Canadian Rockies and Alaska by Land & Sea: 25 days Victoria to Fairbanks

Your journey begins in Victoria, nestled on Vancouver Island, where a rich British colonial heritage reveals itself through elegant Victorian architecture, vibrant gardens and the unhurried pace of life along the Inner Harbour. Delight in a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the iconic Fairmont Empress, set right on the waterfront, and celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome dinner alongside your Tour Director and fellow guests.

Please book your flight to arrive into Victoria prior to 05:00 PM.

This morning, wander through vibrant flowerbeds, tranquil ponds and winding pathways at the world-renowned Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. The afternoon opens up entirely with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences.

Scenic Freechoice:
Whale Watching Cruise: The Salish Sea is one of earth’s most breathtaking marine environments, and this guided cruise ventures right into the heart of it. Expert on board naturalists bring the ecosystem to life with genuine insight, and the waters here are known for whales, sea lions, otters and bald eagles, with sightings a real possibility at every turn. The west coast has a way of exceeding expectations.

Take to the Skies Over Victoria: There is no better way to appreciate Victoria’s extraordinary setting than from the air. A floatplane lifts you above the dramatic coastline, the Strait stretches to the horizon and the snow-capped Olympic Peninsula rises in the distance, before a graceful touchdown on the glistening waters of the historic Inner Harbour brings it all to a close.

Victoria Gorge Cruise: Ninety minutes on board a quiet zero-emission electric boat, gliding through working shipyards and scenic waterways at the pace the city deserves. Your captain brings the rich history of the Coast Salish people to life along a waterway that has made a remarkable journey of its own, restored from industrial pollution to thriving ecosystem.

Victoria Bites & Sights: A harbour ferry ride opens up the Inner Harbour before the tour steps into Canada’s oldest Chinatown, where hidden alleys, secret courtyards and extraordinary stories lie around every corner. Cobblestone paths, a classic Canadian treat and a stop at Victoria’s most beloved chocolate shop round out a tour that reveals the city one delicious discovery at a time.

Cross the Georgia Strait by ferry, and arrive at Squamish Canyon in the heart of BC’s coastal rainforest. Go on an immersive journey through the heart of the rainforest, elevated above the forest floor for a new perspective on the wild below. The experience is both peaceful and awe-inspiring, like walking through a living cathedral of trees.

On arrival in Whistler, settle into a two-night stay at the Fairmont Château Whistler at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. The evening brings two Scenic Enrich experiences.

Scenic Enrich
Join renowned black bear expert and researcher Michael Allen for a fascinating and personal session about these extraordinary creatures, their behaviour, their place in the ecosystem and the vital work being done to protect them.

Scenic Enrich
This evening, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre where cultural ambassadors in regalia from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations share songs and stories, and an Indigenous-inspired feast brings the cultures of two Nations beautifully to the table.

Set in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is a world unto itself, where alpine scenery of the highest order meets a vibrant village atmosphere and near-limitless opportunities for discovery. Today is entirely yours to shape with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences.

Scenic Freechoice:
Peak 2 Peak Gondola: Two mountains. Infinite possibilities. The Peak 2 Peak connects the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, opening up a vast alpine world in a single spectacular journey. Whether you are here to hike, explore or simply stand in awe of one of the most dramatic landscapes in Canada, this is the way to see it all.

Zip Lining Over Whistler Valley: Soar above the valley between two legendary mountains, flying high over ancient forests and glacial creeks on four thrilling ziplines. Connected by suspension bridges, elevated boardwalks and forest trails, this is a complete treetop experience with elevated viewing decks offering breathtaking vistas that stop even the most seasoned travellers in their tracks.

Whistler Heli Flightseeing: Lift off and experience Whistler the way it was truly meant to be seen. From soaring summits to sparkling glacier-fed lakes and endless mountain terrain, every second in the air reveals something more extraordinary than the last.

Whistler Mountain Adventure Tour: Venture beyond the village into raw untamed backcountry that most visitors never encounter, with hidden roads, secret viewpoints and spectacular scenery. The highlight is Whistler’s thriving black bear population, with sightings from the comfort of your vehicle a genuine possibility. Round out the day at the top of the world-famous Olympic Ski Jumps for panoramic mountain and valley views.

The spectacular Duffey Lake Road winds through the interior of British Columbia with sublime lake and river views, passing through the historic gold rush town of Lillooet before arriving in Kelowna, the heart of the Okanagan Valley. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards and shimmering lakes, it is a very different but equally beautiful face of British Columbia. Stay overnight at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort.

