ITINERARY

Day 1 – Begin your Canada Vacation – Arrival in Calgary and transfer to Lake Louise
Your adventure begins upon arrival in the Stampede city of Calgary, your gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Today includes a scenic transfer to beautiful Lake Louise, where you will be the spending the night. You may want to consider adding a pre-night in Calgary if your flight arrives later in the day.

Day 2 – Lake Louise to Banff
It’s easy to see why Lake Louise is the most-photographed spot in the Rockies, with a picture-perfect turquoise lake surrounded by sky-scraping mountains. It’s up to you how much you explore, but try getting active with a stroll along the shores of the lake, or a paddle by canoe. It’ll make your visit all the more memorable! In the afternoon enjoy a scenic transfer along the beautiful Icefields Parkway to Banff, the liveliest resort town in the Rockies.

Day 3 – Banff
Today’s the day to get outside, explore, and see why the population of Banff doubles during the summer months. A guided tour lets you relax in comfort as you visit four local mountains and learn how natural phenomena have made Banff into the outdoor paradise it is today. A gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain gives you a panoramic view of Bow Valley - the mountains surround you on all sides as you gaze upon the pristine wilderness below, with the river glistening in the distance. Now, you understand the sense of peace that keeps people returning to Banff year after year.

Day 4 – RMR Banff - Kamloops
Enjoy the beginning of your Canada train vacation as you board the scenic Rocky Mountaineer! This sightseeing train is designed with your comfort in mind, as you’ll relax today over coffee with old friends and new, and delicious meals and snacks. The on-board attendants will cater to your every need, but you’ll be too busy staring out the window at the staggering mountain scenery to want for much. Be sure to spend some time exploring the outdoor viewing platform for a taste of the cool breeze of mountain air and a closer view of the rolling mountains you’re passing beside. From the onboard guide, you will learn the history of Canada rail, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for bears, elk and other mountain residents. Early in the evening, the Rocky Mountaineer arrives in Kamloops where you have a good night’s rest.

Day 5 – Kamloops – Vancouver
Return to your relaxing seat on board the Rocky Mountaineer as you travel through the impressive Thompson Canyon before arriving, awe-struck, at Hell’s Gate, where 200 million gallons of water push their way through the narrow gorge. You will be struck by the diversity of Canada’s scenery as you move from the arid interior of British Columbia to the coastal city of Vancouver. The lush farmland of the Fraser Valley implies your approach to Vancouver, your final stop on the Canada rail portion of your train and cruise trip. A city surrounded by mountains and ocean, the air is fresh, the ambiance is cool, and the residents are friendly. Vancouver’s relaxing charms will revitalize in anticipation of your next adventure – an Alaska cruise.

Day 6 – Coastal Metropolis – Explore Vancouver
It’s easy to fall in love with Vancouver. This is the west coast city where Greenpeace started, where residents get their exercise by running sea-side around a huge urban park, and where coyotes and raccoons wander through backyards. Spend your day wandering Vancouver’s great village neighbourhoods – the West End with its pink benches and pretty beaches, Chinatown with delicious and hectic dim sum, and Robson Street with shopping and Starbucks at every corner – or get outside by going for a kayak, or maybe a visit to Grouse Mountain. Your options are endless in this active and diverse city.

Day 7 – On the Ocean – Holland America’s MS Ryndam
Step aboard the MS Zaandam and into Holland America’s superb service. The ship’s ambiance is luxurious and with a high ratio of staff to travelers, the personalized attention puts you right at ease. Watch Vancouver fade into the distance as you stroll along the outdoor deck. Evening entertainment dazzles before you retire to your stateroom this evening, where you are gently rocked to sleep by movement of the ocean.

Day 8 – Experience Cruising – Full Day at Sea
Start your onboard experience by booking some pampering at the spa before taking a dip in the pool or trying your luck at the casino. Those looking for a more leisurely day are sure to enjoy spending time deck-side, watching the mountains in the distance. Treat your taste buds to a selection of gourmet regional dishes this evening – the delicious meals are sure to be a highlight of your Alaska cruise!

