Canada & Alaska Rail Cruise Adventure

Day 1 - Wednesday 20 August 2025

Melbourne - Sydney - Vancouver (D)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  Join your tour hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for your flight to Canada.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards our fantastic adventure.

Upon arrival at Vancouver Airport, we will be met and transferred to the hotel with a Vancouver Sightseeing Tour enroute.  Urban sophistication mixed with multicultural flair makes Vancouver one of the most liveable cities in the world.  This metropolitan city is always a bustle of activity with spectacular scenery, world-class dining, and fabulous shopping. 

Explore Chinatown - North America’s second largest and historic Gastown with its 19th-century buildings, cobblestone streets and hidden passageways with a stop at the Steam Clock.  Then we will see English Bay, Canada Place & the waterfront with a stop at the Olympic Flame Monument.  The tour will end with a drive around Stanley Park with stops at the Totem Poles and Prospect Point.

Upon arrival at the hotel, check-in for a 3-night stay with the remainder of the day at leisure.

This evening enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel.

Overnight - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)

Day 2 - Thursday 21 August 2025

Vancouver - North Shore Sightseeing - Vancouver (B, D)

Today we board the chartered coach for a sightseeing tour to Vancouver's North Shore.  This tour is all about adventure, as we take in the natural wonders surrounding Vancouver.  Cross over the Lions Gate Bridge to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Canada. 

At Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, stand above an old-growth cedar forest and the Capilano River.  Experience the awe of natural surroundings, view First Nations artwork, and feel the rush of adrenaline at the Cliffwalk attraction. The Treetops Adventure walk showcases the beauty and diversity of the Capilano coastal rainforest. 

We will then be transferred by chartered coach to the Gastronomic Gastown Tour.  Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhood, Gastown, is a charming maze of cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, local boutiques, and legendary eating and drinking establishments.  This three-hour Gastronomic Gastown Tour begins at the birthplace of Vancouver, marked by the statue of “Captain Gassy Jack,” from whom Gastown earned its name.  

Weave expertly through the brick streets, just as the locals love to do.  It’s here for craft beer and Canadian poutine and another stop for Vancouver’s best pizza.  This door is for a mouthwatering cocktail, that nook for the show-stopping dessert.  With every twist and turn, collect a curated list of additional recommendations to explore.

After the tour we will be transferred back to the hotel.

Overnight - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)

Day 3 - Friday 22 August 2025

Vancouver - Victoria - Vancouver (B)

We begin today's tour to Victoria in a chartered mini-coach with a driver providing commentary.  Enjoy a wonderful ferry ride to Vancouver Island on BC Ferries, and visit the Butchart Gardens, one of the most spectacular floral displays in Canada.  Created early last century from a stone quarry, the different areas of the garden are planted such that they bloom year-round.  Some of the highlights include the Italian gardens, Japanese gardens, the English rose garden and the Star Pond. 

We continue to downtown Victoria for an orientation tour of the Provincial Capital.  Highlights include Beacon Hill Park, Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings, Chinatown, the Inner Harbour and the historic Empress Hotel.

Return to Vancouver by ferry and coach.

Dinner is at our leisure tonight.

Overnight – Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)

Day 4 - Saturday 23 August 2025

Vancouver - Calgary - Banff (B, D)

This morning we will be transferred to the Vancouver Airport for our flight to Calgary. 

On arrival into Calgary Airport, we will be met and transferred to Banff to our hotel, home for the next two nights.

Dinner is at our leisure tonight.

Overnight – Mount Royal Hotel, Banff  (or similar)

Day 5 - Sunday 24 August 2025

Banff (B)

This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour including Bow River Falls, Tunnel Mountain Drive with the wind-eroded hoodoos and the historic Banff Springs Hotel.  

Ride up the Sulphur Mountain with Banff Gondola for panoramic views over the Rocky Mountains (weather permitting).

Dinner is at our leisure tonight

Overnight – Mount Royal Hotel, Banff  (or similar)

Day 6 - Monday 25 August 2025

Banff - Lake Louise (B, AT)

In the morning we depart Banff in a chartered mini-coach along the Bow Valley parkway and continue across the Continental Divide into Yoho Park to view the spiral train tunnels, the natural bridge of stone across the Kicking Horse River as well as the beautiful Emerald Lake.

