Fly from London Heathrow with Air Canada via Vancouver. Regional UK departure airports are available from £95 per person. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions over a ‘Welcome to Canada’ dinner.
Two Night Special Stay: Fairmont Empress Hotel, located on Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Wander at your leisure through the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Enjoy 22 hectares of gorgeously manicured floral displays influenced by the Butchart’s world travels. Later choose from the following SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) whale watching cruise in a comfortable covered boat (2) whale watching by high speed zodiac inflatable boat (3) scenic floatplane flight marvelling at the views over Vancouver Island (4) a horse and carriage tour to experience this Victorian tradition (5) afternoon tea at The Empress (6) fishing for British Columbia’s wild salmon (7) Old Chinatown lantern walk and dinner.
Travel to Nanaimo and cross to the mainland by ferry. Drive north along Howe Sound, stopping to view the awesome Shannon Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in British Columbia. Continue to the charming resort village of Whistler, home to the 2010 Olympic Nordic and Alpine events. Today’s SCENIC ENRICH presentation involves looking into the world of the Black Bear with Michael Allen, a world leader in Black Bear research, exclusive to Scenic Tours. This evening, choose one of the following SCENIC FREE CHOICE dining options: (1) inspired British Columbia regional cuisine at The Wildflower at the Château (2) taste organic produce grown by local farmers at The Grill (3) relaxed, casual dining with amazing views of the Château’s golf course at The Clubhouse (4) The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, with its reputation for great steaks, slow roasted Prime Rib and succulent seafood (5) Whistler Village Progressive Dinner, featuring delectable tastings from top local chefs.
Two Night Special Stay: The Fairmont Château Whistler
Optional 1 hour floatplane flight to Whistler. Leave the crowds behind and soar over the Georgia Strait. Arrive at lunch time, giving you more time to explore Whistler (additional expense, subject to seasonal operation).
Today choose one of the following SCENIC FREE CHOICE inclusions: (1) dog sled adventure; (2) heli flightseeing over majestic glaciers, rugged peaks and turquoise waters of Whistler’s surrounding beauty (3) Peak to Peak Gondola joining Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains (4) mountain adventure tour to the surrounding areas of Whistler (5) soar through the air on a zip line (6) an interpretive nature walk followed by the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (7) Snow Shoe through old growth forest on Cougar Mountain. This afternoon is yours to enjoy as leisurely or adventurously as you like in this alpine resort.
Today, visit Hat Creek Ranch to learn about the local culture as members of the Shuswap Nation share their fascinating history and culture. Continue to the alpine ski village of Sun Peaks, located in British Columbia’s interior After dinner enjoy this evening’s included SCENIC ENRICH highlight: a historic insight into the fur trading industry and life as a pioneer, exclusive to Scenic Tours.
Overnight Stay: Delta Sun Peaks Resort
Travel through British Columbia’s Cariboo Region, enjoying tantalising glimpses of the soaring granite mountains of Canada’s Rockies. Stand at the base of the awesome 3954m Mount Robson before arriving into Jasper. Keep an eye out for Canadian wildlife such as bears, moose, elk and caribou often seen grazing by the roadside. This evening, choose one of the included SCENIC FREE CHOICE dining options: (1) Cavell’s, with views overlooking Lake Beauvert and the mountain ranges beyond (2) creative regional cuisine at Moose’s Nook Northern Grill (3) with warm Canadian hospitality, the Emerald Lounge is a relaxing refuge.
Two Night Stay: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Today, choose from the following SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) Jasper Tramway ascending 2,500 metres to the peak of Jasper (2) tour on a Harley Davidson™ sidecar through Jasper National Park (3) Maligne Lake cruise around Spirit Island learning the history, wildlife and glaciology (4) rafting down the Athabasca River with an experienced guide (5) Local’s Choice hike along seasonal trails (6) canoeing on Pyramid Lake (7) Maligne Canyon and Lakes tour. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit Jasper’s township or engage in the resort activities such as canoeing, golf or even take a stroll around the shoreline of the picturesque Lake Beauvert.
Travel south, along the incredible Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as ‘one of the most spectacular journeys in the world’. Stop at the Columbia Icefield, where you’ll take the ‘Ice Explorer’ onto the mighty Athabasca Glacier, a six kilometre long and one kilometre wide expanse of ice. Enjoy a nature walk along the shoreline of the beautiful Lake Louise before settling in for an overnight Special Stay in Canada’s ‘Diamond in the Wilderness’, The Fairmont Château Lake Louise in a Lake View Room. This evening, choose one of the following SCENIC FREE CHOICE dining options: (1) enjoy friendly service and favourite North American family recipes at Poppy Brasserie (2) swing through the doors of the Château’s Glacier Saloon for a casual pub style meal (3) world-class cuisine and old world charm in Fairview Dining Room (4) savour Swiss Alpine cuisine at Walliser Stube.
