Canada, Calgary Stampede & Alaskan Cruise

Day 1 - Thursday 13 July 2023

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 transferred to our hotel for check in. 

Please note that hotel check in time is usually 1500hrs, however luggage can be stored with the hotel Concierge.  Early check in has been requested.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in.  



Overnight - Sandman Hotel Calgary City Centre (or similar)

Day 2 - Friday 14 July 2023

Calgary Stampede (B)

Welcome to the largest outdoor rodeo in the world.  Professional cowboys compete in a myriad of rodeo events, which include bull riding, roping, chuckwagon racing, steer wrestling and barrel racing.  Don your western duds, saddle up and join us for Stampede breakfasts in the streets, square dancing, parades, the fun of the midway, great exhibits, a spectacular Grandstand show, fireworks and of course, plenty of Western hospitality.

This morning is at leisure to enjoy the entertainment at Stampede Park before settling in for an afternoon of excitement with the Rodeo event. The Rodeo is the heart of the Calgary Stampede.  It is one of the largest and the most famous events of its kind in the world. Experience the Richest Afternoon in Rodeo featuring the world's toughest competitors. There are six major events that happen including ladies barrel racing, bareback, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc and bull riding.  The calibre of a rodeo comes down to two things the skill of the competitors and the quality of the horses, bulls and steers. The Stampede Rodeo features the world's best competitors and animals.  

This will be an exciting day to remember!! 

Overnight - Sandman Hotel Calgary City Centre 

Day 3 - Saturday 15 July 2023

Calgary Stampede (B)

After breakfast we will head back to the Calgary Stampede to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the many events on offer. 

The Calgary Stampede is also one of Canada’s largest music festivals, with five stages and 300 performers, including a slate of international music headliners. World-class agricultural events and adrenaline-pumping Midway rides to entertain guests of all ages. Experience First Nations culture and traditions at Elbow River Camp in Calgary Stampede’s beautiful ENMAX Park.

This evening we'll see the Chuckwagon Race & Grandstand Stage Show.  

Every night the Calgary Stampede presents the world's most unique doubleheader. The Evening Show features both The GMC Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races and the Grandstand Stage Show. As the sun sets, the GMC Rangeland Derby thunders around the track with 36 chuckwagons vying for over $1 million in prize money.  Witness all the heart-stopping action as the pounding of the hooves and trembling of the ground shakes you right out of your seat. When the last wagon thunders across the finish line, prepare yourself for the Grandstand Show: a variety extravaganza that includes comedy, elaborate song and dance numbers, acrobatics and the spectacular fireworks finale.

Overnight - Sandman Hotel Calgary City Centre 

Day 4 - Sunday 16 July 2023

Calgary - Banff (B)

After breakfast we'll be transfered from Calgary to Banff. We'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff including Cave & Basin, Bow Valley and Falls, Surprise Corner, the Hoodoos, Lake Minnewanka, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Cascade Gardens, Sulphur Mountain and at the end a scenic Gondola ride..

The evening is at leisure.  There are many restaurants a short walk from our hotel so enjoy exploring.

Overnight - Royal Canadian Lodge 

Day 5 - Monday 17 July 2023

Banff - Lake Louise (B,HT)

This morning we depart Banff into the scenic Valley of Ten Peaks to see Moraine Lake. We'll continue to Yoho National Park with Takkakaw Falls, the Natural Bridge, Kicking Horse River, Spiral Tunnels and Emerald Lake.

In the afternoon (1300hrs) we will enjoy a very special treat: traditional High Tea service at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which includes tea, sandwiches and scones, devonshire cream as well as fruit and chocolate in a serene and quiet setting.

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.

This evening is at leisure. 



Overnight - Lake Louise Inn 

Day 6 - Tuesday 18 July 2023

Lake Louise - Jasper (B)

Early morning we depart on the most scenic road of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Icefield Parkway. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow and Peyto Lake as well as Columbia Icefield with Glacier Adventure and a Skywalk included. We continue to Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls before reaching Jasper late afternoon.

