The Very Best of Eastern Canada and Spectacular Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Cruise

Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. Its cosmopolitan charm and distinctly European ambience make it truly captivating and have given the city its unique character. Montreal’s vibrant neighbourhoods offer an ever-changing urban experience. Guided by a local expert, our sightseeing today showcases the best of Montreal. Highlights include an exterior view of the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica, the city's elegant residential and financial districts, the picturesque cobblestone streets of old Montreal, and the atmosphere of St Denis Street – Montreal's lively Latin Quarter. We also enjoy an outside look at the iconic Olympic Complex, a scenic drive through McGill University’s historic campus, and a breathtaking panoramic view of the city from Mount Royal’s observation point.

Today, we head south and meet up with the mighty St. Lawrence River, which we follow along the scenic Chemin du Roy Highway partway to Quebec City, passing numerous historical French-Canadian villages along the way. Mid-morning we stop at a sugar shack, where we are introduced to one of Canada’s most famous exports, maple syrup. We learn how maple syrup is made, before enjoying a classic sugar shack lunch. We continue our journey to Quebec City, the only walled city in North America, where home for the next two nights is the Hotel Pur. Upon arrival in Quebec City, the remainder of the day is at leisure to wander the narrow, cobblestoned streets of the Old City, browse the shops and boutiques, visit the numerous historical landmarks, and enjoy Quebec's 'joie de vivre'.

Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a dream destination for photographers and history lovers alike. Led by our expert local guide, we explore the charming streets within the Old City’s fortified walls, discovering iconic landmarks such as Château Frontenac, Battlefields Park, the Citadel, Place Royale, and the grand city gates of Upper Town. Our journey continues along the picturesque Beaupré Coast to the village of Sainte-Anne, home to one of Canada’s most stunning cathedrals. Along the way, we pause to admire the breathtaking Montmorency Falls before returning to our hotel in the mid-afternoon to relax.

This morning, we leave Quebec City behind and head to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. Originally a small lumbering village called Bytown, the city’s early settlement began in the 1800s and was spurred by the construction of the Rideau Canal in 1832. In 1855, it was renamed Ottawa, and just two years later, Queen Victoria selected it as the capital of Canada. Today's sightseeing highlights include a view of Parliament Hill, the official residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General (the Monarch’s representative in Canada), the National Arts Centre, and the lively ByWard Market. For the next two nights, we stay at the Delta Hotel by Marriott Ottawa City Centre, ideally situated for exploring the city on foot and just steps away from a variety of bars and restaurants.

Enjoy our first Freedom Day of the tour, where our Tour Manager will be available to suggest excursions or activities. Perhaps, take a cruise on the UNESCO Heritage-listed Rideau Canal, a chain of beautiful lakes, rivers, and canals. Sail from Dow's Lake to the Ottawa River past City Hall, Landsdowne Park and many other historical sights. For history enthusiasts, you may wish to visit the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum, which showcase Canada's rich military history through personal stories.

Today we explore Gravenhurst, set in the heart of Ontario’s Muskoka region and often referred to as the “Gateway to Muskoka”. Our day centres on a leisurely cruise aboard one of the historic Muskoka Steamships, gliding across Lake Muskoka’s calm waters as we enjoy lunch on board. Along the way, take in the region’s defining scenery, where pine-fringed shores give way to vast, open lakes, creating a sense of calm that defines this part of Canada. Later, we visit Port Carling, a quintessential Muskoka lakeside town. Here, you can stroll along the waterfront, discover independent boutiques, or simply pause beside the historic docks and admire the views. For those wishing to be more active, a number of walking trails can be found nearby, including the Hanna Park Trail, a gentle two-mile loop through peaceful woodland. We return to our hotel later this afternoon.

This morning, we depart Gravenhurst and travel to the iconic Niagara Falls. En route we stop at Midland, on the shores of Georgian Bay. Here we pay a visit to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, a living recreation of Ontario’s first European settlement. Here Jesuit missionaries and martyrs set up their community among the native tribes of Huronia. Afterwards, we continue along the Niagara Escarpment to Niagara Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders. We stay at The Brock Niagara Falls Fallsview for the next two nights, which has magnificent views across to the falls.

This morning, we journey east to Toronto, the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. We take a tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic Old City Hall, the modern Toronto City Hall, the distinctive Gooderham Building, and the Fort York National Historic Site – home to Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and the CN Tower. We also visit Queen’s Park, the vibrant Entertainment District, Toronto’s Chinatown – which dates back to 1878 – and the renowned St. Lawrence Market. Following our morning of sightseeing, we continue our journey along the picturesque north shore of Lake Ontario, passing miles of rolling farmland. Our destination is Kingston, where we settle into the Kingston Marriott Hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city's lively downtown and our home for the next two nights.

Kingston has a rich and diverse history, having evolved from a native village, trading in fur to a French fortress and a British stronghold. It was also Canada’s capital from 1841 to 1844. It sits on the St. Lawrence River, where it meets Lake Ontario and is renowned for its charming 19th-century architecture, which adds to its historic appeal. Today, we explore Fort Henry National Historic Site, one of Ontario’s first UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites. Here, we step into the world of 19th-century military life, gaining insight into the lives of the fort’s civilian residents, including school teachers and soldiers’ families. We also see a precision drill by the renowned Fort Henry Guard. Following our tour, we return to our hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

As our East Canadian adventure draws to a close, this morning, we travel to Rockport to join our cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Cruising a region known as 1000 Islands, the landscape is currently dotted with luxurious cottages and sizeable estates, contrasting with its history of wars and rebellions. Highlights of our cruise include Zavikon Island, St. Lawrence Seaway, Boldt Castle, Boldt Castle Yacht House and the vast estates of Millionaire’s Row. Following our cruise, we journey along the scenic Long Sault Parkway, enjoying lunch together in one of the small towns dotted along the St. Lawrence River. On arrival into Montreal, we bid farewell to our Eastern Canada travel companions and transfer to the airport for our domestic flight from Montreal to Calgary. On arrival in Calgary, we meet our awaiting coach and travel west along the Trans-Canada Highway into the scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains. As we approach Banff National Park, the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies fill the horizon. We continue to the picturesque town of Banff, and transfer to our hotel, either the Banff Park Lodge or Hotel Canoe & Suites.

The popular 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!

Today, we begin our journey along the iconic Icefields Parkway. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and emerald lakes, it is easy to see why it’s renowned as one of the world’s most scenic roads. We stop at the Athabasca Glacier, where we board our all-terrain ‘Ice Explorer’ and embark on an epic journey across the glacier. Along the way, our guide will provide insights about glaciers and the environment and offers us the opportunity to walk on the ice. We then continue our journey along the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper and our home for the next two nights, Forest Park Hotel.

The 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 boasts 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 us, 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 take the ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island, before heading by coach to Victoria. Our accommodation for the next three 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 picturesque ferry ride 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.

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, 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.