The Ultimate Canada and Alaska

Your journey begins on arrival in Toronto, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

A Welcome Reception gives you the chance to meet your fellow guests and Travelmarvel Tour Director. Afterwards, embark on a sightseeing tour which takes you to some of Toronto’s many highlights and attractions. Soak up the buzzing atmosphere and cosmopolitan charm of this vibrant city, which is said to be the most culturally diverse in the world.

Cruise the spectacular Niagara Falls today, which is collectively made up of three impressive waterfalls. You’ll board a thrilling boat cruise for a journey to the base of Horseshoe Falls (raincoats provided), the largest of the three falls.  

Insider Experience – Niagara Falls Illumination Tower

Overlook this incredible natural spectacle at dinner before an exclusive visit to the Illumination Tower, where you can project your very own light display onto the Falls.

Today, cruise through the picturesque Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Glide past tiny islands, castles reminiscent of fairy tales, and waterside mansions. You’ll be taken back to a time when pirates and bootleggers roamed the area, as well as the Gilded Age, when the rich and famous made this region their personal playground.

Join a guided sightseeing tour of Ottawa, which includes a visit to Parliament Hill and the historic Rideau Canal. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. You may like to enjoy one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer.

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Bike Tour 

Set off with a local guide on a leisurely two-hour bicycle tour through the beautiful heart of Canada’s capital. 

Enhance Your Journey – Canadian Museum of History Admission 

For an insight into the cultural, historic and artistic achievements of Canada’s First Nations people, join this discovery of the First Peoples Hall, and tour the Canadian History Hall. 

Enhance Your Journey – Rideau Canal Cruise 

Embark on a scenic cruise along the Rideau Canal, which was established in 1812. Discover the region’s historic landmarks aboard a brand-new electric vessel, the largest electric passenger vessel in North America. 

Enhance Your Journey – Vintage Biplane Experience 

Experience bird’s-eye views and panoramic vistas of the city, river systems and farmlands on a biplane adventure. 

Enhance Your Journey – Canadian War Museum Admission 

The many fascinating exhibitions here reveal Canada’s involvement in war over the ages. Gain a deeper insight into the nation’s military history as you explore the collection of artefacts, artworks, photos and interactive presentations on display. 

Following breakfast this morning, your journey continues to Québec City. On the way, you’ll make a stop for a unique drive-through experience in Parc Oméga. As your vehicle winds through the park and passes meadows, lakes and forests, watch out for wildlife, such as moose, deer and wolves. Afterwards, continue your journey to Québec City and in the evening, a special Insider Experience awaits.

Insider Experience - Maple Syrup Sugar Shack

Delight in a hearty Québécois dinner and sample maple syrup in a traditional sugar shack. These small wooden cabins are located in the woods, where sap is collected from maple trees to produce the sweet syrup. You’ll learn all about how this Canadian national treasure is made.

Join a guided sightseeing tour of Québec City, a beautiful and historic city that offers visitors a unique cultural experience. Spend the afternoon as you wish. Enjoy the facilities of your hotel or perhaps head out and explore. You may like to choose one of our Enhance Your Journey select experiences.

Enhance Your Journey – Sightseeing River Cruise 

Set out on a fascinating cruise on the St Lawrence River, which separates Canada from the USA. See historic towns and inlets.  

Enhance Your Journey – Walking Tour of Old Québec City 

Explore North America’s only walled city during a walking tour, and learn about its history, culture and significant landmarks.   

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac 

Experience castle life at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac during a guided tour of your iconic hotel. Discover the famous characters and historical events that have shaped the identity of the hotel over the years, as well as its architectural development.  

This morning after breakfast, journey to the city of Montréal. Experience the cosmopolitan city’s thriving arts and culture scene, with its many museums, galleries and theatres. See beautiful buildings and monuments, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, and explore the many picturesque parks and outdoor spaces. This evening, meet with your fellow travellers to enjoy a special Farewell Dinner.

Today, fly from Montréal to Vancouver (flight not included) and begin the next chapter of your journey through Canada and Alaska. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, located in the heart of this vibrant city. After settling in, meet with your Western Canada Tour Director and fellow travellers during a Welcome Reception this evening.

Fall in love with Vancouver and enjoy a sightseeing tour which takes you through some of the city’s most vibrant areas and best-loved attractions, including the Waterfront and historic Gastown. Discover more with an Enhance Your Journey experience.

Enhance Your Journey – Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing

Take in the sights of Vancouver at your own pace during a self-guided hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Enhance Your Journey – Grouse Mountain Admission

Enjoy views of lush greenery, the spectacular city of Vancouver and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Visit the bear refuge and take a scenic walk.

