Majesty of the Rockies with Alaska Cruise

Your luxury tour of Canada begins at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a “Castle in the Rockies” in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Site Banff National Park.

Tonight, indulge in a dinner of exquisite local specialities on your culinary journey through a selection of the hotel's finest restaurants. (D) Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs.

Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's eye view of the Canadian Rockies, tee up at the stunning and world-renowned Banff Springs Golf Course to play nine holes of golf surrounded by breathtaking scenery or unwind to the calming sounds of rushing waterfalls and bubbling mineral pools at the Willow Stream Mineral Pools and Spa. (B)

After taking in the beauty of Moraine Lake (in season), rise above Lake Louise on a gondola spotting local wildlife and enjoying a gentle hike at the top. Or, join an inspiring lakeside stroll with an award-winning naturalist. (B/D) Stay: Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Travel the Icefields Parkway and step aboard an Ice Explorer with a Local Expert onto the gleaming white surface of the Athabasca Glacier. Meet the First Nations Warrior Women for an illuminating conversation about their Indigenous culture over a homecooked BBQ dinner with storytelling, drumming and songs. (B/D) Stay: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Glide across the crystal waters of magical, glacier fed Maligne Lake past mountain peaks to Spirit Island, a remote destination only accessible by boat (seasonal). Or, pedal your way on the scenic trails of UNESCO World Heritage Site Jasper National Park to take in sights only visible from these winding paths. Journey to Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in the park for a walk on several of the scenic bridges crossing bubbling streams. Unwind this evening in your lodge where you'll be surrounded by nature and abundant wildlife on this 700-acre luxury mountain resort on the shores of pristine Lac Beauvert. (B)

Enjoy majestic scenery in an unforgettable setting aboard one of the most famous train journeys in the world, the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service. From your glass-domed coach or outdoor viewing platform, take in unobstructed views, be transported by engaging stories and spot wildlife, your journey enhanced by gourmet meals of locally sourced ingredients paired with local wines. (B/L) Stay: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops.

Ease into another glorious day with a gourmet breakfast in the exclusive dining room of your dome coach. Marvel at the dramatic changes in scenery while you dine on a three-course gourmet lunch before arriving in Vancouver. Your sustainably designed hotel welcomes you with its rooftop urban park in the heart of the city. (B/L) Stay: The DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection Hotel, Vancouver.

Take in the best of Vancouver touring downtown, the historic Gastown neighborhood and along the seawall of Stanley Park to see the First Nations totem poles of Brockton Point. You're treated to an intimate historical and cultural immersion at Salmon n' Bannock savouring a Celebration Lunch prepared with traditional ingredients. (B/L)

Spend your day enjoying Vancouver at leisure. Take a stroll along picturesque False Creek, stop by lively Granville Island or visit one of the city's great museums. (B)

Today you'll leave Canada and fly to Sitka on the southwestern tip of Alaska. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay. (B) Stay: Westmark Sitka.

Take some time to explore this quaint town. The area was settled by the Tlingit people over 10,000 years ago and the town then was established in 1799. Sitka hosted the Alaska Purchase transfer ceremony after the United States bought Alaska from the Russian Empire. See the influence of these different cultures along totem lined trails, on the onion-domes of St. Michael's Cathedral or by visiting the American Flag-Raising Site.

This afternoon, board the Ocean Victory, your luxurious cruise ship. (B/D) Stay: Ocean Victory

Sail to the Tlingit village of Kake on Kupreanof Island. Accessible only by boat or plane, this ancient settlement offers stunning views of dense forests, abundant and varied wildlife, and great whale watching, fishing and hunting opportunities. See the towering 132-foot totem pole created by a Native carver from a single cedar tree. Join a naturalist on a Zodiac as you explore the adjacent Frederick Sound, a grand spectacle and a popular feeding ground for humpback whales. (B/L/D)

A truly special destination awaits as you spend the night in the most serene surroundings of the Endicott Arm. Marvel at breath-taking nature as your ship navigates the narrow and steep fjords. Reach Fords Terror, named after naval crewman Ford, who paddled into the inlet but was trapped there for six hours in the ripping tidal surge. Your cruise ship is uniquely equipped to stop in a secluded cove of the captain's choice without disturbing the serenity with mechanical sounds. (B/L/D)

Let nature dictate the pace as you explore further and cruise to Tracy Arm. Join the experts and take a trip on a Zodiac or kayak among floating icebergs and perhaps spot marine life. Back on board stand on deck and experience the stillness, hear the sounds of the wilderness and appreciate the unmatched beauty around you. (B/L/D)

Dock in the heart of the Tongass National Forest in Petersburg. Named after Norwegian fisherman Peter Buschmann, who was attracted to the halibut-rich waters and built the region's first cannery, sawmill and docks. He invited his fellow countrymen, and the town earned the nickname of ‘Little Norway'. These cultural ties are still evident today in local cuisine, customs and celebrations. Since large cruise ships cannot come into Petersburg, you are among a privileged few who can enjoy the charm of this authentic Alaskan village. (B/L/D)

Gliding past the marvellous eastern coast of Baranof Island it's hard to keep track of the number of waterfalls you encounter. This almost hidden shoreline is perfect for exploration. Choose your adventure and admire the scenery from the observation decks or get up closer to the waterfalls either in a Zodiac or a kayak. Watch out for seals, deer and tide pools revealing their secret treasures. (B/L/D)

Visit Wragnell and enjoy warm hospitality from native Alaskans, whose ancestors have lived on these lands for thousands of years. Explore the picturesque town and discover ancient rock carvings, learn about their mysteries, and visit the 8,000-year-old site of Petroglyph Beach. (B/L/D)

Sail the deep Misty Fjords under soaring granite cliffs and admire the dramatic scenery. Cruise down the Behm Canal and see the New Eddystone Rock, an iconic basalt pillar and a remnant of past volcanic activity. Marine biologists join you to explore the rich local wildlife including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, bears, wolves, moose, and hundreds of species of sea and shorebirds. (B/L/D)

The world's largest collection of standing totem poles welcome you this morning in Ketchikan and Saxman. Take a tour along the busy waterfront, get up close to the hand-carved noble poles and walk along lively Creek Street. This afternoon visit Metlakatla on Annette Island, the only settlement of indigenous Tsimshian people in the United States. (B/L/D)

Arriving back to Canada, marvel at the astonishing setting of the Fiordland Conservancy. With its inlets, bays, islands, fjords, glaciers and waterfalls you are surrounded by awe-inspiring vistas anywhere you look. The shores are rich in forests and home to grizzly and brown bears. Explore the unique coastal marine life in this area accessible only by sea. (B/L/D)

Cruise through a narrow maze of channels from the northern edge of British Columbia to Vancouver Island. This Inside Passage was also one of the main routes for the prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 19th-century. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins in the Queen Charlotte Sound and bears along pristine island shorelines. Spend your time either in the expansive Observation Lounge or on deck on your final full day on board. (B/L/D)

Return to Vancouver after your magnificent cruise. Disembark at Canada Place, where your memorable journey comes to an end. Arrival to Vancouver International Airport is approximately 10:30. (B)