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 2 out of 5
Relax and uncover: Enjoy ample free time alongside key sightseeing and activities. Moderate fitness is still recommended to fully experience the trip.
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.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including the majestic Canadian Rockies and Alaska’s untouched wilderness
✓ 6 nights accommodation in comfortable 3 star accommodation
✓ 14 night in-depth Alaska cruise with Holland America
✓ Delicious breakfast daily, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
✓ Spend two nights in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff
✓ Fully Escorted by an expert Canadian Tour Leader throughout Canada (Day 1 to 7)
✓ Dedicated transportation as outlined in the itinerary
✓ All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
✓ Porterage at hotels for one piece per person
✓ All national park fees
✈ 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.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies and the natural wonders of Banff National Park before enjoying two unforgettable nights in vibrant Vancouver. Then, set sail on a 14-night Alaska cruise designed for true explorers, with ample time to revisit iconic sights and experience Alaska’s wild beauty in all its depth and grandeur.
Welcome to Calgary!
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. Taxis are available for approximately CAD$45-55 per vehicle.
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.
This morning, we gather with our fellow travellers over breakfast before embarking 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.
Discover sweeping scenes of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the charming town of Banff from the Sulphur Mountain summit. Once you're at the top, begin your adventure by strolling the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson's Peak and learn about Canada's first national park. Then, head inside to explore our world-class mountaintop discovery center. Fuel up on grab-and-go fare at Castle Mountain Coffee or enjoy an elegant meal at the award-winning Sky Bistro. Exceptional service and jaw-dropping vistas are hallmarks of all our summit dining experiences. Summer nights are equally stellar on Sulphur. Think rooftop patio sips and dazzling sunsets. Join us for the best of summer here in the mountains! Includes return transfers from your hotel.
As the sun sets behind the craggy peaks, the wildlife of Banff National Park become more active in the cool hours before dark. We see wildlife on 95% of our tours, so this is your best chance to get up close with some of Banff’s wildest residents.
Your guide will lead a paved road bus tour to the hotspots where you are most likely to see Rocky Mountain creatures. You might spot an elk sauntering across a clearing, bighorn sheep grazing in an alpine meadow and sometimes even a grizzly bear snuffling through a berry bush. You’ll also learn about how the park protects these animals and their natural habitat from many threats to the ecosystem. Includes hotel pick-up.
Duration: 2 hours.
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.
Alternatively, you may opt for a leisurely day in Banff, allowing you to explore the townsite further and fully embrace the mountain lifestyle.
Upon reaching the Columbia Icefield, you can choose to embark on an exciting and informative ride aboard an all-terrain Ice Explorer—an expansive vehicle engineered specifically for glacier exploration. Led by an experienced driver-guide, this exhilarating excursion promises a wealth of captivating insights into glaciers and their environmental significance. During this unforgettable adventure, the snow coach will transport you to a designated area where you can pause to capture breathtaking photos, traverse the icy terrain on foot, and collect pristine glacier water to refill your bottle.
An excellent introduction to the dramatic views of helicopter sightseeing, this 25-minute tour of the Spray Lakes and Spray Valley takes you over the forested slopes of Mount Buller, a favourite destination for many intermediate climbers. The tree line stops well short of the summit, offering a dramatic view of the shale patterns and rocky outcroppings of the surrounding mountains of the Goat Range as they tumble into the trees of the Spray Valley.
Includes return transfers from downtown Banff.
Please note: You may only select this option if you are not visiting the Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefield.
Enjoy an evening in the great outdoors on this true Western excursion. Your covered wagon ride takes you along the Bow River while watching for wildlife such as ground squirrels, porcupines, and beavers scurrying around the marshes and meadows. Midway through the ride, you’ll arrive at 3 Mile Cabin to enjoy genuine Western hospitality at the outdoor cookout facilities for a top-quality Western meal with all the fixings. After a hearty meal, the wagon follows the base of Sulphur Mountain back to Banff.
Important Information: The trip departs from Warner Stables located approximately a 15-minute walk from downtown Banff. Your tour leader or hotel concierge will be able to assist you with a taxi (own expense).
