Canada, Alaska, USA, Luxury Escorted Touring, Rocky Mountaineer, Lake Louise, Alaska Cruises, Whistler Canada
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48 | ROCKIES & ALASKA CRUISE HOLIDAYS ALPINE WONDERS & WILDLIFE Day 10. Jasper, Mt Robson, Blue River, Sun Peaks. Join the Yellowhead Highway and re-enter British Columbia, stopping to take in views of Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. On arrival in Blue River, board a custom-designed boat and skim over the waterways, watching for the grizzly and black bears that are frequently sighted here, as well as other native creatures. Enjoy lunch then continue your journey to Sun Peaks. Stay: Sun Peaks Grand Hotel. BLD Day 11. Sun Peaks, Whistler. Follow the historic tracks of the early gold rush pioneers through the Cariboo region. Travel via the rural town of Lillooet, and stop at both Seton and Duffey lakes. Then re-enter the Coast Mountains on your way to Whistler. Ringed by mountains, forests and valleys, you'll see why this destination attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Two Night Stay: The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa. BD Day 12. Whistler. For an insight into the heritage of Canada's indigenous people, you'll enjoy breakfast and a tour at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. This afternoon, select the Freedom of Choice activity that appeals to you. Take an eco-trek to Lost Lake or enjoy a floatplane flight for a new perspective on the region. Alternatively, explore Whistler Mountain on a 4x4 or snowcat adventure, enjoy a mountain Jeep safari or ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Others may prefer a tree trek or a zip trek. After a fun-filled day, you'll appreciate an evening at leisure. B VANCOUVER ISLAND Day 13. Whistler, Georgia Strait, Victoria. Travel south from Whistler, via Shannon Falls to Horseshoe Bay. Here, take a ferry to Vancouver Island and the small city of Nanaimo. Continue by coach via Chemainus, arriving later in Victoria. Forgo the journey by land and ferry, and take a one-hour floatplane flight from Whistler to Victoria (own expense). Enjoy incredible views of the Georgia Strait and arrive in Victoria in the early afternoon. Two Night Stay: Vancouver Island, Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa. B Day 14. Victoria, The Butchart Gardens. Visit The Butchart Gardens before the crowds and enjoy breakfast in the original Butchart residence. You'll enjoy plenty of time to enjoy the colourful gardens in true serenity, before your afternoon activity. Perhaps join a whale watching cruise; take a seaplane flight; learn about the city's heritage district on a guided tour; fish for salmon; ride in a horse-drawn carriage; or delight in afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel. On the final evening of your land journey, enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travellers. BD ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE Day 15. Victoria, Vancouver, Embark Ship. Return to Vancouver and board your ship for your Alaska Inside Passage cruise. This evening, you'll be treated to a delightful Sail Away Dinner at the renowned Pinnacle Grill. Seven Night Cruise: Holland America Line in a Verandah Stateroom. BD Day 16. Cruise the Inside Passage. The excitement builds today as you open your curtains to the legendary scenery of the Inside Passage. Enjoy a full day at sea as your ship cruises past fjords and tiny islands off the coast of British Columbia. BLD Day 17. Tracy Arm, Juneau. Cruise past the soaring cliffs at the entrance of Tracy Arm, a narrow and twisting fjord. Continue to Alaska's capital, Juneau, set at the foot of the mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel. Disembark and choose to explore at leisure or set off on one of the available excursions (own expense). BLD Day 18. Skagway. Arrive in Skagway, at the Inside Passage's northernmost point. Once a gateway city for the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway's frontier- style air remains evident today. Here, a variety of excursions are on offer (own expense). BLD Day 19. Glacier Bay National Park. Wake to the breathtaking sight of World Heritage-listed Glacier Bay National Park, with its rivers of ice and skyscraping peaks. As you cruise, you'll benefit from the insightful commentary of local rangers who have come aboard your ship to explain the geological wonders and point out some of the diverse wildlife and marine mammals. BLD Day 20. Ketchikan. A cheerful town set on the shores of the Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan and its surrounds present a range of attractions, including Misty Fjords National Monument – one of America's largest wilderness areas. BLD Day 21. The Inside Passage. Heading south through the Inside Passage, watch the glorious landscape slip by on your final day at sea. Or relax and make use of the wonderful amenities on board your ship. BLD Day 22. Disembark Ship, Depart Vancouver. Disembark your ship on arrival in Vancouver today and transfer to the airport. B Cut a breathtaking path through Alaska's Inside Passage with Holland America Line EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY – EASTERN CANADA While you're here, why not combine your holiday with a tour of Canada's stunning East (UTE32). See pages 124-125 for details.