16 Day Inspiring Canada With Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

Welcome to Calgary! Upon checking-in, you have the remainder of the day at your leisure to enjoy the city. Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

This morning,around 7am, we gather with our fellow travellers over breakfast before embarking around 8:30am on a captivating exploration of Calgary's landmarks, both modern and historic. From the iconic Calgary Tower to the storied Fort Calgary and the imposing skyscrapers of the bustling commercial district, we marvel at the city's diverse architectural tapestry. As we bid farewell to Calgary, our gaze shifts towards the majestic Rocky Mountains, looming on the distant horizon. Prepare to be enchanted as we traverse through the picturesque foothills, gradually entering the breathtaking expanse of Banff National Park. Our journey through Banff National Park is a feast for the senses, encompassing highlights such as the charming Banff town site, the commanding presence of Tunnel Mountain, and the awe-inspiring vista of the Banff Springs Hotel. Delight in the natural wonders of Johnston Canyon and the peculiar formations of the Hoodoos, before cruising along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. Our adventure culminates at the renowned Lake Louise, offering an unforgettable rendezvous with one of the world's most iconic alpine lakes. We return to Banff whilst looking out for bears and moose, before retiring to our hotel in the heart of Banff. For those wanting to take part in the Banff Gondola, they will be dropped at the Gondola around 3pm. Those who aren't will be then taken to the hotel to check in. The Wagon Ride with Cowboy BBQ Cookout Dinner optional tour will commence around 4:30pm. Please note, if you would like to do both the Banff Gondola and the Cowboy Cookout, you will need to make your own way from the gondola to the Cowboy Cookout pick-up point.Special Information Please note - access to Johnston Canyon can be prohibited if weather is icy or wet.

After a delicious breakfast, begin your northward journey along the Icefields Parkway, where you'll be enchanted by an array of breathtaking landscapes. Admire the shimmering blue-green lakes, meandering mountain streams, lush forests, and majestic snow-capped peaks that dominate the scenery. Today's destination is the Jasper Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre. If you haven't pre-booked the optional Icefield Explorer Snow Coach Ride (own expense), you'll have around 1.5 hours to enjoy other activities. You can book and pay directly for the Skywalk experience, have lunch at the Altitude or Chalet Restaurant, take a hike along the free trails that begin at the centre, or simply relax and explore the Discovery Centre and its outdoor patio with stunning glacier views. Alternatively, you may opt for a leisurely day in Banff, allowing you to explore the townsite further and fully embrace the mountain lifestyle.

Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain hamlet of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's Interior. Your journey takes you through ever-changing scenery as you travel between the iconic glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today's highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today's journey, you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the B.C. Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Cascade and Coast Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver, where your trip leader will meet you at the Rocky Mountaineer station and transfer you to the hotel with the rest of your group, where you will have the night at leisure to explore this vibrant city. Inspiring Highlights Thompson River Fraser Canyon

Indulge in a captivating sightseeing expedition of Vancouver, showcasing iconic attractions including Stanley Park with its renowned totem pole collection, picturesque English Bay, the vibrant ambiance of Robson Street, historic Gastown, bustling Chinatown, and the majestic Canada Place and Cruise Ship Pier. The afternoon and evening is at leisure in Vancouver. There are countless restaurants, shops and bars within walking distance from your centrally located hotel. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to provide recommendations. Optional Tour - Harbour Air Vancouver Classic Panorama Seaplane Flight Harbour Air Seaplanes' most popular 30-minute tour of the North Shore Mountains. This ideal introduction to seaplane aviation departs from downtown Vancouver's bustling Coal Harbour and includes a complete aerial view of the city. Photographers will especially enjoy a bird's eye view of Horseshoe Bay, English Bay and Deep Cove. The sensation of landing on water is always a memorable highlight. Start Time: From 13:00 until 18:45 - all flights will be booked within this periodDuration: 30 mins Please note - this optional tour overlaps with the Gastronic Gastown Foodie Tour, so both cannot be booked at the same time. Optional Tour - Gastronomic Gastown Foodie Tour with Alcohol Pairing Meeting Point - Gastown Vancouver Start Time - 15:00 End Time - 18:00 Eat and drink your way through Vancouver's #1 foodie district, just like the locals love to do. Indulge in the boozey, foodie, historic neighbourhood with local comfort foods, creative dishes, and delicious beverages to wash them down. Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, laden with iconic restaurants, quirky pubs, and historic spaces. Uncover the alleyways and doors that hold Gastown's gems. The total walking distance is 1.4km. The 3-hour progressive meal pairs food with cocktails and wines at 3 of Gastown's much-loved restaurants. Weave through Gastown's cobblestone maze, meet local restauranteurs, hear stories of the community, and indulge in appetizers, mains, and desserts. Please note - this optional tour overlaps with the Harbour Air Vancouver Classic Panorama Seaplane Flight, so both cannot be booked at the same time.

