Great Canadian Adventure: Coast to Coast with Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise

Welcome to Toronto!

At 6 pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director prepares you for your upcoming adventure.

Elevated Experiences

This morning, explore Toronto on a sightseeing tour of this exciting city. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure for your own discoveries in the cosmopolitan capital of Ontario. Consider dinner at the historic Distillery District or St. Lawrence Market.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - COSMOPOLITAN TORONTO: See the sights in Toronto, including the Legislature Building, cultural neighborhoods, University of Toronto, Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Eaton Centre, with more than 200 stores for world-class shopping and dining. Conclude your tour with an exciting stop at the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, where you'll savor incredible views of the city and harbor below you.

Waterfalls & Wine

Leave bustling Toronto and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Board a cruise for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls from river level. Continue to picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake and browse the shops and sights of Main Street. Enjoy dinner tonight with a spectacular view of the falls including local icewine. Later, you may wish to see the illumination of the falls as they are lit in every color of the rainbow.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PANORAMIC VIEWS: Spanning the borders of Canada and the U.S., Niagara Falls' hydroelectric power generates more than one quarter of all power used in New York State and Ontario. Formed by melting glaciers more than 12,000 years ago, Niagara's power also creates a torrential spectacle of nature's sheer beauty and brawn.

LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Canada is the world's largest producer of icewine, a sweet wine made from grapes frozen naturally on the vine. Experience the best in regional dessert icewines with dinner tonight and conclude your breathtaking day with a stunning view of the magnificent falls.

Islands in the Streams

Travel this morning to Rockport, where you'll board a boat for a scenic cruise through the waterways of Thousand Islands National Park and enjoy lunch dockside on the St. Lawrence River. Continue to the nation's capital of Ottawa, pleasantly framed by the banks of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal, for a 2-night stay.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Journey through the picturesque granite islands, windswept pine trees, and vast estates of Thousand Islands National Park. Referred to by the Iroquois Nation as the “Garden of the Great Spirit,” the tranquility of the area belies a history of adventures, wars, and rebellions. See the Boldt Castle, Zavikon Island, and the vast estates through Millionaire's Row.

Spend your day your way in Ottawa

Enjoy guided sightseeing this morning through the legendary landmarks of the Canadian capital city of Ottawa, including the residence of the Governor General, the hexagonal National Arts Centre, Parliament Hill, and the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the sweeter side of Ottawa with a beloved local treat, a Canadian beavertail.

LOCAL FAVORITE - TASTES AND TRADITIONS: Enjoy a delicious Canadian specialty, a Canadian beavertail, a sugary cinnamon pastry in the shape of Canada's national animal.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: Explore the city of Ottawa to see its famous landmarks, including the residences of the Governor General and Prime Minister, the hexagonal National Arts Centre, Parliament Hill, and the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

French Sights & Bites

Drive north to Cap-de-la-Madeleine for a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a national shrine famous for its fine stained-glass windows. Time to stroll through the grounds of the sanctuary and see the miraculous Madonna in the old chapel. Continue to romantic Québec City, one of the most historic and best-preserved cities in North America. This evening, enjoy regional French cuisine at a special dinner in Old Town Québec.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY AND HERITAGE: Explore the beautiful city of Québec, the French-founded city, port, and capital of Canada's Québec province. One of the oldest cities in Canada— Québec City retains more than 400 years of tradition, architecture, and Old-World charm in the only remaining walled city north of Mexico. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a romantic city of narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, fortifications, and rich French-Canadian culture and cuisine. Take in the city's splendid views of the surrounding landscape and unique character, which prompted Charles Dickens to call it the “Gibraltar of North America.”

French-Canadian Treasures

Visit a locally owned Sugar Shack for a traditional sugar shack breakfast. Then, tour Canada's only walled city with a Local Guide. Until the British victory of 1759, Old Québec was the center of New France. Within its walls are Place d'Armes, Laval Seminary, and ancient Place Royale. Also, see the old-world houses crowding the narrow streets in Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River and historic Plains of Abraham. The afternoon is free to explore the historic sites or stroll the streets of Old Québec City.

LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Collecting maple water to create maple syrup is a longtime tradition across generations when families trudged through the snow to tap the nearby trees in preparation for rich and hearty recipes. Learn the art of making maple syrup and enjoy breakfast at a local Sugar Shack!

ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: with free time in Old Québec City. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. This evening, consider an optional dinner that includes a visit to 274-foot-high Montmorency Falls and dinner at Le Moulin de Saint-Laurent - a restored 17th-century flour mill.

