Inside Passage & the Canadian Rockies

Welcome to the Canadian Rockies, where your journey of wonder begins. Upon arrival into Calgary, transfer to Banff where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Feel like royalty as you check in for a two-night Special Stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, the ‘Castle in the Rockies’. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous welcome dinner. (D)

You’re sure to be swept away by Banff National Park, the first national park established in Canada and a coveted World Heritage-listed Site. Freechoice: Ride the Banff Gondola and take in the magnificent views or take a helicopter flight. Enrich: Head out at dusk on a unique wildlife spotting experience in search of Banff’s magnificent beast including deer, elk, caribou and the elusive Grizzly bear. (B)

Drive through the Rocky Mountains, past mesmerising lakes and towering mountains en route to Lake Louise. Check in for your two night Special Stay at the opulent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Freechoice Dining: Enjoy a choice of restaurants at your hotel tonight, from fine to casual dining. (B/D)

For the early-riser or the budding photographer, set a sunrise wake-up call to capture the stunning colours painted across the mountain, lake and glacier outside your window. Enrich: Meet a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for an insight into the importance of the Mounties in Canada, past and present.  (B)

The Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most iconic rail journeys in the world. You’ll relish your two days of GoldLeaf Service as you travel through the Rocky Mountains in luxurious comfort. Enjoy this ultimate treat for the senses, as you carve through the otherwise inaccessible terrain of the Rocky Mountains. Gaze in awe through the glass-dome windows as you soak up the magnificent scenery stretching as far as the eye can see. You don’t have to be an engineer to delight in the ingenious construction of the spiral tunnels you’ll venture through. Tonight, stay at a Kamloops hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer. (B/L)

View the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson rivers from your glass-dome carriage. Rocky Mountaineer is renowned for the delicious cuisine prepared on board. Savour the delectable delights and sip on local wine or beer as you soak up the magnificent scenery stretching as far as the eye can see. Later today, arrive into Vancouver and your hotel for the next two-nights. (B/L)

Absorb the tranquillity of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park as it opens early, exclusively for Scenic guests. Wander among the glistening morning dew of the rainforest, before the crowds arrive. Later explore the many and varied sights and sounds of Vancouver during a city sightseeing tour. (B/D)

A ferry takes you across Georgia Strait enroute to Vancouver Island.  On arrival continue to the charming city of Victoria, the oldest city in western Canada and the capital of British Columbia. Enjoy an exclusive two-night Special Stay at Victoria’s iconic The Fairmont Empress. (B)

Explore the spectacular Butchart Gardens, discover its 100 year old history and 900 varieties of plants.  Freechoice: Indulge in afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress or explore Victoria on a walking tour.  Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow adventurers for a celebratory farewell dinner as you prepare for the next part of your journey. (B/D)

Today, we bid a fond farewell to Victoria as we make our way to Vancouver. A world of wonder awaits as you step on board and raise your glass to toast the start of your luxurious cruise. (B/D)

Today, relax on your Discovery Yacht. With so many choices on board, you will be surprised how quickly time passes. Choose one of the daily activities including a class at Scenic Epicure, join an entertaining discussion in the theatre, or make time for your own fitness regime. (B/L/D)

Continue cruising up the picturesque coast of British Columbia. Try a game of bridge or canasta in the Observatory or test your knowledge with some trivia in the lounge. Whatever you choose to do, you will love the relaxing and luxurious finish to your extraordinary expedition voyage.  (B/L/D)

Located near the Stikine River, Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska, with its rich history is visible in the collection of totem poles scattered throughout the town. Surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife, many are attracted to the region's fauna and flora. Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory offer a rare chance to view wildlife including brown and black bears up close, you will soon see why this is known to be the heart of the Inside Passage. Freechoice: See the city of Wrangell on a walking tour or venture down the Stikine River on jet boat. Play a round of golf at the unique Muskeg Meadows or join a local guide for a walk through a nearby rainforest. Alternatively, learn about native artists during a hands on workshop. (B/L/D)

Discover the home of the Tlingit people in Kake, with more than 70% of the people still preserving and continuing their heritage. Connect with the locals and learn about their survival through hunting, fishing and gathering plants and berries. Kake is a prime location for spotting whales and for bear watching during the summer when they emerge take feast on the thriving salmon population. The icy seas and thick forestland allow premium hiking trails such as Big John Bay Trail, Goose Lake Trail and Cathedral Falls Trail. Discovery: Join our Discovery Team for a hike or kayaking adventure.  (B/L/D)

