Rockies Grandeur, Alaska Cruise & Best of the East

Welcome to Canada! You will be met at Victoria International Airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)

This morning, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22-hectare showplace of magnificent, colourful gardens. Learn about the history and flora while exploring the gardens. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill and residential areas. There is free time to explore Victoria or allow Emerald to assist you in discovering more about this historic region. (B)

• DiscoverMORE A range of DiscoverMORE excursions and experiences will be available (extra expense).

After breakfast, drive north along Vancouver Island to Nanaimo. Board the BC Ferry and travel through the Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay. Journey inland along the Sea to Sky Highway as the road follows the rugged coastline with views of Horseshoe Bay on your left and forested parks and mountains on your right. You will have the chance to stop at the awesome Shannon Falls before arriving at the charming alpine resort of Whistler Village. (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE Undertake a Photo Safari tour with a local expert, ride the Peak2Peak Gondola (extra expense)

Travel along the scenic Duffy Lake Road lined with thick forest, into the town of Lillooet In the afternoon, head into the mountains to the picturesque Thompson Valley where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. (B/D)

Continue along the Trans-Canada Highway past Castle Mountain and Mount Temple to Lake Louise, the “Diamond in the Wilderness”. Enjoy some free time taking in the spectacular scenery. Your destination today is Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its glacier fed waters. Two-night Stay: Emerald Lake Lodge or similar (B/D)

This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery as you pass rugged peaks and glaciers fringed by thick forest and shimmering lakes. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest sub-polar ice pack, where you’ll climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a once-in-a-lifetime journey onto the mighty 300-metre-thick Athabasca Glacier. (B)

As you leave Emerald Lake this morning, take a moment to admire the stunning glacial hues of Moraine Lake, nestled in the breathtaking Valley of the Ten Peaks. (accessible seasonally). Upon arrival in Banff enjoy a sightseeing tour including Bow River and Bow Falls. Two-night stay: Mount Royal Hotel or similar (B)

A full day at leisure for you to enjoy Banff and its many sights and attractions. (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE Take a breathtaking helicopter flight, relax on a float trip along the river, e-bike tour to Johnston Canyon, panorama ATV tour (extra expense)
• EmeraldPLUS Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a dinner with a view at Sky Bistro

Set off on a two-day rail experience on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World”. Settle back in your Silverleaf carriage (upgrade to Goldleaf at additional expense). Enjoy incredible views of the soaring mountains including Canada’s highest peak, the awesome 3954 metre Mount Robson as you journey towards Kamloops. (B/L)

Continue your journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer following the Thompson River and passing through the magnificent Fraser Valley. Late afternoon, we arrive in Vancouver. Two-night Stay: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre or similar (B/L)

Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Stanley Park, the waterfront, Gastown and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Make your way across this spectacular suspension bridge, 70 metres above the Capilano River, and join the award-winning Treetops Adventure along a series of elevated walkways. Tonight enjoy a special farewell dinner. (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE A range of DiscoverMORE excursions and experiences will be available (extra expense)

Later head to Canada Place Pier to board your cruise ship. Check into your comfortable ocean view stateroom (upgrade to verandah stateroom additional expense) on the luxurious Holland America Cruise Ship ms Koningsdam and settle in for an unforgettable 7-night voyage through the famed Inside Passage. (B/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Breakfast with the bears at Grouse Mountain

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most spectacular waterways passing forests, mountains, islands and inlets. (B/L/D)

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage with its jaw dropping scenery. In the afternoon sail into Juneau, arguably one of America’s most beautiful state capitals, with the looming summits of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts providing a gorgeous backdrop. The historic city centre goes back to its gold-rush origins, but nature is the priceless treasure. (B/L/D)

Established in 1897 as a trading post for prospectors headed to the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway was an untamed town controlled by organised criminals. Today, the town retains its gold rush character, and its colourful past is carefully preserved in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. For a truly memorable excursion, take an optional ride on the narrow-gauge White Pass and Yukon Railroad (shore excursions are at own expense). (B/L/D)

Early this morning, your cruise ship enters the iceberg-strewn waters of Glacier Bay National Park, where thirteen spectacular glaciers flow from surrounding mountains into the waters of the bay. A National Park Service Ranger will help you spot wildlife, while pointing out sights and explaining glacial activity. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see a pinnacle of ice ‘calve’ or break away from the face of the glacier, and with a thunderous boom land in the bay. (B/L/D)

Welcome to the salmon capital of the world! Part of the town is built along a steep hillside, and part is built on pilings over the water. Rich native history and an outstanding collection of totem poles makes the town an essential stop for anyone interested in native art. (B/L/D)

A day of relaxation. Take advantage of the ship’s many facilities or simply relax on deck with a drink and watch unmatched scenery glide by. (B/L/D)

Disembark and transfer to Vancouver Airport to board your flight to Toronto (flight not included; book your flight after 12:30pm). (B)

Today, see one of the most spectacular natural sights of North America as you visit the incredible Niagara Falls. Board a thrilling cruise to the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Get up close to one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world as you feel the mist washing over you. Visit the historic and beautifully preserved village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, before returning to Toronto. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B/D)

Travel up University Avenue to take in the sights of Ontario’s Parliament Buildings, Queens Park and museum row. Travel east following Lake Ontario to Kingston, the gateway to the beautiful Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. Board your vessel for a cruise of one of the most picturesque areas in Eastern Canada. Continue to Canada’s national capital, Ottawa. (B/D)

This morning, our local guide joins us for a tour of Ottawa, famous for its stately boulevards, imposing buildings and tulip filled gardens during spring. See the green-peaked roofs of the Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the National Gallery.

Arrive in Québec City in the afternoon and meet our local guide for a tour of The Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and Parliament buildings. Later, embark on a walking tour within the walls of the Vieux Carré (Old City) and visit Lower Town. (B)

Québec City is one of the world’s most historical and fascinating cities. Spend the day exploring the quaint streets and ancient buildings and getting to know the local food and people. (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE A range of DiscoverMORE excursions and experiences will be available (extra expense)

Set off on a picturesque journey along the legendary Chemin du Roy (King’s Road), Canada’s oldest and most storied highway. Discover the postcard-perfect village of Deschambault, nestled along the majestic St. Lawrence River, then savor authentic local flavors at a classic Québécois sugar shack. Finish the day in vibrant Montréal, the quintessentially French city perched on an island in the heart of the St. Lawrence—where European charm meets North American energy. (B/L)

• EmeraldPLUS Enjoy French Canadian country charm and hospitality and learn how to make maple candy, then partake in a delicious lunch that showcases the local country cuisine.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Montréal, viewing St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre Dame Cathedral and views of the city skyline from the parklands of Mount Royal. (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE A range of DiscoverMORE excursions and experiences will be available (extra expense)

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)