Magical Montréal

On to Montréal, where sightseeing with a Local Guide includes Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Seminary of St. Sulpice, and a drive to the top of Mount Royal to enjoy a panorama of the city. Free time this afternoon before dinner in the heart of Old Montréal!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: Explore the cultural capital of Canada where the traditional Québécois style is celebrated along its cobblestone streets and grand buildings in European flair. See the Basilique Notre-Dame with its stunning stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal with spectacular views of Vieux-Montréal.

Off to British Columbia!

Board a flight this morning for Vancouver, British Columbia. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time in Vancouver. At 6pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.

ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: with free time in Vancouver. Your GlobusGO app and Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

British Columbia Treasures

Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. The afternoon is free to explore the many attractions at your leisure before dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: Created in 1888, Stanley Park is considered the 'crown jewel' of Vancouver. The oldest park in the city of Vancouver, the dramatically beautiful and panoramic setting of Stanley Park spans more than 1000+ acres right next to downtown. Native culture is preserved with a striking collection of First Nations Totem Poles, carved from western red cedar and each carving tells of a real or mythical event illustrating significant meanings – the eagle representing the kingdom of air; the whale as the lord of the sea; and the wolf as the genius of the land – to name a few.

Riding the Rails

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train to follow the Fraser Canyon and Thompson River through beautiful landscapes from Vancouver to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamloops.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - TRAIN SPOTLIGHT: Travel in style aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train service from Vancouver to Kamloops. Ride in style with exceptional service as you take in the panoramic views through your custom-designed glass-dome coach. Snap perfect shots of spectacular landscapes from the comfort of your seat or step out on the outdoor viewing area for a wide-open view. Enjoy Rocky Mountaineer's SilverLeaf service with everything you need and more to experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains in luxury: panoramic views, delicious meals and beverages brought right to your seat, friendly hosts, and miles and miles of memories.

The Continental Divide

Continue aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train from Kamloops eastward to scenic Shuswap Lake. Follow the Kicking Horse River and pass over the Continental Divide into Banff National Park.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Spend two nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, internationally recognized as the “Castle in the Rockies,” and a symbol of Canadian hospitality. Opened by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, this majestic chateau-style hotel is in the heart of Banff National Park.

Breathtaking Banff

Breathe in the fresh mountain air! This morning, tour the highlights of Banff: Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Surprise Corner. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy all that Banff has to offer. You may wish to ride on the Banff Gondola, visit the shops on Main Street, or perhaps take an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for impressive views of the Rocky Mountains and Banff.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks and turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park - Canada's first national park. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!

Rocky Mountain Majesty

Travel north within Banff National Park to Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, framed with mountains, glacial creeks, and lakeshore trails. Take in the turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding peaks with a guided heritage walk along the lake. Enjoy an overnight stay and dinner at the exclusive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

LOCAL FAVORITE - NATURAL WONDERS: Today, you'll also enjoy a guided walk along Lake Louise to hear about the area's first settlers, some unique characters, and the history of this incredible setting. The lakeshore trail offers memorable views of Fairview Mountain and the Victoria Glacier, which feeds the brilliant blue waters of Lake Louise.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Stay overnight at the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Built as a log cabin in 1890, the historic chateau has become world famous, hosting celebrities and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, Alfred Hitchcock, and Marilyn Monroe. Take a leisurely stroll along the pristine lake, pamper yourself in the spa, or relax with afternoon tea.

On the Ice

Travel on awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to Jasper National Park. Take an exciting ride on an all-terrain Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier and thundering Athabasca Falls. Consider an optional guided raft excursion on the Athabasca River to admire the scenery of the Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies from the water. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Spend the night at the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Originally built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway as “Tent City,” it is now a 4-star resort nestled between majestic mountains and enchanting lakes. Take a nature hike, play a game of croquet, enjoy a canoe trip on the lake, or just bask in the beauty of this tranquil setting.

Legendary Pathways

Departing Jasper, watch the scenery unfold while traveling the Yellowhead Highway to the year-round alpine resort of Sun Peaks in British Columbia.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICONIC FOOTSTEPS: Travel on the legendary Yellowhead Highway along the Fraser and Thompson Rivers – the same route followed by the early fur brigades of the Hudson's Bay Company as they paddled fully laden canoes to the Pacific Coast. Pass regal Mount Robson; at 12,972 feet, it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies on this inspiring and mesmerizing road.

Rugged Beauty

A spectacular day lies ahead! This morning, travel past some of the most beautiful and rugged lakes and mountains in British Columbia. This afternoon, we arrive in Whistler—one of Canada's most exciting mountain resorts and host of the 2010 Winter Olympics— and settle into the deluxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: The luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort is located at the base of Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, where you'll enjoy the remarkable mountain setting and stunning architecture that blends with the natural alpine views. Relax in the spa, by the pool, on a gondola ride, or with a stroll through the Olympic village. Your Tour Director and GlobusGO mobile app have plenty of expert tips, maps, and more.

