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.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
✓ 2 day journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service
✓ 7 nights Alaskan Inside Passage cruise including gratuities
✓ 15 nights accommodation in central 3-star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast, 9 lunches and 7 dinners
✓ Included flight from Toronto to Calgary
✓ Embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Minnewanka (late-May onwards)
✓ Ride the Banff Gondola for sweeping views of the Rockies
✓ Board the Ice Explorer and step foot on the Athabasca Glacier
✓ Experience the Columbia Icefield Glacier Skywalk
✓ Join a Jasper Wildlife Tour
✓ Enjoy leisurely 2 night stays in Banff and Jasper
✓ Fully escorted tour of Eastern Canada
✓ Expert local guides in Western Canada
✓ Incredible sightseeing, discover Eastern Canada’s French-speaking cities and spectacular natural attractions, explore the breathtaking Rockies and Banff National Park, travel on Rocky Mountaineer and cruise the remote Inside Passage to Alaska
✈ 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.
On arrival in Toronto, you will be transferred to your downtown hotel. After checking in with your tour director, the remainder at your leisure to explore the streets of this dynamic city. Discover Toronto’s colourful neighbourhoods, take a ride to the top of the CN Tower, experience the lively theatre district and indulge in one of the numerous restaurants.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
This morning, meet your group at breakfast before setting out to discover the many identities of the Canada’s most cosmopolitan city. After seeing the provincial parliament buildings, the waterfront, the imposing CN Tower and lively Chinatown, we leave the city and head for the Niagara Peninsula. We pass through outlying communities and towns along the shores of Lake Ontario en route to Niagara Falls. Time is allocated to admire the falls and take part in some of Niagara Falls numerous activities.
We leave the Toronto skyline behind and drive east towards Ottawa. Our route then winds through rolling farmland, following the rivers and lakes of the Rideau Waterway. Upon arrival in Ottawa, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the national capital. Defined by the Rideau Canal (designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site) and the government buildings on Parliament Hill, the city offers many great sights including the public gardens, the Byward Market and City Hall.
This morning we travel along the scenic Ottawa River to the French-speaking province of Quebec. We skirt the magnificent Laurentians and follow the Chemin du Roy Highway past rustic Quebecois villages and historic shrines. Today’s journey ends in Quebec’s cultural heartland, Quebec City. We tour within the walls of the old city and view the ornate city gates, Lower Town, the Citadel and Battlefields Park.
The day is at your leisure to further explore the sights of this charming World Heritage Site. You can enjoy an optional full day excursion to Tadoussac including 3-hours of whalewatching on the St. Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saguenay River aboard a regular boat. Upon return, we will visit the spectacular Montmorency Falls that are 30 metres higher than the Niagara Falls with a flow of roughly 35,000 litres of water per second.
Departing from Quebec City we drive along the St. Lawrence River in the footsteps of the early settlers. Upon arrival in Montreal, we tour the second largest French-speaking city in the world. The dynamic city of Montreal encapsulates the two founding cultures of Canada and boasts a curious blend of history and modernity. Touring the downtown area we view the Olympic Complex, charming Old Montreal, McGill University, the residential streets of Mount Royal and the bustling shopping streets.
Today’s journey takes us back to Toronto. On route will be a stop in Rockport you have an option of enjoying an entertaining and relaxing cruise through the beautiful 1000 group of islands.
This morning, join your included transfer to Toronto Airport for your flight to Calgary.
Arrive at Calgary’s International Airport and join your included transfer to your downtown hotel. After an individual check-in, the remainder of the day is free to explore the streets of this dynamic city, famous for its annual Stampede.
After breakfast in the hotel this morning, spend a couple of hours exploring downtown Calgary before returning to the hotel to take the scheduled coach transfer for the 2 hour journey to Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Upon arrival in Banff, the remainder of the day is free to enjoy Banff.
After breakfast in the hotel this morning, join the Explore Banff tour with Banff Gondola (and Lake Minnewanka Cruise from mid to late May). Banff’s historic town centre is alive with shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants. We’ll explore the iconic highlights and take in multiple views of the famous peaks. Then, we’ll ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the incredible Banff Gondola and finish the tour at Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in the mountain parks of the Canadian Rockies.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel this morning before the sightseeing transfer to Jasper. Journey from Vermilion Lakes to the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies” Lake Louise. Then shadow the Great Divide exploring the natural viewpoints of Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake.
Your stop at the Columbia Icefield will provide you with approximately 4 hours to take part in the Ice Explorer tour onto the Athabasca Glacier, and to explore the Glacier Skywalk over looking the Sunwapta Valley. You may also choose to enjoy the interpretive exhibits at the Columbia Icefield Centre or take a short guided walk to a scenic viewpoint. We enjoy a picnic lunch here before we continue on through the Sunwapta Valley and take a stroll at Athabasca Falls before a late afternoon arrival at Jasper.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel this morning before a free day to explore Jasper.
This evening, enjoy the Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour. Jasper is the ultimate place to view wildlife in their natural surroundings. Join our informative wildlife tour and discover Jasper’s hidden gems all while seeking out the region’s furry original inhabitants! Elk, deer, bear, moose and mountain goats are just a sample of the many wild animals roaming the park.
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops.
Leaving Kamloops, 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, through the winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River 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. Arrival in Vancouver is scheduled for early evening where you transfer independently to your Vancouver hotel.
Enjoy breakfast this morning before a free day to discover Vancouver with the Vancouver Hop on Hop off 1-day Classic Pass. Explore Vancouver onboard vintage clear top buses. This flexible Hop-On, Hop-Off pass offers all the highlights of downtown Vancouver, including major attractions and scenic points of interest. Take an up close and personal look at Vancouver’s urban oasis, Stanley Park, have lunch at Granville Island, visit the historical Gastown or the trendy Yaletown, and don’t forget Robson Street for shopping.
You have some time this morning for some last minute shopping before making your own way to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal to board your Alaskan Inside Passage cruise.
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.
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. We hope you have had an unforgettable experience in Canada.
Airport 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.
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.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
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 categorised as a”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 and is a welcome way to show your appreciation. If you feel that your guide/s 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 $3,395.00 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 compulsory for this tour 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.
Group Size
Maximum of 50 people
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.
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