Overview
Itinerary
Once you've landed, we'll take you to your hotel before tonight's welcome dinner. Stay Two Nights: Vancouver, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel (D)
Today you'll experience the very best of Vancouver on a fantastic half-day sightseeing tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll soak in the scenery at the vast Stanley Park, explore the trendy Granville Island and immerse yourself in the historic neighbourhood of Gastown. (B)
Board the Rocky Mountaineer and soak up the views from your bi-level glass-dome carriage in GoldLeaf Service. Gaze up at the Coast Mountains and pass Hell's Gate. Follow the Thompson River on the way to Kamloops. Stay: Kamloops, hotel as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer (three-star accommodation) (B/L)
Your rail journey heads towards the Rockies. See the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels and traverse Kicking Horse Pass. Once in Banff National Park, head for the ‘Castle in the Rockies', Fairmont Banff Springs. Stay Two Nights: Banff National Park, Fairmont Banff Springs, in a Mountain View Room (B/L)
Freedom of Choice:
- You may like to take part in the Banff Experience, which includes a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Alternatively, board the Banff Gondola, or set off on a heli-sightseeing excursion. Perhaps enjoy a float trip along Bow River, or learn how to be a Canadian ice hockey player. Otherwise, spend some time at the Willow Stream Spa.
- This evening, dine at one of your hotel's restaurants.
Freedom of Choice:
- For dinner, choose from one of your hotel's restaurants this evening.
- This morning, meet a Mountie and listen to tales of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Signature Experiences:
- On the shores of Lake Louise, join an expert Mountain Heritage Guide and learn about the area's rich natural history.
Freedom of Choice:
- Choose where to dine at your lodge this evening.
Freedom of Choice:
- Enjoy a thrilling Harley-Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour, embark on a Maligne Valley experience by hike or cruise, go rafting down the Athabasca River, or ride the Jasper SkyTram.
Today, take in views of Mount Robson as you travel along the Yellowhead Highway. Stay: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel (B/D)
Follow the tracks of early gold rush pioneers through the Cariboo region, stopping at Seton and Duffey lakes.
Later, re-enter the Coast Mountains and learn why Whistler attracts so many outdoor enthusiasts. Stay Two Nights: The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa (B/D)
Freedom of Choice:
- Enjoy a floatplane flight, explore Whistler Mountain on a snowcat adventure, enjoy a mountain Jeep safari or ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Adventurous ones may prefer a tree trek or a zip trek.
- The heritage of Canada's Indigenous people comes to light at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Enjoy breakfast and explore the museum, discovering your First Nations ‘animal spirit' with the help of your guide.
Travel south along the Sea to Sky Highway. Board your BC Ferries journey to Vancouver Island. Continue to Chemainus, a town famous for its vibrant outdoor murals, before arriving in Victoria. Stay Two Nights: Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, in a Deluxe Water View Room (B)
Signature Experiences:
- Visit The Butchart Gardens before the general public is granted access, and enjoy an exclusive breakfast in the original Butchart residence. More than 100 years in the making with a former quarry as the initial canvas, this space was transformed by Jennie Butchart into a haven overflowing with lush greens and colourful blooms. The result of her vision is the gardens you will see today, which are still family-run to this day.
Return to Vancouver and board your ship for a cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage. Stay Seven Nights: Holland America Line's Koningsdam in a Verandah Stateroom (B/D)
Spend a full day on board as your ship cruises the coast of British Columbia. (B/L/D)
Alaska's picturesque capital, Juneau, is set at the foot of the mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel, and outdoor activities are plentiful.
Disembark and explore at leisure or with an optional excursion (own expense). (B/L/D)
Arrive in Skagway, the Inside Passage's northernmost point. See heritage buildings, now protected as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and maybe set off on an excursion (own expense). (B/L/D)
Awake to World Heritage-listed Glacier Bay National Park. Take in the calving tidewater glaciers and learn from local rangers about the area's geological wonders. If you're lucky, you might spot whales in the wild. Humpbacks and orcas are plentiful in these waters. (B/L/D)
Disembark in the cheery town of Ketchikan and spend the day exploring as you please. (B/L/D)
Head south through the Inside Passage. (B/L/D)
Disembark and transfer to the airport. (B)
Once you've landed, we'll take you to your hotel before tonight's welcome dinner. Stay Two Nights: Vancouver, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel (D)
Today you'll experience the very best of Vancouver on a fantastic half-day sightseeing tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll soak in the scenery at the vast Stanley Park, explore the trendy Granville Island and immerse yourself in the historic neighbourhood of Gastown. (B)
Board the Rocky Mountaineer and soak up the views from your bi-level glass-dome carriage in GoldLeaf Service. Gaze up at the Coast Mountains and pass Hell's Gate. Follow the Thompson River on the way to Kamloops. Stay: Kamloops, hotel as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer (three-star accommodation) (B/L)
Your rail journey heads towards the Rockies. See the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels and traverse Kicking Horse Pass. Once in Banff National Park, head for the ‘Castle in the Rockies', Fairmont Banff Springs. Stay Two Nights: Banff National Park, Fairmont Banff Springs, in a Mountain View Room (B/L)
Freedom of Choice:
- You may like to take part in the Banff Experience, which includes a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Alternatively, board the Banff Gondola, or set off on a heli-sightseeing excursion. Perhaps enjoy a float trip along Bow River, or learn how to be a Canadian ice hockey player. Otherwise, spend some time at the Willow Stream Spa.
