Western Canada with Inside Passage

Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

This morning, take a city tour of Calgary, home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Highlights include downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Then travel west into the majestic Canadian Rockies and beautiful Banff National Park where you'll spend the next two nights. Have an orientation tour upon arrival.

Enjoy your day exploring Banff, one of Canada's favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities including hiking, horseback riding, golfing, and fishing. Your Tour Director will have lots of suggestions. Lift your sights higher on an exhilarating optional helicopter ride with spectacular views over the Canadian Rockies. Or if you prefer staying closer to the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to breathtaking Moraine Lake in the famed Valley of the Ten Peaks.

As we journey north, view precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens. Stop at Lake Louise, its turquoise waters perfectly mirroring the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Continue to the Columbia Icefield to experience a ride on the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick!

Winding our way up the western fringe of Alberta, our journey takes us through some of the Canadian Rockies' most breathtaking wilderness. Later, go with the flow on an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Arrive in Jasper and take an orientation tour that showcases the area's unspoiled beauty.

Make your day magical with an optional narrated cruise on the gorgeous blue waters of Maligne Lake and see much-photographed Spirit Island*. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer, from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.

Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest of Canada's Rockies at almost 13,000 feet. Continue to Prince George, the province's “northern capital” for an overnight stay.

Today board VIA Rail's Skeena train for the trip of a lifetime. Sit back and enjoy an all-daylight journey that winds its way through the majestic Coast Mountains and follows the mighty Skeena River—often referred to as the “River of Mists.” Retrace the steps of the ancient First Nations trading routes and follow the paths of the earliest fur traders. Along the way, keep an eye out for soaring bald eagles, black bears, moose, and other wildlife. Disembark in Prince Rupert for a two-night stay.

Please Note: Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.

After an orientation of Prince Rupert, enjoy a visit to the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site for a guided tour of British Columbia's oldest cannery village. Learn of the canning process and what life was like in the village in the last century during peak production. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Early this morning, embark on one of the world's most beautiful ocean voyages! The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands, and virgin rainforests. Marine life abounds, often with sightings of sea lions and porpoises—you may even spot a killer whale! Late-evening arrival into Port Hardy.

Please Note: Cruising time through the Inside Passage is approximately 16 hours. Please come prepared with all medications, eyeglasses, and any other items you will need.

An early departure from Port Hardy follows the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, through the port of Campbell River, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Continue south with a stop in Chemainus, a unique village with more than 30 murals depicting pioneer settlement of the area. Late afternoon arrival into Victoria.

Morning sightseeing includes the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles. The rest of the day is yours to explore this charming city. Perhaps have high tea at the Empress Hotel, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, or stop to smell the roses and countless other gorgeous blooms on an optional excursion to Butchart Gardens with its 55-acres of magnificent floral displays. This evening, consider taking a relaxing stroll along the lovely Waterfront Promenade.

Today we set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Arrive in Vancouver and take a city tour that includes Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, and more. This evening is at leisure. Perhaps venture out to explore Vancouver's diverse culinary scene for dinner.

Today is at leisure. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its bustling Public Market, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its cobblestone streets, antique shops, art galleries, and iconic Gastown Steam Clock. Your Tour Director will have lots of suggestions.

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.