Grand Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Cruise Tour

Banff is a quaint town located within the breathtaking Banff National Park, the first and most famous of Canada’s national parks and an incomparable combination of towering peaks and high meadows, emerald lakes and fresh mountain air. This, combined with its sulphur hot springs, have made Banff National Park one of North America’s most spectacular scenic areas. This morning we take a tour of the region. We see the landmark Banff Springs Hotel, Tunnel Mountain and Bow Falls. We also take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy panoramic views across the town and to Banff National Park beyond.

Today is our first Freedom Day in Canada. Choose to relax or explore this beautiful region at your leisure. Thrill-seekers may wish to join a scenic helicopter flight. Alternatively, you may prefer to unwind with a soak in Banff’s famous hot springs surrounded by incredible mountain scenery.

We Recommend - Rockies helicopter flight

Take a 35 minute flight over the Rockies to see the Three Sisters Peaks and Mount Assiniboine.

Tour Highlight

Today is undoubtedly one of your tour’s highlights as we commence our journey north into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Leaving Banff, we take the high mountain pass of Kicking Horse across Canada’s great Continental Divide. Our first stop is Yoho National Park. Situated on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains the park is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and soaring peaks. We visit some of the park’s many highlights including the mirror-like green waters of Emerald Lake. Crossing back into Banff National Park we make our way to Lake Louise. Named after Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, and known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’, it is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque lakes in the world. With its glittering, vivid turquoise waters, ringed by soaring mountain peaks and the majestic Victoria Glacier, it’s not hard to see why. We also visit Moraine Lake (conditions permitting), set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks. Perfectly situated at the foot of Lake Louise is our hotel for the night, the world-renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Following check-in, the remainder of our day is free to savour the exclusive facilities of this truly iconic hotel. Enjoy!

After a delightful breakfast in the most beautiful surroundings, we continue north along the Icefields Parkway to further experience a wealth of awe-inspiring scenery where crystal blue-green lakes, fresh mountain streams, deep forests and snow-capped mountain peaks are the order of the day. The Athabasca Glacier is one of six principal glaciers fed by the Columbia Icefields, and upon arrival at the Columbia Icefield we board our ‘Snowcoach’, an all-terrain ice explorer vehicle, and drive out onto Athabasca Glacier. At an altitude of 2,700 metres, our guide shares information about glaciers and the environment, whilst giving you the opportunity to walk on the ice. We continue to Jasper, and our home for the next two nights will be the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

The first Europeans came to this area in the early 1800’s, searching for a fur trading route across the Continental Divide, and in 1907 the federal government made it a national park. The 10,878 square kilometres of Jasper National Park boast soaring peaks, lush valleys and peaceful lakes as well as spectacular icefields and glaciers. Today we depart on a full day sightseeing tour, firstly exploring Maligne Canyon before reaching Maligne Lake, the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies and one of the most photographed scenes in Canada. At Maligne Lake (weather permitting) we embark on a narrated cruise to tiny Spirit Island. We return to the beautiful and tranquil surrounds of our hotel mid-afternoon where the remainder of our day and evening are at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a cocktail in the hotel bar and discuss your favourite highlights of the day with your travelling companions.

Tour Highlight

Get ready for more incredible adventures today as we board the renowned Rocky Mountaineer and roll out of Jasper to further explore the Canadian Rockies by rail. Distant Journeys’ guests enjoy SilverLeaf service, where impeccable hospitality is only surpassed by the incredible views from the oversized windows of the glass-domed carriage. Sit back and savour the scenery from your comfortable reclining chair, as the friendly onboard hosts serve you delicious meals paired with excellent wines. Upgrades to Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service are available should you wish to enhance your onboard experience.

Departing Jasper, we are soon surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the Continental Divide, and the scenic river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, while all the time looking out for bald eagles and giant elk. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and Pyramid Falls, one of the most prominent waterfalls in the area, as the Rocky Mountaineer climbs over the famous Yellowhead Pass. Head to the Rocky Mountaineer’s outdoor viewing area to get closer to nature as our journey continues, skirting the North Thompson River. We arrive into Kamloops and transfer to our hotel for the night, which will be selected by Rocky Mountaineer.

Tour Highlight

This morning we reboard the Rocky Mountaineer in time for a delicious breakfast. As we wind our way west towards the coastal city of Vancouver, we experience dramatic changes in scenery, from otherworldly desert landscapes to pristine forest and winding river canyons. Travel alongside the Fraser River, home to Canada’s largest salmon run, and marvel at the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Upon arrival into Vancouver, we disembark and transfer to our overnight accommodation, either the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, the Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA or the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront.

Our day begins with a cruise through the beautiful Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. On arrival, we visit Butchart Gardens – one of the world’s great botanical gardens, where there will be ample time to browse the impressive displays. Later, we continue to Victoria, British Columbia’s provincial capital and a former gold rush town. Its pioneering heritage and traditions are well preserved in its museums, art galleries, pioneer homes and great mansions. Our home for the next two nights is the Inn at Laurel Point or the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA.

Victoria is known as the ‘Sunshine City of Gardens’, because of its abundance of green spaces and spectacular floral gardens. The hanging flower baskets, the buskers along the Inner Harbour, ocean vistas and the relaxing pace of life make this a captivating place to stay. This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria including highlights such as Beacon Hill Park, Thunderbird Park and Oak Bay. The rest of the day is at leisure, or you may wish to take an optional whale watching cruise for an opportunity to spot humpbacks, orcas, minke and gray whales. Other wildlife we may encounter include harbour and elephant seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, cormorants and bald eagles.

