Canada & The Inside Passage

Day 1 - Tuesday 20 August 2019

Melbourne - Vancouver - Calgary (Meals Inflight)

Join your Sisterhood Womens Travel tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport at the designated time for our flight to Canada.  Travelling to Calgary via Sydney and Vancouver where upon arrival we'll be trasferred to our Banff hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in.  

Overnight - Banff Ptarmigan Inn (or similar)

Day 2 - Wednesday 21 August 2019

Banff Sightseeing (B)

In the morning we'll enjoy a tour of Banff to see the historic Cave & Basin, Banff Upper Hot Springs where the town of Banff started, the Hoodoos, Surprise Corner, Vermilion Lakes, Tunnel Mountain Drive and Lake Minnewanka.  This afternoon we'll enjoy a gondola ride high up Sulphur Mountain for a short walk to the adjacent peak.  The scenery with Bow Valley, Banff and the surrounding peaks of the Rocky Mountains is spectacular.  The remainder of our day is at leisure.

Overnight - Banff Ptarmigan Inn (or similar)

Day 3 - Thursday 22 August 2019

Banff - Lake Louise (B)

This morning we'll enjoy a sightseeing tour from Banff to Lake Louise.  Lake Louise itself is only 58km from Banff and offers majestic views of a beautiful, crystalline lake.  Two of the more outstanding landmarks along the way are Castle Mountain (2750 meters) and Mount Temple (3523 metres).  Visit the incredible crystal blue, Moraine Lake, surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks and many trails for avid hikers.  Upon arrival into Lake Louise, visit the Lake and then transfer to the hotel in Lake Louise Village for an overnight stay including breakfast.

Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Lake Louise.  There is a Parks Canada shuttle service from the village to Upper Lake Louise.  

Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park amid the magnificent Rocky Mountains.  This is a land where snow-capped peaks tower over amethyst lakes, waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs and elk and deer roam free in green alpine valleys.

An option to hike along the Lake Agnes Trail, up to the Lake Agnes Tea House.  It is a half-day moderate hike (1-2 hours one way) and is about a 7km return journey.  The Tea House is open from early June through to Canadian Thanksgiving in October.  .

Overnight - Lake Louise Inn (or similar)

Day 4 - Friday 23 August 2019

Lake Louise - Jasper (B)

This morning, we'll be collected from the hotel for a full day sightseeing tour to Jasper via the Columbia Icefields.

Depart Lake Louise and drive north along the Icefields Parkway, to the town of Jasper.  Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and over 100 glaciers.  The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper.  

View Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake and the Weeping Wall.  The next stop is the breathtaking Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Glacier.  Enjoy an Ice Explorer ride on the Glacier & Glacier Skywalk (included).  Travel in a specially designed Brewster Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier, on a 5 kilometre round trip journey.  The driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features.  At the ice wall below the glacier headwall, there is the option of stepping out onto ice formed from snow falling as long as 400 years ago.  Opened in May 2014, Glacier Skywalk is the area’s newest attraction consisting of a 500 metre interpretive boardwalk and a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley.  Glacier Skywalk offers spectacular scenery and a rare view of nature. 

Enroute to Jasper, make a stop at Sunwapta or Athabasca Falls located just outside of the Jasper town site. Among the most powerful and breathtaking falls in the Rocky Mountains, the Athabasca River thunders through a narrow gorge where the walls have been smoothed and potholed by the sheer force of the rushing water carrying sand and rock. We'll continue to the hotel for our two night stay.

Overnight - Overland Mountain Lodge (or similar) 

Day 5 - Saturday 24 August 2019

Jasper (B)

Today we'll enjoy Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Canadian Rockies’ largest national park.  Enjoy a scenic half-day tour of some of the park’s natural attractions and rugged peaks, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls this region home.  The remainder of the day is free for us to explore more of Jasper.

Overnight - Overland Mountain Lodge (or similar)  

Day 6 - Sunday 25 August 2019

Rocky Mountaineer - Jasper - Kamloops (B,L)

Today we travel onboard the famous Rocky Mountaineer from Banff in the majestic Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, located in the heart of British Colombia's interior. Travelling Goldleaf we'll be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains.  Highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River.  Upon arrival at the Kamloops Station we will be transferred to our overnight accommodation.  **As Goldleaf Guests our checked luggage will travel separately from the train and will be waiting for us at our Kamloops accommodation.  Please note all accommodation in Kamloops is considerate moderate.

