Rockies, Rail and an Alaskan Cruise with Vancouver add-on

Your exciting holiday begins with a flight to Calgary. When we arrive, we’ll drive to our hotel, and then the rest of the day is yours to explore Calgary and relax after the journey. Heading up to the observation deck of the Calgary Tower, more than 150 metres above the city, is a great way to start your trip. On a bright day, you’ll enjoy incredible views as far as the Rocky Mountains.

This morning we will make our way to the town of Banff. On the way, we’ll pass through the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains and tour Banff National Park, where staggering views appear at every turn. Snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, sparkling streams and swathes of forest are just some of the attractions in this stunning destination. The wildlife is equally as impressive, so look out for black and grizzly bears, wolves, elk and deer on land, then keep your eyes peeled for eagles, hawks and ospreys in the sky.
When we arrive in Banff, you’ll have some free time to explore and have lunch if you wish. There's plenty to see and do here, you could perhaps take a scenic walk along the town’s trails or browse the shops for souvenirs. If you prefer organised sightseeing, we offer an optional cable car ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Our first stop today is at Johnston Canyon, where we’ll take a short walk to see the waterfalls. Then, it’s on to the breathtaking Lake Louise, a glacial, jade-green lake set high in the mountains. Surrounded by dramatic, soaring peaks, it is described as one of Canada's most beautiful locations, so be sure to have your camera ready. We’ll have plenty of time here and there are easy walking trails to explore if you want to appreciate the beauty of the lake from a different viewpoint. On the way back to the hotel, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Moraine Lake and admire its stunning, turquoise-coloured water. Then, if you wish, you can end your time in Banff with one more unforgettable adventure. Why not take an optional helicopter flight over the Rockies for even more spectacular views!

The journey of a lifetime begins this morning as you step aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. Sit back, relax and take in the stunning views as you travel through the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops. You’ll enjoy SilverLeaf service, which includes seating in a single-level domed coach with oversized windows, giving you great viewing opportunities. Meals, snacks and drinks are all served at your seat, so all you have to do is enjoy. If you wish, you can upgrade to GoldLeaf service and have access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform and a private dining room. After travelling over high mountain passes, through tunnels and along rocky lakeshores, you'll disembark the train in Kamloops and stay in a hotel overnight. Don't worry, your journey is not over and you will join the Rocky Mountaineer once again tomorrow.

Another exciting day begins as you board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning. Take your seat and enjoy the views as you follow the course of the Thompson River and then the dramatic Canyons of the Fraser River. Keep a lookout for grizzly bears too as you enjoy a fascinating commentary from your onboard hosts. Your spectacular rail journey comes to an end in the beautiful city of Vancouver.

Set amongst spectacular natural scenery, the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver is surrounded by coastal waters, lush green forests and majestic snow-capped mountains. Enjoy a free day to relax and make your own discoveries. You could explore what culinary treats are on offer at Granville Island’s Public Market, check out a museum or head to one of the large shopping malls for some retail therapy.
If you want to explore further afield, why not join our optional tour to Victoria, on Vancouver Island. You'll travel by ferry to the capital of British Columbia, where you'll visit the famous Butchart Gardens, considered to be one of the most spectacular floral show gardens in the world. You’ll then have free time to explore Victoria at leisure and discover highlights including the Parliament Building and the impressive Empress Hotel.

Your tour takes a new twist today, as we take you to Vancouver Harbour to join your cruise ship. Once you've unpacked and settled into your comfortable stateroom, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the facilities your ship has to offer.

Ahead lie days of luxurious relaxation and exploration as your ship traces the outline of one of North America's most scenic coastal landscapes. Today will be spent cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage, a network of waterways set amid a stunning landscape of fjords and temperate rainforests. Make sure you spend plenty of time on deck keeping a watchful eye for wildlife. If you're lucky you could see whales and seals in the water, eagles soaring overhead or brown bears on the shoreline.

Early this afternoon we'll dock in the Alaskan capital, Juneau, which stands on one of the largest wilderness areas of the United States. No roads lead into or out of the city, and it is surrounded by nature. Here, you can join an optional shore excursion for an adventure in the great outdoors. Perhaps you’ll choose a whale-watching tour in Auke Bay, a dog-sled adventure or a visit to the magnificent 13-mile-long river of ice known as the Mendenhall Glacier.

This morning we arrive in Skagway, a lively relic of the Klondike Gold Rush. Thousands of stampeders set off from here when gold was discovered in 1896 and you can explore the frontier town at leisure today. As you wander along the wooden sidewalks, dipping in and out of preserved 19th-century buildings, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Get ready for one of the scenic highlights of your cruise as we head to Glacier Bay, a pristine wilderness of mountains, forests, and glaciers. You’ll see enormous icebergs floating in the blue-green water, and if we're lucky, we might catch sight of a glacier 'calving', sending tons of ice thundering into the bay. This area is a popular hangout for an incredible range of wildlife too, you might see humpback whales and sea otters in the water and brown bears on the remote, deserted shores. Remember to bring binoculars and don't put your camera down for a minute!

Today our journey takes us to Ketchikan, a quaint, town clinging to a mountainside. It’s a lovely place to explore and an important hub for the salmon industry. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion and try your luck at catching a salmon or simply sample some in a local restaurant. There’s also the option to admire beautifully carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Centre and Totem Bight State Park. Ketchikan is home to one of the world's largest collections of these fascinating works of art.

It's your final day on board, so take every opportunity to appreciate the amazing scenery as we cruise the Inside Passage back towards Vancouver. The deep fjords and islands shaped by nature offer views that will simply take your breath away. As we make our way back to Vancouver, there's also plenty of time to catch up with your new-found friends and relive the amazing moments you've shared on this trip of a lifetime.

Your cruise comes to an end as you disembark the ship in Vancouver. You'll then set off on a guided sightseeing tour of this beautiful city, taking in highlights including the historic Gastown district, bustling Chinatown and Stanley Park, one of the world's biggest and best urban parks.

Vancouver is a coastal seaport on the mainland of British Columbia. Make the most of you extra time here by exploring at your own pace and leisure. You may wish to board a hop-on-hop-off bus, they stop at all the main attractions. After a busy day, why not enjoy a locally inspired meal.

After time at leisure in Vancouver this morning, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

You'll arrive back in the UK today.