Vancouver round-trip
MS Nieuw Amsterdam Cruises
On this Canadian Rockies tour—with an Alaska cruise—enjoy time in many of Canada’s most scenic areas as you travel through some of its national parks and mountain towns. Spend time in beautiful Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Whistler, Sun Peaks, Victoria, Vancouver, and British Columbia’s wine country. Ferry through the Gulf Islands between Vancouver and Victoria. Take an Ice Explorer ride on the 1,200-foot-thick Columbia Icefield, and marvel at the stunning scenery, including alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers.
Admire the beauty of Lake Louise, with green-blue waters forming a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Travel to Maligne Lake, the largest glacially formed lake and one of the most picturesque spots in the Canadian Rockies, for a cruise to Spirit Island. Witness panoramic views of Banff from the Banff gondola, and in British Columbia, enjoy a visit to spectacular Shannon Falls, the third highest falls in the province.
More breathtaking scenery also awaits you on your 7-night Alaska cruise. Visit the towns of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Cruise through Tracy Arm, with one of Alaska’s most dramatic glacier settings; the gorgeous Inside Passage, with its whales, soaring eagles, and more; and Glacier Bay National Park, where you’ll witness the huge slabs of ice break off and “calve” into the sea.
On this tour, Globus has also arranged some special experiences for you. On Victoria, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens, with 55 acres of impressive floral displays, followed by a special dinner in the original Butchart family residence. In British Columbia’s wine region, Globus has included a tour and dinner at a winery producing some of British Columbia’s best wines.
This is just a sampling of the highlights offered on this Canadian Rockies tour. Enjoy the tranquil beauty and fun experiences on this marvelous vacation.
Highlights:
- Banff National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Yoho National Park
Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver, BC
Welcome to Vancouver, your gateway to the Canadian Rockies! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Day 2: Vancouver–Victoria
This morning, tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Catch the FERRY over to Vancouver Island and Victoria. Visit world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, followed by a special dinner in the original Butchart family residence. See major attractions on your city orientation tour, including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Victoria
This day is free to explore on your own; your Tour Director suggests 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. History buffs should be sure to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 4: Victoria–Whistler
Today, board a BC FERRY and cross the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. Stop at SHANNON FALLS, where a boardwalk leads to a viewing platform near the base of the roaring falls. On to the alpine resort of Whistler, nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain. There’s time today to explore many of the 2010 Winter Olympics’ sites.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 5: Whistler
Today is free to explore all that Whistler has to offer. 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 tree tops, a sightseeing excursion by air, shopping in the village, or just relaxing at your resort.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 6: Whistler–Sun Peaks
This morning, 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, journey north through the heart of the magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Afternoon arrival in Sun Peaks, with the balance of the day at leisure. You may take advantage of an optional canoe trip on Lake McGillivray, where, surrounded by beautiful scenery, you learn about Canada’s fur trade.
Meal: Breakfast
NOTE:
Operation of the canoe trip is subject to favorable weather conditions.
Day 7: Sun Peaks–Jasper
Continue north, following the Yellowhead Highway and hugging the mighty North Thompson River into the province of Alberta. See the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson (the highest point in the Canadian Rockies) before entering JASPER NATIONAL PARK. Marvel at the precipitous gorges, snowcapped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens in this wild mountain wilderness. Perhaps take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced guide will navigate as you absorb the splendor of Jasper National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Jasper. Excursion to Maligne Lake
Enjoy a short sightseeing tour to see Jasper’s unspoiled beauty. Afterward, travel to glacial Maligne Lake for a narrated CRUISE to Spirit Island. On the return journey, stop to view Maligne Canyon. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. Enjoy a short sightseeing tour to see Jasper’s unspoiled beauty. Afterward, travel to glacial Maligne Lake for a narrated CRUISE to Spirit Island. On the return journey, stop to view Maligne Canyon. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 9: Jasper–Columbia Icefield–Lake Louise–Banff
This morning, travel through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the 1,200-foot-thick Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ICE EXPLORER RIDE. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers, then scale Bow Pass for splendid views of Peyto Lake. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into BANFF NATIONAL PARK.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 10: Banff
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 savor a flavorful meal. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls and the Hoodoos. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Banff–Yoho National Park–Glacier National Park–British Columbia's Wine Country
This morning, depart Banff and scale Kicking Horse Pass across the Continental Divide into British Columbia and Yoho National Park. Next, enjoy panoramic vistas of peaks exceeding 10,000 feet on Rogers Pass at the summit in Canada’s Glacier National Park. Descend into the agricultural region of the Okanagan Valley to the resort city of Kelowna. A special evening is in store for you with a tour and dinner at SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY, producing some of the best wine in British Columbia.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: British Columbia's Wine Country–Vancouver
Today, continue through the fertile Fraser Valley, with grand vistas of vineyards and orchards, before traveling over the towering Cascade Mountains into Vancouver. Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Vancouver
A full free day to explore more of this vibrant city.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 14: Vancouver (Embarkation)
Embark Holland America’s MS Nieuw Amsterdam.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Sit back and relax as you cruise through the beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery of the Inside Passage. Keep your cameras ready for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other wildlife. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Tracy Arm & Juneau
This narrow, 26-mile-long fjord is another of Alaska’s most dramatic glacier settings. The lush rainforest recedes to reveal a stunning canyon of bare rock. The panorama of 7,000-foot mountain peaks and nearly vertical rock cliffs is astounding. Waterfalls appear at every turn. Icebergs make their way to the sea in all sorts of wondrous shapes. And tucked away at the end of this remarkable waterway are two very active reminders of the Ice Age—the twin Sawyer Glaciers, which calve icebergs into the jade-colored inland sea. Kittiwakes, mountain goats, and seals are a common sight. Whales and bears may even make an appearance in this magical place. Visit one of the most remote capital cities—Juneau. Accessible only by air and water, Juneau is located at the base of two towering mountains in the heart of Alaska’s Inside Passage, and is home to a rich Gold Rush history, Native culture, wildlife, and a wealth of natural wonders. Shop for gold nuggets, visit the stately Governor’s Mansion, saunter through the swinging doors of the historic Red Dog Saloon, or visit mighty Mendenhall Glacier, an impressive river of ice that is 12 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Skagway
Once a major port for gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon, today you can still ride the antique White Pass & Yukon Route narrow-gauge railway up past Deadhorse Gulch to see what it was like ages ago. Step back in time as you stroll the wooden sidewalks of the town, preserved as a U.S. National Historic Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Scenic Cruising: Glacier Bay National Park
This Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site protects a unique ecosystem in an ever-changing glacial landscape. Witness the spectacle of thunder and flying spray as huge slabs of ice break off and “calve” into the sea—making for lasting memories. National Park rangers accompany the ship, adding expert commentary to the day’s events.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19: Ketchikan
Experience Native Alaska firsthand. Meet the spirits of the raven, whale, and eagle as you view the largest collection of totems in the world at Saxman Totem Park or Totem Bight State Historic Park. Or, explore Creek Street, now home to contemporary art galleries and quaint boutiques.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20: Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Take a second spin through Alaska’s Inside Passage to enjoy the spectacular contrast from wide bays of still waters and barrier islands to narrow waterways edged with towering forested cliffs. Meals: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21: Vancouver (Disembarkation)
The vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. Please schedule flights after Noon.
Meal: Breakfast
