Arrive in Vancouver
Welcome to Canada! Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport (12:05 pm), a local guide will meet the group and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Explore Vancouver
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver featuring such highlights as, Stanley Park to see the collection of totem poles, English Bay, trendy Robson Street, Canada Place and the Cruise Ship Pier, Gastown, Chinatown, and many other points of interest. The afternoon is at leisure for your own exploration. Welcome dinner at the hotel or restaurant nearby.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner
Vancouver to Victoria
Today we enjoy a private transfer with tour to Vancouver Island and the charming city of Victoria. Depart Vancouver this morning on a pleasant cruise through the Gulf Islands resort region. Upon arrival the group will visit Butchart Gardens - here thousands of species of floral plants and trees are found in a vast amphitheatre of rock creating a wonderland of colour in a former rock quarry. Check in at your hotel and dinner at nearby restaurant.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Victoria
Today we enjoy a full day excursion of the charming city of Victoria. The highlight of the includes the Beacon Hill Park, Thunderbird Park and Oak Bay. The walking foodie tour “Eat Like a Canadian” (includes 10+ samples of food & beverages from 7 culinary stops – sample Canadian dishes including poutine, local seafood, maple syrup, an ice wine, Nanaimo bars, Bannock and more. At the same time learn about iconic landmarks such as The Parliament Buildings, The Steamship Terminal, The Empress hotel etc.)
Visit of Butchart Gardens in the afternoon- here thousands of species of floral plants and trees are found in a vast amphitheatre of rock creating a wonderland of colour in a former rock quarry.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch (sample tasting)
Victoria to Port Hardy
Today is a sampling of modern and ancient British Columbia culture as we travel up the coast of Vancouver Island. We step back into the province’s distant past with visits to Chemainus and its spectacular native murals and to the town of Duncan. We continue farther north up the road as it turns inland for a time before arriving in Port Hardy. En route at Cathedral Grove breathe in the fresh air and experience the unforgettable sight of some the oldest and tallest trees in Canada. Cathedral Grove - Macmillan Provincial Park is a BC Provincial Park preserving a section of lush old-growth forest unique to Vancouver Island. Dinner in Port Hardy and overnight.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner
Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
Cameras at the ready! Early this morning, we join our ship for a spectacular full-day cruise north along the coast of British Columbia. The famous Inside Passage is one of the most spectacular waterways in North America. We enjoy a day of unsurpassed natural beauty with mountains, fjords, glaciers and abundant wildlife as a constant companion. In the evening, we arrive in Prince Rupert, the transportation and trade centre of northwest British Columbia is sometimes refer to as the “City of Rainbows”, has a reputation for being one of the friendliest cities in British Columbia. Situated on Kaien Island at the mouth of the Skeena River.
Meal included: Breakfast
Prince Rupert - Khutzeymateen Provincial Park
Embark on a high standard vessel that will take you north from Prince Rupert through Chatham Sound, then east into rugged fjords and pristine wilderness to Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, home of the largest population of grizzly bears anywhere on earth. The area is also home to a large variety of other wildlife including orca whales, eagles, seals, mountain goats and black bears. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars and be prepared for a truly memorable experience as you explore the marine environment of the North Coast. Lunch is included: deli sandwich (usually a choice of ham, turkey or chicken, roast beef and vegetable) and a choice of beverage. A kiosk is also available onboard the vessel, with snacks for purchase. Passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks as well. In the evening return to Prince Rupert.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch
Prince Rupert to Smithers
Leaving the west coast today, the route will follow the Skeena River and pass through small communities, such as Hazelton and Burns Lake. Overnight in Smithers, a typical small frontier town, situated in the fertile Bulkley Valley. Smithers is considered one of the best natural outdoor recreational centres of Interior British Columbia. The numerous mountains, rivers and lakes that surround Smithers make activities such as hunting, fishing, swimming, water skiing, mountain climbing and horseback riding possible. Smithers is known for its Bavarian architecture. The downtown area has red-brick sidewalks, colourful flags and a statue of an alpine herdsman that stands at the entrance to Main Street. At one time Smithers was designated the divisional headquarters of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (now the CNR Northline). Today transportation as well as ranching, forestry and mineral exploration are Smithers’ main industries.
Meal included: Breakfast
Smithers to Prince George
We depart Smithers this morning and head east along the Yellowhead Highway. Along the way, we will experience some of Canada's most forested and rugged terrain and arrive. At the end of the day, we will arrive at Prince George, located at the tip of British Columbia’s Cariboo Region. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner
Prince George to Jasper
Today, we head east towards the Canadian Rockies and will travel past Mount Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Jasper. A year-round recreational centre for tourists, the town of Jasper is set in Jasper National Park, among awesome mountain peaks, centuries-old glacial ice, flower-carpeted meadows and mirror-like lakes. Dinner included today
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Jasper
Depart on a full day sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park. Jasper National Park is a sweeping expanse of scenic beauty - of awesome mountain peaks and century’s old glacial ice, of flower carpeted meadows and mirror like lakes. We explore Maligne Canyon before reaching Maligne Lake, the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies and one of the most photographed scenes in Canada to embark on a narrated cruise. Sightseeing will include visits to Patricia Lake and Pyramid Lake.
