Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 May 18 Sydney to Calgary
Today, you will depart from Australia for Calgary, Canada. Upon arrival, make your own way to the hotel for check-in.
Check-in is from 15:00 onwards, and luggage storage will be available for any travellers with an early arrival.
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures
may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be available to depart the
day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents,
issued 4-6 weeks before departure.
Overnight: Country Inn & Suites Calgary Airport or similar, Calgary, Alberta
Meals included: In-Flight
Day 2 May 19 Calgary - Lake Louise - Banff - Canmore
This morning, drive along the famous Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) and
Jasper National Parks from Canmore north towards the Columbia Icefield
Discovery Centre on a journey of approximately 210 kilometres each way.
Considered the most beautiful drive in the world, the jaw-dropping
scenery is punctuated by more than 100 ancient glaciers, waterfalls
cascading from dramatic rock sprees and turquoise lakes set in sweeping
valleys. Views of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Summit, and Mistaya Canyon are
sure to please all who journey to this amazing part of the world.
Upon arrival at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, take an
opportunity to ride on the specially designed 'Ice Explorer' (not
included, $135 AUD per person), which takes you onto the surface of the
stunning Columbia Glacier. Alternatively, spend time at leisure
exploring and admiring the breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon,
return back to Canmore.
Please note: The Icefield Explorer is subject to favourable weather
conditions, and if it’s closed, you will have free time to explore
Banff and take a chance to enjoy the famous Banff Gondola (not
included).
Overnight: Canmore Inn & Suites, or similar, Canmore
Meals included: None
Day 3 May 20 Canmore Ice Fields
This morning, drive along the famous Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) and
Jasper National Parks from Canmore north towards the Columbia Icefield
Discovery Centre on a journey of approximately 210 kilometres each way.
Considered the most beautiful drive in the world, the jaw-dropping
scenery is punctuated by more than 100 ancient glaciers, waterfalls
cascading from dramatic rock sprees and turquoise lakes set in sweeping
valleys. Views of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Summit, and Mistaya Canyon are
sure to please all who journey to this amazing part of the world.
Upon arrival at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, take an
opportunity to ride on the specially designed 'Ice Explorer' (not
included, $135 AUD per person), which takes you onto the surface of the
stunning Columbia Glacier. Alternatively, spend time at leisure
exploring and admiring the breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon,
return back to Canmore.
Please note: The Icefield Explorer is subject to favourable weather
conditions, and if it’s closed, you will have free time to explore
Banff and take a chance to enjoy the famous Banff Gondola (not
included).
Overnight: Canmore Inn & Suites, or similar, Canmore
Meals included: None
Day 4 May 21 Canmore - Banff, Alberta - Kamloops, British Columbia
Today you will be met by a representative and transferred to the train
station for your adventure onboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer from
Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior.
Your journey takes you through ever-changing scenery as you travel
between the iconic glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian
Rockies over mountain passes, through remarkable tunnels, across
ranchlands and along rocky lakeshores of the Interior.
Today's highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels,
Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie, where the last
spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.
You will arrive in Kamloops in the evening , where you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation.
Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops or similar, Kamloops
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Day 5 May 22 Kanloops - Vancouver
This morning, continue your Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure.
On today's journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the
lush green fields of the Fraser Valley through forests and winding
river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade
Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the British Columbia
interior.
Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser
Canyon as well as the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson
River. Finish the day in the coastal city of Vancouver where you will
be met and transferred to your centrally located downtown accommodation
to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Sandman Suites Vancouver-Davie Street or similar, Vancouver
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Day 6 May 23 Vancouver
Today is a free day to explore Vancouver at leisure.
Overnight: Best Western Plus Sands or similar, Vancouver
Meals included: None
Day 7 May 24 Vancouver, embark on your 7 night Inside Passage Cruise
Depart: 16:00
This morning make your own way to Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver
for your Alaska cruise aboard Holland Americas ‘Koningsdam’ Ship.
Depart Vancouver late this afternoon.
Overnight: Holland America, ‘Koningsdam’
Meals included: Dinner
Day 8 May 25 Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage
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.
Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of
Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca playing
among the bountiful waters, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown
bears lumbering on the shoreline.
Numerous ports along the way recount Alaska’s colourful history. In
Sitka, an onion-domed church marks Russia’s onetime foothold in the
Americas; Ketchikan provides a glimpse of the Native Alaskan
experience, with historic totem poles and native-arts galleries; and
the legendary town centre of Skagway bustles as it did at the turn of
the 19th century, when it served as the rowdy Wild West gateway to the
Klondike Gold Rush.
Overnight: Holland America, ‘Koningsdam’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 9 May 26 Tracy Arm Inlet & Juneau Alaska
Tracy Arm Inlet: Arrive: 09:00 - Depart: 09:30
Steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank this fjord, fringed by
the largest intact coastal temperate rain forest in the United States.
Old-growth trees colonised Tracy Arm's mouth long ago as the Ice Age
retreated. But further up the sinuous 48-kilometre waterway, its icy
grip lingers a little. There, the twin Sawyer Glaciers flow from the
peaks down to the sea, sloughing off stories-high chunks of water,
frozen decades or even centuries before. 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 0 to 16 degrees Celsius, so pack warm clothing.
And don't forget waterproof gear, even when travelling by cruise ship.
More than a metre and a half of rain falls here each year! We also
recommend a water bottle, thermos or reusable coffee cup. On scenic
cruising days, cruise ships ban paper and disposable plastic products
that could litter this unsullied environment.
Juneau, Alaska: Arrive 13:00 - Depart 22:00
Cruise 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.
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. Experience
this breathtaking city on an Alaska cruise.
Overnight: Holland America, ‘Koningsdam’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 10 May 27 Skagway Alaska
Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 20:00
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. Explore the
town on a Skagway excursion. Much of the town has been preserved as
part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where rangers
offer free walking tours around the historic district. You’ll also find
a vibrant local community, home to a rich collection of local
galleries, curio shops and restaurants serving seafood plucked fresh
from nearby waters.
Overnight: Holland America, ‘Koningsdam’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 11 May 28 Glacier Bay Alaska
Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 16:00
On your cruise to Glacier Bay, close your eyes and take in the sounds -
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.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is best explored by sea,
onboard Holland America's perfectly sized ships, for the optimal
experience. Prepare for inclement weather, even in summer and dress for
rain. Pack a hat, gloves, wool or fleece layers, a warm coat and
waterproof gear to comfortably admire the landscape from the open deck
of your ship. There are glaciers, fjords, inlets, rivers, streams and
wildlife galore on Glacier Bay cruises, so bring those binoculars.
Overnight: Holland America, ‘Koningsdam’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 12 May 29 Ketchikan Alaska
Arrive: 11:00 - Depart: 19:00
Cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska's "First City", 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 sport-fishing or
simply savour the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.
Ketchikan is 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.
Overnight: Holland America, ‘Koningsdam’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 13 May 30 Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage
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.
Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of
Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca playing
among the bountiful waters, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown
bears lumbering on the shoreline.
Numerous ports along the way recount Alaska’s colourful history. In
Sitka, an onion-domed church marks Russia’s onetime foothold in the
Americas; Ketchikan provides a glimpse of the Native Alaskan
experience, with historic totem poles and native-arts galleries; and
the legendary town centre of Skagway bustles as it did at the turn of
the 19th century, when it served as the rowdy Wild West gateway to the
Klondike Gold Rush.
Overnight: Holland America, ‘Koningsdam’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 14 May 31 Vancouver British Columbia Canada - Sydney Australia
Arrive: 07:00
After breakfast, disembark and make your own way to the airport for your flight home.
Please note:
Some flights will depart late in the evening. Luggage storage is
available at both the cruise port and Vancouver International Airport
(fees apply).
Some flights may depart one day later, and complimentary airport hotel
accommodation will be provided for affected passengers, but you will
still be required to make your own way to the airport hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Day 15 June1 in transit
Day 16 June 2 Sydney Australia
Arrive Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
No Transfer included