Overnight - Kamloops

Day 7 - Monday 26 August 2019

Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops - Vancouver (B,L)

This morning we reboard the Rocky Mountaineer and continue our journey back to Vancouver.  Our journey continues west towards the coastal city of Vancouver.  Scenic highlights include the steep slopes and the rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon.  Upon arrival into Vancouver we'll transfer to our accommodation for our four night stay.

Overnight - Listel Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 - Tuesday 27 August 2019

Vancouver Sightseeing (B)

This morning we'll enjoy a Vancouver City Tour.  The tour begins with an introduction to downtown including Canada Place, and Robson Street.  Wind through historic and modern architectural wonders en route to Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre natural oasis, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.  View the First Nations Totem Poles, and gaze upon rainforest and shoreline scenery on the way through the park.  Get the camera ready for a photo stop at Prospect Point, with a great view of Lions Gate Bridge. Continue to the English Bay beach area, followed by the eclectic Granville Island Market.  This tour is a great introduction to the scenic and historic highlights of Vancouver.  Highlights of the tour are Stanley Park, English Bay, Granville Island, Robson Street, Gastown, Chinatown and Canada Place.

This afternoon venture beyond the Steam Clock and experience the authentic Gastown.  Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood is laden with iconic restaurants, legendary drinking establishments, and passionate people.  Take Gastown like a local and weave through the cobblestone maze of past and present, tasting and discovering something unique inside every door.  Inside an old tack shop, indulge in a classic Neapolitan-style pizza - officially VPN certified and winner of “Vancouver’s Best Pizzeria.”  Through restaurant-filled alleyways, visit a modern tea shop with storied roots and one-of-a-kind high tea service.  At the original site of Vancouver, pay tribute to the father of Gastown in fitting fashion - with comfort food and cheerful pairings.  The tour route is filled with picturesque points.  Tastings subject to change depending on availability.  

Overnight - Listel Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 - Wednesday 28 August 2019

Full Day Tour to Victoria (B)

Today is a full day excursion to Victoria and the Butchart Gardens.  We'll view the spectacular British Columbia coastline by land and ship, followed by a stop at the famous Butchart Gardens en-route to the British inspired city of Victoria. Board a BC Ferries vessel at Tsawwassen terminal for a 90-minute sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands.  Marine wildlife sightings from the outdoor ship decks are common, especially eagles, sea lions and whales.  Arrive on Vancouver Island and continue to the Butchart Gardens (admission included).  The city of Victoria boasts many impressive architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel.  Visit the unique shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown.  Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, and enjoy some free time to take in the city.  Return on the bus to Vancouver by ferry to conclude this diverse tour.  Upon arrival in Tsawwassen, we'll be transferred back to our hotel in Vancouver.

Overnight - Listel Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 - Thursday 29 August 2019

Full Day Tour to Whistler (B)

This morning we'll depart Vancouver in the morning for a full day tour to Whistler, site of the 2010 Winter Olympics.  Travelling on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway stops will be made enroute to take in the stunning vistas and explore Shannon Falls, higher than Niagara Falls. Cross into the Coastal Mountains, upon arrival in Whistler leisure time to explore the pedestrian core and enjoy the Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride, engineering marvel linking Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in breathtaking height. Return to Vancouver late afternoon.

Ovenight - Listel Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 - Friday 30 August 2019

Alaska Inside Passage - Vancouver (B,D)

This morning is at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver. 

This afternoon we will be transferred to the Vancouver cruise terminal for our 7 night Alaska Inside Passage cruise on Celebrity Cruises “Celebrity Millennium”.

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.

.

Day 12 - Saturday 31 August 2019

Alaska Inside Passage - Cruising (B,L,D)

A day at sea - The inside passage is one of the most beautiful passages in the world.  It features virtually everything visitors come to Alaska hoping to see, including rain forests, glaciers, fjords and white-capped peaks.  All of which create a setting that's perfect for viewing whales and sea lions. Enjoy the onboard facilities of the Celebrity Millennium today.

Day 13 - Sunday 1 September 2019

Alaska Inside Passage - Port of Call - Sitka (B,L,D)

We'll arrive into Sitka at 11.00am with a full day to enjoy.  Once under Russian rule, Sitka is located on Baranof Island, facing the Pacific Ocean. In fact the city-borough’s name itself, derived from Sheet’ká, literally means "People on the Outside of Baranof Island”. Here, visitors can explore a number of nationally protected areas, including the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Saint Lazaria Wilderness and the Tongass National Forest.

