Overview
Devour the majestic scenery of four national parks – Glacier, Yoho, Banff, and Jasper – get a taste of resort life in renowned Whistler, sip your way through the vineyards of charming lakeside Kelowna, and clink your glasses to mountains of fun. Make a grand holiday even grander by adding a leisurely Alaska cruise to your tour of Western Canada. While your ship will sail through the glacial beauty of the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm, and Glacier Bay National Park, you’ll personally cruise through several exciting ports of call, including the capital city of Juneau, the gold rush town of Skagway, and totem-pole-dotted Ketchikan.
Itinerary
Welcome to Vancouver!
At 6 pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Bountiful Beauty
Depart Vancouver and travel into the agricultural region of the Okanagan Valley to the thriving lakefront resort community of Kelowna. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (B/D)
Breathtaking Banff
Drive east and enjoy the panoramic vistas of peaks exceeding 10,000 feet on Rogers Pass at the summit in Canada's Glacier National Park. Continue over the Continental Divide into Alberta before descending Kicking Horse Pass into Banff National Park. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park - Canada's first national park. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!
Heavenly Heights
Breakfast this morning is served on top of Sulphur Mountain. Take a scenic ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain and then enjoy spectacular views of the valley below as you savour a flavourful meal. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for a bird's-eye view of the Rockies. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - EPIC RIDE: Soar to the top of the world on the Banff Gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy breakfast and be in awe of the magnificent, natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies with breathtaking views you'll never forget.
Rocky Mountain Majesty
Visit Lake Louise, whose blue-green waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue on the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ride on the Ice Explorer. Discover the power of nature as you drive on the Athabasca Glacier. Continue along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. Tonight, enjoy a special fireside chat with drumming, singing, and indigenous stories shared by the legendary Warrior Women. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURE & TRADITIONS: "Tell me the facts and I'll learn. Tell me the truth and I'll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever." So goes the powerful heartbeat of Mother Earth relayed in the stories and songs of Jasper's Warrior Women. Gather 'round the fire to hear unforgettable indigenous stories and moving music performed with a passion for sharing tradition and culture.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: Be moved by an expedition across the Athabasca Glacier. Traverse this massive glacier aboard the all-terrain Columbia Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth's geology is changing beneath your feet. Feel the force of nature's strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.
Spectacular Jasper National Park
Enjoy a short orientation tour to see Jasper's unspoiled beauty, followed by an excursion to glacial Maligne Lake for a narrated cruise to Spirit Island. Cruise on clear azure waters amid lofty snow-capped peaks and learn the history of Spirit Island. On the return journey, stop to view Maligne Canyon. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. Perhaps take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced guide will navigate as you absorb the splendour of Jasper National Park. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles of spectacular natural beauty, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic sights lie below an incredible Dark Sky to thrill stargazers as well. A cruise to Spirit Island on the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake is a spectacular sight to behold as one of the most photographed locations in the world for its jaw-dropping beauty.
Historic British Columbia
Scenic drive on Yellowhead Highway past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, en route to Kamloops. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: in Kamloops with a stroll through downtown to find a wealth of shops, cafes, and eateries amid a vibrant local art and cultural scene in this outdoor mecca for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers. Take a walk through picturesque Riverside Park along the Thompson River for a touch of natural beauty in the heart of this modern city with its roots in 10,000 years of its Native Peoples and early 19th-century fur trading and gold prospecting. Check with your Tour Director for the best way to explore Kamloops or get the maps and tips you need on your handy GlobusGO mobile app!
Alpine Adventures
Travel to the alpine resort of Whistler, nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain, for a 2-night stay at the luxury basecamp, the Fairmont Chateau. The evening is free with time to explore. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: The luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort is located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain where you'll enjoy spectacular mountain setting in this stunning architecture that blends with the natural alpine views. Relax in the spa, by the pool, or with a stroll through the Olympic village. Your Tour Director and GlobusGO mobile app have plenty of expert tips, maps, and more.
Alpine Adventures
Full free day to explore all that Whistler has to offer. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: in Whistler. You might enjoy a trip on Whistler's Peak2Peak Gondola, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy spectacular scenery and incredible photo opportunities as you travel via the longest unsupported gondola span in the world. Other options include a walk in the treetops, a sightseeing excursion by air, shopping in the village, or just relaxing at your resort.
Ancient Traditions
Enjoy a visit and private breakfast at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Then travel west to catch a BC Ferry to Vancouver Island for Victoria, said to be the most British city outside of Britain. See major attractions on your city orientation tour, including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURAL GEMS: Visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre before opening hours where you will be greeted with a First Nations welcome followed by breakfast. The centre is a spectacular setting, which brings to life the history of Native peoples whose traditions and beautiful culture still resonate today.
The Grandest of Gardens
This morning and afternoon are free to explore on your own; your Tour Director may recommend an optional wildlife and whale-watching trip. For shoppers, Government Street's elegant shops and Market Square's collection of specialty stores are good places to start. Later, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens, followed by a special dinner in the former greenhouse, renovated to the Blue Poppy Restaurant. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - PICTURE PERFECT: Butchart Gardens, named for the woman who founded this botanical oasis of blooming shades and horticultural design, is a National Historic site for its legacy and lush treasure of millions of flowering beds and over 900 varieties of plants in exquisitely landscaped gardens bring fairytales to life.