This morning offers you an opportunity for any final shopping endeavours in Canada before your transfer to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal for your voyage to Alaska. Your included transfer to the cruise port departs around 1pm. Upon checking in to the cruise, commence your exploration of the myriad amenities aboard your ship. Special InformationAlaska is part of the USA, and an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a visa may be required for entry. It is the responsibility of each traveller to ensure they meet the entry requirements for the United States based on the passport they are travelling with. Requirements can vary depending on your nationality, so we recommend checking with your local embassy or consulate well in advance of travel.

Enjoy a leisurely day at sea cruising the spectacular Inside Passage. Your vessel provides an ideal vantage point for admiring the beauty of British Columbia's Inside Passage. Stretching over 25,000 miles from Seattle to Prince Rupert near the Alaskan border, this archipelago boasts serene waters nestled between the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island. As you navigate this route, prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring rugged landscapes and encounter a plethora of wildlife, including orcas, humpback whales, rare white spirit bears, and countless seabirds.

Sitka truly offers the best of Alaska. Its small-town appeal stems from a unique blend of Russian, Tlingit and American history. Its snow-capped peaks and volcanic Mount Edgecumbe pose amongst the state's most postcard-worthy scenes. And its rare wildlife astounds, from Saint Lazaria Island's orange-beaked puffins to Alaska Maritime Refuge's 40 million seabirds. This is off-the-beaten-track Alaska, where you can kayak Sitka Sound alongside swimming sea otters or fly-fish for the world's biggest halibut. Whether it's hiking along Baranof Island trails or listening to tribal stories passed down for generations, in Sitka the midnight sun never sets on adventure. There are a range of shore excursions on offer today. Join your pre-booked option or arrange something when you get onboard with the Shore Excursions desk.

Tracy Arm Fjord extends over 30 miles alongside the wilderness of Tongass National Forest. Sailing through this deep and narrow passage delivers some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll find in Alaska. See active glaciers carved into 7,000-foot-tall mountain peaks and plunging waterfalls burrowed into evergreen-clad cliffs. Glimpse native wildlife and watch deep blue icebergs float past the ship. Discover the twin Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord. While viewing the massive face of these tidewater glaciers, spanning more than a half-mile wide, you can hear the roar and feel the rumble of huge pieces of ice calving into the water in a spectacular display. Tracy Arm Fjord is home to a spectacular array of wildlife. See pigeon guillemots, kittiwakes and arctic terns. Mountain goats graze on rocky slopes, while newborn seal pups sun on ice floes. Glimpse black bears hunting for lunch and soaring eagles— or watch for the fluke of a whale diving below. We then sail to Alaska's remote capital, Juneau. You can't get to Juneau easily without a sprint by air or by sea. But once you arrive you'll find majestic views and rich culture in every corner. With its snow capped mountains, misty rainforests, massive glaciers and bounty of wildlife, Alaska's remote state capital is the perfect place to dive into nature. Framed by Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts, the city's picturesque central area offers centuries-old bars, boutique shops and historical landmarks. For a taste of the local culture, visit the historic district and the Alaska State Museum. And for outdoor thrills, you can take your pick of activities ranging from whale watching in Auke Bay Harbour to tundra trekking over Mendenhall Glacier, and even try your hand at gold panning in Last Chance Basin.