We Recommend - Whale watching cruise

One of the best places to see whales in the wild, join our afternoon whale watching cruise in search of these magnificent creatures.

Today we return to Vancouver. Our journey includes a pleasant cruise through the Gulf Islands resort region, a summer retreat for residents of both British Columbia and Washington State. Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city, which grew from a mill town into a metropolis in less than a century. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour including Stanley Park, a 400-hectare green oasis offering scenic views along the famous Seawall. We explore its many landmarks, monuments and gardens, including the First Nations collection of totem poles. We also visit English Bay, a bustling neighbourhood of beaches, shopping, and dining; Canada Place, an iconic national landmark welcoming residents, visitors and ships to the west coast; the trendy downtown area of Gastown and the vibrant culture of Chinatown. Later we arrive at our hotel for the next two nights, either the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, the Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA or the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront.

A full day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver. A large part of the city’s appeal is found in its wonderful location. Behind the sweep of its beaches soar high rise buildings. The city’s harbours and inlets are freckled with pleasure craft and ocean-going vessels from around the world. To the north of Vancouver are inviting mountain peaks, such as Grouse Mountain; to the south and east are the fertile farmlands of the Fraser River Valley. On your Freedom Day, why not take a tour to Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge, including scenic chair rides and guided eco-walks? Another option is to take a cruise of Vancouver’s inner harbour.

We Recommend - Vancouver Harbour Tour

Sit back and experience a different view of Vancouver on a fully narrated tour of Vancouver’s inner harbour. Cruise past the famous Stanley Park, the busy cruise ship terminals, the spectacular city skyline, historic Gastown, and the breathtaking North Shore Mountains.

Tour Highlight

There is no better way to discover the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife than to take to the calm waters, where cruise vessels can sail close to spectacular steep mountain walls, affording excellent views. Following a leisurely morning, board Holland America Line’s ‘Pinnacle Class’ ship, Koningsdam. No matter what your preferred category of stateroom, you can look forward to excellent dining and top-class entertainment, paired with impeccable service honed through Holland America’s 150-year cruising history. After the usual embarkation formalities, set sail from the city of Vancouver to begin an incredible seven-night Alaskan Cruise.

Our first full day aboard is spent at sea, cruising our way through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Considered one of the greatest routes to cruise, this protected network of waterways offers plenty of opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife from our prime position on deck – humpback whales and orcas play in the bountiful waters; bald eagles soar overhead and brown bears are scattered along the shoreline. Settle into the pleasing rhythm of onboard life and enjoy Koningsdam’s superb facilities.

Our first highlight today is Tracy Arm Inlet, which winds its way through Tongass National Forest, flanked by towering cliffs and glacier-covered mountains. Melting snowcaps give rise to waterfalls that cascade down the shoreline of undisturbed scenery. Keep an eye out for black and brown bears, wolves, deer, moose, seals and whales. At the fjord’s end, behold the mesmerising sapphire blue of the Sawyer Glaciers, perfectly framed by mountains. Your port of call later today is Juneau, Alaska’s state capital. Nestled between the Coast Mountains and Gastineau Channel, Juneau is a cosmopolitan outpost, only accessible by air or sea. Some of the many optional shore excursions include various sightseeing and culinary tours of downtown Juneau, visits to Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching and salmon fishing. This evening depart Juneau, sailing overnight to Skagway.

A new day and a new destination awaits! At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, when 100,000 hopeful miners sprinted toward Alaska and the Yukon with their eyes on riches, the port town of Skagway served as the main gateway to the legendary gold fields. The town is home to many preserved gold-rush era buildings. A range of optional excursions are available. Explore the ‘Garden City of Alaska’ with a walking tour, opt to hop on the White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railway, try panning for gold or discover the Chilkoot Trail. Depart Skagway this evening for your overnight sailing to Glacier Bay.

Tour Highlight

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park is home to a protected ecosystem of plants and animals that exist within the constantly evolving glacial terrain. Absorb the sounds of the ‘living’ ice, with its creaks and groans, and watch out for possible ice calving – where ice chunks break off and crash into the sea, spraying water hundreds of feet into the sky. Wrap up warm and head out onto the open deck with your binoculars and camera to admire the serene snow-flecked and forested mountains, keeping a keen eye out for humpbacks or a brown bear wandering the shores. Listen to local experts on board, as rangers and local guides provide insight into this magical land.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before arriving into Ketchikan, Alaska’s ‘First City’. Clinging to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing industry. It’s no surprise that local restaurants offer outstanding fresh seafood, and the town is also one of the best places to discover cultural sights of native Alaskan nations, with intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. Explore the town on foot and shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon and local art before returning to the comfort of your ship.

Today continue your cruise along the Inside Passage, immersing yourselves in the breath-taking wilderness, with a coastline studded with snowy peaks, forests and glaciers. Look out for wildlife, enjoy an onboard activity or simply relax in one of the stylish ship’s many bars and restaurants.

This morning, following breakfast, disembark at the port of Vancouver. Enjoy a final few hours in the city before transferring to the airport for your afternoon flight to the UK, which will connect in Toronto.

Flights arrive into the UK this morning bringing our incredible Canadian and Alaskan adventure to a close.