Today's journey takes us along the renowned TransCanada Highway, tracing the path originally charted by railroad engineers and fur traders in the mid-1800s.
Our route traverses Kicking Horse Pass, guiding us from the Rockies into the picturesque Columbia River Valley, before ascending through Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. The Selkirk Mountains, known for their abundant winter snowfall, boast more than one hundred active avalanche zones.
Continuing onward, we navigate through the majestic Monashee Mountain Range, eventually arriving at the rugged interior town of Vernon.
Today marks our departure from the Okanagan Valley and its majestic mountains as we journey through the lower mainland. Few routes in Canada offer such a diverse range of vegetation in such a compact distance as Highway 3 between Osoyoos and Tashima. At the western end, lush rainforests abound, while to the east lies a desert landscape where prickly pear cacti thrive. Our route takes us along the Coquihalla Highway before arriving in Vancouver.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alaska is part of the USA and an ESTA or Visa may be required.
Please note that ports of call may vary depending on ship schedules and sailing dates.
Relax and enjoy a full day of scenic Inside Passage cruising and immerse yourself in Holland America Line elegance.
We arrive into our first port of Ketchikan at 7am this morning.
Alaska's "First City" of Ketchikan is so named because it’s the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain.
Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries. Visitors can try their luck on a sportfishing or simply savour the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants on a cruise to Ketchikan excursion. Ketchikanis also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park, while the attractions of Saxman Village just outside of Ketchikan offers the chance to see Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house. On an Alaska cruise to Ketchikan don't forget to leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon and local art, while exploring gold rush–era tourist attractions like Dolly’s House Museum.
Arriving in Juneau at 10am, enjoy a full day of exploring Alaska's capital.
Juneau is known for its outdoor recreation, fresh seafood and fine dining. The city itself is pleasant, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down some wildlife. You can hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles. Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay—bring a good pair of binoculars to get the best view of these majestic and surprisingly graceful creatures. If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to a nearby wildlife reserve such as Chichagof or Admiralty Island to spy some bears lolling around on Alaska cruise excursion.
The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000—mostly fishermen and small-business owners—has a frontier town vibe, but welcomes more than a million visitors each summer to its natural attractions, cementing Juneau as Alaska’s number-one tourist destination.
Step back to the days of the last great gold rush as we arrive into Skagway at 7am this morning.
At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields, and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway—but today it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore Alaska’s colourful history, pristine wildlife and unrivalled natural beauty.
At every turn, you’ll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore, from the infamous Red Onion Saloon that still keeps a pistol that Wyatt Earp left behind en route to the Klondike, to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a classic narrow-gauge railway that traverses rugged mountains and passes cascading waterfalls and towering glaciers as it connects Skagway to Whitehorse deep in the Yukon. Known as the "Garden City of Alaska," Skagway is filled with beauty and nature.
Cruise the ice-studded fjords of this national treasure for a full eight hours as a Park Service Ranger narrates.
On your cruise to Glacier Bay, close your eyes and take in the sounds—the creaks and groans of “living” ice, the shrill cries of gulls and soaring eagles, the splash of a breaching humpback whale. Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park), and marine wildlife are givens on Glacier Bay cruises, but every experience in this changing biosphere is unique.
Scenic cruising College Fjord will bring you close to many glaciers—there’s even a spot where you can see eight at once. Your chances of watching ice thunder into the water is high, as the Prince William Sound is one of the most active areas for calving.
Out of all Alaska fjords, College Fjord is the most storied. The Harriman Expedition of 1899 with John Muir and other notable scientists traversed the College Fjord aboard the George W. Elder, funded by Ivy League colleges. All of the glaciers were named for various schools. As you travel into College Fjord, the glaciers on the left are named for women's colleges and those on the right are named for men's colleges. The names are Amherst, Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Harvard, Smith, Vassar, and Yale.
Harvard Glacier is the biggest – its face is a mile and a half across. In case you’re wondering, it is rumoured that the scientists snubbed Princeton.