- This evening, dine at one of your hotel's restaurants.
Freedom of Choice:
- For dinner, choose from one of your hotel's restaurants this evening.
- This morning, meet a Mountie and listen to tales of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Signature Experiences:
- On the shores of Lake Louise, join an expert Mountain Heritage Guide and learn about the area's rich natural history.
Freedom of Choice:
- Choose where to dine at your lodge this evening.
Freedom of Choice:
- Enjoy a thrilling Harley-Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour, embark on a Maligne Valley experience by hike or cruise, go rafting down the Athabasca River, or ride the Jasper SkyTram.
Today, take in views of Mount Robson as you travel along the Yellowhead Highway. Stay: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel (B/D)
Follow the tracks of early gold rush pioneers through the Cariboo region, stopping at Seton and Duffey lakes.
Later, re-enter the Coast Mountains and learn why Whistler attracts so many outdoor enthusiasts. Stay Two Nights: The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa (B/D)
Freedom of Choice:
- Enjoy a floatplane flight, explore Whistler Mountain on a snowcat adventure, enjoy a mountain Jeep safari or ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Adventurous ones may prefer a tree trek or a zip trek.
- The heritage of Canada's Indigenous people comes to light at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Enjoy breakfast and explore the museum, discovering your First Nations ‘animal spirit' with the help of your guide.
Travel south along the Sea to Sky Highway. Board your BC Ferries journey to Vancouver Island. Continue to Chemainus, a town famous for its vibrant outdoor murals, before arriving in Victoria. Stay Two Nights: Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, in a Deluxe Water View Room (B)
Signature Experiences:
- Visit The Butchart Gardens before the general public is granted access, and enjoy an exclusive breakfast in the original Butchart residence. More than 100 years in the making with a former quarry as the initial canvas, this space was transformed by Jennie Butchart into a haven overflowing with lush greens and colourful blooms. The result of her vision is the gardens you will see today, which are still family-run to this day.
Return to Vancouver and board your ship for a cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage. Stay Seven Nights: Holland America Line's Koningsdam in a Verandah Stateroom (B/D)
Spend a full day on board as your ship cruises the coast of British Columbia. (B/L/D)
Alaska's picturesque capital, Juneau, is set at the foot of the mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel, and outdoor activities are plentiful.
Disembark and explore at leisure or with an optional excursion (own expense). (B/L/D)
Arrive in Skagway, the Inside Passage's northernmost point. See heritage buildings, now protected as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and maybe set off on an excursion (own expense). (B/L/D)
Awake to World Heritage-listed Glacier Bay National Park. Take in the calving tidewater glaciers and learn from local rangers about the area's geological wonders. If you're lucky, you might spot whales in the wild. Humpbacks and orcas are plentiful in these waters. (B/L/D)
Disembark in the cheery town of Ketchikan and spend the day exploring as you please. (B/L/D)
Head south through the Inside Passage. (B/L/D)
Disembark and transfer to the airport. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Meet a Mountie and listen to tales of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- On the shores of Lake Louise, join an expert Mountain Heritage Guide and learn about the area's rich natural history.
- The heritage of Canada's Indigenous people comes to light at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Enjoy breakfast and explore the museum, discovering your First Nations ‘animal spirit' with the help of your guide.
- Visit The Butchart Gardens before hours and dine in the original Butchart residence
- A maximum of 40 guests in your APT group
- Expert APT tour director and cruise liaison
- GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer
- Transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities
- 43 included meals over the course of your trip.
