Icons of Western Canada & Alaskan Cruise

Your journey begins in cosmopolitan Vancouver, a city of rare, effortless beauty, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and some of the most dramatic mountain terrain on earth. A thriving food scene, diverse culture and the quiet splendour of Stanley Park make this one of the world's most liveable and most visited cities. Enjoy a two-night stay at the iconic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, where you'll celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome dinner among your fellow Guests.

This morning, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park opens early exclusively for Scenic Guests – a rare and unhurried opportunity to wander across the suspension bridge high above the lush forest canopy, with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness before the crowds arrive. Later, a city sightseeing tour takes in Vancouver's vibrant neighbourhoods, iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage, from the historic streets of Gastown to the waterfront grandeur of Canada Place.

Board the legendary Rocky Mountaineer for one of the world's great rail journeys. Settled into your Gold Leaf Service glass-dome carriage, you'll traverse dramatic mountain passes and deep canyon walls as the landscapes of the Canadian Rockies unfold around you – a procession of scenery that cannot be experienced any other way. As daylight fades over the high country, arrive in Kamloops and unwind for the evening at a hotel selected by Rocky Mountaineer.

The second day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer brings the journey's most breathtaking scenery. Savour delicious cuisine paired with local wines and craft beers as peaks, glaciers and river valleys reveal themselves beyond the glass dome. Arrive at Lake Louise, known as the Diamond in the Wilderness, and settle into a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where your Lakeview Room places one of the world's most celebrated natural wonders as your permanent backdrop.

This morning's Scenic Enrich experience brings the story of Lake Louise to life in the most immersive way, a guided walk along the shore with a Mountain Adventure Guide whose captivating stories of the lake's discovery and the remarkable history of this place add a layer of meaning that transforms a beautiful walk into something genuinely memorable.

Scenic Enrich: Join a Mountain Adventure Guide for a picturesque walk along the shores of iconic Lake Louise, hearing the captivating stories of its discovery and the rich history that has shaped this extraordinary place over time.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: Choose between a French-Canadian Brasserie-style dining experience overlooking the spectacular lake or the very best in contemporary Canadian cuisine, both set within the elegant surrounds of the Chateau, where attentive service and refined flavours make every meal an occasion.

Departing Lake Louise, take a moment to absorb the still glacial hues of either Emerald Lake or Moraine Lake (accessible seasonally), tucked into the breathtaking Valley of the Ten Peaks, before continuing along the historic Bow Valley Parkway. This scenic route once connected Lake Louise and Banff and offers remarkable views at every turn. Arrive in Banff and settle into a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, one of Canada's most iconic hotels set in the heart of World Heritage-listed Banff National Park.

The evening brings two Scenic Enrich experiences that speak to the depth of this journey.

Scenic Enrich: Meet a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for a fascinating and personal insight into the enduring importance of the Mounties, past and present.

Scenic Enrich: An intimate dinner concert in one of the historic hotel's most elegant spaces, where the soothing melodies of a classical violin and cello duet create an evening of rare refinement.

Spanning more than 6,600 square kilometres of World Heritage-listed wilderness, Banff National Park is among the most magnificent, protected landscapes on earth. Today is yours to explore it, as actively or as unhurriedly as you wish, with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences.

Scenic Freechoice:

• Heli Flightseeing Banff: Lift off and venture into one of earth's most dramatic mountain landscapes via helicopter. Weave between the iconic Three Sisters Peaks as sheer rock faces rise around you and the true scale of the Canadian Rockies sinks in. Rugged peaks, glittering lakes and untouched wilderness surround you on every side, with the winding Bow River far below, a breathtaking experience that cannot be replicated from the ground.
• Bow River Float Trip: Just minutes from downtown Banff, step onto the Bow River and let it carry you through one of earth's most spectacular mountain landscapes. No experience needed, just a sense of wonder. Drift peacefully downstream as towering peaks rise on every side, wildflowers line the banks and water birds glide alongside. Keep your eyes open, as wildlife has a habit of appearing when you least expect it.
• E-Bike & Hike Johnston Canyon: A guided e-bike tour through mountain forest and along shimmering lakeshores, followed by a hike into Banff's most beloved canyon, walking deeper into towering rock walls until the spectacular Lower Falls thunders into view. Two iconic Banff experiences, beautifully combined into one extraordinary day.
• Banff Gondola: Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for a stunning bird's-eye view of Banff township and six mountain ranges stretching to every horizon.
• Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Banff Springs: Rejuvenate in the mineral pools of the Willow Stream Spa, drawing energy from the mountains around you in this serene and beautifully appointed sanctuary (available on select early season departures only).

