Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Cruise With Scenic Tours

This 18 day adventure begins in beautiful Victoria with an evening at the renowned Fairmont Empress Hotel. You will have the day to soak up the city sights, particularly the highlight of the city, the world famous Butchart Gardens. Crossing to the mainland by ferry, you will stop at the stunning Shannon Falls along the Howe Sound en route to Whistler, where you will step into the world of the black bears.

From Whistler, you will depart for Hat Creek Ranch to learn about local Shuswap Nation culture and then head to the resort of Sun Peaks. Next stop is two nights in the alpine town of Banff where you will take the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, before witnessing two of Canada’s most famous lakes, Emerald Lake and Lake Louise. Travelling along the Icefields Parkway you will stop to enjoy a ride on the Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier, before arriving in Jasper and enjoying a nature walk through the Maligne Canyon.

From Jasper you will board the VIA Rail train ‘The Canadian’ for your overnight journey to Vancouver, offering the best vantage point for absorbing the stunning scenery of both Mount Robson and the Jasper National Park. No tour to Canada is complete without a cruise to Alaska’s breathtaking glacial fjords, so you will enjoy a seven night, 1,600 kilometre voyage to Alaska, stopping in at numerous ports along the way including Ketchikan, Sitka, and the isolated Alaskan capital, Juneau, and viewing incredible Tracy Arm. Finally you will head back south to Victoria, before disembarking in Seattle for your onward journey.

Full Itinerary

Meal inclusions: D = Dinner, L = Lunch and FB = Full Breakfast

Day 1: Vancouver (D)
Upon arrival at Vancouver Airport you will be met and transferred* to your hotel (please book flight to arrive no later than 5pm). Get to know your Tour Director and travelling companions over a ‘Welcome to Canada’ dinner.
Overnight Stay: The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Exclusive to Scenic Tours

Day 2: Overnight on board ‘The Canadian’ (FB)
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver, followed by some free time to explore this cosmopolitan city. Later, transfer to board VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’ train bound for Jasper. Retire to the comfort of your private room in ‘Sleeper Plus Class’ . Relax as the gentle rocking of the train lulls you to sleep and discover the pleasure of train travel by moonlight.
Overnight Stay: On board VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian 

Day 3: ‘The Canadian’ – Jasper (FB,L,D)
Enjoy panoramic views of the impressive Canadian Rocky Mountains including Mount Robson, before your afternoon arrival into Jasper. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining tonight.
Overnight Stay: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 4: Jasper – Glacier ‘Ice Explorer’ – Icefields Parkway (FB,D)
This morning, enjoy a guided nature walk through Maligne Canyon. Travel along the incredible Icefields Parkway, stopping at the Columbia Icefield, where you’ll take the ‘Ice Explorer’ onto the Athabasca Glacier. Later enjoy a nature walk along the shoreline of Lake Louise.Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining choose from a selection of restaurants at your hotel.
Overnight Special Stay : The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 5: Emerald Lake – Banff (FB,D)
Visit Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge enroute to Banff, where you will travel on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. SCENIC ENRICH: Meet an iconic Canadian Mountie before Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining tonight.
Two Night Special Stay : The Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 6: Banff (FB,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities this morning. This afternoon is yours to explore Banff. SCENIC ENRICH: Rocky Mountain Round Up, Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Celebrate this event with fellow travellers as you enjoy authentic cuisine, local entertainment and western hospitality.

Day 7: Banff – Sun Peaks (FB,D)
Today journey to the alpine ski village of Sun Peaks. After dinner enjoy this evening’s Included SCENIC ENRICH highlight: a historic insight into the fur trading industry and life as a pioneer, Exclusive to Scenic Tours.
Overnight Stay: Delta Sun Peaks Resort

Day 8: Cariboo Region – Whistler (FB,D)
Continue to Whistler Village. Today’s SCENIC ENRICH: Presentation looking into the world of the Black Bear with Michael Allen, a world leader in Black Bear research, Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining tonight.
Overnight Special Stay: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Exclusive to Scenic Tours

Day 9: Howe Sound – Victoria (FB)
Travel south stopping at Shannon Falls. Board a ferry and cross to Victoria.
Two Night Special Stay : The Fairmont Empress, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
Optional 1 hour floatplane flight to Victoria. Leave the crowds behind and soar over the Georgia Strait. Arrive at lunch time giving you more time to explore (additional expense, subject to seasonal operation).

Day 10: Victoria – Butchart Gardens (FB,D)
Wander at your leisure through the Included world famous Butchart Gardens. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities this afternoon. Enjoy dinner this evening with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Day 11: Seattle – Alaskan Cruise (FB,D)
This morning transfer to Seattle Pier. Step on board your luxurious cruise ship for a 7 night Alaskan Voyage. Check into your Verandah Stateroom (subject to availability) on the Grand PrincessSM and settle in for an unforgettable cruise.

Day 12: Scenic Cruising (FB,L,D)
Sit back, relax and enjoy the ambience as you cruise north.

Day 13: Ketchikan (FB,L,D)
Arrive into Ketchikan. Stroll along the elevated boardwalk or participate in a variety of shore excursions (additional expense).

Day 14: Juneau (FB,L,D)
Surrounded by the Gastineau Channel, the Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefields, Alaska’s capital is famed for its scenery and isolation. Juneau is accessible only by air or sea so the best way to arrive is by luxury cruise. Explore the lush Tongass National Forest; or journey above on Mount Robert’s Tramway; or learn the city’s Gold Rush story; or drop into the Red Dog Saloon; or visit the fascinating Alaska State Museum (shore excursions are at own expense).

Day 15: Skagway (FB,L,D)
Cruise into Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike. Enjoy free time to go ashore and stroll the weathered boardwalks.

Day 16: Scenic Cruising (FB,L,D)
Journey south through the spectacular waterways.

Day 17: Victoria (FB,L,D)
Continue to the stunning capital of British Columbia, Victoria.

Day 18: Seattle (FB)

Disembark early this morning and transfer to Seattle Airport to board your homebound flight (please do not book departure flight before 2pm). If your flight departs after 7pm, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Seattle with time for lunch downtown before transferring* to the airport.