Leave the Okanagan behind as your journey carries you east into the Canadian Rockies and the picturesque mountain town of Banff. Settle in for a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, one of Canada’s most iconic hotels. This evening, the choice of where to dine is yours.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
From a hidden Bavarian Alpine retreat nestled in the woods to rustic Italian flavours and the elegance of a classic French brasserie, a selection of outstanding dining experiences awaits, each one a fitting setting for an evening in the Rockies.

World Heritage-listed Banff National Park is yours to explore today, as actively or as unhurriedly as you wish, with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences.

Scenic Enrich
Meet a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for a fascinating and personal insight into the enduring importance of the Mounties, past and present.

Scenic Freechoice:
Heli Flightseeing Banff: Lift off and venture into one of earth’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. Weave between the iconic Three Sisters Peaks as sheer rock faces rise around you and the true scale of the Canadian Rockies sinks in. Rugged peaks, glittering lakes and untouched wilderness surround you on every side, with the winding Bow River far below, a breathtaking experience that cannot be replicated from the ground.

Bow River Float Trip: Just minutes from downtown Banff, step onto the Bow River and let it carry you through one of earth’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. No experience needed, just a sense of wonder. Drift peacefully downstream as towering peaks rise on every side, wildflowers line the banks and water birds glide alongside. Wildlife has a habit of appearing when you least expect it.

E-Bike & Hike Johnston Canyon: A guided e-bike tour through mountain forest and along shimmering lakeshores, followed by a hike into Banff’s most beloved canyon, walking deeper into towering rock walls until the spectacular Lower Falls thunders into view. Two iconic Banff experiences, beautifully combined into one extraordinary day.

Banff Gondola: Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for a stunning bird’s-eye view of Banff township and six mountain ranges stretching to every horizon.

Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Banff Springs: Rejuvenate in the mineral pools of the Willow Stream Spa, drawing energy from the mountains around you in this serene and beautifully appointed sanctuary (available on select early season departures only).

Your journey follows the storied Bow Valley Parkway toward Lake Louise, known for its turquoise, glacier-fed water ringed by high peaks. Arrive at the Diamond in the Wilderness and settle into your Lakeview Room at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise for a two-night Scenic Special Stay. The evening brings both a Scenic Enrich experience and a Scenic Freechoice Dining occasion.

Scenic Enrich
Ride the Lake Louise Summer Gondola, one of the finest vantage points in the Rockies for observing grizzly bears, black bears, lynx, moose and mountain goats moving through their natural habitat.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Choose between a French-Canadian Brasserie-style dining experience overlooking the spectacular lake or the refined elegance of contemporary Canadian cuisine, both within the elegant surrounds of the Château where attentive service and thoughtful flavours make every meal an occasion.

Consistently ranked among the world’s great scenic drives, the Icefields Parkway winds through a procession of towering peaks, ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls that few roads on earth can match. At the Columbia Icefield, board an Ice Explorer and travel onto the vast icy expanse of the Athabasca Glacier, a humbling encounter with ice that has been forming for centuries.

Board the legendary Rocky Mountaineer for one of the world’s great rail journeys. Settled into your GoldLeaf Service glass-dome carriage, traverse dramatic mountain passes and sweeping canyons as the landscapes of the Canadian Rockies unfold in every direction. There is something deeply unhurried about train travel. The world outside moves at its own pace, and the only thing asked of you is to look out the window and take it all in. Tonight, unwind in a Kamloops hotel selected by Rocky Mountaineer.

The second day on board the Rocky Mountaineer brings its own rewards. Watch the mesmerising confluence of the Fraser and Thompson rivers come into view from your glass-dome carriage, then settle in for another day of celebrated Rocky Mountaineer cuisine paired with local wines and craft beers as the landscape shifts from mountains to coast. Arrive in cosmopolitan Vancouver, where a two-night stay at the iconic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver awaits.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park opens early exclusively for Scenic guests this morning, a rare and peaceful start to the day high above the lush forest canopy. A city sightseeing tour follows, weaving through Vancouver’s vibrant neighbourhoods and past its most celebrated landmarks, from the historic streets of Gastown to the waterfront grandeur of Canada Place.

From Canada Place Pier, board your elegant seven-night Alaskan Princess cruise and settle into your Balcony Stateroom as Vancouver’s skyline recedes and the legendary Inside Passage opens ahead. This is where the journey takes on an entirely new character, trading mountain roads for open water and the breathtaking scenery of Alaska’s coastline.

The Inside Passage has a rhythm all its own. Forested coastline, snow-capped peaks and sheltered inlets drift past as you settle in with a good book, visit the spa or find a quiet seat and watch Alaska draw closer. This is a day given entirely over to the art of travelling well.