Journey north along the Icefields Parkway, consistently ranked among the world's great scenic drives, pausing to glide onto the icy expanse of the Athabasca Glacier aboard an Ice Explorer. Standing on ice that has been forming for centuries, surrounded by the vast Columbia Icefield, is an experience that quietly recalibrates one's sense of scale.

Arrive in Jasper and retreat to the warm, lodge-style comfort of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, nestled within the awe-inspiring wilderness of Jasper National Park. This evening, the choice of where to dine is yours.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: Select from a range of included dining experiences at your hotel tonight – from Italian to a classic steakhouse – all within the beautiful surrounds of the lodge.

Spanning an impressive area of approximately 11,000 square kilometres, World Heritage-listed Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Explore this stunning region today, choosing from a range of Scenic Freechoice experiences.

Scenic Enrich: Join a guided wildlife tour into Jasper's natural wonderland, where elk, deer, black bears, moose and mountain goats thrive in their pristine habitats, an intimate encounter with the wild heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Scenic Freechoice:

• Harley-Davidson Sidecar Tour: Gear up, climb in and feel the rumble of a Harley-Davidson beneath you as you roll out into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Wind up dramatic mountain roads where jaw-dropping views of the Athabasca Valley stretch before you, or venture off the beaten track into the wilder, quieter side of Jasper that most visitors never encounter. Open air, open road and the Rockies all around, the kind of experience that stays with you.
• Athabasca River Rafting: Float the very same waters that fur traders navigated over two centuries ago, deep in the heart of one of the world's most celebrated national parks. No experience needed. Gentle rapids add just the right touch of excitement, and the riverbanks reward those who pay attention, with elk, moose, wolves, eagles and bears making regular appearances.
• Maligne Valley & Lakes: Journey deep into the spectacular Maligne Valley on an interpretive drive through the heart of Jasper National Park. Witness Medicine Lake, a remarkable natural phenomenon that disappears entirely each year, before arriving at Maligne Lake where impossibly vivid water, soaring peaks on every horizon and three glaciers in plain view frame the iconic Spirit Island, one of the most photographed scenes in all of Canada.
• Wildfire Peak-Nic: In July 2024, a wildfire of historic proportions swept through Jasper National Park, the largest in over a century. On this 4km hike through one of Canada's most dramatically transformed landscapes, witness new growth, wildflowers pushing through ash and wildlife quietly returning. At the peak, share a hot lunch and hear why wildfire is not destruction, but nature's most powerful tool for renewal.

Leave the grandeur of Jasper behind as you journey through the sweeping, sunlit landscapes of British Columbia toward Sun Peaks, a charming alpine village surrounded by lush forests, winding rivers and sparkling lakes. A welcoming haven for outdoor enthusiasts in every season, it offers a different but equally beautiful face of the Canadian wilderness. Stay overnight at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel.

Travel through scenic British Columbia landscapes past the Thompson and Fraser rivers, passing through the historic gold rush town of Lillooet before arriving in Whistler, one of the world's most celebrated alpine destinations. On arrival, visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, a place that beautifully embodies the living cultures and traditions of two unique Nations, the Squamish and Lil'wat peoples. Settle into a two-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, a haven of alpine luxury at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.

Scenic Enrich: Join renowned black bear expert and researcher Michael Allen for an enlightening and personal session about these extraordinary creatures, their behaviour, their place in the ecosystem and the remarkable work being done to protect them.

Set in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is a world unto itself, where alpine scenery of the highest order meets a vibrant village atmosphere and near-limitless opportunities for discovery. Today is entirely yours to shape, with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences.

Scenic Freechoice:

• Peak 2 Peak Gondola: Two mountains. Infinite possibilities. The Peak 2 Peak connects the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, opening up a vast alpine world in a single, spectacular journey. Whether you're here to hike, explore or simply stand in awe of one of the most dramatic landscapes in Canada, this is the way to see it all.
• Zip Lining Over Whistler Valley: Soar above the valley between two legendary mountains, flying high over ancient forests and glacial creeks on four thrilling ziplines. Connected by suspension bridges, elevated boardwalks and forest trails, this is a complete treetop experience, with elevated viewing decks offering breathtaking vistas that stop even the most seasoned travellers in their tracks.
• Whistler Heli Flightseeing: Lift off and experience Whistler the way it was truly meant to be seen. Peak to breathtaking peak – soaring summits, sparkling glacier-fed lakes and endless mountain terrain laid out before you in one sweeping, exhilarating panorama.
• Whistler Mountain Adventure Tour: Venture beyond the village into raw untamed backcountry that most visitors never encounter, with hidden roads, secret viewpoints and spectacular scenery. The highlight is Whistler's thriving black bear population, with sightings from the comfort of your vehicle a genuine possibility. Round out the day at the top of the world-famous Olympic Ski Jumps for panoramic mountain and valley views.