Enhance Your Journey – Capilano Suspension Bridge Admission

Wander across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, some 70 metres above the Capilano River.

Enhance Your Journey – Flyover Canada Experience

View Canada’s most incredible sights on a truly breathtaking virtual flight simulator experience. 

This morning, board the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer train and settle into your carriage with large panoramic windows for expansive views. Along the way, admire the region’s natural beauty as you take in some of its many highlights, including Fraser Valley, the Coast Mountains and Fraser Canyon. Later, arrive in the city of Kamloops, where you’ll stay overnight.

Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer as you continue your spectacular rail adventure today. Follow the North Thompson River past rolling landscapes before ascending through the majestic scenery of the Monashee Mountains. Journey onwards past Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Alberta Icefields. Then head past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, before traversing the Yellowhead Pass. Later, you’ll enter Jasper National Park, which is one of Canada’s oldest and largest national parks. Tonight, enjoy free time to explore and perhaps dine in one of the local restaurants.

Continue exploring Jasper National Park this morning with a visit to Maligne Canyon, where you’ll enjoy walking through its deep rocky ravines. Then travel along the Icefields Parkway, which is considered to be one of the world’s most scenic highways. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. Then continue to Banff, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

After breakfast, enjoy today at leisure to discover more of this beautiful alpine resort at your own pace. We have a range of exciting Enhance Your Journey experiences available to help guide your exploration. In the evening, an Insider Experience awaits.

Insider Experience – BBQ on the Bow River

This evening, embark on a true western experience and take a wagon ride along the banks of the Bow River. Try your hand at western-style activities like lassoing and horseshoes before joining the horseback riders for a BBQ cookout. Enjoy a tasty steak-fry dinner as you soak up the stunning surrounds.

Enhance Your Journey – Heli-Flightseeing

Escape to Spray Valley and the spine of the Goat Range on this extraordinary tour for the first-time flyer in the Canadian Rockies.

Enhance Your Journey – Bow River Float Trip

Enjoy a relaxing float trip down Bow River and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. This activity is suitable for most fitness levels.

Enhance Your Journey – Local Lakes and Gems Tour

Join this exclusive small-group tour and venture off the beaten path to discover Banff National Park’s hidden gems. You’ll also enjoy more time to explore Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and the stunning Lake Minnewanka. 

Enhance Your Journey – Evening Golf Course Cart Tour

Designed by the renowned Stanley Thompson, the golf course at Fairmont Banff Springs is famous for its panoramic beauty. Embark on an informative guided tour, where you’ll learn about the course as well as the history of the region.

Enhance Your Journey – Banff Gondola

Head to the top of Sulphur Mountain and take in Banff from above, climbing nearly 700 metres in elevation as you are carried through the pines. Once you reach the peak, you can head off for a stroll along the boardwalk. 

Enhance Your Journey – River Explorer Canoe Tour

Enjoy your guide’s tales and the beauty of the Bow River while you paddle in a Voyageur Canoe.

Enhance Your Journey – Hockey Player Experience

Experience the thrill of being a real Canadian ice hockey player. No matter your skill level, you’ll love getting to know Canada’s renowned sport with the Canmore Eagles.

Depart Banff to visit Moraine Lake (season permitting) and then Lake Louise, which is known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. Continue to Emerald Lake Lodge, where you will enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Emerald Lake Lodge

Nestled among lush pines and mountain vistas, arrive at the serene Emerald Lake Lodge for an idyllic overnight stay. Overlooking the secluded Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, you’ll love waking up to the postcard-perfect views at this inviting eco-friendly lodge.

Descend from the Rockies via beautiful Yoho National Park and travel to Kelowna. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking the beautiful Okanagan Lake, this stunning, laid-back city is a summer haven. The serene waters are perfect for boating and swimming on hot summer days. Settle into your room at the relaxing Manteo at Eldorado Resort, primely located on the shores of Okanagan Lake. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner with views of the water.

Travel through the vast landscapes of the Cariboo region today, before arriving in Whistler. This famous alpine resort town offers an array of cultural and outdoor discoveries.

On your journey south to Victoria this morning, travel along the Sea-to-Sky Highway for breathtaking views of the stunning coastal and mountainous landscapes. Then, take a ferry ride across the Georgia Strait and continue to the charming city of Victoria.

Spend the day at leisure and explore British Columbia’s elegant capital. You may like to enjoy one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer. This evening, savour a memorable Farewell Dinner during your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at The Butchart Gardens

Dine in the original Butchart family residence after exploring The Butchart Gardens’ vivid floral displays. As you indulge in a delicious menu at the special Farewell Dinner, enjoy the opportunity to swap travel stories with fellow guests.