Arrive at beautiful Lake Louise to enjoy the spectacular view across the lake to the Victoria Glacier.  

Enjoy afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and then continue to our hotel.

This evening is at leisure.

Overnight – Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise  (or similar) 

Day 7 - Tuesday 26 August 2025

Lake Louise - Jasper (B)

An early morning departure in a chartered mini coach on the most scenic road of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Icefield Parkway. Stops will be made at Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier and pass by Peyto Lake before reaching Columbia Icefield, one of the most unique attractions in the Canadian Rockies. 

Massive Ice Explorers take us on a remarkable excursion onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier.  Next, enjoy the Glacier Skywalk, a perfect balance of breathtaking views, and interpretive storytelling adrenaline-pumping excitement. 

Continue to Jasper via Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls before arriving at our hotel.

Dinner is at leisure tonight

Overnight - Marmot Lodge, Jasper (or similar)

Day 8 - Wednesday 27 August 2025

Jasper (B)

This morning we will be picked up by a chartered coach for a full day of sightseeing in Jasper National Park.  Start by exploring the townsite, Pyramid and Patricia Lakes as well as the Maligne River Valley.  Stop for a nature walk in beautiful Maligne Canyon to see the narrow gorge and limestone walls. 

Continue to Medicine Lake and finally, Maligne Lake where we will enjoy a 90-minute cruise with a stop at Spirit Island.  Before returning to the hotel, board the Jasper Sky Tram to be elevated high up Whistlers Mountain. 

There will be time at leisure to use the hiking trails on top of the mountain (good hiking shoes needed) or just relax and take in the view.

Dinner is at leisure tonight

Overnight - Marmot Lodge, Jasper (or similar)

Day 9 - Thursday 28 August 2025

Jasper - Kamloops (B, L)

This morning we will have an early transfer to the rail station for the first day of the 2 day rail journey on Rocky Mountaineer between Jasper and Vancouver in Silverleaf Service. 

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior.  Journey west and south surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River on approach to the overnight destination of Kamloops.  Breakfast and Lunch will be served on board the train.

Upon arrival in Kamloops we will be transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay. Dinner will be at our leisure

Overnight - Kamloops (accommodation will be advised on the train and supplied by Rocky Mountaineer)

Day 10 - Friday 29 August 2025

Kamloops - Vancouver (B, L)

This morning we will be collected from the hotel and transferred to the Rocky Mountaineer Rail Station for the rail journey to Vancouver in Silverleaf Service.

The journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through the winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. 

Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon.  Breakfast and lunch will be served on board the train.

Upon arrival in Vancouver, we will be transferred in a chartered coach from the Rocky Mountaineer station to our hotel.

Overnight - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)

Day 11 - Saturday 30 August 2025

Vancouver (B, D)

This morning we visit Granville Island with its famous public market, art and craft shops and many cafes and restaurants.  We then transfer to Vancouver Cruise Terminal for the 7-night cruise of Alaska’s Inside Passage departing at 1600hrs. 

Cruising through the Inside Passage is really what has made Alaska cruising so popular.  This trip captures so much of what people love about Alaska.  There are glaciers the size of Rhode Island, misty rain forests, ghostly blue fjords and spirited communities that celebrate their varied heritage.  Be sure to take in every view sailing through one of the most beautiful parts of Alaska.

Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'

Day 12 - Sunday 31 August 2025

Inside Passage Cruising (B, L, D)

This is one of the most famously beautiful passages in the world.  Stretching through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to the famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. A day to relax on board and enjoy all the ship has to offer.

Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'

Day 13 - Monday 1 September 2025

Tracey Arm Inlet & Juneau (B, L, D)

Steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank this fjord, fringed by the largest intact coastal temperate rain forest in the United States.  Old-growth trees colonized Tracy Arm's mouth long ago as the Ice Age retreated. The twin Sawyer Glaciers flow from the peaks down to the sea, sloughing off stories-high chunks of water frozen decades or even centuries before.  

Even more glorious than nearby Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm is part of the 5.7 million acres (or around 23,000 square kilometres) of pure wilderness sheltered by the Tongass National Forest (America's biggest).  Visitors often see bears, whales and mountain goats roaming across various corners of this pristine area, not to mention chubby baby seals resting on the ice floes.