We'll check into our hotel where we'll stay for the next 2 nights. 

Overnight - Marmot Lodge   

Day 7 - Wednesday 19 July 2023

Jasper (B)

This morning we'll travel to Maligne Canyon for a walk alongside the gorge and across the bridges. We continue to Medicine Lake and finally Maligne Lake where we'll enjoy a 90 minute cruise with a stop at Spirit Island. Before returning to the hotel, we'll 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. 

Overnight - Mamot Lodge  

Day 8 - Thursday 20 July 2023

Jasper - Kamloops (B,L)

This morning after breakfast we'll transfer to the rail station for the first day of the 2 day scenic rail journey on Rocky Mountaineer between Jasper and Kamloops, located in the heart of British Colombia's interior towards Vancouver. 

Travelling in Silverleaf (with option to upgrade to Goldleaf) our journey west and south is 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.  Keep an eye out for the wildlife as you admire the beautiful scenery.

Upon arrival in Kamloops we will be transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay. **Please note all accommodation in Kamloops is considerate moderate.

Overnight - Kamloops (to be advised and arranged by Rocky Mountaineer)

Day 9 - Friday 21 July 2023

Kamloops - Vancouver (B,L)

This morning we'll be collected from the hotel and transferred to the Rocky Mountaineer Rail Station to continue our rail journey to Vancouver.

The journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey we'll 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 onboard the train.

Upon arrival late afternoon we'll transfer to our hotel for our 2 night stay.  

Overnight - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel 

Day 10 - Saturday 22 July 2023

Vancouver (B)

After a leisurely breakfast we'll depart for a Vancouver Sightseeing Tour. 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. Highlights include Chinatown, Gastown, Canada Place, 1,000 Acre Stanley Park, West Coast Nature Indian Totem Poles, Lions Gate Bridge, Granville Island and more!

Next will be dropped off at the Gastown for our Gastronomic Gastown Tour. Laden with iconic restaurants, quirky pubs, and mysterious dining rooms, you can’t experience Vancouver without eating and drinking your way through historic Gastown.  This tour combines local eats with some of Vancouver’s most picturesque points and notes on their riveting past.  Weave through Gastown’s cobblestone maze, meet local restauranteurs, hear stories of the community, and indulge in appetizers, mains and desserts.  This tour has been designated as a Canadian Signature Experience and is one of Forbes’ Top 9 Food Tours in the World.  Not only will you enjoy delicious food and drinks, you’ll hear stories about locals who are thriving here, and learn about the past, present, and future of the neighbourhood.

Overnight - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel 

Day 11 - Sunday 23 July 2023

Vancouver - Alaska Inside Passage (B,D)

Morning at leisure.  Late Morning we will be transferred to Vancouver Canada Place cruise terminal for our 7 night Alaska Inside Passage cruise on the fabulous "Celebrity Eclipse".

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.

Overnight - Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Eclipse

 

Day 12 - Monday 24 July 2023

Alaska Inside Passage Cruising (B,L,D)

A day at sea - This is one of the most famously 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. 

Today enjoy the onboard facilities of Celebrity Eclipse.

Overnight - Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Eclipse

Day 13 - Tuesday 25 July 2023

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

We'll arrive into Sitka mid morning with a full day to enjoy. 

Sitka truly offers the best of Alaska. Its small-town appeal stems from a unique blend of Russian, Tlingit and American history.  In fact the city-borough’s name itself, derived from Sheet’ká, literally means "People on the Outside of Baranof Island”. Its snow-capped peaks and volcanic Mount Edgecumbe pose amongst the state’s most postcard-worthy scenes. And its rare  wildlife astounds, from Saint Lazaria Island’s orange-beaked puffins to Alaska Maritime Refuge’s 40 million seabirds. This is off-the-beaten-track Alaska, where you can kayak Sitka Sound alongside swimming sea otters or fly-fish for the world’s biggest halibut. 

