Rockies Highlights with Rocky Mountaineer 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. (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)

Today, you have the opportunity to upgrade your journey to a two day rail experience on board the Rocky Mountaineer. Set off on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World”. Settle back in your SilverLeaf carriage (upgrade to GoldLeaf at additional expense) and enjoy stunning views of the soaring mountains as you journey towards Kamloops. (B/L)

Continue our journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer following the Thompson River and passing through the magnificent Fraser Valley. Late afternoon, we arrive into Vancouver.

Two night Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott (B/L)

Enjoy a Vancouver sightseeing tour including Chinatown, Gastown and waterfront area with its lively shops and restaurants. This evening, visit Stanley Park. See the intricately carved totem poles before enjoying a sumptuous farewell dinner with your fellow travelling companions and Evergreen Tour Director. (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 Line. 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 homeward flight (book flight after 2pm).

Please book your flight to depart out of Seattle after 02:00 PM.

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)