As the old capital of Alaska during the Russian empire, Sitka still has strong ties to Russia. From the battle of the indigenous people with the Russians to the establishment of St. Michael’s Cathedral, North America's first orthodox cathedral, there is much history to unpack and explore. Sitka, of the United States main fishing ports, attracts seafood enthusiasts in hoardes. The picturesque landscape at Sitka National Historical Park and the wildlife of the Inside Passage is a tourist favourite where whales and Pacific salmon thrive deep below as bald eagles soar overhead. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion Freechoice: Explore Sitka during a walking tour, or learn about the wildlife visiting the Fortress of the Bears and the Alaska Raptor Center. Alternatively, experience Sitka’s history.  Discovery: Kayak the waters of Sitka Sound. (B/L/D)

Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in the world, stretching 122 kilometres. This mountain of ice exemplifies the grandness of the  region. (B/L/D)

Formed by retreating glaciers, Icy Bay lives up to its reputation with scattered icebergs floating in the clear, deep waters. Cruise through the fjord, taking in the spectacular scenery. (B/L/D)

Discover one of Alaska's most historic towns, Seward. This seaside village offers access to Kenai Fjords National Park and a bustling harbour. Marine life, jagged cliffs and seabirds can be found at Resurrection Bay. Take to the seas and get a chance to spot sea lions and tidewater caves. Whether it is embarking on adventurous activities such as summer-style dogsledding or strolling through the streets of the ‘Mural Capital of Alaska’, there is something for everyone.

Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice:  Join a local wildlife tour, and search for whales, sea otters, sea lions and marine birds, or visit the Alaska Sealife Centre, a refuge for injured and orphaned marine wildlife, and learn about the wildlife response team and research teams. Choose to meet Iditarod Sled Dogs and take the chance to experience summer-style dogsledding or, zip line and rappel through a nearby rainforest. Alternatively, explore the local museum, before joining a local artist on a walking tour through Seward’s downtown murals.  Discovery: Hike to Exit Glacier with a local naturalist to give insight on topography, vegetation and natural habitats of a glacial environment.  (B/L/D)

Homer is a small city on Kachemak Bay, that packs a big punch. Take in the charming coastal city that is distinguished by its gravel bar that extends into the bay, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion Freechoice: Learn of the local area and see the scenic vistas of Kachemak Bay during a narrated cruise or learn about the intertidal creatures around the Homer Harbor Docks. Alternatively, test your skills with a cooking class on a local island, or explore Homer city gaining an understanding into the history and culture of this quaint community.  Discovery: Hike to Glacier Lake in Kachemak Bay State Park with a guide or go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding with our Discovery Team. (B/L/D)

Situated along the Gulf of Alaska, the city of Kodiak is renowned for its inhabitants of grizzly bears, national state parks and sportfishing spots. Uncover history and learn about Kodiak’s key role in WWII as a staging point for US operations with Fort Abercrombie built as a defense post to protect the naval base. Renowned for its wildlife, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge covers two thirds of the island and several nature-loving visitors each year. This is the best location to spot the salmon loving brown bear and other wildlife while taking in the majestic lakes and dramatic mountains within the national park.

Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion Freechoice: Discover the wildlife of the Kodiak Archipelago on a sightseeing boat with a local captain or see the highlights of Kodiak Harbour on a guided walking tour. Choose to learn about the world of a fisherman, hearing their personal tales and tasting their fresh bounty, or meet Alutiiq Artists and watch them forge their traditional, unique crafts with master skill. Alternatively, learn the Russian history of the area.  Discovery: Hike parts of the Fort Abercrombie State Park with a local, learning the history of this area, while keeping watch for sea birds and whales, or go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding with our Discovery Team. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring the excellent ultra-luxurious amenities of your Discovery Yacht. Try a game of bridge or canasta in the Observatory Lounge or tempt your palate at a wine tasting. (B/L/D)

One of the world’s largest and most famous fishing ports, Dutch Harbour has a fascinating history. In 1942, Dutch Harbor was attacked by aerial bombardment from the Japanese.  Take in the beautiful scenery of this remote and mountainous landscape much loved by tourists, and famed for its hiking, skiing, sportfishing, kayaking and wildlife. Freechoice: Join a guided hike to a WWII Bunker, passing by numerous WWII ruins, or choose to visit the sites of Unalaska at your leisure with a Hop on Hop Off School Bus. (B/L/D)

St Paul Island in the Bering Sea lies between USA and Russia, and has a land area of just 100km2 and uniquely has just one school, one post office, one bar, one shop and one church. Nature is abundant as the rugged landscape has been shaped by surrounding volcanoes and lava craters. Fauna has flourished with the region becoming well known as a breeding ground for more than 500,000 northern fur seals and millions of seabirds. Spend your day exploring the local museum and church with a local, before visiting the nearby seal colony.  (B/L/D)

Relax on board and indulge yourself at the Senses Spa or take a yoga class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio. There’ll be insightful lectures and presentations from the Discovery Team in the theatre or you could also choose to learn new cooking techniques in Scenic Epicure. Whatever you choose to do, you will love the relaxing and luxurious finish to your extraordinary expedition voyage.   (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends this morning in Anchorage as you say farewell to your crew. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)