Highlights of Eastern and Western Canada with Alaska Cruise

The ideal way to explore the beauty of Canada’s east and west coasts. Visit Niagara Falls and enjoy two-night stays in Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal. Then it’s over to the spectacular Rockies before an Alaska Inside Passage cruise.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Toronto

You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel, located in the heart of the action in Downtown Toronto.

Day 2: Toronto, Niagara Falls

A Welcome Breakfast gives you the chance to meet your fellow guests and Travelmarvel Tour Director. Then, join a city tour that will take you to the picturesque waterfront districts of Toronto. Afterwards, travel to spectacular Niagara Falls, which is collectively made up of three impressive waterfalls. From here, you’ll board a thrilling boat cruise for a journey to the base of Horseshoe Falls (raincoats provided), the largest of the three falls. You may also like to enjoy the Enhance Your Journey experience on offer.

Enhance Your Journey – Heli Flightseeing

Take to the skies and get a bird’s-eye view of Niagara Falls on an exhilarating helicopter flight.

Day 3: Toronto, Thousand Islands, Ottawa

Today, enjoy an unforgettable cruise around the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Glide past tiny islands, fairy-tale castles, and waterside mansions. As you cruise, you'll be transported back to a time when pirates and bootleggers once roamed the area, as well as the Gilded Age, when the rich and famous made this region their personal playground. Later, continue your journey on to Ottawa.

Day 4: Ottawa

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Ottawa, which includes Parliament Hill and the historic Rideau Canal. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps enjoy one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer.

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Bike Tour 

Set off with a local guide on a leisurely two-hour bicycle tour through the beautiful heart of Canada’s capital. 

Enhance Your Journey – Canadian Museum of History Admission 

For an insight into the cultural, historic and artistic achievements of Canada’s First Nations people, join this discovery of the First Peoples Hall, and tour the Canadian History Hall. 

Enhance Your Journey – Rideau Canal Cruise 

Embark on a scenic cruise along the Rideau Canal, which was established in 1812. Discover the region’s historic landmarks aboard a brand-new electric vessel, the largest electric passenger vessel in North America. 

Enhance Your Journey – Vintage Biplane Experience 

Experience bird’s-eye views and panoramic vistas of the city, river systems and farmlands on a biplane adventure. 

Enhance Your Journey – Canadian War Museum Admission 

The many fascinating exhibitions here reveal Canada’s involvement in war over the ages. Gain a deeper insight into the nation’s military history as you explore the collection of artefacts, artworks, photos and interactive presentations on display. 

Day 5: Ottawa, Québec City

After breakfast this morning, your journey continues to Québec City. On the way, you’ll make a stop for a unique drive-through experience in Parc Oméga. As your vehicle winds through the park and passes meadows, lakes and forests, watch out for wildlife, such as moose, deer and wolves. This evening, there’s time to relax and perhaps dine at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Québec City

This morning in Québec City, enjoy a guided discovery. Enjoy the facilities of your hotel or perhaps head out and explore. You may be interested in one of the Enhance Your Journey experiences available. Tonight, a memorable Insider Experience awaits.

Insider Experience - Maple Syrup Sugar Shack

Delight in a hearty Québécois dinner and sample maple syrup in a traditional sugar shack. These small wooden cabins are located in the woods, where sap is collected from maple trees to produce the sweet syrup. You’ll learn all about how this Canadian national treasure is made.

Enhance Your Journey – Sightseeing River Cruise 

Set out on a fascinating cruise on the St Lawrence River, which separates Canada from the USA. See historic towns and inlets.  

Enhance Your Journey – Walking Tour of Old Québec City 

Explore North America’s only walled city during a walking tour, and learn about its history, culture and significant landmarks.   

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac 

Experience castle life at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac during a guided tour of the iconic hotel. Discover the famous characters and historical events that have shaped the identity of the hotel over the years, as well as its architectural development.

Day 7: Québec City, Montréal

Farewell Québec City after breakfast this morning and travel to Montréal. On arrival, check in to your hotel before getting to know this European-influenced city on a sightseeing tour. You’ll discover a quintessentially French city that blends both the old and the new, from the elegant cobblestone streets of Old Montréal to the contemporary waterfront.

Day 8: Montréal

Spend today at leisure. Montréal offers an array of culinary and cultural attractions, thanks to its French influence, eclectic food scene and famous festival lineup. You may like to relax at your hotel, wander through the city or perhaps enjoy one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer. This evening, meet with your fellow travellers for a special Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey – Walking Tour of Old Montréal 

Explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, a historical district set by the beautiful St. Lawrence River. Enjoy the distinctly French feel and hear stories from the past. 

Enhance Your Journey – Sightseeing River Cruise 

Hear unique anecdotes about the culture and history of this fascinating city while taking in the sights of Montréal on a guided river cruise.  

Enhance Your Journey – Walking Tour of the Underground 

Embark on a tour of Montréal’s famed Underground City, exploring the impressive network of subterranean passageways that links buildings, shopping plazas, metro stations and restaurants.  

