GUARANTEED INCLUSIONS
Seven night cruise of Alaska’s coast
Travel to Banff aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train in Redleaf Service
Sightseeing in Banff including the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier on the specially-designed Ice Explorer
An experienced Tour Director & Driver
Ten night’s quality accommodation
All must-see attractions
Local airport transfers on the first and last day of your tour
A special travel bag and a handy wallet containing touring documents
APT Tour Highlights
Air-conditioned coach travel
Spend two nights in lovely Vancouver
Visit the stunning Lake Louise
Visit Jasper and Sun Peaks
Overnight in Whistler, the alpine resort
Sightseeing in pretty Victoria
Cruise the Inside Passage
Cruise to Glacier Bay National Park
Finest Dining – Includes 36 Meals
17 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L) and 11 dinners (D)
Marvel at the touring destinations that have been drawing travellers to Canada and Alaska for decades. Stay in the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver before discovering the Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, then visit the alpine villages of Jasper, Sun Peaks and Whistler. Finish your tour with a scenic cruise through the Alaskan Inside Passage.
ARRIVE AND RELAX IN VANCOUVER
Day 1. Arrive Vancouver. Be met and transfer to your hotel. This evening join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. Two Night Stay: Vancouver, Blue Horizon Hotel.
Day 2. Vancouver Sightseeing. This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including the Waterfront, Gastown and Stanley Park. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to explore. B
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER RAIL JOURNEY
Day 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops. Today board the Rocky Mountaineer train.
Relax in your RedLeaf coach as you pass the fields of Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. See the thundering waters of Hell’s Gate and follow the Thompson River to Kamloops, gateway to the interior of British Columbia. Tonight you have the option of seeing an entertaining dinner show (own expense). Stay: Kamloops, hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations. BL
Day 4. Rocky Mountaineer, Banff. Rejoining the Rocky Mountaineer, journey along the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake. Enter Rogers Pass, with its tunnels and glistening glaciers. The Kicking Horse River leads to Kicking Horse Pass, the Spiral Tunnels and over the Continental Divide to Banff National Park. Spend the evening in Banff in the restaurants or bars on offer. Two Night Stay: Banff Park Lodge. BL
GLACIERS, MOUNTAINS AND SNOWFIELDS
Day 5. Banff Sightseeing. Today ride the Banff Gondola on the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy incredible views of the Canadian Rockies. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the famous historic landmark, The Fairmont Banff Springs or head off on a wilderness experience to discover the local fauna and flora (own expense). BD
Day 6. Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park. This morning stop at Lake Louise, the Jewel of the Rockies. Continue along the spectacular Icefield Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for an unforgettable ride in a Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier. Travel past Sunwapta Pass and see Peyto Lake. Later, arrive at Jasper. Stay: Jasper, Tonquin Inn. BD
Day 7. Mt Robson, Sun Peaks. Re-entering British Columbia, follow the famous Yellowhead Highway. Pass Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres. In the afternoon arrive in Sun Peaks, known for its virgin forests, alpine meadows, mountain lakes and crystal-clear streams. Stay: Sun Peaks, Hearthstone Lodge. BD
Day 8. Whistler. Follow the tracks of the early gold rush pioneers as you travel through the rugged Caribou region. Enter the Coast Mountain Range for your stay in the ski resort village of Whistler. Take the opportunity this evening to experience nightlife in Whistler. Stay: Whistler, Crystal Lodge. B.
Picturesque VANCOUVER ISLAND
Day 9. Georgia Strait, Victoria. Return to the coast and board your ferry for a scenic cruise through the Georgia Strait. Arrive on Vancouver Island and continue to Victoria, the charming capital city of British Columbia, famous for its distinct British feel. Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure exploring this pretty location. Two Night Stay: Victoria, Royal Scot Suite Hotel. B
Day 10. Victoria Sightseeing. This morning visit the famous Butchart Gardens where you have ample time to explore the wonderful floral displays that have been delighting visitors for over 100 years. The remainder of the day is free to do as you please on Vancouver Island. Perhaps take a whale-watching cruise in search of orcas or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of the inner harbour and surrounds. A visit to the ivy-clad Empress Hotel is a must. Here you can indulge in the famous English High Tea (own expense). BD
Alaskan INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE
Day 11. Victoria, Vancouver, Holland America Line Cruise. Today, board Holland America Line’s luxurious ms Zuiderdam and settle into your stateroom. 11 Day guests (URBEVI11) depart tour after breakfast with a transfer to the airport. Seven Night Stay: ms Zuiderdam. BD
Day 12. Inside Passage. Enjoy a day at sea as your ship wends its way past rocky headlands, over the still blue waters of the Inside Passage. Explore your cruise ship. BLD
Day 13. Juneau. Juneau was named after gold prospector Joe Juneau, after originally being known as Rockwell and then Harrisburg. Juneau has been Alaska’s capital since 1906. This afternoon you’ll have the chance to experience a dog sled ride over a glacier, sample salmon baked over a fire or pan for gold (own expense). BLD
Day 14. Skagway. At the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, Skagway’s history as a frontier town and gateway for the gold rush is still evident. Enjoy free time discovering what gold prospecting was like back then or take in the wildlife (own expense). BLD
Day 15. Glacier Bay. Wake up to the breathtaking sight of Glacier Bay National Park with its rivers of ice and have your camera poised to catch glaciers calving. Rangers come on board to explain the geological wonders and point out the diverse wildlife. BLD
Day 16. Ketchikan. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan is the place to indulge in all things to do with salmon. Enjoy time at leisure and maybe join a walking tour of the town including a visit to the busy fishing harbour and the historic red light district, where the wooden houses that still stand today were built on stilts over the water. Or you can immerse yourself in the Tlingit Indian culture at Saxman Native Village (own expense). BLD
Day 17. Inside Passage. Heading south through the Inside Passage, watch the majestic landscape slip by. BLD
Day 18. Depart Vancouver. Arrive in Vancouver and disembark after breakfast. Enjoy time at leisure before your airport transfer.B