Meal included: Breakfast
Jasper to Banff (Columbia Icefield Adventure)
The journey today promises to be a highlight of our program. We travel south along the Icefield Parkway to experience a wealth of breathtaking scenery. Crystal blue-green lakes, , deep forests and snow-capped mountain peaks are the order of the day. Upon arrival at the Columbia Icefield drive out onto the Athabasca Glacier, at an altitude of 2,700 meters, in an all-terrain Ice Explorer, a massive vehicle specially designed for glacier travel. The Snocoach will travel to a place where you can stop and take photos, walk on the ice and fill your bottle with fresh glacier water. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the 6 principal glaciers fed by the Columbia Icefields. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a must for anyone visiting Icefields Parkway! We continue on our journey to Banff. Dinner and overnight in Banff
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Banff
This morning, we tour the region around Banff. The area became Canada's first national park in 1885 to protect its natural hot springs. We see the landmark Banff Springs Hotel, Tunnel Mountain and Bow Falls. We then travel to Lake Louise - one of the most photographed scenes in Canada. Stop at Yoho National Park and returning to Banff late afternoon.
Meal included: Breakfast
Explore Banff
Enjoy your day at Banff - Canada’s oldest national park, established in 1885. The 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 sq. mi.) on the eastern side of the Continental Divide cover elevations ranging from 1,326 metres to 3,625 at Mount Forbes. The discovery of sulphur hot springs by Canadian Pacific Railway workers in 1883 prompted the establishment of the park a few years later. The combination of tall rocky peaks, high meadows, emerald lakes and the hot springs have made the park one of the most spectacularly scenic year-round recreational centres in North America. In the summer, thousands visit the park to horseback ride, hike, mountain bike, river raft, flight see and mountain climb, and to capture the scenery and wildlife on film. Banff Gondola admission included today.
Meal included: Breakfast
Banff to Whitehorse
Morning is at leisure until your transfer to Calgary International Airport for your flight to Whitehorse Yukon.
On arrival in Whitehorse, your tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you will meet your fellow travellers. Your guide will run the group through a brief orientation.
Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Whitehorse to Haines Junction
After breakfast, we'll take the opportunity to explore Yukon's capital. This may include a visit to the SS Klondike, a restored sternwheeler next to the Yukon River. From here, we’ll take a short trip westbound along the Alaska Highway to Haines Junction. This small town is located right next to Kluane National Park, which contains a significant portion of the largest non-polar ice fields on earth and is home to a variety of wildlife. Depending on the we weather and the group’s interest, we may take a short, guided hike into the national park, or charter a bush plane over the spectacular glaciers that lay beyond the front ranges.
Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Haines Junction -toTok
Today we drive along the scenic shore of eighty-kilometre long Kluane Lake. Our first stop will be the Sheep Mountain Visitor Center, where chances are good we’ll spot of the Dall sheep that make their home on high in the surrounding mountains. Shortly after, we will stop at the Soldier Summit. This site will give us more information about the construction of the Alaska Hwy and it commemorates a ceremony that took place on 20 November 1942. Further on the Alaska Hwy, we will reach the Alaska-Canada (ALCAN) border in the afternoon. We’ll then continue along the Alaska Highway to Tok, a very special little hub of the north.
Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Tok to Valdez
The first part of today’s leg of the journey leads us along the Glenn Highway, passing spectacular Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. From here we take the Richardson Highway southbound to the small seaport of Valdez at the Pacific coast, crossing of the Coast Range via the Thompson Pass, where waterfalls thunder right next to the road. Valdez, known as Little Switzerland to locals, is surrounded by snowy mountains. It is also the end point of the world-famous Trans Alaska Pipeline, where enormous oil tankers come and go.
Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Valdez to Seward (via Whittier)
Today we’ll cross the Prince William Sound via ferry. Without a doubt this is a highlight, even by Alaskan standards. The ferry gives us breathtaking vistas of the Fjords and glaciers along the Pacific Coast, and with a bit of luck we’ll have the chance to spot otters, puffins, sea lions, and even whales. Once ashore we continue overland through the scenic Chugach mountain range, the glacier lakes and rivers to the coastal town of Seward. In this lively town, take the chance to treat yourself with Alaskan king crab at one of the numerous restaurants and go for a private lovely walk on the coast.
Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Seward to Anchorage
Seward is world-famous for the nearby Kenai Fjords National Park, which offers some of the best marine life viewing in the world. We highly recommend taking the optional motorboat tour into the park this morning. The rest of our day begins with a drive through the Kenai mountains and later along the Turnagain Arm to Anchorage. Keep an eye out for the beluga whales that hunt in the tidal waters along the way. Back in Alaskas biggest city we can enjoy a nice dinner together in the evening. You also can check out Lakes Hood and Spenard, where up to 800 floatplanes take off and land daily. The aviation museum is nearby, a great place to gain an appreciation for this important part of Alaskan life.
