Canada, Alaska, USA, Luxury Escorted Touring, Rocky Mountaineer, Lake Louise, Alaska Cruises, Whistler Canada
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58 | ROCKIES & ALASKA CRUISE HOLIDAYS over the icy waters of the Inside Passage, one of the most picturesque sea lanes in the world, and one of the few where deep-draft vessels can sail close to steep mountain walls. BLD Day 16. Tracy Arm, Juneau. Today you will cruise to the entrance of Tracy Arm, a twisting and narrow fjord. Continue your journey to Alaska's capital, Juneau, set at the foot of the majestic Coast Mountains on the Gastineau Channel. Here, you may explore at leisure or set off on an excursion (own expense). BLD Day 17. Skagway. Reach the Inside Passage's northernmost point, Skagway. Once a gateway city for the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway's frontier-style atmosphere remains evident today, with many of its colourful heritage buildings now protected as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Here, a variety of excursions are on offer (own expense). BLD Day 18. Glacier Bay National Park. Draw back your curtains to World Heritage- listed Glacier Bay National Park, with its rivers of ice and skyscraping peaks. As you cruise through the national park, 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. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be among the lucky few to sight whales in the wild. Also look out for harbor seals and sea otters bobbing gleefully above the water. BLD Day 19. 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, with glacial valleys and frosted peaks where wildlife roam in abundance. Disembark and spend the day exploring as you please. BLD ALPINE WONDERS Day 10. Kelowna, Whistler. Departing Kelowna, follow the historic tracks of the early gold rush pioneers through the rugged Cariboo region. Travel via the remote rural town of Lillooet, and stop at both Seton and Duffey lakes. Then re-enter the lush Coast Mountains on your way to Whistler. After settling in to your accommodation, enjoy a delicious dinner this evening. Two Night Stay: The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa. BD Day 11. Whistler. For an insight into the heritage of Canada's indigenous people, enjoy breakfast and a tour at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre this morning. This afternoon, take an eco-trek to Lost Lake; enjoy a floatplane flight; explore Whistler Mountain on a 4x4 or snowcat adventure; enjoy a mountain Jeep safari; ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola; or perhaps set out on a tree trek or zip trek. After a fun-filled day, you'll appreciate an evening at leisure to relax and recharge. B VANCOUVER ISLAND Day 12. 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, Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria. B Day 13. Victoria, The Butchart Gardens. This morning visit The Butchart Gardens before the crowds and enjoy breakfast in the original Butchart residence. Afterwards, spend the afternoon on your selected sightseeing experience. 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. Enjoy a special dinner this evening. BD ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE Day 14. 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, featuring a selection of innovative dishes in an intimate setting. Seven Night Cruise: Holland America Line's ms Nieuw Amsterdam in a Verandah Stateroom. BD Day 15. Cruise the Inside Passage. Enjoy a full day at sea as your ship cruises along coastal British Columbia and the Alaska Panhandle. Glide past rocky headlands and Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Enjoy The Butchart Gardens' rambling floral displays all to yourself