Overview
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Board your train to embark over the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver, British Columbia, on VIA Rail’s Canadian®. Take in the stunning scenery with train travel reminiscent of a bygone era. Relax in comfort in Sleeper Plus class vintage rail cars with domed observation cars for spectacular views of the Canadian wilderness and ranchlands from Jasper National Park to Vancouver. In Vancouver, enjoy sightseeing in Chinatown, Gastown, and Stanley Park. Next, board the ferry across the spectacular Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island for sightseeing in Victoria, including the fabulous Butchart Gardens and totem poles of Thunderbird Park. Also enjoy a free day with optional activities, including a whale watching cruise. Return to Vancouver to embark your Holland America ship to Alaska. With stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay, you’ll have the chance to see the rich wildlife in the extraordinary scenery on land and sea. This value vacation in Canada is an explorer’s dream—from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska’s Inside Passage.
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
VIA RAIL
Journey aboard VIA Rail’s the Canadian in Sleeper Plus class
VANCOUVERSightseeing; Stanley Park
VICTORIASightseeing; visit Butchart Gardens
HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISE
7-night Inside Passage cruise on the MS Volendam
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 8 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 cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into BANFF NATIONAL PARK. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Day3
Full day at leisure. Banff is one of Canada’s favorite resorts, and the national park is home to 53 species of mammals. The most commonly seen are deer and big horn sheep. If the timing is right, you may spot black bears, grizzlies, or wolves. Your Tour Director will suggest an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Day4
First stop is Lake Louise, with its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Another highlight today is a stop at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. Late this afternoon, join our optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty. Accommodation for the next two nights are in JASPER NATIONAL PARK.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Day5
Join the optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. On the return journey, you’ll be mesmerized by dramatic Maligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, consider hiking or exploring Jasper’s local charm. While exploring the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies keep an eye out for native wildlife, which includes grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK–VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
Day6
Board a morning departure on VIA Rail’s the Canadian for the journey west across Canada’s Rocky Mountains to Vancouver. The Canadian features renovated cars, comfortable cabin accommodations in Sleeper Plus class, and delicious meals. Spend time in the Skyline car, with dome seating and a lounge area, or relax in the Park car and meet other travelers. The comfortable cabins come with bed turndown service, in-car shower access, and lots of little extras, such as a personal toiletry kit. (BR,D)
NOTE:
Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.
VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN–VANCOUVER
Day7
Continue through the ranchlands along the South Thompson River, the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley, and snowcapped Coast Mountains. Upon arrival in Vancouver, city sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely STANLEY PARK.
Meals included:
- Continental Breakfast
VANCOUVER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA
Day8
Today, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.
VICTORIA
Day9
A day at leisure gives you the chance to discover this splendid city, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, shopping on Government Street, or a leisurely stroll around the harbor. Perhaps join the optional wildlife and whale-watching cruise on the beautiful waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands for possible sightings of whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER
Day10
Morning departure for Vancouver. Continue your stay in Vancouver for the evening of Day 10.
VANCOUVER (EMBARKATION).
Day11
Embark your cruise ship.
Meals included:
- Dinner
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE
Day12
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
Day13
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
Day14
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
Day15
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
Day16
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
Day17
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)
Day18
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.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Sandman Hotel Calgary City Centre
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
Inns of Banff
Superior Tourist-Class
Situated in the mountains, this hotel offers an indoor and outdoor pool, gift shop, and Internet access. The 244 guestrooms offer satellite television, a coffeemaker, and a hairdryer.
Location
600 Banff Ave, Banff, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Ice Machine
- Pool
- ATM
Room Facilities
- Hair Dryer
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Daily Housekeeping
- Television
- Alarm Clock
- Pay Movies
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Internet Access
- Coffee Maker
- Room Service
- Voicemail
Lobstick Lodge
First-Class
Lobstick Lodge is located in a secluded mountain setting near east end of town, 5 blocks from CNR station. Enjoy large open rooms with spectacular mountain views right outside your window.
Location
94 Geikie Street, Jasper, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Available
- Hot Tub
- Gift Shop
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Concierge desk
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Spa Services
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Room Service
- Voicemail
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Cable/Satellite
- Coffee Maker
- Mini-bar
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
Ramada by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown
Moderate First-Class
Enjoy a relaxing stay at our Ramada Vancouver Downtown hotel near Rogers Arena.
Location
1221 Granville Street, Vancouver, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- ATM
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- In-Room Safe
- Climate Control
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Hair Dryer
- Voicemail
- Television
- Phone
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Non-smoking Rooms
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
