Calgary Stampede, Rockies and Alaska Cruise

Begin your Canada and Alaska adventure with a two-day ‘Wild West’ extravaganza at the Calgary Stampede.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Calgary

Welcome to Calgary, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception and get to know your fellow guests and Travelmarvel Tour Director.

Day 2: Calgary Stampede

Your two-day ‘Stampede Thrill Package’ includes a ticket to the Afternoon Rodeo, gate admission, a souvenir program, an evening ticket to the Chuckwagon Races and the Grandstand Show, plus two thrilling Skyrides over Stampede Park.

Day 3: Calgary Stampede

Enjoy a full day to return to Stampede Park and experience all the excitement that the Calgary Stampede has to offer.

Day 4: 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 5: 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 Tour

Learn about the township of Banff, its people and wildlife. Visit the famous Johnston Canyon, known for its spectacular waterfalls and spring water pools.  

Enhance Your Journey – Golf 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 Ride

Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for incredible views of the surrounding region.  

Enhance Your Journey – River Explorer Tour

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

Enhance Your Journey – Ice Hockey Player for a Day

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 6: Banff, Lake Louise

Today, travel to view the azure waters of glacier-fed Moraine Lake (season permitting). Later, you’ll continue on your way to the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’, iconic Lake Louise. Spend the afternoon here, before settling into your hotel.

Day 7: Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper

Journey along the iconic Icefields Parkway this morning. One could argue this is one of the most breathtaking journeys on Earth. This 232 km highway stretches through the glorious Canadian Rockies, where you’ll be met with incredible sights 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 alpine town of Jasper, which is nestled in the serene Jasper National Park. 

Day 8: 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 6 and 7 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. Additional cost. Enquire for details. 

Day 9: 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 10: 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

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 City Tour

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

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 11: 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 – Floatplane Sightseeing

Let your spirits soar on a thrilling flight over the stunning mountains of Whistler. Marvel at the magnificent aerial views of soaring mountain peaks, sweeping valleys and prehistoric glaciers.  

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 – Tree Trek

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 – Zip Trek

Ideal for adventure seekers, soar above British Columbia’s rugged terrain on a Zip Trek. 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. 
 
 

Day 12: Whistler, Victoria 

Take a ferry across the Georgia Strait to Victoria, through the gulf islands.

Day 13: 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. 

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 Cruise

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.  

Enhance Your Journey – Seaplane Flightseeing

This 20-minute flight offers stunning views of Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with the Olympic Mountains in the distance.  

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. 

Day 14: 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 15: 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 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: Disembark Cruise, Depart Vancouver

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