Enhance Your Journey – Mile End Neighbourhood Culinary Walk 

Discover a blend of cultures, art galleries, hipster scenes, vintage stores and local cafes in this vibrant community.  

Day 9: Montréal, Calgary

Fly from Montréal to Calgary (flight not included) and begin the next chapter of your journey through Canada and Alaska. Enjoy a Welcome Reception tonight, where you’ll meet with your Western Canada Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Day 10: Calgary, Banff 

This morning, depart for beautiful Banff National Park. On arrival in Banff, enjoy a sightseeing tour to get to know the town’s stunning surroundings.

Insider Experience – Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Visit Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary along the way to Banff, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you to interact with these majestic creatures. This sanctuary is committed to offering educational programs to raise awareness about wolves and wolfdogs, as well as emphasizing the significance of conserving wolves in their natural habitat. 

Day 11: Banff

The day is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps choose one of the Enhance Your Journey select experiences available to you and explore the wonderful sights of this beautiful resort town. 

Enhance Your Journey – Heli-Flightseeing

Escape to Spray Valley and the spine of the Goat Range on this extraordinary tour, ideal for the first-time flyer in the Canadian Rockies.  

Enhance Your Journey – Bow River Float Trip

Enjoy a relaxing float trip down Bow River and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. This activity is suitable for most fitness levels. 

Enhance Your Journey – Banff Experience

This exclusive small-group tour takes you off the beaten path to some of the park’s hidden gems, including more time exploring Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, and the stunning Lake Minnewanka.   

Enhance Your Journey – Evening Golf Course Cart Tour

Designed by the renowned Stanley Thompson, the golf course at Fairmont Banff Springs is famous for its panoramic beauty. Embark on an informative guided tour, where you’ll learn about the course as well as the history of the region. 

Enhance Your Journey – Banff Gondola

Head to the top of Sulphur Mountain and take in Banff from above, climbing nearly 700 metres in elevation as you are carried through the pines. Once you reach the peak, you can head off for a stroll along the boardwalk. 

Enhance Your Journey – River Explorer Canoe Tour

Enjoy your guide’s tales and the beauty of the Bow River while you paddle in a Voyageur Canoe.  

Enhance Your Journey – Hockey Player Experience

Experience the thrill of being a real Canadian ice hockey player. No matter your skill level, you’ll love getting to know Canada’s renowned sport with the Canmore Eagles. 

Day 12: Banff, Lake Louise

Today, journey to take in the stunning azure waters of glacier-fed Moraine Lake (season permitting). Later, continue to the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’, the iconic Lake Louise. Spend the afternoon exploring this remarkable destination before settling into your hotel.

Day 13: Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper

Embark on a journey along the iconic Icefields Parkway this morning – arguably one of the most breathtaking drives on Earth. This 232 km highway winds through the majestic Canadian Rockies, offering awe-inspiring views at every turn. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for an exhilarating Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. Continue along the Continental Divide to the picturesque alpine town of Jasper, nestled within the tranquil Jasper National Park.

Day 14: Jasper, Blue River

Visit spectacular Mount Robson en route to Blue River, where you will enjoy an Insider Experience. Later, continue to the picturesque Mike Wiegele Heli Village. 

Insider Experience - Blue River Safari

Set off on a remarkable River Safari to stunning Grizzly Bear Valley, where you’re likely to witness active native wildlife on the riverbank. Cruise along glacier-fed rivers and lakes, and admire remarkable views of the surrounding forest and waterfalls. 

Rocky Mountaineer Rail Option

Perhaps replace days 14 and 15 touring with a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey to Vancouver. Board the Rocky Mountaineer and pass Mount Robson and Pyramid Falls before arriving in Kamloops. Stay in Kamloops at a hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer at an additional cost. Enquire for details.

Day 15: Blue River, Vancouver

Journey through the rugged landscapes of the Cariboo region, on your way to Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, enjoy time at leisure to explore this beautiful cosmopolitan city. 

Rocky Mountaineer Rail Option

Board the Rocky Mountaineer in the morning and continue to Vancouver, where you will rejoin your tour group. 

Day 16: Vancouver

Fall in love with Vancouver and enjoy a sightseeing tour which takes you through some of the city’s most vibrant areas and best-loved attractions, including the Waterfront and historic Gastown. Discover more with our Enhance Your Journey optional experiences.

Enhance Your Journey – Grouse Mountain Admission

Enjoy views of lush greenery, the spectacular city of Vancouver and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Visit the bear refuge and take a scenic walk.

Enhance Your Journey – Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing

Take in the sights of Vancouver at your own pace during a self-guided hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Enhance Your Journey – Capilano Suspension Bridge Admission

Wander across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, some 70 metres above the Capilano River.

Enhance Your Journey – Flyover Canada Experience

View Canada’s most incredible sights on a truly breathtaking virtual flight simulator experience. 

Day 17: Vancouver, Whistler

Take a scenic drive to Whistler along the legendary Sea to Sky Highway, enjoying incredible sights at every turn. After arriving in Whistler, you may like to enjoy one of our select Enhance Your Journey experiences available to you.   