Day 14 - Monday 2 September 2019

Alaska Inside Passage - Icy Strait Point (B,L,D)

Today we arrive into the Icy Strait Point area 10.00am with a full day to enjoy.  For thousands of years, the Tlingit Indians have called this place home. Located near the city of Hoonah, and home to a historic cannery, Icy Strait Point also offers travellers the chance to view wildlife like humpback whales, orcas, seals, eagles, and brown bears, or to explore monuments to the region's fishing heritage.

Day 15 -Tuesday 3 September 2019

Alaska Inside Passage - Port of Call - Juneau (B,L,D)

Today we arrive into Juneau in the morning for a full day to explore.  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.  Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel.  Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favourite of visitors, is nearby. 

When in Juneau, don’t miss the amazing glacial landscape.  The best view available is from the seat of a helicopter on one of the optional shore excursions, where you can watch for bear, mountain goats and moose.  Then, once you've landed, take a once-in-a-lifetime dogsled ride. 

Alternatively take an optional excursion to relive Juneau's gold-rush history panning for gold in the authentic setting of Gold Creek; fly in a floatplane over five breathtaking glaciers to the Taku Glacier Lodge for a king salmon feast; take a fully narrated helicopter flight over four translucent glaciers within the Juneau Ice Field; explore Juneau on foot; go sportfishing, the waters abound with king and silver salmon;  take a high-speed catamaran ride specifically designed for wildlife-watching on Auke Bay, rich with humpback and killer whales, sea lions, and porpoises;  fly in and hike in some of the most fascinating areas in the world;  don't miss the true taste of Alaska at an authentic Alaskan Salmon Bake with all the trimmings.

Day 16 - Wednesday 4 September 2019

Alaska Inside Passage - Port of Call - Ketchikan (B,L,D)

This morning we arrive into Ketchikan for a full day to explore one of the prettiest towns along the Inside Passage. In addition to being the jumping-off point for seaplane excursions into the Misty Fjords National Monument and its 2.2 million acres of wilderness nirvana, Ketchikan is also the ancestral home of the Tlingit tribe.  Another "must-see" here is the world's largest collection of totem poles.  Learn what motivates someone to turn a piece of lumber into a towering work of art at the Saxman Native Village and Totem Bight and Totem Heritage Centre.  Explore famous Creek Street downtown for souvenir shopping.

While fishing is by far the most popular sport in Ketchikan, there are a lot of other optional activities for visitors to take part in. 

As an option - experience excitement and adventure in a four-wheel-drive vehicle through a lush rain forest; take a memorable kayaking trip to the beautiful Tatoosh Island; search for the Alaskan black bear on an exciting wildlife air/land adventure; explore the famous Inside Passage on a guided mountain-bike tour; take a Jeep safari deep into the backcountry to a pristine alpine lake and go for a scenic canoe ride.

Day 17 - Thursday 5 September 2019

Alaka Inside Passage - Cruising (B,L,D)

A leisurely day at sea as we head back towards Vancouver.  Another oppprtunity to enjoy the onboard facilities of the Celebrity Millennium.

Day 18 - Friday 6 September 2019

Vancouver - Melbourne (B)

This morning our cruise arrives back into Vancouver early in the morning.  After breakfast we'll disembark the ship for a sightseeing tour to the North Shore.  Begin with a traverse through the green urban oasis of Stanley Park, and across the historic Lion’s Gate Bridge to Vancouver’s North Shore.  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.  Continue to the Capilano River Hatchery, a project dedicated to several species of BC salmon and trout. Learn about the life cycle of salmon, with opportunity to view hatching and juvenile fish before they are released into a nearby river. Spectacular Grouse Mountain is next, offering up ever changing views as the Skyride ascends to the peak.  Explore the wildlife refuge, awesome chainsaw carvings and learn about the local wildlife at the Theatre in the Sky. Be amazed and enchanted by the forests and mountains surrounding Vancouver on this memorable tour.

At the end of the tour we'll be transferred to the Vancouver International Airport for the return flight to Australia.

Day 19 - Saturday 7 September 2019

Flight in Transit (Meals Inflight)

Sit back, relax and continue to enjoy the inflight hospitality of Air Canada as we head towards home.

Day 20 - Sunday 8 September 2019

Welcome Home to Melbourne

Welcome Home!  We thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back!