Day 9 – Glacier Discovery – Tracy Arm and Juneau, Alaska
You wake up more deeply surrounded by the incredible beauty of Alaska. In the narrow fjord of Tracy Arm, you’ll discover more than 600,000 acres of gorgeous, pristine backcountry. Enjoy a hot drink on deck as you stand near the rail to get the best view. Step off the ship in Juneau today to explore Alaska’s capital. The streets are full of interesting shops and sights, so you may choose to explore the city on your own, or sign up for a shore excursion before re-boarding the MS Zaandam and continuing your Alaska cruise.

Day 10 – Colourful History – Arrive in Skagway
Skagway’s brightly coloured streets take you back in history to the Klondike gold rush era, when many stopped over here en route to find their fortunes. Skagway’s pride in its frontier heritage shows in every store and street side museum. With all this lively history, you must consider sitting for a photo at the old time photo hut – where you can dress-up in a historic Skagway style – it’s the perfect end to the afternoon!

Day 11 – Spectacular Nature - Cruise Glacier Bay
Discover the peacefulness of undisturbed wilderness in this pure Alaska bay. You will feel as though you have returned to the Ice Age as sixteen spectacular glaciers work to define the landscape. This is your chance to get up close and personal with these incredible structures that are now threatened by global warming. Trained cruise-staff will be on hand to explain any questions you may have, but you may find you’re too busy taking pictures of the beautiful landscape to be preoccupied with the science behind it!

Day 12 – The Salmon Capital – Arrive in Ketchikan
Ketchikan’s seafaring atmosphere is the first thing you’ll notice when you step off the ship. Originally established as a fishing town, this is the best place to replenish your stock of smoked Salmon! The town extends from the shore, thanks to stilts it goes right out onto the water. A stroll along Creek Street takes you into a red light district that’s straight out of the gold rush era. Wooden heritage buildings - housing museums, shops and historic houses – line the street. Dolly’s House is a stop that’s not to be missed!

Day 13 – The Inside Passage – Ketchikan to Vancouver
This morning wake up to scenery unlike any other – the Inside Passage is revered for a reason. Mountains and wilderness are at your fingertips. Make the most of this incredible scenery by enjoying your breakfast on deck. This full day cruise is west coast scenery at its finest. Calm inlets, evergreen blanketed islands, and majestic coastal mountains keep your eyes busy. The salt tinged air of the Pacific Ocean fills your lungs as the breeze tickles your face. Memories from your Alaskan cruise fill your thoughts tonight as you’re rocked to sleep by the Pacific Ocean one last time.

Day 14 – Much too Soon – Depart Vancouver
With stories and memories for years, you leave the clean air and colourful sights of Canada and Alaska behind as your rail and cruise vacation comes to an end.

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2008 Departure Dates
Departs Calgary
Tuesdays
May 1,8,15,22,29
Jun 5,12,19,26
Jul 3,10,17,24,31
Aug 7,14,21,28
Sep 4,11

Options & Upgrades
• Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the great scenery, excellent food and an outdoor viewing platform allowing wonderful photographic opportunities make this option a must.
• Extend your stay in the Canadian Rockies to river raft the Kicking Horse River, explore the National Parks on foot or mountain bike, or sharpen up your shopping skills on Banff’s Main Street
• Add a trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island
• Experience an aerial view of the Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter or learn about Alaska’s wildlife on a whale-watching and wildlife tour both available as shore excursions from Juneau
• Survey Ketchikan’s rain forest canopy from a bird’s-eye perspective on a Canopy Adventure & Wildlife Expedition
• Reach White Pass summit aboard the 100 year old White pass & Yukon Route Railroad through some of Alaska’s most rugged and beautiful terrain

Price Notes
• Prices are per person based on two people occupying a room and cabin
• Prices for single or triple are available, please ask your agent for details
• All cabin types are outside cabins

Includes
• Accommodation for 5 nights
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Banff - Standard and Superior include Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service whilst Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service
• 3-hour Banff sightseeing tour (Including Gondola from May 1st, 08 only)
• Banff Evening Wildlife Safari
• Motorcoach transfer from Banff to Lake Louise
• Transfer from Calgary Airport to Lake Louise
• Rail Station transfers in Kamloops
• 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• All meals, tea, coffee & juice aboard the cruise
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package

Not Included
• Rocky Mountaineer fuel surcharge $30 pp
• Transfers, unless otherwise stated
• National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks & bottled water aboard cruise
• Cruise ship service charge - USD $10 per person per day & 15% of bar bill
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)

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