Spectacular Rockies, Alaska Cruise & Best of the East

Welcome to Canada. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Stanley Park with its intricately carved totem poles, the waterfront area, and historic Gastown with its lively shops and restaurants. Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park where you can make your way across this jaw dropping suspension bridge, 70-metres above the Capilano River, and join the award-winning Treetops Adventure along a series of elevated walkways. (B)

Set off on a two-day rail experience on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World.” Settle back in your GoldLeaf carriage as you enter the Fraser Valley, then follow the Thompson River towards Kamloops. (B/L)

Continue your journey into the soaring, rugged snow-capped mountains. Marvel at the beauty of the glaciers, lakes and forest sitting at the foot of these majestic mountains. Arrive in Banff, a picturesque town located within Banff National Park and the quintessential Rocky Mountains town. Spend the next two nights at the “Castle in the Rockies,” one of the most iconic and impressive hotels in Canada. (B/L)

Enjoy the delightful township of Banff. (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense)

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour including Bow River and Bow Falls. Continue to beautiful Lake Louise, the famous “Diamond in the Wilderness,” where we will stay in one of the Rockies most stunning and historic properties. (B)

Lake Louise enjoys picture-perfect surroundings. Spend the day exploring the lake and soaking up the spectacular scenery. (B/D)

Travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most incredible journeys in the world. Stop at the Columbia Icefield and climb on board the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a once-in-a-lifetime journey onto the 300-metre-thick Athabasca Glacier. (B)

Today, you have an opportunity to explore Jasper and its surrounds. (B/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Cruise along the scenic shores of Maligne Lake enroute to a spectacular overlook of Spirit Island, followed by a sumptuous dinner.

Depart Jasper and head past the awesome 3,954-metre-high Mt. Robson. Continue through the Cariboo Mountains region and into the lush Okanagan Valley to Kelowna. (B/D)

Travel through scenic landscapes as the road meanders along the side of the Nicola river and through sandstone chasms. Follow the Thompson and Fraser rivers past the town of Lillooet to the charming alpine resort of Whistler. (B)

Today is at leisure for you to explore the resort village of Whistler. (B)

• DiscoverMORE A special opportunity to join a Photo Safari tour with an expert, or have dinner with a twist on a tasting tour (extra expense)

Travel along the Sea to Sky Highway following the rugged coastline, stopping at the awesome Shannon Falls. Board the BC ferry and cruise to Vancouver Island and Victoria. (B)

Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22-hectare showplace of magnificent, colourful gardens. (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE Take a horse and carriage ride or go whale watching (extra expense).
• EmeraldPLUS Enjoy a charming dinner at The Dining Room Restaurant within the historic Butchart residence.

Check into your comfortable Ocean View Stateroom (upgrade to Verandah Stateroom at additional expense) on the Holland America Cruise Line ship ms Koningsdam for an unforgettable 7-night voyage through the famed Alaskan waterways. (B/D)

Relax as you cruise one of the world’s most breathtaking waterways. (B/L/D)

This afternoon, sail into Juneau, arguably one of America’s most beautiful state capitals. (B/L/D)

Cruise into Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike. Enjoy free time to go ashore and stroll along the weathered boardwalks admiring the shop front façades, reminiscent of the gold rush era. (B/L/D)

Enter the iceberg-strewn waters of Glacier Bay National Park, where thirteen spectacular glaciers flow from surrounding mountains into the bay. (B/L/D)

Welcome to the salmon capital of the world. Rich native history makes the town an essential stop for anyone interested in indigenous art. (B/L/D)

A day of relaxation as you cruise south. (B/L/D)

After disembarkation this morning, fly to Toronto (flight not included). (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)

Ascend to the top of the CN Tower for some spectacular views over Toronto. 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)

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. Take a break at ByWard Market, where you have free time to explore at leisure. (B/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Visit Madahòkì Farm for an authentic cultural experience. After a traditional arrival and welcome, spend time with the Cultural Ambassadors who will share their indigenous culture including a special dinner and dance presentation.

Bienvenue to the French-Canadian province of Québec. Head for the quintessentially French city of Montréal, located on an island of the St. Lawrence River. On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, viewing St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre Dame Cathedral and views of the city skyline from the parklands of Mount Royal. (B)

Departing Montréal, make your way to a traditional Québécois Sugar Shack. Visit Deschambault, a quaint village along the St. Lawrence River before a scenic drive along the “Chemin du Roy” (King’s Road), the oldest roadway in Canada. 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/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.

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)

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)