Cross the Georgia Strait by ferry, with beautiful coastal views accompanying the passage, and arrive in Victoria, a city where elegant Victorian architecture, lush gardens and a deeply felt British colonial heritage create one of Canada's most charming atmospheres. Delight in a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the iconic Fairmont Empress, set directly on the waterfront of Victoria's celebrated Inner Harbour.

This morning, explore the world-renowned Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island, where vibrant flowerbeds, tranquil ponds and winding pathways wind through one of the world's most celebrated botanical landscapes. This afternoon, choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice experiences to explore this remarkable region further.

Scenic Freechoice:

• Whale Watching Cruise: Step aboard and venture into the heart of the Salish Sea, one of earth's most breathtaking marine environments. Come face to face with majestic whales, sea lions, otters and bald eagles against the stunning backdrop of Victoria's coastline, with expert onboard naturalists bringing the wild to life with fascinating insight.
• Take to the Skies Over Victoria: Climb aboard a floatplane and soar over one of Canada's most breathtaking coastal landscapes. Watch Victoria's dramatic coastline unfold, the Strait stretch to the horizon and the snow-capped Olympic Peninsula rise in the distance, before touching down gracefully on the glistening waters of the historic Inner Harbour.
• Victoria Gorge Cruise: Step on board a quiet zero-emission electric boat and ease into 90 minutes of pure discovery. Glide through working shipyards and scenic waterways as your captain brings the rich history of the Coast Salish people and a waterway remarkably restored from industrial pollution to thriving ecosystem beautifully to life.
• Victoria Bites & Sights: First enjoy a harbour ferry for Inner Harbour views, then step into Canada's oldest Chinatown, with hidden alleys, secret courtyards and extraordinary stories most visitors walk right past. Wander cobblestone paths layered with history, enjoy a classic Canadian treat and save the best for last, Victoria's most beloved chocolate shop and one of the city's most deliciously memorable stories.

This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a celebratory farewell dinner.

Board Holland America Line's luxurious MS Koningsdam for your seven-night Alaskan cruise and settle into your Verandah Stateroom, a private outdoor space from which humpback whales and bald eagles may well make their first appearance. Throughout the cruise, a dedicated Scenic Cruise Liaison accompanies the journey, providing personalised assistance, hosting activities and ensuring every moment on board is as seamless and memorable as the days that came before.

Settle into the pleasures of life on board as the ship cruises northward through the Inside Passage. Whether you choose to relax with a book on your private verandah, visit the spa, explore the on board restaurants and lounges, or simply watch the extraordinary coastline pass by, this is a day entirely given over to the art of travelling well.

Explore Alaska's state capital, a city accessible only by air or sea, which lends it an unhurried and genuinely wild character unlike anywhere else in the United States. Delve into its rich history, from the drama of the Klondike Gold Rush to the enduring culture of the indigenous Tlingit people. Marvel at glacier vistas and explore a vibrant arts scene that reflects a community deeply connected to the extraordinary landscape it calls home.

Step back in time as you wander through the streets of Skagway, a living testament to the Klondike Gold Rush era, where meticulously preserved shop facades and wooden boardwalks whisper tales of adventure, fortune and the extraordinary human determination that once drove tens of thousands of prospectors into the Alaskan wilderness. It is one of those places that wears its history openly and with great pride.

A World Heritage Site and one of the world's great wilderness experiences, Glacier Bay is a place of humbling scale and extraordinary beauty. Cruise past dramatic ice walls that tower above the waterline and listen for the deep, resonant crack of calving glaciers. A steaming hot chocolate in hand, let the serenity of this frozen wilderness work its way into the memory.

Ketchikan earns its reputation as the salmon capital of the world with well-justified pride. The vibrant atmosphere of this coastal community weaves together the echoes of native heritage, expressed through some of the finest totem poles in Alaska, with the energy of a thriving fishing culture that remains very much alive. Delight in local delicacies and immerse yourself in a place that feels genuinely, authentically itself.

Savour the final day of the cruise as the ship sails southward through the Inside Passage. It is a day for reflection, for lingering over the scenery, for conversation with fellow guests and for the quiet pleasure of knowing that a journey of this quality leaves its mark long after it ends.

Your journey draws to a close in Vancouver, returning to the city where it all began. After disembarking, take your time exploring Vancouver's vibrant neighbourhoods, scenic parks, waterfront paths and local eats, with the freedom to discover the city by coach. As you explore, we'll securely store your luggage on the coach before your transfer to the airport. 

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. Please refer to Scenic's terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.