Rockies Odyssey and Alaska Cruise

Discover the best of the Canadian Rockies on an unforgettable tour, including a journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf service, two nights at the opulent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and a spectacular Alaska cruise.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Victoria

Welcome to Canada. We’ll meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel, where a welcome dinner awaits you this evening. 

Day 2: Victoria, The Butchart Gardens

Today begins with a special Signature Experience. With some free time this afternoon, spend the rest of the day however you please.

Signature Experience – The Butchart Gardens Before Hours

Visit The Butchart Gardens before the public is granted access and enjoy breakfast in the original Butchart residence. More than 100 years in the making with a former quarry as the initial canvas, this space was transformed by Jennie Butchart into a haven overflowing with lush greenery and colourful blooms. Relish the opportunity to wander among the floral displays without the crowds. 

Day 3: Victoria, Georgia Strait, Whistler

Take your BC Ferries service across the Georgia Strait. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive along the Sea to Sky Highway en route to Whistler. Skirt the shores of Howe Sound and make a stop at Shannon Falls, the third tallest falls in British Columbia. Then carve into the Coast Mountains and wind through lush rainforests before arriving in Whistler. 

Day 4: Whistler

Start the day with a Signature Experience. The afternoon is left for you to decide how you want to explore with an included Freedom of Choice activity.

Signature Experience – Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and feast on a breakfast inspired by traditional First Nations food. Explore the museum, discovering your First Nations ‘animal spirit’ with the help of your guide.

Freedom of Choice – Floatplane Sightseeing

Take an unforgettable 20-minute floatplane flight over the stunning mountains of Whistler. Fly high above the towering peaks for a captivating perspective.

Freedom of Choice – Mountain Jeep Safari

Set off on a Jeep tour and see Whistler from a completely different altitude. Take in spectacular views of Whistler Village, lakes, golf courses and the peaks of the Coast Mountains.

Freedom of Choice – Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride

Be swept to entirely new heights on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The Cloudraker Skybridge also takes you 130 metres from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, across the Whistler Bowl.

Freedom of Choice – Tree Trek

Explore Whistler’s ancient forest on a Tree Trek through the tall pines, walking along suspension bridges and boardwalks.

Freedom of Choice – Zip Trek

For something a little more adventurous, you might like to enjoy a Zip Trek through the treetops. Slide between the canopies with ease, with wind whipping in your hair. 

Day 5: Whistler, Sun Peaks

Travel through the Coast Mountains and stop at Duffey and Seton Lakes.

Day 6: Sun Peaks, Mount Robson, Jasper

Travelling along the Yellowhead Highway today, you’ll stop to see the incredible sight of Mount Robson, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Take in the spectacular scenery of Maligne Canyon on your way to Jasper. In the evening, choose where to dine at your lodge.

Day 7: Jasper

Discover Jasper your own way with an exciting range of Freedom of Choice activities to select from.

Freedom of Choice – Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Sidecar Tour

Get your heart pumping and feel the wind in your hair as you coast through the stunning wilderness of Jasper during an exhilarating chauffeured motorcycle sidecar tour.

Freedom of Choice – Maligne Valley Experience with Trail Hike

Travel to the Maligne Canyon, an area rich in famous Canadian wildlife. On a trail hike, look for osprey, eagles, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, elk, deer and bears.

Freedom of Choice – Maligne Valley Experience with Cruise

Across the crystal waters of Maligne Lake, cruise past jagged mountain peaks to Spirit Island, a destination only accessible by boat.

Freedom of Choice – Athabasca River Rafting

This is the perfect introduction to rafting. Small rapids and calm waters ease you into the activity, and your licensed guide is around to point out areas of interest and wildlife along the way.

Freedom of Choice – Jasper SkyTram

Jasper’s peak attraction provides an unforgettable view of the Athabasca Valley and Jasper National Park. Transport on the SkyTram shuttle is included. 

