Canada and the Rockies with Alaska Cruise

Depart from the UK on your scheduled flight to Calgary. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to unwind or start exploring this dynamic city, known for its striking skyline and rich western heritage. For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the top of the Calgary Tower, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the scenic Prince’s Island Park. To immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, visit Stephen Avenue Walk, where you’ll find an array of shops, restaurants, live performances, and bustling bars—perfect for kicking off your Canadian adventure.

This morning, start your sightseeing tour of Calgary. Discover the city’s blend of modern attractions and historic sites, including the Olympic Plaza, a historic site from the 1988 Winter Olympics and the famous Stampede Grounds, to learn about the city’s cowboy heritage. Later, depart for Banff, a charming mountain town set against the backdrop of the stunning Canadian Rockies. En route, enjoy a scenic drive along Tunnel Mountain Drive, offering breathtaking views of Bow Valley. Upon arrival in Banff, take a gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Banff’s lively town centre.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Banff, Canada’s first national park. You can take a scenic hike along Tunnel Mountain, visit the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, soak in the rejuvenating Banff Upper Hot Springs, or visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where you can learn about the discovery of Banff’s famous hot springs and the birth of Canada’s national parks. For adventure seekers, wildlife-spotting tours are available. The day is yours to immerse yourself in the beauty of this breathtaking alpine setting.

Today’s journey takes you along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives. Stop at the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Moraine Lake and the famous Lake Louise, both nestled amidst towering peaks. Keep your camera ready as you traverse rugged landscapes home to wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, and timber wolves. A highlight of the day is the Columbia Icefield, where you’ll board an Ice Explorer vehicle for an exhilarating ride across the Athabasca Glacier. Continue your journey to Jasper, where you’ll settle in for the night.

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visit Maligne Canyon, a stunning limestone gorge with cascading waterfalls, or take an optional cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, known for its striking blue waters and surrounded by towering mountain peaks and one of the most photographed locations in the Rockies.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, if you’re looking for more adventure, Jasper offers numerous hiking trails, from gentle lakeside walks to more challenging alpine treks. The Valley of the Five Lakes trail is a popular choice, leading you past a series of brilliantly coloured lakes. Alternatively, explore the pristine Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake, ideal spots for simply enjoying the tranquillity of nature.

As the day winds down, return to Jasper town to relax and enjoy its laid-back mountain charm. Dine at one of Jasper’s cosy restaurants, where you can savour locally inspired dishes like Alberta bison, fresh trout, and wild berry desserts. For an unforgettable evening, consider a stargazing experience at the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, one of the world's largest accessible dark sky preserves, offering incredible views of the night sky free from light pollution.

Depart Jasper and embark on a scenic journey southwest to Kamloops, passing through some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. Travel along the Yellowhead Highway, a route that winds through the stunning valleys and dense forests of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as elk, black bears, and mountain goats that often roam near the roadside. One of the highlights of the day is an unforgettable Wildlife River Safari on the Blue River. This guided boat tour takes you deep into the untouched wilderness, offering an up-close look at the region’s incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. Glide through serene waters as you watch for bears foraging along the shore, bald eagles soaring overhead, and moose wading in the shallows.

Upon arrival in Kamloops, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. This charming riverside city offers a variety of activities, from exploring local craft breweries and restaurants to strolling along the picturesque Riverside Park, where you can unwind by the waterfront and watch the sun set over the Thompson River.

Leaving Kamloops this morning, journey towards the stunning mountain resort of Whistler, traveling along the scenic Cariboo and Sea-to-Sky Highways. Along the way, gaze at breathtaking landscapes, including towering peaks, lush forests, and deep river canyons. Stop at the spectacular Shannon Falls, where you can take in the cascading waters of one of British Columbia’s highest waterfalls.

Upon arrival in Whistler, you will have an orientation tour of this world-renowned alpine resort, famous for its pedestrian-only village, lively atmosphere, and year-round outdoor activities. Discover the Olympic Plaza, built for the 2010 Winter Olympics, and explore Whistler Village’s array of boutique shops, cafés, and top-rated restaurants. For those seeking adventure, opt for a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows. If you prefer to explore on foot, take a scenic hike or bike ride along the extensive network of trails.

In the evening, relax and soak in the beauty of this enchanting mountain town, whether by dining in one of its acclaimed restaurants or simply strolling through its picturesque streets under the starlit sky.

