16 Day Inspiring Canada & Alaska With Northern Lights
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
A land of rugged hills, rushing waters and undisturbed wildlife, Alaska is as big as it is wild. Whether you're watching whales splash in the Pacific Ocean, gazing up at towering ice formations like the Hubbard Glacier or journeying by train deep into the last frontier on Anchorage's Coastal Classic Railroad, Alaska is sure to quench any explorer's thirst.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Banff National Parks snow-capped peaks, explore Vancouver and Calgary's cosmopolitan heartbeat, visit iconic Lake Louise, cruise the Inside Passage to Alaska and marvel at the natural Aurora Borealis
✓ 8 nights accommodation in comfortable 3-star accommodation
✓ 7 nights Alaska cruise with Royal Caribbean including gratuities
✓ Breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
✓ English speaking Tour Director throughout The Rockies (Day 1 to 5)
✓ Expert local guides in Whitehorse
✓ Dedicated transportation as outlined in the itinerary
✓ Internal flight from Vancouver to Whitehorse
✓ All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
✓ Porterage at hotels for one piece per person
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Calgary! Make your own way to your downtown hotel where upon checking-in, you have the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is located approximately 20km from downtown Calgary. There are a range of transportation options available. You can purchase a private airport transfer when completing your booking, or taxis are available for approximately CAD$45-55 per vehicle.
This morning we set out to meet fellow travellers at breakfast before we tour the sights of Calgary. We admire such modern and historic landmarks as the Calgary Tower, Fort Calgary and the skyscrapers of the commercial district. Leaving Calgary behind we set our sights on the Rocky Mountains, which can already be seen, far off in the distance. Experience the majesty of the mountains as we first travel through the foothills and then enter Banff National Park.
Enjoy a tour of Banff National Park, featuring the Banff town site, Tunnel Mountain, a spectacular view of the Banff Springs Hotel, Johnston Canyon, the Hoodoos, the Bow Valley Parkway, and the world-famous Lake Louise.
Today is yours at leisure to further explore Canmore and Banff National Park. You may wish to take part in an optional tour to the Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefield.
Note: If you do not select the Columbia Icefield optional tour, you may still travel with the coach to the icefield for time at leisure while the other travellers are riding the Ice Explorer.
We travel north along the Icefields Parkway to experience a wealth of breathtaking scenery. Crystal blue-green lakes, fresh mountain streams, deep forests, and snow-capped mountain peaks are the order of the day. After taking a snow coach ride along the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefields, return to Canmore in late afternoon.
NOT AVAILABLE ON APRIL/EARLY MAY DEPARTURES
Our drive today is on the famed TransCanada Highway, following a route chartered by the railroad engineers and fur traders of the mid 1800's.
Kicking Horse Pass leads us from the Rockies into the Columbia River Valley before we climb through Rogers Pass in Glacier National park. The Selkirk Mountains receive massive amounts of winter snow and are home to over one hundred active avalanche zones.
We continue through the Monashee Mountain Range to the rugged interior town of Vernon.
Today, we leave the Okanagan Valley and mountains behind, passing through the lower mainland. Few roads in Canada pass through a greater variety of vegetation within such a short distance, than Highway 3 between Osoyoos and Tashme. At the western end there are dense rain forests; to the east is a desert where prickly pear cactus thrives.
We drive the Coquihalla Highway and then enter Vancouver.
Upon arrival, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver featuring highlights as Stanley Park to see the collection of totem poles, English Bay, trendy Robson Street, Gastown, Chinatown, Canada Place and the Cruise Ship Pier.
You have some time this morning for some last minute shopping before being transferred to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal for your journey to Alaska. Your included transfer to the cruise port departs at approximately 1pm.
Once you have checked in to the cruise, begin exploring all that your ship has to offer.
Ports of call may vary cruise to cruise based on ship schedules.
Your ship offers the perfect platform for viewing British Columbia’s Inside Passage. This archipelago spans 25,000 miles from Seattle to Prince Rupert near the Alaskan border. Here you’ll ply calm waters sheltered between the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island. Along the way catch a glimpse of breathtakingly rugged scenery, plus staggering wildlife like salmon sharks, white spirit bears, and millions of 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.
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 snowcapped 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.
The tiny town of Skagway still looks like it did during the Klondike Gold Rush over 100 years ago – and today it remains an outpost for thrilling Alaskan adventure. An old-time tram ride along bustling Broadway Street reveals well-preserved buildings, including the state’s oldest hotel. You can see engraved walrus tusks at the Corrington Museum, or get lost in riveting historical reenactments around town. If outdoor adventure is more your thing, there are plenty of ways to ramp up the adrenaline, from sledding with Alaskan Huskies on Laughton Glacier to rafting on Lynn Canal, the longest fjord in North America.
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 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.
Today is a full day to relax and enjoy the many activities, restaurants and entertainment your ship has to offer.
This morning you will disembark our Inside Passage Cruise and be transferred to Vancouver Airport in time for your included flight into the Yukon.
Upon arrival at Whitehorse Airport you will be greeted by a local representative of Northern Tales Travel Services who will welcome you to the Yukon and transfer you to your hotel.
