Rockies & Alaska
Travel through Canada's stunning Rocky Mountains, alongside the powerful Kicking Horse River, and pass by monumental landmarks from the early days of the National Railway. This legendary route along the Canadian Pacific track is famous for uniting the country and connecting British Columbia to Canada over 125 years ago. Travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and pass by the spot where the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. This is the only passenger rail service on this historic route, and its construction is one of the most important in Canadian history as it united Canada from east to west. You'll also transverse the Continental Divide and be inspired by spectacular mountains and dramatic canyons. If you're a history buff, this route is for you.
Tour duration: 14 days
Tour highlights:
- Banff
- Lake Louise
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver
- Volendam
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Glacier Bay
Day 1: Depart on your scheduled flight to Calgary today. On arrival, we will transfer you to the Rocky Mountains and your hotel in Banff. This will be our base for the next three nights.
Day 2: This morning we'll head out together to explore Banff. The views are bound to take your breath away, so be sure to remember your camera! During our tour we'll see the Hoodoos of Bow Valley – imposing spires of rock, carved by wind and water, and the fabulous Surprise Corner. Here, a stunning view of the famous Banff Springs Hotel suddenly opens up before you.
Day 3: Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of Lake Louise - a glacial, jade-green lake surrounded on all sides by towering peaks. It's been described as one of Canada's most beautiful locations and you'll see it in all its glory on today's included excursion. If you wish, there will be plenty of time to take in the views from hiking trails along the shore.
Day 4: Today's the day you'll step aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. You've an exciting two-day journey ahead and will enjoy SilverLeaf service on board. Breakfast and lunch will be served at your seat and complimentary snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available throughout the journey. Beer and wine is included with your meals, and a full bar service is also available.
Sit back in your reclining seat, enjoy the commentary and relax as the scenic grandeur of the Rockies unfolds. Today's journey takes us through tunnels, over high mountain passes and along the South Thompson River to Kamloops. We'll stay in a hotel here overnight.
Day 5: We'll climb back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and continue our journey to Vancouver, following the course of the Thompson and then the Fraser River. On arrival in Vancouver we will transfer you to your hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 6: Surrounded by mountains, forests and islands, Vancouver is one of the most beautifully located cities in the world and you are free to do as you please here today. If you want to explore further afield, our optional tour to Victoria, on Vancouver Island, comes highly recommended. You'll travel by ferry to the capital of British Columbia and visit the famous Butchart Gardens, Parliament building and the impressive Empress Hotel.
Day 7: Today we'll transfer you to Vancouver harbour and you'll board your cruise ship, Volendam. You'll have plenty of time to settle into you comfortable cabin and explore the ship, before setting sail on your seven-night cruise at 5pm.
Day 8: As your cruise through North America's most scenic coastal landscape begins, you'll want to spend time on deck gazing at the scenery and watching out for wildlife. You never know, you could be lucky enough to spot breaching whales, soaring eagles, inquisitive seals, and grizzly bears.
Day 9: Early this afternoon we'll dock in the Alaskan capital, Juneau, where you can step ashore and make your own discoveries. The 13-mile long Mendenhall Glacier is definitely a worth a visit.
Day 10: Today we arrive in Skagway, a lively relic of the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. With its wooden sidewalks and turn-of-the-century buildings, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.
Day 11: Get ready for one of the scenic highlights of your cruise as we head to Glacier Bay. You'll see enormous icebergs floating in the blue-green water, and if we're lucky, we might watch as a glacier 'calves', sending thousands of tons of ice thundering into the bay.
Day 12: This afternoon our journey takes us to Ketchikan, a quaint town clinging to the mountainside. It's a lovely place to explore at your own pace, and maybe sample some fresh Alaskan salmon. Or, you could explore Totem Poles Park, the choice is entirely yours.
Day 13: It's your final day on board, so take every opportunity to appreciate the scenery as it unfurls before your very eyes. We'll cruise the Inside Passage back towards Vancouver and you'll have plenty of time to relax with new-found friends, reliving the wonderful moments you've shared.
Day 14: Your cruise comes to an end as you disembark in Vancouver. A Local Guide will take you on a city tour and later we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Tour dates: Various travel dates for this Tour are available including some specifically Police orientated dates, contact us on 01422 847 847 or through our Holiday Request Form for more details.