Travel in elegance and style as you journey through the Canadian Rockies on board the Rocky Mountaineer, before sailing along the Alaskan coast, admiring the spectacular scenery and discovering historical towns that take you back in time to the gold rush days.
You’ll spend your first two nights in Banff, surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and experiencing warm hospitality before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer’s ‘First Passage to the West’ service. An unforgettable rail adventure that includes an overnight stop in Kamloops and ends in Vancouver, where you’ll spend a couple of nights before commencing your 7 night Alaskan cruise. From your comfortable and roomy cruise ship, admire the ever-changing, dramatic land and seascapes, witness actively calving glaciers and enjoy the silence and breathtaking views of isolated national parks, where wildlife roam freely.
Banff – Rocky Mountaineer Train – Kamloops - Vancouver – Inside Passage – Juneau – Skagway – Glacier Bay – Ketchikan - Vancouver
Trip Highlights
- Explore the snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes of Banff National Park
- Step aboard one of the most luxurious trains in the world, the Rocky Mountaineer
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies as you glide through an untouched world
- Discover Vancouver, Western Canada's most cosmopolitan city with a fantastic food scene
- Sail along the Inside Passage, a 1000-mile coastal stretch formed by moving glaciers
- On the cruise witness turquoise waters, cotton candy icebergs, waterfalls and whales
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Banff
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Calgary. Upon arrival into Calgary airport, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Banff town. In 1883, Banff was the first National Park in Canada to be discovered and has since turned into a popular year round destination for locals and visitors alike.
Peaks Hotel & Suites
Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 2
Banff
Today is free for you to venture out and explore the highlights of Banff at your own pace; you might even choose to join an organised day tour. Banff is a wilderness retreat where the activity options are endless; take a ride on the Banff Gondola, tour Banff Park in search of wildlife and waterfalls, take a day trip out to Lake Louise and the remarkable Icefields Parkway or join in some canoe fun along the Bow River.
Peaks Hotel & Suites
Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 3
The Rocky Mountaineer - Banff to Kamloops
Today you will make your own way to Banff train station, where you will board the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service for your elegant ‘First Passage to the West’ rail journey through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies mountain range. Take in the historic delights of the Continental divide, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie, before spending the night in Kamloops.
- Lunch,
- Dinner
The Rocky Mountaineer
Day 4
The Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops to Vancouver
It's back on board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning as you continue on your journey towards the Pacific Ocean and the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. You’ll pass through more ever-changing scenery today, from the dry desert-like terrain of the Interior, to the flowing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the verdant fields of Fraser Valley. Your rail journey with Rocky Mountaineer ends on arrival in Vancouver late this afternoon.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Paradox Hotel
Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
Day 5
Vancouver
Spend today exploring the sights of Vancouver. From city tours, the Grouse Mountain Skyride, Capilano Suspension Bridge walk, whale watching trips and cycling around Stanley Park - the activities on offer in Vancouver are endless.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Paradox Hotel
Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
Day 6
Begin Alaskan Cruise
This morning you will make your way to Vancouver’s bustling port, where you will board your Holland America cruise ship. Over the next eight days you will cruise along the phenomenal Inside Passage to some of Alaska’s most iconic coastal towns and Glacier Bay National Park.