Meal included: Breakfast
Anchorage to Denali National Park
Today we leave the Pacific coast region and move inland again. The George Parks Highway takes us north to Denali National Park, past sweeping panoramic views of distant glaciers, with glimpses of the beaver dams along the nearby river. Late afternoon, we have the opportunity to take an optional one-hour glacier flight over Denali (Mount McKinley), which at 6193 meters is the highest peak in North America. This is a highly recommended adventure, particularly when the weather is clear.
Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Denali National Park
In the morning we’ll take a Park-owned shuttle bus deep into one of the most scenic landscapes in North America. Without a doubt, this is a highlight of most visitors’ experience. Weather permitting, we’ll get a view of soaring Denali, and with a little luck we will see wolves, Dall sheep, moose, caribou, and grizzly bears along the scenic loop.
Meal included: Breakfast
Denali National Park to Fairbanks
Back on the George Parks Highway, we’ll will reach Fairbanks early in the afternoon, the city of the midnight sun. Fairbanks is a unique northern town about 320 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, and the rest of the day is free to explore places of interest in and around it. Fairbanks offers everything you need for a true city experience. You can visit a diversity of museums to learn more about the geology and history of Alaska or use the afternoon to take a relaxed walk next to the Chena River and in downtown. In addition you could take a sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River
Meal included: Breakfast
Fairbanks to Dawson City
We’re on the road again. We’ll see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline crossing the Tanana River right next to the highway. In Delta Junction, we’ll re-join the Alaska Highway and stop at the local visitor centre. From here we strike out into the open tundra along the Top of the World Highway, passing through quirky northern towns like Chicken and Action Wade Camp, and crossing the international border again at Little Gold Creek, the highest border checkpoint anywhere on the continent. In the afternoon we’ll cross the Yukon River by ferry to reach Dawson City.
Meal included: Breakfast
Explore Dawson City
This legendary boomtown was epicentre of the famous Klondike gold rush of 1898, and gold still animates the place. Immerse yourself in Dawso’s history, and try your luck panning the creeks yourself. You’ll also want to take some time to simply stroll around the town, with its garish Gold Rush architecture and friendly locals. In the evening, the turn-of-the-century style casino and can-can girls kick up their skirts for an evening of entertainment at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall.
Meal included: Breakfast
Explore Dempster Highway
An early start puts us on the Dempster Highway with plenty of time to explore. This gravel highway, built on solid permafrost, is Canada’s only link by road to the remote town of Inuvik, 738 kilometres away. We’ll take the Dempster up to into Tombstone Territorial Park, where jagged black mountains give the area its name and the vast arctic tundra begins. Back in Dawson City we will drive up the Midnight Dome and enjoy the beautiful vistas.
Meal included: Breakfast
Dawson City to Whitehorse
Today we’ll head back to Whitehorse via the Klondike Highway. Along the way, we’ll catch many glimpses of the mighty Yukon River, one of the longest waterways in North America and the historic artery of Yukon and Alaska. We’ll stop at the infamous Five Finger Rapids, and we can stretch our legs at any of the old post offices, roadhouses and small villages that still give the area a unique northern character. In the late afternoon we will arrive in Whitehorse. There, we have the opportunity to visit Miles Canyon. The most dramatic natural feature, where the Yukon River has cut its way down through a flow of basaltic lava.
Meal included: Breakfast
Explore Skagway
From Whitehorse, a day trip takes us down the Klondike Highway to the Alaskan Coast again. This drive will provide us with several wonderful photo opportunities, like the Carcross dessert or the colorful Emerald Lake. In just 175 kilometres, we will pass through a wonderful variety of ecoregions and alpine landscapes as we cross over the continental divide to the seaport of Skagway. Like Dawson, Skagway is a legendary gold rush town that has preserved its turn-of-the-century character. For an up-close experience of the infamous White Pass, try taking an optional train ride along the narrow-gauge railway back to Carcross.
Meal included: Breakfast
Whitehorse to Vancouver
Morning at leisure until departure to Whitehorse Airport for your Air North flight to Vancouver.
Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport a local guide will meet the group and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Meal included: Breakfast
Depart Vancouver
After the breakfast check out and departure for half-day tour which takes you from downtown to Vancouver's North Shore, visiting the region’s best attractions including the famed Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain. In the park you will Appreciate nature from three breathtaking perspectives - world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge spanning 137m (450 ft) and 70m (230ft) high above the Capilano River, the seven bridges of Treetops Adventure and the thrilling Cliffwalk, a heart-stopping 700ft journey along the granite cliffside offering panoramic views of the rainforest and canyon below. After the tour continue to Vancouver International Airport for flight back home
Meal included: Breakfast