- As your cruise the Inside Passage, marvel at the stunning coastal scenery from your Verandah Stateroom aboard Holland America's Koningsdam
- Enjoy a superb two-night stay at The Fairmont Banff Springs
- Enjoy a two nights at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- Relax during a two night stay at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- Enjoy a two night stay at Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
- Stay at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
- Two night stay at The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa
- Two Nights in Vancouver at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Please ensure your onward flight from Vancouver departs no earlier than 1pm
- Fairmont Lakeview Rooms at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, departures from 13 April to 25 May are in Deluxe Mount Temple rooms
- Perhaps combine with a tour to Eastern Canada (Tour Code: UTE31)
- Departures 13 April and 14 September 2024, cruise ship visits Hubbard Glacier not Glacier Bay
- Prices are for land/cruise and rail only. Flights not included (unless specified)
- 10 July, 21 August 2024: Cruise ship is the Zaandam
- 8 September 2024: Cruise ship is the Nieuw Amsterdam
- Meet a Mountie and listen to tales of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- On the shores of Lake Louise, join an expert Mountain Heritage Guide and learn about the area's rich natural history.
- The heritage of Canada's Indigenous people comes to light at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Enjoy breakfast and explore the museum, discovering your First Nations ‘animal spirit' with the help of your guide.
- Visit The Butchart Gardens before hours and dine in the original Butchart residence
- A maximum of 40 guests in your APT group
- Expert APT tour director and cruise liaison
- GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer
- Transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities
- 43 included meals over the course of your trip.
- As your cruise the Inside Passage, marvel at the stunning coastal scenery from your Verandah Stateroom aboard Holland America's Koningsdam
- Enjoy a superb two-night stay at The Fairmont Banff Springs
- Enjoy a two nights at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- Relax during a two night stay at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- Enjoy a two night stay at Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
- Stay at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
- Two night stay at The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa
- Two Nights in Vancouver at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Please ensure your onward flight from Vancouver departs no earlier than 1pm
- Fairmont Lakeview Rooms at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, departures from 13 April to 25 May are in Deluxe Mount Temple rooms
- Perhaps combine with a tour to Eastern Canada (Tour Code: UTE31)
- Departures 13 April and 14 September 2024, cruise ship visits Hubbard Glacier not Glacier Bay
- Prices are for land/cruise and rail only. Flights not included (unless specified)
- 10 July, 21 August 2024: Cruise ship is the Zaandam
- 8 September 2024: Cruise ship is the Nieuw Amsterdam
Trip Reviews (17) View All Most Recent 'Rockies Odyssey and Alaska Cruise' Reviews
Highlights include Goldleaf on The Rocky Mountaineer, the view from our room at Lake Louise, the colour of Moraine Lake, paddling a canoe on the lake at Jasper, walking a glacier, Butchart Gardens and seeing bears, deer, elks in the wild. We did some fantastic tours like the Harley Davidson motorbike tour of Jasper, a Jeep safari in Whistler and a whaling tour in Victoria where we saw orcas. The Alaska Cruise at the end was a slower pace and we thoroughly enjoyed it too. Glacier Bay was stunning! We were extremely lucky that everyone in our tour was lovely and everyone got on. It truly was a trip of a lifetime!
The flights with Air Canada in premium economy were certainly the way to travel however the service was pretty ordinary. Once we met our APT tour guide Russel Burton (Russ), we knew we were in good hands and he managed our group beautifully as ages ranged from mid 40's to late 70's. Russ was very informative, enthusiastic and very caring and I would love to do another tour with him "at the helm". Norm Creighton was in charge of driving the coach and we were able to relax (snooze) knowing we were in very capable hands.
To the tour... OMG Lake Louise was breathtaking in her frozen elegance, the Banff Springs Hotel made us feel like royalty, the Rocky Mountaineer was fantastic from the minute we boarded. The meals and Freedom of Choice activities were all first class and we went on a helicopter over Banff, on a zodiac in Victoria, Float Plane in Whistler and the Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier just to name a few activities. We were lucky enough to see one grizzly and 7 black bears in the wild. I would recommend going early in the season, beat the crowds and experience the frozen wonderland at its best.
We enjoyed the land content more than the Holland America Cruise. We found that Holland America need to provide more activities (trivia etc) and it is lacking live music in the day time around the ship. Having said that we enjoyed BBKings and Billboard each night where there are two pianists taking requests. The meals were smaller than other cruise ships I have been on, however the beds comfortable and the scenery at Glacier Bay stunning.