Ancient Traditions

Visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of First Nations, for a private presentation and breakfast. Afterward, Victoria awaits! Board a BC Ferry for a picturesque cruise to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British “Garden City” of Victoria.

This afternoon, discover the beauty and rich history of British Columbia's capital on a city highlights tour. Later, you may want to stroll around the Parliament buildings or do some shopping. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this delightful harbor city.

LOCAL FAVORITE - CULTURAL GEMS: Visit the Whistler's Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre before opening hours where you will be greeted with a First Nations welcome followed by breakfast. The First Nations Museum and Art Gallery bring the history, traditions and beautiful culture to life, and the Cultural Ambassadors on-site share stories, music, and handicrafts in the unique setting.

Spend your day your way in Victoria

LOCAL FAVORITE - PICTURE PERFECT: Butchart Gardens, named for Jennie Butchart who founded this botanical oasis in 1912 with a vision of blooming shades and horticultural design. Today, this National Historic site is recognized for its legacy and lush treasure where millions of flowering beds and over 900 varieties of plants in exquisitely landscaped gardens bring fairytales to life. Enjoy the gardens and a special farewell dinner in the original, now restored, greenhouse.

Ready to Cruise!

Wave goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver this morning before departing for your Alaska cruise. Travel on a scenic BC Ferry crossing through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver where you will begin your 7-night cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: You're in for one wonderful week on a roundtrip cruise on the incredible Inside Passage through the spectacular ports of Alaska. Cruise from Vancouver to discover spellbinding scenery from narrow fjords to scattered islets and towering peaks. Get close to massive glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park and watch breathlessly for calving ice as it plunges into the ocean.

Glacial Fjords & Grand Forests

Alaska's Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. One of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WILD BY NATURE: Enjoy onboard activities and entertainment while at sea, and savor time on the observation deck to spot some of Alaska's scenic views and incredible wildlife.

Coastal Cliffs & The Catch of the Day

Steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank the Tracy Arm fjord, fringed by the largest intact coastal temperate rain forest in the United States where old-growth trees took hold of the mouth of the fjord long ago as the Ice Age retreated. Continue cruising to Juneau and visit the most remote state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest and mountain sights, visitors to Juneau can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio, and tour a grand capitol building all in one day.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - UNTAMED WILDERNESS: Even more glorious than nearby Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm is part of the 5.7 million acres (or around 23,000 square kilometers) of pure wilderness sheltered by the Tongass National Forest (America's biggest). Visitors often see bears, whales, and mountain goats roaming across various corners of this pristine area—not to mention chubby baby seals resting on the ice floes. Summer temperatures average 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 16 degrees Celsius), so pack warm clothing and waterproof gear in preparation for the more than 1½ meters of rainfall each year!

The Rush for Gold

At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields and quickly grew into Alaska's largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons, and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway—but today it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for modern explorers to discover Alaska's colorful history, pristine wilderness habitats, and unrivaled natural beauty.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: At every turn, you'll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore in the town of Skagway, from the infamous Red Onion Saloon that still keeps a pistol Wyatt Earp left behind on his way to the Klondike, to the narrow-gauge White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, traversing rugged mountains, waterfalls, and towering glaciers on its course to Whitehorse deep in the Yukon.

Making a Splash

Cruise Glacier Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Site),where the creaks and groans of “living” ice, the shrill cries of gulls and soaring eagles, the splash of breaching humpback whales provide a thrilling spectacle of nature's power. Be awed by frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park), and regular sightings of marine wildlife in abundance here.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WILD DISCOVERIES: With the serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains defining its shores, Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Keep your binoculars and camera ready as you cruise Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier for the chance to witness ice calving, the fluke of a humpback breaking the surface, or a lone brown bear patrolling a windswept beach.

Alaska's First City

Your adventure continues with a visit to Ketchikan, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain, and picturesque fjords welcoming you to the Inside Passage.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY AND TRADITION: Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing-and-packing industries. Savor fresh seafood at a local restaurant and explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park, while the attractions of Saxman Village just outside of Ketchikan offer the chance to see Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house.

Where the Wild Things Are

Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage offers outstanding opportunities to spot some of Alaska's most iconic wildlife.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ALASKAN ADVENTURE: Enjoy a day of leisure on the ship and watch the horizon for the opportunity to spot humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead, and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Schedule flights departing from Vancouver International Airport after noon.