Head to Victoria via the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, enjoy breath taking coastal views as you make your way to the ferry terminal. Board a ferry for a picturesque journey across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival in Victoria, you will visit the renowned Butchart Gardens, a stunning 55-acre floral paradise featuring themed gardens, tranquil ponds, and vibrant seasonal displays. Spend the rest of the day exploring Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park or the Victorian Craigdarroch Castle, completed in 1890, discover the opulence and grandeur of this mansion nestled in the heart of Victoria.

Discover Victoria’s rich history and British colonial charm on a guided walking tour. Begin your day in the picturesque Inner Harbour, one of the most iconic waterfronts in Canada, where the sparkling blue waters are framed by grand heritage buildings and lush gardens. As you stroll along the harbour, admire the magnificent Parliament Buildings, an architectural marvel that dominates the waterfront with its stunning limestone façade and copper domes. Learn about the history of the British Columbia legislature and the city’s role in the province's development. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the best of Victoria. For a more immersive experience, consider booking a whale-watching tour from the harbour. Victoria is one of the best places in the world to spot orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life, and a boat tour offers a front-row seat to these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Board a scenic ferry back to the mainland, taking in the stunning coastal views as you make your way to Vancouver, Upon arrival, embark on a guided orientation tour of this diverse city, highlighting some of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks. Explore the lush beauty of Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre urban oasis where towering trees, serene lakes, and scenic waterfront paths offer a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Granville island is home to some of Vancouver's best eateries, where you can sample fresh seafood straight from the Pacific Ocean.

This morning, visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you can walk among the treetops and cross the iconic suspension bridge for spectacular views of the rainforest below. Spend the afternoon at leisure, with the option to explore Vancouver’s diverse This morning, embark on an unforgettable visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk among the towering treetops and cross the famous suspension bridge. As you make your way across the 137-meter-long bridge, enjoy breathtaking views of the lush rainforest canopy below, with the peaceful sounds of the Capilano River flowing through the gorge. For an even more immersive experience, explore the park’s treetop walkways and the Cliff walk, a thrilling journey that hugs the canyon’s edge, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest and mountains.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Vancouver at your own pace, Stroll through the bustling streets of Yaletown, or head to the eclectic Main Street, where you’ll find a mix of vintage shops, independent bookstores, and lively cafés. For art lovers, a visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery is a must, where you can admire impressive collections of Canadian and Indigenous art, as well as contemporary exhibitions.

If you're in the mood for relaxation, take a leisurely sunset stroll along English Bay, where you can watch the sun dip below the horizon and the city’s skyline light up. The bay’s sandy beach and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure.

Leaving Vancouver behind your ship will trace the outline of North America's most scenic coastal landscape, weaving through islands of the Pacific Coast known as the Inside Passage. Boasting wildlife filled fjords and evergreen-coated scenery, position yourself on the upper deck for the best chance to observe soaring eagles, grizzly bears, breaching wales and bathing seals.

Weather permitting, the ship will navigate the 30-mile long Tracy Arm Fjord to view the mammoth Sawyer Glacier which oversees a slow-moving river of ice. After lunch you'll arrive in Juneau, Alaska's state capital, in which there are a number of optional excursions on offer including dog sledging with huskies, whale watching and a helicopter ride over the glacier.

The ship arrives in Skagway this morning where it remains all day, leaving plenty of time to explore this charming relic of the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. Wooden sidewalks and turn-of-the-century buildings will take you back to the lawless living of pioneer days. Shore excursions are also aplenty; we recommend you take a fascinating ride on the restored carriages along the old White Pass and Yukon railroad through the Alaskan wilderness.

Today enjoy a tour highlight as your cruise ship slowly enters Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects a unique ecosystem of majestic humpback whales, black bears and Yukon wolves. A national park ranger will come on board to provide a detailed commentary of your wild surroundings and answer any questions you have. You may also have the chance to witness a monumental chunk of ice splitting off one of the eight gargantuan glaciers.

After a morning of cruising, the ship will arrive at the city of Ketchikan, a small metropolis that clutches the shores of the Tongrass Narrow. Explore this charming area in your own time, wandering along Creek Street, through the Totem Pole Park or pick one of the optional wildlife excursions such as a bear adventure by floatplane or an Alaskan fishing experience.

Your final full day on board will be spent returning through the Inside Passage allowing you more time to appreciate the area's distinct beauty, observe its natural inhabitants or simply relax.