you are entering the snow covered majestic Rocky Mountains. As you are riding the rails, you will view frozen mountain lakes and glaciers. You will also pass Mt. Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Mid-day the train will arrive in Jasper National Park. Upon arrival you will transfer (on own) to your hotel for check-in.
Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. Visit shimmering Patricia and Pyramid Lakes and take a stroll over a rustic footbridge to Pyramid Lake Island. From there travel through the Maligne Valley in search of Osprey, eagle, big horn sheep, mountain goat, moose, elk, deer and bear. Stop at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 165-foot deep gorge. Here you will set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. From the canyon, continue to disappearing Medicine Lake and then to spectacular Maligne Lake. Have your cameras ready as both areas are rich in wildlife and scenery.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lake view Junior Suite
Day 3 - Jasper to Banff Tour
Enjoy a narrated tour from Jasper through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway. You will be inspired by rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks create an ever-changing montage of mountain wilderness. This tour along the Icefields Parkway takes you through Jasper and Banff National Parks, stopping at the Columbia Icefield. Included in your package is the Ice Age Adventure, a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier, on a 5-kilometre round- trip journey. Your driver-guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in comfort and safety. The trip affords many opportunities to see mountain wildlife and photograph the spectacular views. Late afternoon you will arrive in Banff.
Moderate: Overnight Charlton's Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
Day 4 - Discover Banff Tour
Build a connection to this World Heritage Site on this trademark sightseeing tour as you visit Banff's landmarks and historic places and hear how the 11,000 year old human history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered the Cave & Basin, now a National Historic Site. Your time will be spent enjoying the sights, taking photos, and participating in short walks to view points, on the many stops of the tour.
Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the town site and visit the many museums, art galleries, & boutiques. Visit the Banff Gondola, where you will take a spectacular 8-minute gondola ride (included) to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From this vantage point at the summit, you will enjoy amazing panoramic views of Banff town site and the surrounding peaks of the Bow Valley.
Moderate: Overnight Charlton's Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
Day 5 -Rocky Mountaineer® - Banff to Kamloops
Early today, a private sedan will transfer you from your hotel to the Banff train station. For the next two days, you will be experiencing the "Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World"® aboard Rocky Mountaineer®. Travel aboard the train that puts you in the middle of the awe-inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Upon arrival in Kamloops, transfer to your hotel. With service and interpretive commentary provided by your Onboard Attendants, you will realize that with Rocky Mountaineer®, you are experiencing one of the world's most unforgettable rail adventures.
Choice of Kamloops Evening Entertainment
A choice of evening entertainment will be offered in the new River Roundhouse venue featuring two dinner theatre. Select between two entertainment choices during your overnight stay in Kamloops:
Two River Junction Dinner and Musical Revue - A classic dinner and musical revue offering a fun-filled look at Canadian rail history. Enjoy the historic tale of infamous bandit Billy Miner's botched train robbery. Watch the fun as local reporter Mary Spencer tries to capture this exciting story, only to find instead that Billy has captured her heart. The minute the show starts, you will sing along to old favourites and laugh at “Tales from the Rails" woven around the notorious train robber, Billy Miner.
The Great Canadian Lumberjack Show - A wild and entertaining evening show featuring an icon of Canada West the lumberjack. This comedic story features two world-class lumberjacks competing to be the best in town. Recreating the historic world of a logging camp, the local lumberjacks will dazzle and amaze the audience with their skills, tricks and showmanship. Among the challenges are a 50-foot tree climb, an axe-throwing competition, and an entertaining log-rolling competition.
