Spectacular 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. Our next stop is Yoho National Park. Situated on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the park is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and soaring peaks. We visit some of the park’s many highlights including the mirror-like green waters of Emerald Lake.

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!

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.

Leaving Jasper behind, we travel westward along the Yellowhead Highway. Our route follows the scenic Thompson River, winding through the picturesque Shuswap Highlands. A region of rolling uplands, interspersed with the valleys of the Clearwater, North Thompson, and Adams Rivers. By evening, we arrive at the charming resort town of Sun Peaks and the Sun Peaks Grand, our home for the night.

Today, we drive through the rugged ranch lands of Kamloops and Cache Creek, known as ‘Cowboy Country.’ Our route winds dramatically along the steep canyon walls of the Fraser River, offering remarkable views as we make our way to Lillooet – once the bustling supply hub of the 1860 Cariboo Gold Rush. We then journey along a spectacular route through untamed wilderness, first charted by gold-seekers in their quest for fortune, as we make our way to Whistler Village. Upon arrival, we head straight to the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. Perfectly nestled in the heart of the village, we stay here for the next two nights.

Positioned between the towering peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler has a spectacular alpine landscape. Today is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps, take in the breathtaking 360-degree views with an optional ride on the Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Alternatively, take in the enchanting views of the rugged Coast Mountains from above on a glacier floatplane tour, or opt for a scenic helicopter flight that offers a bird’s-eye view of the wilderness of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Should you prefer, Whistler Village, with its many restaurants, cafes and shops is a delightful town to explore.

Today we depart Whistler and head south to the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway where we follow the coast south to Squamish. Here we make a stop for an optional ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola, offering sweeping views of the majestic coastal forest and surrounding mountains. We then continue our drive to Horseshoe Bay, where we cruise by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island, before heading by coach to Victoria. Our accommodation for the next two nights is the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, located on Victoria’s charming harbour.

Known as the ‘Sunshine City of Gardens’, Victoria is celebrated for its abundance of green spaces and spectacular floral gardens. The hanging flower baskets, the buskers along the Inner Harbour, ocean vistas, and the relaxing pace of life make this a captivating place to stay. Today, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria, with highlights including Beacon Hill Park, Thunderbird Park, and Oak Bay. Our tour concludes with a visit to Butchart Gardens. Established over 121 years ago, these privately owned and family operated gardens are a botanical paradise.

Arguably one of Canada’s most picturesque cities, our Freedom Day allows us to relax and enjoy all of its many charms. Alongside a beautiful harbour, and a nod to British ancestry with double-decker buses and quaint tea rooms, taking a stroll is one of the best ways to enjoy this delightful city. The region is also famed for its abundant marine life, so for an unforgettable adventure set sail on a whale watching cruise for the opportunity to spot orcas, Humpback whales, Minke whales, Grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals, and other incredible marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Our day begins with a ferry crossing through the stunning Gulf Islands as we journey from Victoria to Vancouver. 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 famous steam clock. We finish our day in Chinatown, before arriving at our hotel, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, our home for the night.

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, we 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.