This is an example of a bespoke itinerary by Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays.
Day 1
Vancouver
Arrive early morning into Vancouver and make your own way to your downtown hotel. You will have today free to explore this vibrant city. We highly recommend checking out Stanley Park or a walking food tour at Granville Island.
Stay: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Day 2
Vancouver
Using your Vancouver Lookout Admission, take this time to look over the beautiful scenery where the mountains meet the city and ocean. We also recommend doing a day tour out to Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Stay: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Day 3
On board Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops
Begin your once-in-a-lifetime experience on board the Rocky Mountaineer train in GoldLeaf Service. Your knowledgeable host will keep you entertained with historical and interesting facts along the way. You will be in a two-storey cabin with your luxurious seats upstairs offering you uninterrupted views through their glass dome windows, and your dining will take place downstairs. Feel free to visit the vestibule out the back for the perfect photo opportunities.
Rail Service: GoldLeaf
Stay: Kamloops Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4
On-Board Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Jasper
Your rail adventure continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park.
Rail Service: GoldLeaf
Stay: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5
Jasper
Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Canadian Rockies’ largest national park. Enjoy a scenic half-day tour of some of the park’s natural attractions and rugged peaks. The remainder of the day you are free to explore Jasper on your own. Overnight in Jasper.
Stay: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 6
Travel from Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterward, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Day 7
Lake Louise
Enjoy a free day in Lake Louise. Local activities include canoeing, hiking in the mountains, or simply relaxing and taking in the magnificent views. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Day 8
Travel from Lake Louise to Banff
This morning explore beautiful Lake Louise on your own. After lunch, a half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders including the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff.
Stay: Rimrock Resort
Day 9
Banff
Explore Banff National Park on your own. Optional activities include the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, historic museums, Lake Minnewanka or golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Overnight in Banff.
Stay: Rimrock Resort
Day 10
Travel from Banff to Calgary
Today you will enjoy a full-day tour concluding in Calgary. Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Banff. Among the points of interest are Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Banff Gondola included. Continue on to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s adventure, a 12-minute Panoramic Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Overnight in Calgary.
Stay: Hyatt Regency Calgary
Day 11
Travel from Calgary to Vancouver
After breakfast, make your own way to Calgary Airport for your flight back to Vancouver. As it is a travel day, we have given you today to explore on your own.
Stay: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Day 12-13
Vancouver
Now that you are becoming more of a Vancouver local, you can spend two days checking out the delicious restaurants, great shopping and unique neighbourhoods. Should you wish to organise any day tours, we would recommend doing a day tour out to Victoria and Butchart Gardens.
Stay: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Day 14
On board Holland America Alaska Cruise
Prepare to check-in for your cruise at 12pm for a 4pm departure time. Embark your Alaska cruise and enjoy the amenities on board Holland America.
Stay: Balcony Cabin
Meals: Dinner
Day 15
Inside Passage
Today you will cruise through the scenic Inside Passage on the way to Alaska. You are welcome to explore the ship and see what entertainment is on offer.
Stay: Balcony Cabin
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 16
Tracy Arm Inlet/Juneau
Today you will have the full day to explore Tracy Arm Inlet and Alaska’s remote capital. Book your offshore excursion to make sure to catch a glimpse of Mendenhall Glacier and other captivating natural wonders.
Stay: Balcony Cabin
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 17
Skagway
Spend the full day in Skagway learning about its part in the Klondike Gold Rush history. There are a lot of historical museums and spots to visit – perfect for the history buff!
Stay: Balcony Cabin
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 18
Glacier Bay
You will have 10 hours to take in the breathtaking surroundings of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Keep a close eye out for the local wildlife. This is one of the highlights of your cruise itinerary!
Stay: Balcony Cabin
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 19
Ketchikan
Spend 8 hours in Ketchikan – a city known for its Native American totem poles, Misty Fjords National Monument, Tongass National Forest and much more. Be sure to book your offshore excursion to make the most of your time here.
Stay: Balcony Cabin
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 20
Inside Passage
Heading back to Vancouver, have a second cruise through the beautiful Inside Passage.
Stay: Balcony Cabin
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 21
Vancouver
You will arrive back into Vancouver around 7am. Once you have had your breakfast, begin disembarkation and make your own way to your hotel.
Stay: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Day 22
Depart Vancouver
Farewell this beautiful city and make your own way to the airport for your flight back home.