Moderate: RedLeaf Service®
Superior: RedLeaf Service®
Deluxe: GoldLeaf Service®
Overnight in Kamloops (Hotel to be advised)
Day 6 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Kamloops to Vancouver
You will depart early this morning for your second day aboard Rocky by Rail Mountaineer Railtours. Continue your journey westwards from Kamloops and travel along the Thompson River to the Fraser Canyon. At Hell's Gate watch water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point, a true highlight of the canyon. Upon leaving this region, the train will journey through the fertile Fraser Valley to the coastal city of Vancouver. Upon arrival at the Vancouver Train Station, you will be transferred by private sedan to your downtown hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott (includes Buffet Breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre Hotel - Fairmont Gold Harbourview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 7 - Victoria Day Tour including Butchart Gardens
Today, a full day trip to Victoria has been arranged. The tour bus will pick you up at your hotel and take you onto BC Ferries. The ferry will cruise through the beautiful Gulf Islands before arriving at Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. The tour will visit Butchart Gardens en route to Victoria. You will have a brief city tour of Victoria then some free time to explore on your own. Return to Vancouver is in the early evening.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott (includes Buffet Breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre Hotel - Fairmont Gold Harbourview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 8 - Whistler Mountaineer™ Experience
Travel onboard the Whistler Mountaineer™ from the coastal city of Vancouver to the resort town of Whistler, renowned for outstanding skiing and year-round outdoor activities. Following your motor coach transfer from Downtown Vancouver, the Whistler Mountaineer™ takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of this Sea to Sky region. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views across Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. Breakfast is served onboard. On arrival at Whistler train station, you will be transferred to the centre of Whistler Village where you will have approximately 2 hours of free time to explore.
This afternoon, a motor coach will transfer you to the rail station for your return Whistler Mountaineer™ experience to Vancouver. Once again, enjoy the postcard-perfect scenery and entertaining commentary provided by your onboard attendants. Afternoon Tea Service is served onboard. On arrival at the North Vancouver station this evening, you will transfer to your overnight accommodation in Downtown Vancouver.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott (includes Buffet Breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre Hotel - Fairmont Gold Harbourview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 9 - Vancouver Exploring / Depart Vancouver aboard Holland America's ms Statendam
You have the morning at leisure to explore Vancouver. Take a water taxi to the market on Granville Island get your designer duds on Robson Street get your culture fix in Chinatown and get splashed by a beluga whale at the Vancouver Aquarium. And when you're all done, get sand in your shoes at English Bay before you head back uptown for fusion cooking at the vibrant restaurant scene of Gastown. This afternoon, you will set sail for new adventures on board the exciting ms Statendam. The ms Statendam dazzles guests with more of everything they desire on a cruise ship: more staterooms with verandahs for private dining, sunning and relaxing more dining choices from fancy dress-up dinners to casual pool-side dining more ways to be pampered in The Greenhouse Spa and Salon. This spectacular cruise ship delights guests with an unforgettable onboard experiences.
Moderate: Overnight ms Statendam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Statendam in an Outside Cabin (D class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Statendam in a Veranda Suite (BB class)
Day 10 - Scenic Cruising Inside Passage
Today is at sea. Journey deep into one of nature's most isolated monuments accessible only by sea and air and encounter the magnificence of the Ice Age as you slowly glide through the Inside Passage. Expect the unexpected on your Alaska cruise - a massive glacier calves, a bald eagle soars above, a humpback whale clears the water and the night sky awakens to waves of color. With guaranteed views of sky-splitting peaks, glaciers and vast wilderness.
Moderate: Overnight ms Statendam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Statendam in an Outside Cabin (D class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Statendam in a Veranda Suite (BB class)
Day 11 - Tracy Arm & Juneau, Alaska
In the morning you will cruise through this narrow, 26-mile long fjord is another of Alaska's most dramatic glacier settings. Stand on deck as the lush forest recedes and you enter a stunning canyon of bare rock. The panorama of 7,000 foot mountain peaks and nearly vertical rock cliffs is astounding. Waterfalls appear at every turn. Icebergs make their way to the sea in all sorts of wondrous shapes. And tucked away at the end of this remarkable waterway are two very active reminders of the Ice Age - the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The face of the South Sawyer Glacier stretches one-third of a mile and calves icebergs big and small. Harbour seals dot the floating platforms. Kittiwakes and mountain goats are a common sight. Whales and bears may even make an appearance in this magical place where closeness and intimacy make visitors a part of the scene.
In the afternoon, arrive Juneau. For years Juneau's livelihood, like that of many cities in Alaska, was tied to mining. The city itself is built on tailings from the A-J mine whose shafts perforate the hillside above town. Because it is Alaska's capital, Juneau prospers through government work and tourism. This is a great place to sample salmon baked over an alderwood fire, pan for gold, and hike the massive Juneau Icefield. If you feel the need for speed, hop on a sled and let a dog team pull you across the surface of a glacier. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Alaska-style Salmon Bake, Glacier View Sea Kayaking, Gold Panning at Gold Creek.