Once you have checked in you will receive an orientation meeting describing what to expect during your stay. The rest of the day is yours until your first evening viewing of the Aurora Borealis. The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a spectacle of magnetic and electrical charges in the air, colouring the sky a multitude of majestic hues.
Tonight is your first chance to view this spectacular show. Departing the hotel at 22:00 in groups, you will be taken to a prime viewing area and treated to snacks and hot drinks during your viewing. Contemplate the sublime beauty of this fascinating array of blues, reds, greens and violets in this idyllic setting as you relax in a cosy heated cabin or walled tent.
Return to the hotel at approximately 2:30am.
This morning, you are treated to a tour of the scenic city of Whitehorse, a former gold rush settlement set against a stunning backdrop of mountains.
Discover the highlights of this town such as Main Street, the Train Depot of White Pass, Log Skyscraper, Log Church, the Sternwheeler SS Klondike, fish ladders and Schwatka Lake.
Spend this afternoon at your leisure. You have multiple options to book activities (directly with the accommodation) such as; dog sledding, ice fishing, flightseeing or snowshoeing.
Later tonight, you will have an opportunity to view the Aurora Borealis. Whilst waiting for the lights to appear, you are invited to sit at a roaring bonfire, roast marshmallows, have tea and hot chocolate, chat with local guides, try out snowshoeing, tobogganing on a small hill.
Spend today at your leisure, in and around Whitehorse.
You have multiple options to book activities (directly with the accommodation) such as; dog sledding, ice fishing, flightseeing or snowshoeing.
Later tonight, you will have an opportunity to view the Aurora Borealis. Whilst waiting for the lights to appear, you are invited to sit at a roaring bonfire, roast marshmallows, have tea and hot chocolate, chat with local guides, try out snowshoeing, tobogganing on a small hill.
Today, your northern experience comes to an end as you check out of your hotel and are transferred to Whitehorse Airport (YXY) in time for your onward flight.
Give your routine a rest and press pause on reality, because adventure is well within reach. Whether you’re dining in one of the onboard restaurants or soaking up the sunshine poolside at the adults-only Solarium, Brilliance of the Seas is what getaway goals are made of.
Spend your time poolside soaking up sunshine and serenity,or fill your days with new ways to play and non-stop action on every deck. On this ship, how you live it up is entirely up to you.
Stateroom Details;
Each stateroom aboard Brilliance of the Seas includes the following services and amenities;
Complimentary 24-hour In-Room Dining
Daily Housekeeping
Nightly turndown service
Generous Storage
Safes for your valuables
INSIDE - Included
Two lower beds convertible to one Royal King bed, with seating and a desk. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. (Approximately 12 square metres).
OCEAN VIEW - FROM an additional $372 per person, twin share (Single additional $744)
These staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one Royal King bed—includes seating and a desk, with a window allowing natural light into the room. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. (Approximately 12 square metres).
OCEANVIEW BALCONY CABIN UPGRADE - FROM an additional $1,728 per person, twin share (Single additional $3,456)
Sliding glass doors open onto your private balcony from this comfortable stateroom, which includes two lower beds convertible to one Royal King bed. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. — (Approximately 18 square metres with a 4sqm balcony).
Please note your upgrade request in the 'Special Request' field whilst making your booking. Once your upgrade has been confirmed, the additional amount will be added to your invoice and payable with your final payment.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorized as a ”3”
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,826.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Group Size
20-50 Persons
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Canada & Alaska.
25 May 2023
From poutine to national parks, Canada is a traveller’s paradise Stretching more than half of the Northern Hemisphere and across six time zones, the Great White North is the world’s second-largest country – and a magnificent one at that. Whether you’re a city dweller, energised by bustling streets and high-rise livin...
25 May 2023
Get to know one of the world’s most visited glaciers Deep in the Canadian Rockies, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the region’s most loved sights. This icy attraction draws people from across the country, thanks in part to its proximity to the Icefields Parkway – making it easily accessible. Visit between May and ear...
16 Sep 2020
Do you get snap happy at the sight of picture-perfect lakes and quaint towns with colourful architecture? Let these stunning Canadian towns inspire your next adventure Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario How can one city be so lovely? Niagara-on-the-Lake, the oh-so-charming town that is nestled just beyond the roaring power...
16 Sep 2020
From hiking amongst the clouds and spotting grizzlies in the wild to relaxing in hot springs, there is something truly special about the Rockies in summer Canoeing on Lake Louise At the heart of Banff National Park, surrounded by snowy peaks and famous for its turquoise coloured-water, lies Lake Louise, the so-called...
16 Sep 2020
Canada has it all – from breathtaking scenery, to modern, vibrant cities, friendly locals and incredible wildlife. Likewise, neighbouring Alaska has some of the most famous wilderness in the world. But, when is the best time to go? Canada is an enormous country that experiences very distinct seasons, but the diver...
16 Sep 2020
Whether you love hiking, film, or wine, there are several ways to experience the world’s second-largest country The fact Canada offers something for everyone is a huge part of its charm. The country evokes images of looming mountain tops, epic skiing, ice-blue lakes, pine trees for days, eclectic cities, rugged hikin...
