Icons of Western Canada & Alaskan Cruise: 22 days Victoria to Vancouver

Few cities announce themselves quite like Victoria. The British colonial heritage is unmistakable, in the flower baskets lining the streets, the stone facades of its grand buildings and the unhurried pace of life along the Inner Harbour. Settle into a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the iconic Fairmont Empress, set directly on the waterfront, and raise a glass with your Tour Director and fellow guests at your welcome dinner this evening.

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, one of the most celebrated botanical landscapes on earth. 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: Step on board a quiet zero-emission electric boat and ease into 90 minutes of pure discovery. Glide through working shipyards and scenic waterways as your captain brings the rich history of the Coast Salish people and a waterway remarkably restored from industrial pollution to thriving ecosystem beautifully to life.

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.

The ferry crossing of the Georgia Strait offers the first taste of British Columbia’s spectacular coastal scenery before your journey continues north to Whistler. On arrival, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, where the living cultures and traditions of two unique Nations, the Squamish and Lil’wat peoples, are brought to life in a way that lingers long after you leave. Settle into a two-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, a haven of alpine luxury at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.

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

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 road from Whistler winds through some of British Columbia’s most quietly beautiful landscapes, past the confluence of the Thompson and Fraser rivers and through the historic gold rush town of Lillooet, before opening into the welcoming mountain village of Sun Peaks. Lush forests, sparkling lakes and winding rivers frame the resort on every side. Stay overnight at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel.

Leaving the serenity of Sun Peaks behind, today’s journey pushes deeper into the wilderness, arriving in Jasper, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and one of the most awe-inspiring corners of the country. Settle into the warm lodge-style comfort of the renowned Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, nestled within the untamed beauty of Jasper National Park. This evening, the choice of where to dine is yours.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Select from a range of included dining experiences at your hotel tonight, from Italian to a classic steakhouse, all within the beautiful surrounds of the lodge.

Spanning approximately 11,000 square kilometres, World Heritage-listed Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Few places on earth match it for scale and raw beauty. Today is entirely yours to shape with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences.

Scenic Enrich
Join a guided wildlife tour into Jasper’s natural wonderland, where elk, deer, black bears, moose and mountain goats thrive in their pristine habitats, an intimate encounter with the wild heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Scenic Freechoice:
Harley-Davidson Sidecar Tour: Gear up, climb in and feel the rumble of a Harley-Davidson beneath you as you roll out into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Wind up dramatic mountain roads where sweeping views of the Athabasca Valley stretch before you, or venture off the beaten track into the wilder, quieter side of Jasper that most visitors never encounter. Open air, open road and the Rockies all around, the kind of experience that stays with you.

Athabasca River Rafting: Float the very same waters that fur traders navigated over two centuries ago, deep in the heart of one of the world’s most celebrated national parks. No experience needed. Gentle rapids add just the right touch of excitement, and the riverbanks reward those who pay attention, with elk, moose, wolves, eagles and bears making regular appearances.

Maligne Valley & Lakes: Journey deep into the spectacular Maligne Valley on an interpretive drive through the heart of Jasper National Park. Witness Medicine Lake, a remarkable natural phenomenon that disappears entirely each year, before arriving at Maligne Lake where impossibly vivid water, soaring peaks on every horizon and three glaciers in plain view frame the iconic Spirit Island, one of the most photographed scenes in all of Canada.

Wildfire Peak-Nic: In July 2024, a wildfire of historic proportions swept through Jasper National Park, the largest in over a century. On this 4km hike through one of Canada’s most dramatically transformed landscapes, witness new growth, wildflowers pushing through ash and wildlife quietly returning. At the peak, share a hot lunch and hear why wildfire is not destruction, but nature’s most powerful tool for renewal.

The day begins on ice. Board an Ice Explorer and glide across the vast icy expanse of the Athabasca Glacier, a humbling encounter with ancient frozen landscape that has been forming for centuries. The journey then continues south to Lake Louise, known as the Diamond in the Wilderness, where your Lakeview Room at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise awaits for a two-night Scenic Special Stay. This evening, the choice of where to dine is yours.

Scenic Freechoice:
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.

The morning light on Lake Louise is something to witness slowly. Take time to breathe in the stillness of this iconic setting before the day’s Scenic Enrich experience brings its story quietly and beautifully to life.

Scenic Enrich
A Mountain Adventure Guide leads a leisurely walk along the shoreline of iconic Lake Louise, sharing the captivating stories of its discovery and the remarkable history woven into this extraordinary landscape. It is the kind of morning that transforms a beautiful place into something deeply memorable.

The drive south from Lake Louise follows the historic Bow Valley Parkway, with a stop to admire the glacial blues of Emerald Lake or Moraine Lake along the way (accessible seasonally). Arrive in Banff and settle into a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, one of Canada’s most iconic hotels set in the heart of World Heritage-listed Banff National Park. The evening brings two Scenic Enrich 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 Enrich
An intimate dinner concert in one of the historic hotel’s most elegant spaces, where the soothing melodies of a classical violin and cello duet create an evening of rare refinement.

Banff National Park is one of the world’s great natural playgrounds, and today it is entirely yours to explore with your choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences.

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).

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 Canadian Rockies perform outside in an unbroken panorama. 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 aboard 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. This evening, raise a glass with your Tour Director and fellow guests at a celebratory farewell dinner.

From Canada Place Pier, board Holland America Line’s MS Koningsdam for your seven-night Alaskan cruise and settle into your Verandah Stateroom, a private outdoor space from which humpback whales and bald eagles may well make their first appearance as Vancouver’s skyline recedes and the Inside Passage opens ahead. A dedicated Scenic Cruise Liaison accompanies the journey throughout, providing personalised assistance, hosting activities and ensuring every moment on board is as seamless as the days that came before.

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.

Explore Alaska’s state capital, accessible only by air or sea and shaped by the extraordinary landscape that surrounds it. Mountains rise sharply behind, ocean stretches out ahead, and the city carries a character unlike anywhere else in the United States. Delve into its rich history, from the drama of the Klondike Gold Rush to the enduring culture of the indigenous Tlingit people, and explore a vibrant arts scene that reflects a community deeply connected to the wilderness it calls home. The glacier vistas framing the city are unlike anything found in a capital elsewhere.

The streets of Skagway look much as they did during the Klondike Gold Rush. 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. It is a place where history feels genuinely alive.

A World Heritage Site and one of the world’s great wilderness experiences, Glacier Bay is a place of humbling scale and rare quiet beauty. Ancient ice walls rise from the water in silence. Wrap your hands around a steaming hot chocolate, cruise past dramatic frozen walls towering above the waterline and let the serenity of this pristine wilderness settle into the memory, a day utterly unlike any other on the journey.

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 smell of the sea is everywhere. 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.

The last day at sea deserves to be savoured. Settle back as the Alaskan coastline slowly fades southward, the bears, the glaciers, the gold rush towns and the open skies all settling quietly into memory. It is a day for reflection, for conversation with fellow guests and for the particular contentment of a journey well spent.

Your journey draws to a close in Vancouver, the city that bridges the mountains and the sea.

After disembarking, take your time exploring Vancouver’s vibrant neighbourhoods, scenic parks, waterfront paths and local eats, with the freedom to discover the city by coach. As you explore, we’ll securely store your luggage on the coach before your transfer to the airport. Available for flights departing after 6:00 PM.

Please book your flight to depart out of Vancouver after 02:00 PM.

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.