01892 779900
Lakes, mountains and wildlife abound on this exploration of the Canada and Alaska. Arrive in Vancouver and see the sights before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer Train for a journey through incredible landscapes to Banff. After exploring Jasper, Sun Peaks, Whistler and Lake Louise, complete your journey with a premium cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage. Get up close to glaciers, wildlife and fjords and stop in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for an informal and friendly Welcome Reception.
Two Night Stay: Vancouver, The Fairmont Waterfront.
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver. The tour includes the Waterfront, the cobblestone streets of historic Gastown and Stanley Park, named one of the top 10 greatest public spaces in the world. The afternoon is yours to explore. Perhaps head to Chinatown, Granville Island or Robson Street, the best place to watch the locals stroll by. B
Board the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Seating. Pass fertile fields and mountains en route to Kamloops.
Stay: Kamloops, hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations. Kamloops has limited accommodation (two or three-star hotels). BLD
Rejoin the Rocky Mountaineer and journey through vast ranchlands to Banff National Park.
Two Night Stay: Banff, The Fairmont Banff Springs. BL
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and the surrounding area before joining your selected touring activity. Choose from an exciting wilderness experience, an interpretive nature hike, a round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs, a scenic helicopter flight over the region, a float trip down the Bow River, or a relaxing boat cruise around Lake Minnewanka. BD
Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Afterwards, journey to Moraine Lake, then continue to Lake Louise where you'll take an informative lakeshore stroll with a Mountain Heritage Guide. Tonight dine in one of the chateau's four restaurants.
Stay: Lake Louise, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. BD
Journey along the Icefields Parkway and stop at the giant Columbia Icefield for a ride in a specially-designed Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Continue the journey north to Jasper National Park.
Stay: Jasper, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. BD
Follow the Yellowhead Highway past Mt Robson to the village of Sun Peaks, tucked in among the mountains of British Columbia's interior.
Stay: Sun Peaks, Delta Sun Peaks Resort. BD
Follow the tracks of gold rush pioneers through the Cariboo region into the Coast Mountain Range and the resort of Whistler. An adventure playground throughout the year, Whistler in the evening is a bustling, lively place and its pedestrian-only village is alive with pubs, bars, music and shopping. After dinner, make the most of free time to explore this exciting area to your heart's content.
Stay: Whistler, Westin Resort & Spa. BD
Drive along the Sea to Sky Highway, stopping at Shannon Falls, then board a ferry for a scenic cruise through the Georgia Strait to Victoria.
Two Night Stay: Victoria, Delta Ocean Pointe. B
Choose from a range of touring options such as whale watching, a horse-drawn carriage tour, or a historic walking tour of Victoria. Then visit the Butchart Gardens and explore the floral displays that have delighted visitors for over 100 years. BD
Take the ferry back to Vancouver. 12 Day guests (UT12BEV) transfer to the airport for your flight home. 19 Day guests (UT19BEVV) transfer to your Holland America Line ship the ms Zuiderdam for your 7 night Alaskan cruise. BD
Enjoy a day at sea, absorbing the incredible scenery as your ship passes rocky headlands and glides over the frigid waters of the Inside Passage. BLD
Arrive in Juneau, Alaska's capital and enjoy time to take in the lush terrain and vibrant wildflowers, explore the Tongass National Forest or take a ride aboard the Mt Roberts Tramway. BLD
Check in to the port of Skagway, at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage. You may wish to take the opportunity to ride the antique White Pass and Yukon narrow-gauge railway (own expense). BLD
Take in the breathtaking sight of Glacier Bay National Park with its rivers of ice and skyscraping peaks. BLD
Located along the shores of Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan offers a range of attractions to discover, including Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village. BLD
Heading south through the Inside Passage, watch the glorious landscape slip by. BLD
Arrive back in Vancouver this morning. After disembarkation, transfer to the airport for your flight home. B
For details and prices of 2012 schedules please email info@awwt.co.uk or telephone (01892) 779900