Canada : Rockies Marvel

Day 1 Vancouver arrive in Vancouver and transfer to your hotel. This evening join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Overnight: Blue Horizon Hotel.

Day 2 Vancouver enjoy a city sightseeing tour this morning, including the Waterfront, Gastown and Stanley Park, before spending the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Blue Horizon Hotel (B)

Day 3 Vancouver-Kamloops board the Rocky Mountaineer train and 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.
Overnight: Kamloops, hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations. (BL)

Day 4 Kamloops-Jasper rejoining the Rocky Mountaineer, journey along the Thompson River into the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. Pass Mt Robson, the highest peak of the Canadian Rockies, before before arriving this afternoon in picturesque Jasper. Overnight: Tonqui Inn (BLD)

Day 5 Jasper-Banff travel along the Icefield Parkway, stopping at the Columbia Icefield for an unforgettable Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. This afternoon stop at Lake Louise, the jewel of the Rockies, before continuing to Banff. Overnight: Banff Park Lodge (B)

Day 6 Banff 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).
Overnight: Banff Park Lodge (BD)

Day 7 Banff-Sun Peaks descend from the Rockies and re-enter British Columbia. In the afternoon arrive in Sun Peaks, known for its virgin forests, alpine meadows, mountain lakes and crystal-clear streams.
Overnight: Hearthstone Lodge (BD)

Day 8 Sun Peaks-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.
Overnight: Aava Whistler Lodge (B)

Day 9 Whistler-Vancouver Island 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.
Overnight: Queen Victoria Hotel & Suites (B)

Day 10 Victoria this morning 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 (own expense). This afternoon 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. Overnight: Queen Victoria Hotel & Suites (BD)

Day 11 Vancouver 11-day guests will transfer to the airport after breakfast for your flight home. (B)
18-day guests will board the MS Zuiderdam cruise ship for your incredible voyage into Alaska. Settle into your comfortable Inside Stateroom (K category) as you sail north.
Accommodation (Seven Nights): 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. (BLD)

Day 13 Inside Passage-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 Juneau-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 Skagway-Glacier Bay wake up to the breathtaking sight of Glacier Bay National Park with its rivers of ice. 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 Glacier Bay-Ketchikan 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-Vancouver enjoy the spectacular scenery as you head south through the Inside Passage on the return to Vancouver. (BLD)

Day 18 Vancouver disembark in Vancouver after breakfast. Enjoy time at leisure before your transfer to the airport. (B)