Rockies & Eastern Canada Highlights and Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

Welcome to Canada! You will be met at Calgary International Airport and transferred to Banff in the majestic Rocky Mountains. Banff is a picturesque town located within Banff National Park. With Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade dominating the skyline, it is the quintessential Rocky Mountains town.

This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a tour briefing and Welcome Dinner. Please book your flight to arrive no later than 3pm. (D)

Make your way out of Banff and prepare yourself for one of the highlights of your journey, Canada’s “Diamond in the Wilderness”, the gorgeous Lake Louise. Spend time relaxing and exploring the surrounds of this iconic and beautiful area. Take a walk around the edge of the lake and gaze at the towering mountains or venture inside the phenomenal Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. Return to Banff and enjoy a sightseeing tour including the Bow River, the Hoodoos and Bow Falls. (B)

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.

The day’s end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness with an abundance of wildlife that can often be spotted roaming around the town. You’re Invited: Walk above the Rockies deepest canyon; Maligne Canyon, then dine at Wilderness Kitchen an original Canadian smokehouse located at the canyon trailhead. (B/D)

Bid farewell to Jasper as we make our way out of the beautiful Jasper National Park. Enjoy views of the towering 3,954 metre Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Weave through lush forests, winding rivers and jewelled lakes before arriving in the picturesque ski resort village of Sun Peaks. (B)

Travel through the countryside before reaching the peaks and valleys of the coastal mountain range. Follow the fertile Fraser Valley and pass an abundance of rural scenery before arriving in the exciting city of Vancouver. (B)

Enjoy a Vancouver sightseeing tour including Chinatown, Gastown and watefront area with its lively shops and restaurants.

This evening, visit Stanley Park. See the intricately carved totem poles before soaking in the sublime views at Prospect Point where you‘ll enjoy dinner. (B/D)

Transfer south and cross the US border. Enjoy coastal scenery and forested countryside before arriving in the “Emerald City”, Seattle. Farewell your Tour Director as you board your luxurious cruise ship and check into your comfortable inside stateroom (upgrade to ocean view or verandah staterooms additional expense) on the Holland America Cruise Ship ms Oosterdam. Settle in for an unforgettable 7 night voyage through the famed Inside Passage. (B/D)

Relax as you cruise one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. Take advantage of the ship’s many outstanding facilities, or simply relax on deck and watch unmatched scenery glide by. (B/L/D)

Sail picturesque Stephens Passage, known for its wildlife and dramatic beauty before arriving into Juneau. Perched on a thin strip of land at the mouth of Gold Creek, Juneau is arguably one of America’s most beautiful state capitals, with the looming summits of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts providing a gorgeous backdrop. (B/L/D)

Enter the narrow inlet of Deception Bay and sail up to the impressive Hubbard Glacier. Known for its sheer size and high levels of activity, it’s not uncommon to see a large piece of ice calve from the face of this gnarled glacier and land with a thunderous boom in the bay. Wildlife is prolific in this area and chunks of ice that break off become floating islands for seals who like the icebergs because orca sonar doesn’t work well among them. (B/L/D)

In and around Sitka, you’ll witness a unique slice of Alaskan history not found anywhere else. Russia controlled Alaska from the mid-1700s until the United States purchased it in 1867. You’ll still see vestiges of Russia’s influence, including the unmistakable onion dome of St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, both National Historic Landmarks. (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)

Today is a day of relaxation. Take advantage of the ship’s many outstanding facilities, or simply relax on deck and watch unmatched scenery glide by as you travel south through the Inside Passage. Pull into the capital of British Columbia, Victoria. Reflecting the charm of Britain, Victoria is an easy city to walk. Explore the inner harbour or venture further afield on one of the shore excursions (additional expense). (B/L/D)

Disembark early this morning and transfer to Seattle Airport to board your flight to Toronto (flight not included in land only bookings. Book flight after 12:30pm). (B)

This morning, take a journey to the top of CN Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in the Americas 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 the colonial city of 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. Travel through the islands and canals and view spectacular old buildings, attractive neighbourhoods and abundant birdlife. Continue following the rivers and lakes to Canada’s capital. (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. We view the residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General, the Royal Canadian Mint and the Rideau Canal. Take a break at ByWard Market where you have free time to explore before continuing your city tour with a visit to the Canadian Museum of History, Canada’s largest and most popular cultural institution.

You’re Invited: Visit to First Nations camp at the Canadian Museum of History where you will partake in an informative tour of the Native village, then witness a vibrant performance of traditional styles of Pow Wow dancing. Tonight, dine at the National Arts Centre. Dedicated to the performing arts, this is a culinary experience that indulges the senses. (B/D)

Head for the quintessentially French city of Montreal, located on an island of the St. Lawrence River.

On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, viewing the Olympic Complex, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre Dame Basilica and views of the city skyline from the parklands of Mt. Royal. Montreal abounds with sightseeing options, such as taking a stroll, bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage through the narrow cobblestone streets of the famous Parisian-style historic district, which is filled with cultural landmarks, museums, boutiques and restaurants. (B/D)

Bienvenue! Welcome to the French-Canadian province of Quebec. Make your way to a traditional Quebecois Sugar Shack. You’re Invited: 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. 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. This historic “New France Route,” takes you to Quebec City, the UNESCO World Heritage Site spectacularly perched atop Cap Diamant. French is the primary language in this unique city, founded in 1608 as a trading post.

Arrive into Quebec City in the afternoon and meet our local guide for a tour of The Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and Parliament buildings. You will then embark on a walking tour within the walls of the Vieux Carré (Old City) and visit Lower Town. This is truly a remarkable city, every building in Old Quebec tells a story and every square exudes the spirit of New France with a history dating back many hundreds of years. (B/L)

Quebec City is one of the world’s most historical and fascinating cities. Spend the day exploring the quaint streets, ancient buildings and getting to know the local food and people. Savour the local cuisine on a gastronomic walking tour (extra expense) (B)

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