Western Canada

Day 1: Arrive Vancouver

Upon arrival into Vancouver International Airport you will be transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. Join your Tour Director for a welcome reception.

Overnight: Fairmont Waterfront

Day 2: Vancouver Sightseeing

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver, taking in such sights as Stanley Park, Gastown and Chinatown. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Rocky Mountaineer (Vancouver - Kamloops)

This morning, it’s an early departure aboard the famous Rocky Mountaineer train on which you can enjoy the impeccable service of GoldLeaf seating. Follow the Thompson River to the town of Kamloops.

Overnight: Kamloops Hotel, to be advised locally (assigned by Rocky Mountaineer). Please note that Kamloops does not offer superior/deluxe hotels, but all featured properties promise a comfortable stay with all modern amenities.

Day 4: Rocky Mountaineer (Kamloops - Banff)

Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer and continue through the majestic Rockies. Marvel at the snowcapped mountains of Rogers Pass and travel through the Spiral Tunnels to Banff, where you will spend the next two nights.

Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 5: Banff Sightseeing

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and the surrounding area this morning. Later, decide which of the optional excursions to do, all included in the price. Choose from wildlife safaris, a round of golf or helicopter flightseeing, amongst others. This evening, enjoy dinner at a variety of local restaurants.

Day 6: Banff - Lake Louise

On the short journey to Lake Louise you will visit Moraine Lake, carved by glaciers deep in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. After a guided stroll to learn of the area’s natural history, enjoy dinner at your choice of restaurant.

Overnight: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 7: Lake Louise - Jasper

Today’s touring takes you along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Stop at the giant Columbia Icefield to ride an Ice Explorer on the 300-metre thick Athabasca Glacier. This afternoon arrive in Jasper National Park.

Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 8: Jasper - Sun Peaks

Today, follow the Yellowhead Highway, passing Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in the village resort of Sun Peaks this afternoon.

Overnight: Delta Sun Peaks Resort

Day 9: Sun Peaks - Whistler

Follow the tracks of the early gold rush pioneers as you travel through the rugged Cariboo region. This afternoon, arrive in the ski resort of Whistler.

Overnight: Westin Resort

Day 10: Whistler - Victoria

Return today to the coast and board a ferry for a scenic cruise through the Strait of Georgia. Arrive on Vancouver Island and head the short distance to Victoria.

Overnight: Delta Ocean Pointe Resort

Day 11: Victoria Sightseeing

This morning, visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens and then enjoy your choice of touring. Perhaps enjoy whale watching or a spot of salmon fishing, flightseeing by seaplane, horse-drawn carriage ride or traditional high tea at the Fairmont Empress.

Day 12: Victoria - Vancouver (Departure or Holland America Line Cruise)

This morning, return by ferry to Vancouver where guests on the 12-Day tour will be transferred to the airport. Guests on the 19-Day tour will join their Holland America Cruise Line ship, the luxurious ms Zuiderdam (see pages 23), for a seven-night cruise to Alaska.

Overnight: ms Zuiderdam (Verandah Stateroom)

Days 13-18: Cruising Alaska

Relax and enjoy the next six days as your ship winds its way through the rocky headlands of the Inside Passage, past the mighty Sawyer Glacier at the head of Tracy Arm and on to various Alaskan ports of call including the state’s unique capital, Juneau and the frontier town of Skagway; famous for the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898.

Day 19: Depart Vancouver

After passing through the famous Lion’s Gate Bridge, return this morning to Vancouver. After disembarking, you will be transferred to the airport.

Departure Dates:

Apr 28. May 5, 12, 19, 26. Jun 2, 9, 23, 30. Jul 7, 14, 21, 28. Aug 4, 18, 25. Sep 1, 8.

Tour Includes:

• Premier Plus Touring accommodation with private facilities, as detailed in the itinerary • Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary. This includes ‘Freedom of Choice’ activities throughout • 2 days on board the Rocky Mountaineer, in GoldLeaf service, from Vancouver to Banff • 7-night cruise with Holland America Line in a guaranteed verandah stateroom (UT19BEW only) • Meals as specified (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner) • Tour Director, Driver and Holland America Line gratuities