Overview
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Enjoy two nights in Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park and gateway to the Canadian Rockies. You’ll have time to take an optional excursion and explore the alpine meadows, glaciers, lakes, hot springs, and quaint shops on your own. You’ll also enjoy two nights in Jasper National Park, the largest national park in Canada. You can hike, explore the shops, and take an optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island. Between Banff and Jasper, enjoy a highlight of this Canadian Rockies tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle, on the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Your journey between the two national parks also includes a stop in Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters create a natural mirror that reflects the surrounding mountains and pristine wilderness.
This tour also includes ferry crossings between Vancouver and Victoria as well as sightseeing in Calgary, Vancouver, and Victoria. In Victoria, your sightseeing includes world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of showcase floral exhibits. Free time in Victoria allows you to explore on your own or to take an optional excursion.
All of this and more await you on this Canadian Rockies tour designed for the savvy, value-minded traveler. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes you’ll see on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation!
Highlights
Sightseeing
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Orientation tour; stay two nights inside Banff National Park
LAKE LOUISE
Visit the lake
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD
Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Orientation tour; stay two nights inside Jasper National Park
VICTORIASightseeing; visit Butchart Gardens
VANCOUVERSightseeing; Stanley Park
HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISE
7 night Inside Passage Cruise on the MS Volendam or MS Koningsdam
2021 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
CALGARY
Day1
Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Day2
The discovery of oil converted this ranching town into a sophisticated city. It is also home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Tour many of the city’s attractions, including Canada Olympic Park, and the Saddledome. Motor west through the foothills and into BANFF NATIONAL PARK, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies. An orientation tour includes Banff’s unspoiled beauty.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Day3
Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities such as hiking, boating, and fishing. With a free day, your Tour Director will suggest an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Day4
Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. First stop is Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters create a natural mirror that reflects the surroundings. Up next: a stop at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. Then, journey north into JASPER NATIONAL PARK, where precipitous gorges, snowcapped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view as the motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Later, your Tour Director suggests an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Enjoy an orientation tour of Jasper townsite upon arrival.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Day5
Today, join our optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, where you embark on a narrated cruise of the lake. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer—from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–KAMLOOPS
Day6
Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The Yellowhead Highway continues south along the mighty Thompson River, with spectacular views of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops.
KAMLOOPS–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA
Day7
As you travel through British Columbia’s Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your ferry for the spectacular crossing to Vancouver Island. Sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider a stroll along the lively Waterfront Promenade. (CB)
VICTORIA
Day8
Today is free to explore on your own. You may choose to join an optional wildlife and whale-watching trip cruising the beautiful waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles. Your Tour Director will have ideas for enjoying this most British of Canadian cities.
VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER
Day9
This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes STANLEY PARK, Gastown, Chinatown, and other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Robson Street and experience British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment location.
VANCOUVER (EMBARKATION)
Day10
Embark your cruise ship.
Meals included:
- Dinner
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE
Day11
Spend the day cruising one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. Located along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for orcas and humpback whales.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
JUNEAU
Day12
Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on Gastineau Channel, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau has massive Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield at its back door. Visit the rustic shops in town—or get out and kayak, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee, or fish. There’s no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
SKAGWAY
Day13
In winter, the sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway, so you can imagine the frightful conditions endured by gold prospectors who passed through enroute to the Yukon. Take your time and poke your head into every little shop, from the Trail Bench to Lynch & Kennedy’s Dry Goods. The Red Onion Saloon, with its honky-tonk piano and costumed barmaids, is a treasure trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other historic characters. To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the nostalgic Trail of ’98 Museum.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY
Day14
Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anyplace else in the world. How does it feel when a colossal chunk of ice splits off a glacier and crashes into the sea? The sound is like thunder. The impact shoots water hundreds of meters into the air. You hold your breath as you capture the moment on camera, then you wait for it all to happen again.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
KETCHIKAN
Day15
Built over the water and up weathered stairways, Ketchikan clings to the shores of Tongass Narrows and drapes the mountains with a hospitable air.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE
Day16
Cruise through the awe-inspiring Inside Passage, keeping watch for spouting whales, soaring eagles, and other wildlife. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner and onboard entertainment.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION)
Day17
Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after Noon.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Extend your stay
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Superior Tourist-Class
Conveniently located in downtown Calgary, the Sandman Hotel is minutes away from local transportation and shopping areas. The hotel features a fitness center, an indoor pool, and 301 well-equipped guestrooms.
Location
888 7th Avenue SW, Calgary, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Fitness Room
- Elevator
- ATM
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Ice Machine
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Voicemail
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Climate Control
- Television
- Daily Housekeeping
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Pay Movies
- Wake-Up Calls
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
Bow View Lodge
Superior Tourist-Class
The Bow View Lodge is the only 3-Star Canada Select hotel located directly on the beautiful Bow River, where you can enjoy a river walk along a tree-lined path that offers an exceptional view of the surrounding mountains and occasional wildlife. This limited service hotel is able to offer guests access to facilities at their sister property, the Banff Park Lodge, located next door; guests at the Bow View may use the swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and concierge services. There are also two restaurants available, and a variety of shops.
Location
228 Bow Avenue, Banff, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Beauty Salon
- Parking/Valet
- Gift Shop
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Window Opens
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Daily Housekeeping
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
Marmot Lodge
First-Class
The Marmot Lodge features a number of services including concierge service, currency exchange, indoor pool, business center, and Embers Steakhouse restaurant. All 107 guestrooms are all equipped with coffeemakers, mini-fridge, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries.
Location
86 Connaught Drive, Jasper, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Ice Machine
- Currency Exchange
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Hot Tub
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Pay Movies
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Voicemail
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Daily Housekeeping
- Wake-Up Calls
- Coffee Maker
- Air Conditioning
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Television
- Phone
The Thompson Hotel & Conference Centre
First-Class
The Thompson Hotel and Conference Centre features a great stay with exceptional guest service. The 96-room hotel offers clean, comfortable accommodations as well various dining options including The Noble Pig Brewhouse serving Canadian cuisine with a creative flair and Vittorio's Downtown, which specializes in authentic and modern Italian dishes. Take a dip in the pool or have fun in the game room.
Location
650 Victoria Street, Kamloops, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Hot Tub
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- ATM
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Parking/Valet
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Internet Access
- Alarm Clock
- Climate Control
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Voicemail
- Pay Movies
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
First-Class
Located in the center of downtown, the Royal Scot hotel & Suites is just a short walk to Victoria's famous Inner Harbour as well as shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions. The hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, concierge service, guest laundry, gift shop, business center, Internet access, restaurant, and lounge.
Location
425 Quebec Street, Victoria, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Spa Services
- Ice Machine
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Fitness Room
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Phone
- Coffee Maker
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Air Conditioning
- Smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Alarm Clock
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Desk
- Daily Housekeeping
- Voicemail
Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
First-Class
This seven-story Downtown Hotel is located 3 blocks from the shopping plaza & 15 km from the airport. Overlooking the vibrant view, the modern guestrooms put you near the heart of Vancouver. Enjoy free W-Fi, cable TV and rest easy on a pillow top mattress for a great night's sleep.
Location
1110 Howe Street, Vancouver, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Available
- Fitness Room
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- ATM
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Currency Exchange
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Desk
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
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