Grand Canada & Alaska and Voyage of the Glaciers

Welcome to Canada! On arrival at Vancouver International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your downtown hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
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Set off on a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Stanley Park, famous for its totem poles, the waterfront and Gastown. Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park suspended 70 metres above the river. Walk amongst the canopy on the award winning Treetops Adventure. (B)

Set off on a two day rail experience on ‘The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World’. Settle back in your SilverLeaf carriage (upgrade to GoldLeaf at additional expense). Travel through the Fraser Valley then follow the Thompson River towards Kamloops.
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Continue your journey into the soaring, rugged snow-capped mountains. Marvel at the beauty of the glaciers, lakes and forest sitting at the foot of these grand mountains. Arrive in Banff, a picturesque town located within Banff National Park and the quintessential Rocky Mountains town.
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Today is free for you to enjoy Banff. (B/D)

DiscoverMORE Take a breathtaking helicopter flight, ride the Banff Gondola or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense)

Start the day with a tour of Banff including the Bow River and Bow Falls. Continue along the Trans-Canada Highway past Castle Mountain and Mount Temple to Lake Louise, the “Diamond in the Wilderness”. Enjoy some free time taking in the spectacular scenery. Your destination today is Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its glacier fed waters. The Lodge sits right on the shores of the lake surrounded by towering peaks and forests.
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This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest sub-polar ice pack, where you’ll climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a journey onto Athabasca Glacier.

The day’s end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Flower Trail, which offers stunning views of the Athabasca River, surrounding mountains, and vibrant wildflowers. Wander through peaceful forests and open meadows while taking in the cool, calming atmosphere by the river before enjoying the Horns and Antlers presentation.
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Travel past ice age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks as we weave through lush forests before arriving at our unique ranch style inn on the shores of the South Thompson River.
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Travel through scenic landscapes and the Thompson and Fraser River past the town of Lillooet to the charming alpine resort of Whistler. Time at leisure this evening to explore Whistler village
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Travel along the Sea to Sky Highway following the rugged coastline, stopping at the awesome Shannon Falls. Board the BC Ferry and cruise through the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island before arriving in Victoria, British Columbia’s capital.
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This morning, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22 hectare showplace of magnificent colourful gardens. Learn about the history and flora while exploring the gardens. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill, and residential areas. (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE Take a horse and carriage ride, go whale watching, Eat like a Canadian food tour or enjoy a Scenic float plane flight (extra expense)

Board your luxurious cruise ship and embark on your seven-night voyage in an Oceanview Stateroom on board Princess Cruises Coral Princess through the famed Inside Passage. (B/D)

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. (B/L/D)

Explore Alaska’s first city, now known as the ‘salmon capital of the world’. Part of the town is built along a steep hillside, part is built on pilings over the water. (B/L/D)

Surrounded by the Gastineau Channel, the Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau Icefields, Alaska’s state capital is famed for its scenery. (B/L/D)

Cruise into Skagway. Established in 1897 as a trading post for prospectors headed to the Klondike Gold Rush. Discover the historic shop facades and wooden boardwalks. (B/L/D)

Enter the iceberg-strewn waters of Glacier Bay National Park, were spectacular glaciers flow into the bay. A National Park Range will help you spot wildlife, while explaining glacial activity. (B/L/D)

Within Prince William Sound lies College Fjord and its collection of glaciers, some reaching forty storeys above sea level, dwarfing even the largest of cruise ships. (B/L/D)

Disembark in Whittier and travel on the “Direct to the Wilderness” train to Talkeetna. Enjoy unobstructed views from huge glass-domed windows in every rail car. Two night stay: Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge or similar (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE Chulitna Gorge jet-boat adventure. (Secure your space early to avoid disappointment, extra expense). (B)

Enjoy a scenic motorcoach drive to the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, located just outside the national park entrance. Dominating this stunning landscape is Denali – the highest peak in North America. It’s not just the mountain that makes Denali National Park such a special place. Most visitors come to see Alaska's "Big Five": bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep - all of which can be seen in the park. The highlight this evening is a Music of Denali Dinner Show. (B/D)

Denali is deep in the Alaskan Wilderness and this unique location gives you the opportunity to witness the fascinating landscape and wildlife. Embark on a Tundra Wilderness Tour which takes you into the park for a once in a lifetime experience. Our journey continues deep into the Alaskan wilderness arriving in Denali National Park. Nestled in a prime location this gorgeous lodge is the perfect starting point for your exploration of Denali. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Denali Highway Jeep excursion - Self Drive Automatic Jeep (Secure your place early to avoid disappointment, extra expense)

Continue your journey into the heart of the last frontier, Fairbanks. Known as the “Golden Heart City”. Board an authentic sternwheeler for an afternoon cruise. Overnight stay: Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge or similar (B/D)

Transfer to Fairbanks Airport for your homeward flight.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)