British Columbia Treasures
Board a BC Ferry and cross the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a festive farewell dinner tonight. (B/D)
Alaskan Adventure by Sea
Embark on your 7-Night Alaska's Inside Passage cruise. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: You're in for one wild and wonderful week on a roundtrip cruise on the incredible Inside Passage through the spectacular ports of Alaska. Cruise from Vancouver to discover spellbinding scenery from narrow fjords to scattered islets and towering peaks. Get close to massive glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park and wait breathlessly for ice to calve off and plunge into the ocean. Inside Passage waters are as smooth as it gets, while on shore you'll find endless thrills and chills.
Glacial Fjords & Grand Forests
Alaska's Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WILD BY NATURE: Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska's most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.
Coastal Cliffs & The Catch of the Day
Steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank the Tracy Arm fjord, fringed by the largest intact coastal temperate rain forest in the United States. Old-growth trees colonized Tracy Arm's mouth long ago as the Ice Age retreated. Continue cruising to Juneau, Alaska and visit the most remote, most beautiful and strangest state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest and mountain sights, visitors seeking things to do in Juneau indoors and outdoors can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a grand capitol building all in one day. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - UNTAMED WILDERNESS: Even more glorious than nearby Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm is part of the 5.7 million acres (or around 23,000 square kilometres) of pure wilderness sheltered by the Tongass National Forest (America's biggest). Visitors often see bears, whales, and mountain goats roaming across various corners of this pristine area - not to mention chubby baby seals resting on the ice floes. Summer temperatures average 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 16 degrees Celsius), so pack warm clothing. Pack your waterproof gear, even when traveling by cruise ship, in preparation for the more than 1.5 meters of rainfall each year!
The Rush for Gold
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. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: At every turn, you'll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore in the town of Skagway, from the infamous Red Onion Saloon that still keeps a pistol that Wyatt Earp left behind on his way to the Klondike, to the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, traversing rugged mountains, waterfalls, and towering glaciers on its course to Whitehorse deep in the Yukon.
Ice Dancing
On your cruise to Glacier Bay (A UNESCO World Heritage Site), 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. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WILD DISCOVERIES: Cruise to Glacier Bay where the sounds of creaking groans of living ice in constant flux, the shrill calls of gulls and soaring eagles, and the splash of breaching humpback whales are likely to greet you. Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park), and marine wildlife are main attractions, but every discovery in this dynamic biosphere is unique.
With the serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains defining its shores, Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Keep your binoculars and camera at the ready as you cruise Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier for the chance to witness ice calving. Wildlife abounds in Glacier Bay, so stay ready - you never know when you will see the fluke of a humpback rise out of the water or spot a lone brown bear patrolling a windswept beach.
Port of Call
Take an adventure and cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska. 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. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY & TRADITION: Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries. Visitors can savour the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants on a cruise to Ketchikan excursion. Ketchikan is 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 Centre 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.
Where the Wild Things Are
Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage again offering opportunities to spot some of Alaska?s most iconic wildlife. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ALASKAN ADVENTURE: Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska's most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline. One of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. Schedule flights departing from Vancouver International Airport after Noon. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 19 Breakfasts
- 6 Lunches
- 11 Dinners
- Vancouver Georgian Court Hotel (Superior First-Class)
- Kelowna Delta Grand Okanagan Resort (Superior First-Class)
- Banff Banff Park Lodge (First-Class)
- Jasper Forest Park Hotel (First-Class)
- Kamloops Sandman Signature Hotel (First-Class)
- Whistler Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort (Deluxe)
- Victoria Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour (Superior First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favourable weather conditions.
Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Canada & Alaska through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of Canada & Alaska. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Trip Reviews (19) View All Most Recent 'Grand Western Canada Vacation with Alaska Cruise' Reviews
Driver Mike was on time, professional, courteous and just the guy you would want behind the wheel on the open roads of Canada. Pace of the road tour was great with just enough two day stops to allow you to unwind, the cruise was also fine but just did not quite live up to the road portion of the trip with a half day to start and finish (boarding and disembarking), and two days all cruising it left 4 days for adventures.
With several bear sightings at Whistler, Jasper and elsewhere not to mention all the other wildlife, marine life and exquisite scenery there were numerous memorable moments. The absolute highlight of the Alaska cruise has to be Glacier Bay National Park (yet it gets only a brief line in the Globus brochure). We greatly enjoyed the formal dinners each evening and the very leisurely cruise through the (tranquil) Inside Passage.
We toured in June and had amazing weather the whole trip. In Whistler it was 30 deg. Celsius with blue skies and we spent all afternoon travelling on gondolas from peak to peak and back again amazed to see people skiing on the snow and yet we were wearing t-shirts and not cold. Our Globus tour guide, Doug Miller and our coach driver Keith did a superb job and I would certainly do a Globus Tour again in the future.
Cabins
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. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown. Approximately 143–225 sq. ft.
Oceanview Stateroom (Upgrade)
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. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown. Approximately 175–282 sq. ft.
Verandah Stateroom (Upgrade)
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 - Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream™ bed - with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and shower with premium massage showerheads. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown. Approximately 213-379 sq. ft. including verandah.
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Globus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
