Grand Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Cruise

The delightful town of Banff is situated in Banff National Park, the first and most famous of Canada’s national parks. It boasts a breathtaking mix of soaring peaks, vibrant meadows and crystal-clear emerald lakes. This morning, we tour this impressive region, taking in the striking Tunnel Mountain and cascading Bow Falls. We finish our sightseeing with a ride on the Banff Gondola, to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Banff and the national park.

Our first Freedom Day in Canada. Today, we can choose to relax or explore this beautiful region as we please. Perhaps join a scenic helicopter flight and take in some of the most beautiful landscapes Canada has to offer. Or experience cowboy culture, BBQ steaks, and mountain scenery on a Cowboy Cookout & Wagon Ride. Alternatively, you may prefer to unwind with a soak in Banff’s famous hot springs, surrounded by incredible mountain scenery, or take a cruise on the magnificent Lake Minnewanka. However you choose to spend your day, enjoy!

This morning we continue north along Icefields Parkway to further experience a wealth of awe-inspiring scenery where crystal blue-green lakes, fresh mountain streams, deep forests and snow-capped mountain peaks are the order of the day. The Athabasca Glacier is one of six principal glaciers fed by the Columbia Icefields, and upon arrival at the Columbia Icefield we board our ‘Ice Explorer’, an all-terrain ice explorer vehicle, and drive out onto Athabasca Glacier. At an altitude of 2,700 metres, our guide shares information about glaciers and the environment, whilst giving us the opportunity to walk on the ice. We continue our journey to Jasper, where our home for the next two nights will be Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

The small quaint town of Jasper sits in the middle of Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. The park, first established in 1907, covers over 10,000sqm and boast soaring peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant turquoise-coloured lakes, in addition to its spectacular icefields and glaciers. Today, we explore Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake – the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies and one of the most photographed scenes in Canada. At Maligne Lake (weather permitting), we embark on a narrated cruise to tiny Spirit Island. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon, where the remainder of our day and evening are at leisure.

We begin our day with a ferry crossing through the beautiful Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. On arrival, we visit Butchart Gardens – one of the world’s great botanical gardens, where there will be ample time to browse the impressive displays. Later, we continue to Victoria, British Columbia’s provincial capital and a former gold rush town. Its pioneering heritage and traditions are well preserved in its museums, art galleries, pioneer homes and great mansions. Our home for the next two nights is either the Inn at Laurel Point or the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA.

Victoria is known as the ‘Sunshine City of Gardens’, because of its abundance of green spaces and spectacular floral gardens. The hanging flower baskets, buskers along the Inner Harbour, ocean vistas and relaxing pace of life make this a captivating place to stay. This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria including highlights such as Beacon Hill Park, Thunderbird Park and Oak Bay. The rest of the day is at leisure, or you may wish to take an optional whale watching cruise for an opportunity to spot Humpbacks, Orcas, Minke and Gray whales. Other wildlife we may encounter include harbour and elephant seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, cormorants and Bald eagles.

Our day begins with a leisurely cruise through the stunning Gulf Islands, as we journey from Victoria to Vancouver by ferry. Upon arrival, we embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. First, we visit Stanley Park, a 400-hectare green oasis with a striking collection of First Nations totem poles. Next, we venture to English Bay, a lively waterfront neighbourhood known for its beaches, shopping, and dining. A stop at Canada Place follows, before a stroll through the historic charm of Gastown, with its cobblestone streets and the famous steam clock. We finish our day in Chinatown, before arriving at our hotel, either the Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA or Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel, our home for the next two nights.

A full day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver. Alternatively, travel north of Vancouver to the inviting mountain peaks of Grouse Mountain. Enjoy an exhilarating Skyride up the mountainside, for breathtaking views of Vancouver, before continuing to Vancouver’s oldest attraction, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, to enjoy the ancient old-growth forest, elevated by suspended walkways that offer a unique adventure.

Our first full day aboard is spent at sea, cruising our way through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Considered one of the greatest routes to cruise, this protected network of waterways offers plenty of opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife from our prime position on deck – Humpback whales and orcas play in the bountiful waters; Bald eagles soar overhead and Brown bears are scattered along the shoreline. As the day unfolds, settle into the unhurried rhythm of life on board and enjoy the Koningsdam’s superb facilities.

Our first highlight today is Tracy Arm Inlet, which winds its way through Tongass National Forest, flanked by towering cliffs and glacier-covered mountains. Melting snow-caps fuel cascading waterfalls that tumble into the pristine waters below. Keep watch for the diverse wildlife that calls this region home, including Black and Brown bears, wolves, deer, and moose, which are often spotted along the shoreline – alongside seals and whales in the cool waters. At the fjord’s end, behold the mesmerising sapphire blue of the Sawyer Glaciers, perfectly framed by rugged mountain terrain. Later, we arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital. Nestled between the Coast Mountains and Gastineau Channel, Juneau is a cosmopolitan outpost, only accessible by air or sea. Some of the many optional shore excursions include sightseeing and culinary tours of downtown Juneau, a visit to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, embarking on a whale-watching adventure, or trying your hand at salmon fishing. This evening, we depart Juneau, sailing overnight to Skagway.

At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, when 100,000 hopeful miners set their sights on Alaska and the Yukon, the port town of Skagway became the main gateway to the legendary gold fields. Today, this historic town is filled with well-preserved buildings that tell the story of its gold-rush past. A range of optional excursions are available for you to explore the town and surrounding region. Explore the ‘Garden City of Alaska’ on a guided walking tour, ride the White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railway, try your hand at gold panning, or follow in the footsteps of early prospectors along the Chilkoot Trail. This evening, we set sail from Skagway for an overnight journey to Glacier Bay.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before arriving at Ketchikan, Alaska’s ‘First City’. Clinging to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan has long been connected to the salmon-fishing industry, so it is no surprise that local restaurants offer outstanding fresh seafood. The town is also one of the best places to discover the cultural sights of native Alaskan nations, with intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. Explore the town on foot and shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon and local art before returning to the Koningsdam.

Today we continue our cruise back along the Inside Passage, surrounded by the breath-taking wilderness – a coastline studded with snowy peaks, dense green forests and majestic glaciers. Keep an eye out for wildlife, enjoy an onboard activity, or simply relax in one of the stylish ship’s many bars and restaurants.

This morning, following breakfast, disembark at the port of Vancouver. Enjoy a final few hours in the city before transferring to the airport for our afternoon flight to the UK, which will connect in Toronto.

Flights arrive into the UK this morning bringing our unforgettable Canadian and Alaskan adventure to a close.