Overnight - Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Eclipse

Day 14 - Wednesday 26 July 2023

Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) (B,L,D)

The Hubbard Glacier is located about 30 miles north off the coast of Yakutat and is by far one of Alaska’s most exciting natural treasures.  Enjoy incredible picture-perfect views of this glorious mount of ice from about every angle on the ship.  Named after Gardiner Hubbard, the founder and president of the National Geographic Society, Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in the world.  Dramatically massive at about 7-miles wide, 76-miles long and as tall as a 30-story building above the waterline, it’s the largest river of ice in North America.  How this magnificent block came to form begins about 400 years ago from the snowfalls on the slopes of Mount Logan.  While most of the world’s glaciers are retreating, the Hubbard Glacier has continued to thicken over the years and on rare occasion will partially block Russell Fjord, temporarily damming its passage.

Cruise Hubbard Glacier and experience the wilds of Alaska as the ship makes its way through icy waters turning from Yakutat Bay into the narrow Disenchantment Bay to come face-to-face with the towering Hubbard Glacier.  The strong currents and riptides that flow between Gilbert Point and the face of the glacier cause calving to occur on daily basis, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into Disenchantment Bay.  Witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon onboard a Hubbard Glacier cruise through the misty, chilled air of the Gulf of Alaska.  The dedicated onboard naturalist narrates the experience and keeps an eye out for the whales, harbor seals, and otters that hunt and play in the waters of Yakutat Bay.  It’s an adventure of a lifetime.

Overnight - Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Eclipse

Day 15 - Thursday 27 July 2023

Hubbard Glacier - Juneau (B,L,D)

A full day in the beautiful town of Juneau.

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, is nearby.

There are so many optional activities to consider while exploring Juneau: the amazing glacial landscape which is best seen 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.

Overnight - Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Eclipse

Day 16 - Friday 28 July 2023

Juneau - Ketchikan (B,L,D)

Our next port is  Ketchikan the ancestral home of the Tlingit people, who have carved the world's largest collection of totem poles.  If you're up for an adventure, take a canoe and nature trail excursion through the rain forest or a wilderness exploration followed by a sumptuous crab feast you'll long remember.

Overnight - Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Eclipse

Day 17 - Saturday 29 July 2023

Inside Passage Cruising (B,L,D)

This is one of the most famously 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 entertainment, visit the spa or just enjoy the scenic views.

Let's enjoy our last night onboard!

Overnight - Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Eclipse

Day 18 - Sunday 30 July 2023

Vancouver - Whistler - Vancouver (B)

After breakfast we disembark the ship and travel up the scenic Sea to Sky Highway on our way up to Whistler. We'll stop en route at Shannon Falls for a quick photo opportunity..  Upon arrival in Whistler, we'll take a ride up the Peak to Peak Gondola and enjoy free time to explore the village before making our way back to Vancouver.

Overnight - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel 

Day 19 - Monday 31 July 2023

Victoria (B)

Today we'll enjoy a wonderful ferry ride to Vancouver Island on BC Ferries. We'll visit the world famous Butchart Gardens, followed by a visit to British Columbia´s beautiful capital, Victoria. We will also enjoy a cruise through the spectacular Gulf Islands on board BC Ferries.  Highlights include Victoria's Inner Harbour, Empress Hotel and Legislative Buildings, the last remnants of Fort Victoria, Antique Row, views of Craigdarroch Castle, Chinatown, Downtown and Beacon Hill Park.

This tour offers a full day of fun and incredible sights! The tour ends in the evening back at the hotel in Vancouver.

Let's go out and celebrate our last night in Canada with dinner at a local restaurant (own cost).

Overnight - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel 

Day 20 - Tuesday 1 August 2023

Vancouver - Sydney - Melbourne (B, Inflight Meals)

This morning we pack our luggage, check out of the hotel and head on a sightseeing tour to Vancouver's North Shore. This tour is all about adventure, as we take in the natural wonders surrounding Vancouver. We'll cross over the Lions Gate Bridge and make our way to Capilano Suspension Bridge and then onto Grouse Mountain. 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 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 21 -Wednesday 2 August 2023

In Transit (Inflight Meals)

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

Day 22 - Thursday 3 August 2023

Welcome Home to Melbourne

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