Moderate: Overnight ms Statendam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Statendam in an Outside Cabin (D class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Statendam in a Veranda Suite (BB class)
Day 12 - Skagway, Alaska
The sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway come winter, so you can only imagine the frightful conditions endured by the gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon, with a mandatory ton of supplies to be hauled with them over the steep and treacherous Trail of '98. 21st-century summertime visits to Skagway require nothing of the sort, but you can still ride the antique White Pass & Yukon narrow-guage railway up through silvery-purple rock faces, past Deadhorse Gulch, to see what it was like back then. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): White Pass Summit Scenic Railway, Biking, rock- climbing and flight seeing adventures.
Moderate: Overnight ms Statendam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Statendam in an Outside Cabin (D class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Statendam in a Veranda Suite (BB class)
Day 13 - Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising
Cloistered in the rocky recesses of Alaska, Glacier Bay is a world still emerging from the Ice Age. Sixteen dazzling tidewater glaciers creep back and forth by millimeters, chiseling great masses of moraine onto their pristine surfaces.
Moderate: Overnight ms Statendam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Statendam in an Outside Cabin (D class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Statendam in a Veranda Suite (BB class)
Day 14 - Ketchikan, Alaska
In the heart of the Tongas National Forest, immerse yourself in Tlingit Indian culture and view the world's largest collection of totem poles kayak the colorful waterfront and stroll the boardwalk that once led to Ketchikan's red light district. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Adventure Kart & Jet Boat Expedition, Misty Fjords by Floatplane, snorkeling adventure, Totems & Town Tour.
Moderate: Overnight ms Statendam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Statendam in an Outside Cabin (D class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Statendam in a Veranda Suite (BB class)
Day 15 - Scenic Cruising Inside Passage
Today is at sea as you continue your cruise back to Vancouver. You set the pace and choose your pleasure: Start your day early with a brisk walk around the teak deck or enjoy a long, lazy morning with breakfast served in your stateroom. Relax away the afternoon by the pool or participate in one of many classes or speaker presentations. Dress for another stylish dinner or enjoy an excellent meal at one of our more casual restaurants. In the evening, watch a great show, try your luck in the casino or dance into a moonlit night at sea.
Moderate: Overnight ms Statendam in an Inside Cabin (J class)
Superior: Overnight ms Statendam in an Outside Cabin (D class)
Deluxe: Overnight ms Statendam in a Veranda Suite (BB class)
Day 16 - Arrive Vancouver
Arrive back into Vancouver in the early morning. Upon arrival, transfer by private sedan from the cruise ship terminal to the Vancouver International Airport in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 1 night bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
- 7 nights accommodation, room tax and any mandatory service charges
- Rocky Mountaineer® 2 day rail tour including 2 breakfasts,2 lunches & snacks
- 7 night Alaska Glacier Bay Holland America cruise aboard the ms Statendam including onboard meals & entertainment, taxes and port charges
- Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
- Jasper to Banff Tour including a 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride
- Discover Banff Tour including admission to Cave & Basin
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola ride
- Choice of Kamloops Evening Entertainment: Two River Junction Dinner & Musical Review OR Great Canadian Lumberjack Show
- Victoria Day Tour with Butchart Gardens including BC Ferries & admission to Butchart Gardens
- Round-trip Whistler Mountaineer™ between Vancouver & Whistler including breakfast & Afternoon Tea Service and motor coach transfers in Vancouver & Whistler (Moderate & Superior: Coast Classic Class / Deluxe: Glacier Dome Class)
- Private sedan transfers between Vancouver Airport & train station, Banff hotel & train station, Vancouver train station & hotel, hotel & cruise ship terminal and cruise ship terminal & Vancouver Airport including gratuities
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Alaska State Cruise Tax
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Shore Excursions
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities not listed as included (including meals & cabin attendants onboard the ms Statendam)
- Meals not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Optional activities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)