Royal Caribbean's Alaska program visits many of the same destinations, however there are some departures that stop in different ports due to operational requirements. These vary based on your cruise embarkation date. Please see the port you will visit today based on your cruise embarkation date below. Ketchikan(Embarkation Date - 11 May, 25 May, 01 Jun, 15 Jun, 03 Aug) Welcome to Ketchikan, Alaska! Experience the must-see lumberjack show in Ketchikan—an action-packed showcase of rugged skills in chopping, sawing, and log-rolling, immersing you in the region's rich heritage. For fishing enthusiasts, Ketchikan, known as the salmon capital of the world, offers guided trips for salmon reeling, suitable for all levels of expertise. Indulge in a shopping spree in Ketchikan's downtown district, boasting unique shops and boutiques offering local artwork and handmade goods, perfect for picking up Alaskan souvenirs. Nature lovers can embark on a wildlife safari boat tour through neighbouring fjords and islands, spotting bald eagles, seals, whales, and other captivating wildlife. Haines(Embarkation Date - 18 May, 17 Aug, 07 Sep) Haines offers diverse activities for all ages and interests, from wildlife tours to cultural immersion. Prepare for an incredible journey into the untouched beauty of the Haines wilderness. Wildlife photography tours in Haines, Alaska provide endless opportunities to capture stunning shots of bears, eagles, moose, and whales amidst breathtaking natural landscapes. Join bear-viewing tours for a chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, fishing along rivers or grazing in meadows. Icy Strait Point(Embarkation Date - 08 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 Jul, 10 Aug, 24 Aug) Icy Strait Point is a Native Tlingit-owned Alaskan gem offering a unique blend of adventure and culture. This picturesque port town, accessible primarily by cruise ship, boasts the world's largest zipline, thrilling hiking trails, and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can immerse themselves in Tlingit heritage at the restored salmon cannery museum, savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and explore the charming shops. It's an unforgettable destination where adrenaline-pumping activities meet authentic cultural experiences. Skagway(Embarkation Date - 22 Jun, 20 Jul) Skagway is a charming Alaskan town steeped in gold rush history. Once a bustling gateway to the Klondike, it now offers visitors a step back in time with its well-preserved historic buildings and wooden sidewalks. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway provides a breathtaking journey through stunning mountain scenery, while the Chilkoot Trail offers a challenging hike for adventurous souls. Beyond its rich past, Skagway also offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, with kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing being popular activities. At Sea (Hubbard Glacier)(Embarkation Date - 31 Aug) A day at sea cruising past the Hubbard Glacier, a colossal natural wonder, renowned as North America's largest tidewater glacier. This massive ice formation, located in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, is a breathtaking sight to behold. Its sheer size and power are awe-inspiring, as huge chunks of ice regularly break off and crash into the icy waters below. The glacier's dynamic nature, with its occasional surges and advances, adds to its mystique.

Royal Caribbean's Alaska program visits many of the same destinations, however there are some departures that stop in different ports due to operational requirements. These vary based on your cruise embarkation date. Please see the port you will visit today based on your cruise embarkation date below. Prince Rupert(Embarkation Date - 11 May, 25 May, 01 Jun, 15 Jun, 03 Aug) Prince Rupert is a vibrant coastal city nestled in the heart of British Columbia's stunning North Coast. Known as the "Gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest," it offers a unique blend of urban amenities and breathtaking natural beauty. With its rich history as a bustling port city, Prince Rupert boasts a charming downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city is a paradise, with opportunities for fishing, whale watching, kayaking, and exploring the pristine wilderness. Prince Rupert is a captivating destination that promises unforgettable experiences. Ketchikan(Embarkation Date - 18 May, 08 Jun, 22 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 Jul, 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 10 Aug, 17 Aug, 24 Aug, 31 Aug, 07 Sep) Welcome to Ketchikan, Alaska! Experience the must-see lumberjack show in Ketchikan—an action-packed showcase of rugged skills in chopping, sawing, and log-rolling, immersing you in the region's rich heritage. For fishing enthusiasts, Ketchikan, known as the salmon capital of the world, offers guided trips for salmon reeling, suitable for all levels of expertise. Indulge in a shopping spree in Ketchikan's downtown district, boasting unique shops and boutiques offering local artwork and handmade goods, perfect for picking up Alaskan souvenirs. Nature lovers can embark on a wildlife safari boat tour through neighbouring fjords and islands, spotting bald eagles, seals, whales, and other captivating wildlife.

Today is a full day to relax and enjoy the many activities, restaurants and entertainment your ship has to offer whilst cruising the stunning Inside Passage.

Welcome back to Vancouver. Your ship will arrive in port at approximately 7:00am this morning. At the appropriate time, disembark your Alaska cruise and make your own way to the airport for your onward flight. Vancouver's Canada Place Cruise Terminal is located approximately 15kms from Vancouver International Airport. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Crossing over the date-line.

Arrive home today. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.