CANADA 2018 BROCHURE

Colourful town of Juneau
Enjoy an Alaska Cruise
Journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer
Day 6: Rocky Mountaineer - Jasper to Kamloops
All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf
Service for a scenic rail journey to Kamloops in
the interior of British Columbia. Leaving Jasper
National Park behind you travel the ‘Yellowhead’
route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson,
the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Follow
the mighty Thompson River, the route of early fur
traders, before arriving in Kamloops.
Day 7: Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops to Vancouver
Leaving Kamloops follow the Thompson River, pass
through Rainbow Canyon and Fraser Canyon, where
at Hells Gate watch water torrent past the canyon
walls at its narrowest point. The last leg of the
journey takes you through the fertile farming region
of the Fraser Valley to arrive in the Pacific port of
Vancouver late afternoon. On arrival at the station, a
transfer will take you to your hotel.
Day 8: Vancouver
A free day to explore Vancouver, voted the world’s
third most liveable city and most liveable in Canada;
a young, friendly city with countless natural charms
in close proximity. Shop on chic Robson Street or
explore the funky Granville Island with its market
and artists enclave; visit the city’s vast array of
museums; walk or cycle around the 1000-acre
Stanley Park or visit quaint and atmospheric
Gastown. Discover the surrounding peaks of the
Coastal Mountains or go whale watching on the
Pacific Ocean. Dining is a delight and a dilemma,
there’s so many restaurants and cuisines to choose
from; the nightlife so varied you’ll be spoiled for
choice. Across the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver
Island has Victoria, the quintessentially British
provincial capital; famed for its gardens and history,
with plenty of remnants of its 1840’s origins to be
found around the picturesque Inner Harbour. It
makes an interesting day out by ferry or floatplane
Day 9: Board Holland America Cruise
Enjoy a morning at leisure, before transferring to
the Vancouver cruise terminal to check in for your
cruise. MS Volendam sets sail at 5pm this evening.
Day 10: Inside Passage
A day at sea as you cruise the British Columbia
coast towards the Alaska Panhandle. Glide past
rocky headlands, through the frigid waters of the
Inside Passage close to steep mountain walls in one
of the world’s most picturesque sea-lanes.
Day 11: Juneau
Your ship will dock in Juneau today, Alaska’s capital
city born of the gold rush of 1880; today it is the
scenery and fauna that is the town’s fortune with
wild mountains, fjords and glaciers dominating.
Wildlife is abundant – you may spot humpback and
killer whales, sea lions, porpoise, eagles and deer
and the majestic Mendanhall Glacier is close by.
Day 12: Skagway
At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush Skagway
served as the primary gateway to the legendary
gold fields and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest
settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub
packed with trading posts, saloons and guesthouses.
As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did
Skagway—but today it has been reinvigorated as a
gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to
explore Alaska’s colourful history, pristine wildlife
and unrivalled natural beauty. At every turn, you’ll
find yourself immersed in gold rush lore, from
the infamous Red Onion Saloon that still keeps a
pistol that Wyatt Earp left behind en route to the
Klondike. Much of the town has been preserved as
part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical
Park, where rangers offer free walking tours around
the historic district. Here you’ll also find a vibrant
local community, home to a rich collection of local
galleries, curio shops and restaurants serving
seafood plucked fresh from nearby waters.
Day 13: Glacier Bay
Wake to the breathtaking sight of World Heritagelisted
Glacier Bay National Park with its formidable
rivers of ice. There are more active calving tidewater
glaciers here than anywhere else in the world. A
local ranger will join you on board to explain the
geological wonders and point out some of the
diverse wildlife and marine mammals as you cruise
through this breathtaking region.
It’s not surprising that long, narrow Glacier Bay
attracts so much wildlife. Along one side runs the
edge of Glacier National Park, home to wolves,
moose, grizzly and brown bears, blacktail deer and
lynx. Listen for the sound of a glacier “calving” –
once you hear it you’ll never forget it.
Day 14: Ketchikan
Arrive in Ketchikan today, a lovely town that is set
right on the shores of the Tongass Narrows, with
many colourful shops and houses built right over
the water. After breakfast, disembark and set off to
discover this charming town. Perhaps join a walking
tour of the town or learn about Tlingit Indian culture
at Saxman Native Village (both at own expense).
Alternatively, Ketchikan offers many attractions
including the Tongass Historical Museum and Totem
Bright State Park, which you may like to visit during
your time at leisure.
Day 15: Inside Passage
Spend today cruising south through the majestic
landscape of the Inside Passage. Take the time
to relax on-board as you glide past the icy fjords,
watching for the abundant native wildlife.
Day 16: Disembark Vancouver
Arrive into Vancouver this morning. A private
transfer is included to your hotel, then the day is at
leisure.
Day 17: Vancouver departure
Take an included transfer to the airport for your
onward journey.
INDEPENDENT TOURING
All prices are a guide only and subject to change. Prices are a starting price and will vary depending on departure date and time of booking. Hotel and peak supplements may apply. Please see pages
191 – 195 for important information, terms and conditions. An additional non-refundable deposit for the Rocky Mountaineer portion of this holiday, together with an additional deposit for the cruise is
required in addition to our normal deposit.
51