Arrive in Juneau at 1330hrs and depart at 2230hrs. 

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, was founded during a gold rush in 1880.  Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery.  With its snow-capped mountains, misty rainforests, massive glaciers and bounty of wildlife, Alaska’s remote state capital is the perfect place to dive into nature.  

Framed by Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts, the city’s picturesque downtown area offers centuries-old bars, boutique shops and historic landmarks.  For a taste of the local culture, visit the historic district and the Alaska State Museum. For outdoor thrills, take your pick of activities ranging from whale watching in Auke Bay Harbor to tundra trekking over Mendenhall Glacier, and even try gold panning in Last Chance Basin.

Juneau is known for its outdoor recreation, fresh seafood and fine dining.  The city itself is pleasant, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down some wildlife. Hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles.  Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay, bring a good pair of binoculars to get the best view of these majestic and surprisingly graceful creatures.  If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to a nearby wildlife reserve such as Chichagof or Admiralty Island to spy some bears lolling around on an Alaska cruise excursion.

Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'

Day 14 - Tuesday 2 September 2025

Skagway (B, L, D)

Arrive into Skagway at 0700hrs and depart at 2000hrs. 

The tiny town of Skagway still looks like it did during the Klondike Gold Rush over 100 years ago and today it remains an outpost for thrilling Alaskan adventure.  An old-time street car ride along bustling Broadway Street reveals well-preserved buildings, including the state’s oldest hotel.  

See engraved walrus tusks at the Corrington Museum or get lost in riveting historical re-enactments around town.  

Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'

Day 15 - Wednesday 3 September 2025

Glacier Bay Cruising (B, L, D)

Arrive into Glacier Bay at 0700hrs and depart at 1600hrs. 

Close your eyes and take in the sounds, the creaks and groans of “living” ice, the shrill cries of gulls and soaring eagles, the splash of a breaching humpback whale.  Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park) and marine wildlife are givens on Glacier Bay cruises, every experience in this changing biosphere is unique.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is best explored on an Alaska Cruise or an Alaska Land+ Sea Journey cruise tour. Our ships are perfectly sized for the optimal experience.  There are glaciers, fjords, inlets, rivers, streams and wildlife galore.

Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'

Day 16 - Thursday 4 September 2025

Ketchikan (B, L, D)

Arrive into Ketchikan at 1100hrs and depart at 1900hrs.

Alaska's 'First City' of Ketchikan is so named because it’s the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. 

Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries. Ketchikan is one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.  See intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Centre and Totem Bight State Park, while the attractions of Saxman Village just outside of Ketchikan offer the chance to see Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house.  

Leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, and shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon and local art while exploring gold rush­–era tourist attractions like Dolly’s House Museum.

Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'

Day 17 - Friday 5 September 2025

Inside Passage Cruising (B, L, D)

Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline. 

Today is our last day of cruising

Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'

Day 18 - Saturday 6 September 2025

Vancouver - Whistler - Vancouver - Sydney (B)

This morning the cruise arrives in Vancouver at 0700hrs.  After breakfast we disembark the ship and are met in the arrival area of Canada Place cruise ship terminal by our guide.  

We depart in a chartered coach with a guide providing commentary up the scenic Sea to Sky Highway along beautiful Howe Sound.  Pass through the coastal community of Brittania Beach. 

Next, stop at BC’s highest waterfall, Shannon Falls, and view the Stawamanus Chief, the second largest standing piece of granite in the world and a popular rock climbing area.  Upon arrival in Whistler, take a trip on the Gondola for panoramic views of the village and surrounding mountains, make sure to cross the Peak2Peak Gondola from Whistler to Blackcomb Mountain – a unique experience. 

Enjoy some free time to explore the village before driving back down the Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver Airport in preparation for our flight home.

After check-in, we will make our way to the Plaza Premium Lounge where we will enjoy an array of food and beverages and free WiFi to await our flight homeward bound.

Day 19 - Sunday 7 September 2025

In Transit (Meals Inflight)

Flight in transit - Cross over the International Date Line !

Day 20 - Monday 8 September 2025

Welcome Home!

An early morning arrival into Sydney for our flight home to Melbourne.

​Thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back.