Overnight Special Stay: Fairmont Château Lake Louise
See the changing colours of Lake Louise with the rising sun and enjoy a morning at leisure before visiting Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge. Upon arrival in Banff, you will travel 698 metres on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. SCENIC ENRICH: Meet an iconic Canadian Mountie followed by an included SCENIC FREE CHOICE dining evening, where you can choose from: (1) the finest and freshest seasonal cuisine at Bow Valley Grill (2) authentic German and Swiss dishes in the Bavarian Cottage-style Waldhaus Restaurant (3) first class Italian cuisine at Castello Ristorante (4) take your senses on an epicurean journey in the Banffshire Club (5) experience a true taste of Japan at Samurai Sushi Bar and Restaurant.
Two Night Special Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs in a Valley or Mountain View Room
Today, choose from the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE excursions: (1) Heli flightseeing over Three Sisters Peak with breath-taking views of the Rockies (2) interpretive cruise of Lake Minnewanka and the surrounding area (3) relaxing oar-powered Bow River float trip (4) Husky kennel tour, where you’ll learn about the sport of sled dog racing (5) golf at the Banff Springs golf course (6) guided nature walk with an expert naturalist (7) self-guided cycle (8) Calgary Stampede day tour (on selected dates only, must be booked prior to departure). This afternoon is yours to explore the alpine township of Banff, located inside Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and the world’s third. SCENIC ENRICH: Rocky Mountain Round Up, celebrate this event with fellow travellers as you enjoy authentic cuisine, local entertainment and western hospitality.
Enjoy a two day rail experience on ‘The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World’. Relax in your GoldLeaf carriage and experience unsurpassed levels of dome car service. Cross Kicking Horse Pass and view the glaciers and snow-capped mountains of Rogers Pass before arriving into Kamloops.
Overnight Stay: Kamloops Hotel (as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer)
Continue westward following the Thompson River and Fraser River Valley before arriving into Vancouver for a two night stay at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. One of the most breath-taking historic hotels in Vancouver, this castle in the heart of one of Canada’s most vibrant cities is in a prime downtown location, close to Robson Street shopping and cultural precinct. Relax in the 900 West Lounge, and enjoy a signature martini, impeccable wines and the sultry sounds of live jazz music.
Two Night Stay: The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
SCENIC ENRICH: Be the first to explore the rainforest and highlight Cliffwalk, as the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park opens early, exclusive to Scenic Tours. Later enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s highlights including the historical hub of Gastown and the local’s playground Stanley Park, which features many cultural and natural attractions. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure before dinner tonight with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
This morning transfer to Vancouver’s Pier, Canada Place. Step on board your luxurious cruise ship for a seven night Alaskan Voyage. Check into your Verandah Stateroom on Holland America’s ms Zuiderdam and settle in for an unforgettable cruise. Familiarise yourself with the multitude of services, facilities and activities on offer at your convenience and contained all on one lavish vessel. (Optional shore excursions onboard Alaskan cruise at own expense and must be booked directly with Holland America).
Sit back, relax and enjoy the ambience as you cruise north. Alaska’s dramatic coastline reveals North America’s last great wilderness. Keep a look out for wildlife such as orcas, humpback whales and bald eagles as you sail by. Tonight, like every other night on board your magnificent ship, enjoy a dinner of mouth-watering delights. Evenings on board your cruise ship glitter with choices - catch a musical production starring performers from Broadway productions in the show lounge or visit one of the many lounges featuring live music. For a quiet night perhaps catch the feature movie at the theatre or in the privacy of your own cabin.
Surrounded by the Gastineau Channel, the Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefields, Alaska’s capital is famed for its scenery and isolation. Juneau is accessible only by air or sea so the best way to arrive is by luxury cruise. Explore the lush Tongass National Forest, journey above on Mount Robert’s Tramway, learn the city’s Gold Rush story, drop into the Red Dog Saloon or visit the fascinating Alaska State Museum.
Cruise into Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike and a featured setting of Jack London’s book, ‘Call of the Wild’. Enjoy plenty of free time to go ashore and stroll along the weathered boardwalks admiring the shop front facades, reminiscent of the gold rush era. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park boasts restored buildings inviting you to take a stroll back in time.
Early this morning, enter the iceberg strewn waters of Glacier Bay National Park. Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords, the park is a highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Marvel at the glacial ice wall carved by nature in this World Heritage-listed site. This breath-taking scenery will be brought to life by a National Park Service Ranger as they help you spot wildlife and interpret the glacier activity and surrounding environment. Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere else in the world.
Arrive into picturesque Ketchikan, salmon capital of the world. Backed by forested slopes and distinctively shaped Deer Mountain, Ketchikan faces Tongass Narrows, a waterway filled with floatplanes, fishing boats, ferries and barges. Stroll along the elevated boardwalk; or take a self-guided tour of the town, cast a line at the fishing camp; or experience a bear adventure by float plane.
Relish in the bow to stern luxury of your cruise ship as you journey south through the spectacular waterways.
Disembark early this morning and transfer* to Vancouver Airport with your Scenic Tours Representative, to board your homebound flight.
Welcome Home!
*Check transfer entitlements with your Scenic Tours travel advisor. For guests who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.