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!
Small Group Discovery
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
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 CRUISE7 night Inside Passage Cruise on the MS Zuiderdam or MS Koningsdam
2022 Tour itinerary
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.
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 en route 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
Alaska’s “First City” of Ketchikan is so named because it is the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. An important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries—visitors can try their luck on a sport-fishing excursion or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. It is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE.
Day16
Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION).
Day17
Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after Noon.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
Cruise itineraries are provided by Holland America Line and are up to date at time of printing. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.
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
- Bar/Lounge
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Concierge desk
- Business Center
- Pool
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Air Conditioning
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Climate Control
- Pay Movies
- Room Service
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Internet Access
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Daily Housekeeping
- Voicemail
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
- Fitness Room
- Gift Shop
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Beauty Salon
- Elevator
- Pool
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Voicemail
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Wake-Up Calls
- Internet Access
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Daily Housekeeping
- Alarm Clock
- Cable/Satellite
- Window Opens
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
- Currency Exchange
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Hot Tub
- Concierge desk
- Ice Machine
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Pool
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Hair Dryer
- Climate Control
- Voicemail
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Pay Movies
- Television
- Daily Housekeeping
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Toiletries
- 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
- Business Center
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Pool
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Spa Services
- Laundry Available
- ATM
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Pay Movies
- Voicemail
- Alarm Clock
- Hair Dryer
- Climate Control
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Phone
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
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Ice Machine
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Pool
- Elevator
- Laundry Available
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Spa Services
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Climate Control
- Smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Television
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- Voicemail
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Daily Housekeeping
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Newspaper
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
- Gift Shop
- Currency Exchange
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Pool
- Bar/Lounge
- ATM
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Room Service
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Internet Access
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