We all found the last day in Vancouver to be very taxing. We disembarked the ship at 08.00 and did not fly out of Vancouver until 11.50 pm. This was a very long day as it was cold and raining and whilst APT looked after our luggage they did not look after the tour group. Unless you had booked day use in a hotel (too late on the day) there was nowhere to go. The Fairmont said we could not sit in their lobby and some of the group sat in the food court in excess of 12 hours waiting to go to the airport. I feel that APT could make a meeting room available for travellers to use, buy their own meals etc but have somewhere to go. This left a bitter taste in many a mouth after what was previously a first class, every detail thought about, trip.
The coach tour with driver Vic was very enjoyable with ample refreshment stops and opportunities to take in the atmosphere and scenery. Tour leader Rusty was exceptionally well organised, provided excellent support and a very knowledgeable commentary throughout the tour. The Holland America cruise was smooth with great dining, shore and entertainment experiences. The only disappointment was the inability to visit Glacier Bay due to an on-board medical emergency. Whilst this was disappointing we fully understand why this decision was taken and would have appreciated this action had the "boot been on the other foot". Overall this was a wonderful coach, rail and cruise holiday experience to two very beautiful countries presented in a very enjoyable way.
Many of the other cheaper trips look similar but do not offer the same inclusions and in the end often end up costing almost as much once you start paying for tips, tours etc. APT with the all-inclusive bundle takes the concern out of travelling as you never have to hump your own case around or need to consult your wallet looking for small denominations to ‘tip’ people.
Our favourite hotel was the Fairmont Lake Louise staying in a superb lake-view room - the view was mind-blowing and certainly made us appreciate how lucky we are to be able to travel at this level. My personal bucket-list has always included the Banff Springs Hotel and Lake Louise and I was not disappointed with either, such wonderful memories. Photo is the actual view from our window at Lake Louise! The Gold Leaf Rocky Mountaineer starting on Day 3 was an added bonus and really brought the group together as we shared meals, wonderful sights and general fun during this travel. We all felt that we knew each other after this train journey and this set us up for a wonderful bus trip with lots of shared photos, jokes, email swapping etc.
Some days were long (early morning bag pulls etc.) but each one was a new eye opening journey so we soon forgot about this and simply enjoyed what was on offer. Our super safe driver Brian and our Tour Guides Ron Grant (Canada road trip) and Cara (Alaskan cruise) were both absolutely full of local knowledge and tips that saved us so much time by pointing out the best free WiFi, food and great sightseeing spots etc. etc. This trip with APT was superb in every aspect except for the return airline trip with Air Canada! As this is the only airline offering direct flights – we are a captive audience and they treat us (especially the Sydney flights) as 2nd rate citizens! I would recommend that people contemplating this or any other trip to Canada completely boycott this airline – take more time to travel with a better airline with a stopover via the USA and then on to Canada, you would be doing yourself a great favour.
Thank you once again Global Journeys (especially Jemma) for yet another well organised trip, and making everything so easy for us. Can't wait to start planning the next trip.
Cabins
Verandah Stateroom (Included)
Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed - Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream™ bed - with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and shower with premium massage showerheads. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown. Approximately 213-379 sq. ft. including verandah.
Vista Suite (Upgrade)
With a verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sitting area, these comfortable suites are filled with light. They include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed, Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream™ bed, with plush Euro-Top mattresses, , plus a shower with premium massage head and a refrigerator. Approximately 260-356 sq. ft. including verandah.
Signature Suite (Upgrade)
These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one sofa bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall. Approximately 273–456 sq. ft. including verandah.
Cabins
Verandah Stateroom (Included)
Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed - Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream™ bed - with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and shower with premium massage showerheads. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown. Approximately 213-379 sq. ft. including verandah.
Vista Suite (Upgrade)
With a verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sitting area, these comfortable suites are filled with light. They include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed, Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream™ bed, with plush Euro-Top mattresses, , plus a shower with premium massage head and a refrigerator. Approximately 260-356 sq. ft. including verandah.
Signature Suite (Upgrade)
These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one sofa bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall. Approximately 273–456 sq. ft. including verandah.
Availability
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person
| Base Cabin (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category A | $ 500 - $ 700 |
| Category B | $ 500 - $ 700 |
| Category SS | $ 1,350 - $ 2,400 |
| Base Cabin (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category SA | $ 1,100 |
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Upgrade prices can vary depending on the departure date & the month of travel. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person
| Base Cabin (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category A | $ 500 - $ 750 |
| Category B | $ 500 - $ 750 |
| Category SS | $ 1,350 - $ 2,450 |
| Category SB | $ 1,950 - $ 3,050 |
| Base Cabin (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category SA | $ 1,100 |
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Upgrade prices can vary depending on the departure date & the month of travel. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