Enhance Your Journey – Whale-Watching Tour

Choose between cruising on a Zodiac or a luxury motor yacht on an adventure in search of British Columbia’s enchanting marine wildlife. Be awed by the unique opportunity to spot whales, sea lions and more in their natural habitat.

Enhance Your Journey – Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

Embark on a traditional horse-drawn carriage tour through Victoria and learn about the city’s culture and history. Visit the picturesque James Bay district, known for its vibrant waterfront. See the serene, lush gardens of Beacon Hill Park, Victoria’s oldest church and Thunderbird Park, home to many traditional First Nations totem poles.

After breakfast this morning, transfer to Vancouver to board your premium cruise ship. Take time to settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with life on board before indulging in a delicious dinner tonight.

Enjoy a full day at sea as you embark on your remarkable journey. Take in the breathtaking scenery as your ship navigates past dramatic rocky headlands and cruises through the icy waters of the Inside Passage. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ship’s facilities or simply unwind in one of the inviting onboard lounges.

Arrive in the Alaskan town of Ketchikan, regarded as the salmon capital of the world and renowned for its idyllic scenery and rich Alaskan Native cultures. Here, you will have free time to relax and explore the town at your leisure. Alternatively, perhaps choose to join a walking tour of the town or learn about the history of Tlingit culture at Saxman Native Village (own expense), where you’ll be fascinated by the collection of Native American totem poles found on display.

Today, your journey takes you to Alaska’s capital, Juneau. Enjoy time to explore the region’s dramatic glacial landscapes and rich gold rush history, or perhaps venture into town to discover its charming, rustic shops. For the adventurous, consider an exhilarating dog sled ride over a glacier or explore other exciting activities. You may wish to sample delicious salmon cooked over an open fire or even try your hand at panning for gold in this historic gold rush town (additional expense).

This morning, you’ll dock at the port of Skagway, which is located at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage. Skagway was once a frontier town and gateway to the Klondike and still celebrates its gold rush past to this day. You will find a variety of stores and saloons in town that capture the excitement and history of the gold rush days. Here, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about gold prospecting or view some of the fascinating local wildlife (additional expense). 

Wake up to the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier Bay National Park this morning, with its towering ice rivers, rugged coastline, and tranquil fjords. As you cruise through this pristine wilderness, it’s clear why the area holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Today, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the park’s unique features, as local rangers join you on board to share their expertise, offering insights into the region’s geological marvels and diverse wildlife.

Today, you'll embark on an unforgettable journey as you cruise north into the vast, open waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of pristine wilderness and towering mountain ranges. The first stop on this adventure is College Fjord, a breathtaking inlet known for its dramatic scenery and massive glaciers. As you approach, the sight of these colossal ice giants and the deep blue waters will leave you in awe. The surrounding mountains, dusted with snow, reflect in the calm waters, creating an almost surreal landscape. It's a perfect place to relax, take in the grandeur of nature, and perhaps take a few photos to remember this extraordinary day.

Disembark in Whittier and travel to Anchorage, stopping on the way to enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Moose Encounter

During an up-close encounter at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, enjoy the chance to feed the resident moose. Learn about their diet, behaviour and wild counterparts as you snap a picture of this magical creature. 

Enjoy a scenic journey to Denali on your Insider Experience today.

Insider Experience – McKinley Explorer

Travel aboard the McKinley Explorer to the township of Denali. Expansive glass-domed windows offer 360-degree views, while a host guide accompanies each rail car. Witness the breathtaking expanse of the pristine Alaskan wilderness unfolding before you as you traverse the magnificent Hurricane Gulch and journey through Broad Pass. Admire the majestic peak of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. 

Today begins with a special Insider Experience. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to relax and unwind at Holland America Denali Lodge. Alternatively, you might like to visit Denali Square, the social heart of the resort, and perhaps attend an engaging ranger talk.

Insider Experience – Tundra Wilderness Tour

Explore the tundra wilderness country of Denali National Park, accompanied by a knowledgeable local ranger. Look out for native wildlife, such as moose, caribou, grizzly bears and wolves. Learn about the work of wildlife biologists and see why conservation is so paramount to this part of Alaska. The Tundra Wilderness Tour experience is operated by the US National Park so experience a unique opportunity to travel on a school bus into the park.

Depart Denali today and journey to Fairbanks, where you'll embark on a scenic cruise along the Chena River aboard a historic sternwheeler. As you glide through the tranquil waters, admire the lush landscapes and spot local wildlife.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.