Grand Trans Canada Rail Adventure with Alaska Cruise

Upon arrival into Toronto, make your own way to your downtown hotel for overnight.

This morning depart for your small group full day tour to one of Canada's most spectacular sights. An ample amount of time will be spent at the falls to give you every opportunity to take pictures and admire the thundering waters. Included is the thrilling boat ride on the Hornblower Niagara Cruises to Voyage to the Falls for a unique view of the spectacular Horseshoe Falls. Other highlights include a delicious six course first class Buffet lunch at the Fallsview Restaurant with a fantastic view of the Falls. You will take a trip along the beautiful Niagara Parkway which winds its way along the Niagara Gorge. You will see the Floral Clock, Queenston Heights and free time in the historic town of Niagara on the lake, voted the “Canada’s Prettiest Town. before making your way back to Toronto for boarding.

This morning enjoy your time at leisure in Toronto.

This afternoon, check in at Toronto’s Union Station and board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for the famous train journey across the prairies to the Canadian Rockies. Travel back in time to the days of classic rail travel. The original stainless steel ‘streamliner’ railcars, made famous by the ‘Canadian’ in the 1950s, are totally refurbished with air conditioning, a café car, lounge car, and access to the dome car.

Exclusive to Sleeper Touring Class: In the evening attendants transform your quarters into cozy bunks or a bedroom. Visit the Dome Car where you will experience the true essence of travelling by train as a panoramic scene sweeps by. In Sleeper Touring Class some of the amenities include thick towels, plump pillows, cozy down duvets and a shower kit.

Today is spent crossing the scenic lake lands of northern Ontario.

Continue west through the provinces of Northern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the breadbasket of Canada with its golden wheat fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

This morning awake to arrive in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, after a brief stop continue on for the final leg of your rail journey to Jasper. This

small alpine community located in the majestic Canadian Rockies will be home for the next two nights. Own arrangements to hotel.

Today is free to explore Jasper before departing this evening to experience the environs of Jasper, and for some amazing close-up photo opportunities of wildlife.

Enjoy the wildlife, pristine lakes, and breathtaking mountain peaks along the world famous Icefields Parkway. Visit the natural wonder of the Columbia Icefield - one of the largest expanses of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Step onboard an Ice Explorer for an interpretive adventure onto the Athabasca Glacier. At the Glacier Skywalk, enjoy the unobstructed view on a glass floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley. 

Highlights: Icefields Parkway, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, Ice Explorer Glacier Tour and Glacier Skywalk admission and hot buffet lunch at Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Light snacks and refreshments also included.Glacier Skywalk admission weather dependent.

Note: Stops at Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake may be substituted in case of severe weather conditions, traffic delays, or road closures.

The tour begins with a visit to Lake Louise for guests not staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Then depart to Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This is one of the great photo opportunities in the Canadian Rockies. Cross the Great Divide into Yoho National Park via the scenic Kicking Horse Pass. Takakkaw Falls, in the magnificent Yoho Valley, will be the final stop before arriving into Banff this evening. 

Highlights:
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Valley of the Ten Peaks, Spiral Tunnels, Takakkaw Falls, BBQ lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge, light snacks and refreshments. Potential alternate stops are Johnston Canyon, Marble Canyon, Field Visitor Centre, and Natural Rock Bridge.

Learn about the geology, history and wildlife of the Banff National Park while exploring the town of Banff and its surroundings.

You will visit points such as:
- Bow Falls
- Sulphur Mountain
- Tunnel Mountain Drive
- Surprise Corner
- Hoodoos
- Two Jack Viewpoint
- Lake Minnewanka
- Banff Gondola (admission included)

This morning you will be transferred to Calgary Airport for your short flight to Vancouver. Own arrangements to hotel upon arrival. 

Explore the urban elements of downtown Vancouver and immerse yourself in the wilderness of Vancouver’s rugged North Shore. Combine the highlights of downtown Vancouver with a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and the Capilano Salmon Hatchery on our Vancouver Delights Tour.

Journey through the many different areas of Vancouver, including Chinatown and Gastown, the charming Vancouver Harbour, and scenic, ocean-side English Bay. Step off the bus in Stanley Park to visit the Indigenous Peoples’ story poles, as well as the stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge at Prospect Point. Visit the famous farmer and artisan market at Granville Island and soak up the scenic 360-degree views of the skyline from the Vancouver Lookout’s Observation Deck (admission included)

Your adventure highlights some of this region’s best features. Sail aboard a local ferry along the rugged coastline and past the Southern Gulf Islands before arriving on Vancouver Island. Continue your journey into Victoria’s downtown where you can stroll the cobblestone streets, and explore the Inner Harbour. Visit the many boutique shops, museums and restaurants surrounded by picturesque architecture. Ask your guide for their favourite spots to grab lunch.

Your next stop is the famous Butchart Gardens. This national historic site showcases 55 acres of garden displays. During the summer month, ask about our ‘Early Butchart Gardens Shuttle.’  Perfect for those wishing to gain extra time in the gardens, and less downtown. Then return home with a relaxing evening sailing back to Vancouver’s mainland and on to your hotel.

Enjoy your morning at leisure (optional tours available at a supplement) before check-in out of your hotel and making your way to Canada Place for your 7 Night Inside Passage Alaskan Cruise onboard the Holland America Voldendam.

On an Alaska cruise, you’ll encounter massive tidewater glaciers, iconic wildlife, Klondike Gold Rush history and fascinating Native Alaskan cultures.

No matter which cruise to Alaska you choose, you'll travel to the best places for viewing wildlife and experience scenic cruising along Tracy Arm, Hubbard Glacier or

Glacier Bay, your Alaska vacation is a pleasure from start to finish.

End of Tour upon disembarkation or your can extend your holiday with many other great destinations to explore.