Enhance Your Journey – Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Enjoy a breathtaking journey on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which spans the distance between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Peak mountains. The longest and highest gondola in the world, this epic 4.4-kilometre adventure offers a unique vantage point to take in the scenery. 

Enhance Your Journey – TreeTrek Tour

Discover Whistler’s ancient forest on an informative Tree Trek. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the towering cedars, hemlocks and firs from suspension bridges and treetop platforms. 

Enhance Your Journey – Ziptrek Bear Tour

Ideal for adventure seekers, soar above British Columbia’s rugged terrain on a Ziptrek Ecotour. You’ll be captivated by the mesmerising views during this high-flying adventure. 

Enhance Your Journey – Heli-Flightseeing

Take in the spectacular sights surrounding Whistler from the air during a helicopter flight. Enjoy an aerial view of the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola. 

Enhance Your Journey – Mountain Jeep Tour

Wind your way through the surrounds of Blackcomb Peak on an exciting tour. 

Enhance Your Journey – Electric Mountain Bike Rental 

Exploring Whistler by e-bike is a wonderful way to spend a summer day. Feel the fresh air as you coast past lush green landscapes and mountains.  

Day 18: Whistler, Victoria 

Board a ferry for a breathtaking journey across the Georgia Strait to Victoria, passing through the picturesque Gulf Islands. Along the way, admire the stunning coastal landscapes, where forested isles rise from the sparkling waters. As you approach Vancouver Island, soak in the charming seaside views before arriving in British Columbia's historic capital, Victoria.

Day 19: Victoria

Enjoy a day at leisure in the vibrant city of Victoria, British Columbia’s elegant capital. Perhaps choose one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences available to you. A special Insider Experience awaits you in the evening. 

Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at The Butchart Gardens

Dine in the original Butchart family residence after exploring The Butchart Gardens’ vivid floral displays. As you indulge in a delicious menu at the special Farewell Dinner, enjoy the opportunity to swap travel stories with fellow guests.

Enhance Your Journey – Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

Embark on a traditional horse-drawn carriage tour through Victoria and learn about the charming city’s culture and history. Visit the picturesque James Bay district, known for its vibrant waterfront. See the serene, lush gardens of Beacon Hill Park, Victoria’s oldest church and Thunderbird Park, home to many traditional First Nations totem poles. 

Enhance Your Journey – Whale-Watching Tour

Choose between cruising on a Zodiac or a luxury motor yacht on an adventure in search of British Columbia’s enchanting marine wildlife. Enjoy the unique opportunity to spot whales, sea lions and more in their natural habitat.   

Day 20: Victoria, Vancouver, Embark Cruise

Travel to Vancouver and board your Holland America Line ship. Enjoy some leisure time and settle into your cabin before dinner on board this evening.

Day 21: Inside Passage

Enjoy a full day at sea at the beginning of your phenomenal journey. Take in the majestic scenery as your ship cruises past dramatic rocky headlands and glides over the frigid waters of the Inside Passage. You also have plenty of time to explore the facilities of your cruise ship and perhaps relax in one of the onboard public areas.

Day 22: Juneau

Today your journey brings you to Alaska’s capital, Juneau. There is time to explore the region’s glacial terrain and gold rush history or perhaps choose to make your way to the town and explore the rustic shops located here. You may also like to experience an exhilarating dog sled ride over a glacier, or try one of the other activities available to you. These include sampling delicious salmon baked over a fire or even trying your hand at panning for gold in this former gold rush town (own expense).

Day 23: Skagway

This morning, you’ll dock at the port of Skagway, which is located at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage. Skagway was once a frontier town and gateway to the Klondike and still celebrates its gold rush past to this day. You will find a variety of stores and saloons in town that capture the excitement and history of the gold rush days. Here, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about gold prospecting or to view some of the fascinating local wildlife on a tour (own expense).

Day 24: Glacier Bay

Wake up to the breathtaking sight of Glacier Bay National Park this morning, with its formidable rivers of ice, wild coastline and sheltered fjords. As you cruise through the national park, it is easy to see why the area has received World Heritage status. Today, you’ll gain a more detailed insight into the unique nature of this national park as local rangers join you on board to explain the geological wonders and diverse wildlife found in this remarkable region.

Day 25: Ketchikan

Arrive today in the Alaskan town of Ketchikan, regarded as the salmon capital of the world and renowned for its idyllic scenery and rich Alaskan Native cultures. Here, you will have free time to relax and explore the town at your leisure. Alternatively, perhaps choose to join a walking tour of the town or learn about the history of Tlingit culture at Saxman Native Village (own expense), where you’ll be fascinated by the collection of Native American totem poles found on display.

Day 26: Inside Passage

Today marks your final day aboard your premium Holland America Line cruise ship. You’ll spend the day cruising south through the Inside Passage and its magnificent landscapes and towering glaciers. There is time to relax on board and enjoy the premium facilities of your ship while you take in the incredible views. This evening, savour a final dinner on board.

Day 27: Disembark Cruise, Depart Vancouver

After breakfast aboard your cruise ship this morning, disembark in Vancouver for your airport transfer and onward flight.