Ketchikan earns its reputation as the salmon capital of the world with well-justified pride. Totem poles rise from the creek banks, fishing boats jostle in the harbour and the rhythm of this working coastal community is impossible to resist. The vibrant atmosphere weaves together the echoes of native heritage with the energy of a fishing culture that remains very much alive. Delight in local delicacies and take the time to explore a place that feels genuinely and authentically itself.

Alaska’s state capital is accessible only by air or sea, hemmed in by mountains and ocean, and richer for it. Delve into its history, from the drama of the Gold Rush era to the enduring culture of the indigenous Tlingit people, and marvel at the glacier vistas that frame every view. It is a city shaped entirely by its landscape, and all the more compelling for it.

Wander the streets of Skagway, a living testament to the Klondike Gold Rush era. Meticulously preserved shop facades and wooden boardwalks whisper tales of adventure and fortune, and with the mountain walls pressing in close on all sides, it is easy to imagine the thousands who once flooded these streets in search of gold and glory.

Wrap your hands around a steaming hot chocolate and watch ancient ice walls rise from the water in silence. Vast, elemental and utterly unlike anywhere else on earth, Glacier Bay is Alaska at its most humbling. It is a day that settles into the memory long after the ship has moved on.

Nestled within the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, College Fjord is a breathtaking sanctuary where glaciers rise as high as forty storeys from the serene water below. Navigate slowly through this spectacular landscape as each towering formation tells its own ancient story, a place of rare and quietly overwhelming beauty.

Disembark in Whittier and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, where native species are encountered at remarkably close range in a setting dedicated to their rehabilitation and care. A thrilling jet boat ride through the surrounding wilderness follows before the day ends at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, where sweeping views of Denali National Park set the tone for the days ahead.

Optional flightseeing over Denali with glacier landing is available at additional cost, subject to seasonal operation.

Board the Princess Rail for a scenic journey from Talkeetna to Denali National Park, arriving at the Holland America Denali Lodge for a three-night Scenic Special Stay surrounded by the stunning Alaskan wilderness. The scale of this place begins to assert itself the moment you arrive.

Scenic Enrich
Visit the homestead of Joanne Porterfield and hear her remarkable story of early Alaskan life, an intimate and genuinely moving insight into the resilience and spirit of those who made their lives in this extraordinary landscape.

Denali National Park is one of North America’s last true wildernesses, a vast and largely roadless sanctuary home to grizzly bears, wolves, moose and the continent’s tallest peak, Mt. McKinley. Today’s Scenic Enrich experience ventures deep into its heart.

Scenic Enrich
The Tundra Wilderness Tour follows the park’s spectacular road corridor into terrain most visitors never reach. The wildlife moves at its own pace here, and encounters cannot be guaranteed, but the scenery alone rewards every hour of the journey. The tour also visits the historic Murie Cabin near the East Fork River, where Adolf Murie conducted his famous wildlife research in what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park.

A full day to explore Denali’s pristine wilderness further, with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences to shape the day.

Scenic Freechoice:
Rafting Down the Nenana River: An experienced guide leads the way down the Nenana River, with Alaska’s wild beauty unfolding on every bank. A direct and exhilarating way to experience the landscape that surrounds Denali National Park.

Denali Wilderness ATV Tour: No experience necessary, just a sense of adventure. Ride through rugged terrain surrounding Denali National Park with locals who know every trail and hidden viewpoint. Sweeping 360-degree overlooks reveal the magnificent Alaska Range, shimmering lakes and vast open valleys. Navigate rocky creek beds, splash through water crossings and keep your eyes open, as moose sightings are a genuine possibility. Guests ride in two-seater side-by-side ATV vehicles.

Alaska Pioneer Wagon Tour: On board a classic covered wagon drawn by two magnificent draft horses, the Alaskan tundra unfolds at a pace that invites real attention. Your guide brings the landscape to life, sharing the region’s rich mining history, an abandoned pioneer cabin and the legacy of the Athabascan people whose artefacts rest along the ancient riverbed. The journey ends with a freshly prepared family-style feast and a chance to meet your horse team up close.

Cruise into Alaska’s interior on board the Discovery III Sternwheeler, witnessing a bush floatplane take off, meeting champion sled dogs and immersing yourself in the rich culture of Alaska’s river communities. Arrive in Fairbanks and settle in for your stay at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, where your Tour Director joins the group for a farewell dinner.

Your journey draws to a close in Fairbanks, a city that has served as a gateway to Alaska’s wild interior for generations. Depart with remarkable memories of a journey that has spanned mountains, glaciers and ancient ice.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. Please refer to Scenic’s terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.