This remote village lies along the breathtaking shores of Prince William Sound, a habitat rich with wildlife such as bald eagles, sea otters, and orcas, so be sure to keep your camera close. Whittier is uniquely known for having nearly everything under one roof, meaning residents don’t need to drive to reach the grocery store, bank, or a neighbour’s home. This arrangement protects the community from frequently harsh weather, and nearly all of Whittier’s 220 residents live in the 14-story Begich Towers, originally built as a Cold War facility for the U.S. Army. On an Alaska cruise stop, you’ll experience Whittier’s small-town charm and can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, scuba diving, and kayaking. The area is also famous for its high concentration of glaciers.
A cruising day today and one to savour – sailing towards Hubbard Glacier is an incredible feeling. The glacier is up to 65 metres wide at its face and 50 metres tall, but that’s only the tiniest piece of the ice: The main channel of this frozen river begins 122 kilometres back, pouring down from around the 3400-metre mark off the shoulder of Mt. Walsh. The deep blue of the face of the glacier on a sunny day is simply dazzling.
The glacier is on the move. Hubbard is the longest tidewater glacier (meaning it ends at the ocean) in North America. But unlike nearly every other tidewater glacier on the continent, Hubbard is advancing, not retreating; it’s forever pushing a little further into the bay. Chunks of ice that break off become floaties for seals.
You might like to take the option of boarding an expedition vessel for Hubbard Glacier, cruising near the rocky shoreline and weaving through a maze of icebergs.
Enjoy your second visit to Glacier Bay today.
With the serene grandeur of snow-dusted, forested mountains lining its shores, Glacier Bay National Park boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. Keep your binoculars and camera ready as you cruise to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier, where you might witness the spectacular sight of ice calving. Glacier Bay teems with wildlife, so stay alert—you may glimpse a humpback whale’s fluke rising from the water or catch sight of a solitary brown bear on a windswept beach.
Local experts come aboard to enrich this experience, offering insights into the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the area. As an authorised concessioner for Glacier Bay National Park, Holland America partners with rangers and Huna Tlingit guides, who provide a deeper understanding of this diverse ecosystem and ancient culture. By the time you leave this 3.3-million-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site, your bucket list will be shorter and your appreciation for this remarkable place even greater.
We return to Skagway today and enjoy another opportunity to explore this town and surroundings.
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.
We are back in Juneau today. You have the chance of taking a different shore excursion to further your exploration of this remarkable region.
We revisit Ketchikan today. If you took a shore excursion when we were here last, why not spend some time exploring this quaint town. Otherwise, take another shore excursion to learn more about this region.
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. We hope you have had an unforgettable experience in Canada.
Vancouver's Canada Place Cruise Terminal is located approximately 15kms from Vancouver International Airport. There are a range of transportation options available. Taxis are readily available and will cost approximately $35-45. The Skytrain is also available to the airport from Waterfront Station, located approximately 150 metres from the Cruise Terminal.
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.
The second of our Signature-class ships, Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates historic New York City with its inspired design and an art collection valued at more than $3 million. While on board enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Dine in your choice of specialty restaurants. Or rejuvenate in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities.
Stateroom Details
Each stateroom aboard MS Nieuw Amsterdam includes the following services and amenities:
Inside Stateroom - Included
Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms. Approximately 141-284 sq. ft.
Ocean View Stateroom - From an Additional USD $870 per person twin share, $1,740 per solo traveller
These expansive staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view. Approximately 169-267 sq. ft.
Verandah Stateroom - From an Additional USD $1,900 per person twin share, $3,800 per solo traveller
Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads. Approximately 213–379 sq. ft. including verandah.
Cabin Upgrades and prices are subject to availability upon booking. Please note your upgrade option as a "Special Request" when booking and our team will be in touch with a confirmed quote. If we are unable to confirm your request, we will quote alternative options.
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 traveler'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 ”2”
Relax and uncover: Enjoy ample free time alongside key sightseeing and activities. Moderate fitness is still recommended to fully experience the trip.
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 $4,124.00 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.
Group Size
Minimum: 20
Maximum: 50
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.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
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