Day 8: Jasper, Athabasca Glacier, Lake Louise

Travel through the Rockies and along the Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Falls. Continue onwards to the Columbia Icefield and journey onto the Athabasca Glacier. Later, arrive at Lake Louise, which is known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. Tonight, you will stay at the world-renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Select one of the hotel’s restaurants for dinner this evening. 

Day 9: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake

Travel to Moraine Lake this morning (season permitting), located in the incredible Valley of the Ten Peaks. Spend time marvelling at the glacier-fed waters and spectacular mountain scenery. Later, return to Lake Louise and enjoy a Signature Experience. The evening is free for you to spend at leisure.

Signature Experience – Lake Louise Mountain Heritage Guide

On the shores of Lake Louise, join an expert Mountain Heritage Guide and learn about the area’s rich natural history. 

Day 10: Lake Louise, Banff

Take a guided tour through the town of Banff and in the afternoon, enjoy a Signature Experience. Tonight, choose which of your hotel’s restaurants to dine at.

Signature Experience – Meet a Mountie

On an exciting morning in beautiful Banff National Park, you’ll have the chance to meet one of Canada’s renowned Mounties and hear tales from the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 

Day 11: Banff

Set out on your chosen Freedom of Choice activity this morning. The remainder of the day is left free for you to explore however you please.

Freedom of Choice – Banff Experience

It’s Banff’s people, alpine architecture and wildlife that make it so unique, and this is your chance to hear about it all. You will also visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

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.

Freedom of Choice – Heli-Sightseeing

Take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the Rocky Mountains. Soar past snowy peaks and jagged mountains, enjoying breathtaking views of pristine lakes and alpine meadows.

Freedom of Choice – Bow River Float Trip

Ah yes, the relaxation of the river! Spend some time floating down the Bow River, keeping your eyes peeled for any signs of cheeky wildlife on the banks. This activity is suitable for most fitness levels.

Freedom of Choice – Ice Hockey Player for a Day

When in Canada, it’s only fitting that you experience a day in the life of an ice hockey player. Get to know the Canmore Eagles as you tour their dressing rooms, try on their gear and step onto the ice.

Freedom of Choice – Fairmont Spa

Harking back to the hot spring that first called travellers some 100 years ago, soothe your tired muscles in the mineral pool and pulsating waterfalls at Fairmont Banff Springs. 

Day 12: Banff, Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer and soak up the views from your bi-level glass-dome carriage, complete with GoldLeaf Service.

Day 13: Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver

Your journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer continues west today, bringing you to Vancouver. 

Day 14: Vancouver

Today, experience the best of Vancouver on a fantastic half-day sightseeing tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll explore the trendy Granville Island, soak up the scenery at the vast Stanley Park, and immerse yourself in the historic neighbourhood of Gastown. 

Day 15: Vancouver, Embark Ship

Board your ship and set off for your journey along Alaska’s iconic coastline.

Day 16: The Inside Passage

Spend today on board, gliding past rocky headlands and over the icy waters of the Inside Passage, one of the most picturesque sea lanes in the world.

Day 17: Juneau

Alaska’s capital, Juneau, is set at the foot of the mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel, and outdoor activities are plentiful. Disembark and explore at leisure or with an optional excursion (own expense).

Day 18: Skagway

Arrive in Skagway, the Inside Passage’s northernmost point. See heritage buildings, now protected as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and maybe set off on an excursion (own expense).

Day 19: Glacier Bay National Park

Wake among the breathtaking scenery of Glacier Bay National Park. Take in the calving tidewater glaciers and learn from local rangers who explain the geological wonders.

Day 20: Ketchikan

Dock in Ketchikan today, set on the tranquil shores of the Tongass Narrows, and spend some time exploring as you please.

Day 21: The Inside Passage

Enjoy a last day on board, cruising the Inside Passage.

Day 22: Disembark Ship, Depart Vancouver

Disembark and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.