APT Canada offers an extensive range of tours with Platinum, Premier Plus and Affordable Value touring levels. The Platinum Collection offers enhanced touring of the Premier Plus itineraries with upgraded accommodation and smaller group touring; Premier Plus touring includes luxury accommodation, all tipping, freedom of choice touring and dine around dinners so you can pick and choose your experiences. On a majority of these tours a Gold VIP Upgrade with Gold Rooms at Fairmont hotels and an upgraded suite on your cruise is also available. Affordable Value touring offers quality hotels, iconic activities and sightseeing at a value for money price.
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Tranquil lakes, mountains and wildlife abound on this 12 Day journey. Explore picturesque Vancouver before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer train to Banff. After exploring Jasper, Sun Peaks and Whistler, and seeing highlights such as Lake Louise and the Athabasca Glacier with an option to complete your journey with a premium cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Spectacular Vancouver
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 with spectacular views
Day 2. Vancouver Sights
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 ten greatest public spaces in the world. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps head to Chinatown for exotic delicacies, or stroll around Granville Island and see food markets, shops and artists at work. And of course there is Robson Street, the best place to sit out and watch the locals stroll by, sip a drink and take in the vibrant Vancouver atmosphere. (B)
Day 3. Rocky Mountaineer Rail
Early today board the Rocky Mountaineer train. Enjoying GoldLeaf Service, sit back and relax in true comfort as you travel this famous railroad. Pass through the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley and view the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. See the thundering waters of Hell’s Gate and follow the Thompson River to historic Kamloops, gateway to the interior of British Columbia. (B, L)
Stay: Kamloops, hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer. Kamloops has limited accommodation (two or three-star hotels)
Day 4. Spiral Tunnels, Banff
Rejoining the Rocky Mountaineer, journey through vast ranchlands along the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake. The Kicking Horse River leads us to Kicking Horse Pass, the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels and over the Continental Divide to Banff National Park. Arrive in the late afternoon in Banff, Alberta. (B, L) Two Night Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs, the Castle in the Rockies
Day 5. Banff Sights, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dine Around Dinner
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff this morning, then join your selected activity. Whether it be a wilderness experience to spot wildlife, a round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, a scenic helicopter flight over the region, a float trip down the Bow River, or a boat cruise around majestic Lake Minnewanka - there’s something to cater to every taste! Tonight enjoy a Dine Around Dinner at The Fairmont Banff Springs. (B, D)
Day 6. Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Dine Around Dinner
This morning, ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy incredible 360º views of six Rocky Mountain ranges. Then head to tranquil Moraine Lake, a glacially-fed lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. In the afternoon arrive at Lake Louise, the Jewel of the Rockies, a beautiful aqua lake set against the backdrop of Victoria Glacier. Settle in then take a stroll with Mountain Heritage Guides, who will describe the natural history and stories of the area and point out photographic opportunities. Tonight choose to dine in one of the chateau’s four restaurants with our Dine Around Dinner. Stay: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, in Banff National Park (B, D)
Day 7. Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper, Dine Around Dinner
Today, journey along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s great scenic drives, travelling along a chain of massive icefields straddling the Continental Divide. Stopping at the giant Columbia Icefield, take a ride in a specially designed Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy the opportunity stand on the glacial ice that once fell as snow some 400 years ago. Continuing the journey north, arrive this afternoon in Jasper National Park, a fairytale mountain retreat boasting the best in modern amenities and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Tonight you can choose your Dine Around Dinner at one of The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s four outstanding restaurants. Stay: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (B, D)
Day 8. Mt Robson, Sun Peaks
Re-entering the province of British Columbia, your journey follows the famous Yellowhead Highway. Pass Mt Robson which, at 3,954 metres, is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. In the afternoon, arrive in the alpine village of Sun Peaks, tucked in among the rolling mountains of British Columbia’s interior and renowned for its world-class skiing, mountain-biking, snowboarding, accommodation and dining. Stay: Delta Sun Peaks Resort (B, D)
Day 9. Whistler
Follow the tracks of the early gold rush pioneers through the rugged Cariboo region. Featuring remote coastal inlets, the dry grassland expanse of the Chilcotin Plateau and the interior rainforest of the Cariboo Mountains, it’s little wonder the Cariboo region is home to an incredibly diverse range of fish and wildlife. The journey continues into the Coast Mountain Range to the ski resort of Whistler, set in a spectacular location and considered an adventure playground for skiers and mountain-bike riders 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 and Spa (B, D)
Day 10. Georgia Strait, Vancouver Island
The day commences with one of the most spectacular drives in the world, along the Sea to Sky Highway. Enjoy the incredible scenery before stopping at Shannon Falls, which originate from Mount Habrich and Mount Sky Pilot and cascade down for 335 metres. Returning to the coast, board a ferry for a scenic cruise through the Georgia Strait. Arrive on Vancouver Island and continue to Victoria. Tonight, the evening is at leisure – you may like to head out and discover dining and nightlife in this cosmopolitan city, or simply relax before another exciting day. Two Night Stay: Victoria, Delta Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa (B)
Day 11. Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning, visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens for a unique breakfast in the gardens. Established in 1904 by Jennie Butchart and maintained by successive generations of the Butchart family since then, take your time exploring and learning about the displays. The garden has established an international reputation for its year round display of flowering plants. In the afternoon, you have your choice of touring activity in Victoria. There’s an opportunity to watch whales breaching and interacting off Vancouver Island; you can take a seaplane flight to get a birds eye view of the island and coastline; perhaps stay on solid ground and take a guided tour of the wonderful houses and gardens around the town; or take an historic guided walking tour of the town. Other options include a horse-drawn carriage ride around the streets of Victoria or a delicious traditional high tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel. (B, D)
Day 12. 12 day tours end or optional Holland America Line Cruise
12 day passengers tour end here with a transfer to the airport. Remaining passengers take the Clipper from Victoria to Seattle where you will transfer to your Holland America Line cruise. Board your ship and settle in for your seven night Alaskan cruise of the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay. Seven Night Cruise: Holland America Line ship in a luxurious Verandah Stateroom (B, D)
Day 13. Cruising the Inside Passage
Enjoy a day at sea, gliding over the Inside Passage. (B, L, D)
Day 14. Glacier Bay
Wake to the breathtaking sight of Glacier Bay National Park. Rangers will explain the geological wonders and point out diverse wildlife and marine mammals. (B, L, D)
Day 15. Juneau
This morning, arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital. Located at the base of grand mountain peaks, explore the lush terrain and still prominent native Alaskan influence. (B, L, D)
Day 16. Sitka
Arrive in the Alaskan town of Sitka, rich in Russian and Tlingit culture. (B, L, D)
Day 17. Ketchikan
Continue cruising to Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world, and indulge in all things to do with salmon. (B, L, D)
Day 18. Victoria
Enjoy a day at sea and spend an evening docked in Victoria. (B, L, D)
Day 19. Seattle
Arrive back in Seattle this morning. After disembarkation, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