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Cruise ship
Day 7
The Inside Passage
Today you will wake up to dramatic views of forested islands and jagged mountain peaks along the 1000 mile coastal stretch that’s known as the Inside Passage. A natural phenomenon that was formed millions of years ago by the staggering force of massive glaciers moving, now an untouched and wild habitat for various species of wildlife including whales, sea lions and bald eagles.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Cruise ship
Day 8
Juneau
En route to Juneau, you will sail along the enclosed fjord of Tracy Arm to the South Sawyer Glacier. The scenery is an enchanting mix of bright turquoise waters, cotton candy icebergs, flowing waterfalls and home to various mammals such as sea lions and whales. Juneau, Alaska’s state capital, is a remote and beautiful city that’s nestled between Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts and Gastineau Channel. Enjoy wandering through the maze of narrow streets, with maintained old storefronts and architecture that gives you a taste of the town’s early gold-mining days.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Cruise ship
Day 9
Skagway
Overnight your ship will reach Skagway, a colourful and historic town that’s an interesting and popular place to explore. A stroll along Broadway Street provides sightings of false-fronted buildings, wooden sidewalks and locals in costumes, causing the town to look much like it did some 100 years ago. During the summer months you might wish to join the free walking tour of the town, led by rangers of the National Park Service. For those feeling active, visit the Klondike National Park and hike part of the Chilkoot Pass, or for something slightly more relaxed, go for a ride on the White Pass Railroad from the comfort of a restored vintage cabin.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Cruise ship
Day 10
Glacier Bay
Today is spent onboard the ship. Sail along Glacier Bay, adjacent to the remote wilderness of Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the moving glacial scenery and look out for glaciers calving; a spectacular sight to see where ice splits and forcefully falls into the sea, causing water to shoot hundreds of feet in the air.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Cruise ship
Day 11
Ketchikan
Located along the shores of the Tongass Narrows, where colourful wooden houses sit above the water, Ketchikan is the last port of call. Join in the optional excursion to the isolated Misty Fjords National Park, or explore the town and its deep-rooted native history, with various museums, monuments and parks showcasing a mixture of old and contemporary art.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Cruise ship
Day 12
The Inside Passage
Today you will sail back along the Inside Passage, towards Vancouver. Enjoy your last full day on board the ship, keeping an eye out for wildlife roaming freely across untouched bays and rugged coastal shores, cherishing the picture-perfect views.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Cruise ship
Day 13
Vancouver to the UK
Your cruise comes to an end today. You will disembark the ship around 7am this morning. If you wish, we can arrange a day room for you at the hotel you stayed at, at the beginning of your trip. Otherwise, enjoy spending your last day in the city at leisure. Later on today you will be transferred by private driver to the airport for your international flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Day 14
Arrive UK
Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue your journey home.
Guide to Price
14 days from £4990 - £6990 per person
What's Included
- International flights and car hire
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- 2-night Rocky Mountaineer train travel
- 7-night Alaskan cruise
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4990 - £6990
Travel Information
Getting There
From London Heathrow, Air Canada fly direct to Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, St John’s, Toronto and Vancouver and British Airways provide non-stop services to Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. From London Gatwick, Air Transat fly to Toronto and Vancouver and WestJet fly direct to Calgary and Toronto. Both have seasonal services that include Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Vancouver and Winnipeg. There are also indirect flights from a range of airports all over the UK.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK take between 6 and 11 hours depending on the destination. Flights with stops en-route take between 9 and 14 hours.
Time Zone
Canada has six different time zones. Pacific Standard Time, which includes Vancouver, is -8 hours GMT, Mountain Standard Time is -7 hours GMT and Central Standard Time, which includes Winnipeg is -6 hours GMT. Eastern Standard Time, which covers Toronto is -5 hours GMT, Atlantic Standard Time is -4 hours GMT and Newfoundland Standard Time is -3½ hours GMT.
Visa Requirements
All UK citizens arriving in Canada by air need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation online prior to arrival in the country. The eTA is only needed for those travelling by air and is not required if arriving in the country by land or sea. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay and, preferably, have more than 6 month’s validity remaining.
Do’s & Don’ts
Try and catch a Canadian ice hockey game when you’re in one of the cities, the energy and atmosphere is captivating!
It is easy to get caught out by the weather in Canada. This is especially true if you are travelling across provinces as climates can vary considerably from region to region.
Bears can be found throughout national parks in Canada and especially during the summer months. Do be conscious of this and keep in mind that they can be a potential threat.
Do not swim on your own either in the sea or in fresh water lakes as there are often strong undercurrents or hidden rocks that could cause you harm.
Wildlife roams wild and free often crossing roads. In remote areas always be aware when driving, particularly at night.
If you are travelling in eastern Canada do remember to speak a little French – it will help you greatly and add to your experience.
Money
The currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy and can be done at international airports, most hotels and banks. It is also a good idea to ask for some small denomination notes. ATMs are common and reliable across the country and credit or debit cards are widely accepted. It is advisable to carry cash with you when travelling around national parks since you will not find an ATM until reaching the next town.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory in Canada, however, those providing a service such as waiters and porters usually expect gratuities and in many cases rely on these to support their basic wage. It is usual practice to give a 15% tip at restaurants, bars and in taxis. In some restaurants, you may find that a service charge has automatically been added to the bill so always check before paying. Chambermaids will appreciate $1.00 per person per day and airport porters $1.00 per bag.
Food & Drink
Thanks to the country’s multicultural influences, Canada offers a varied array of cuisines for you to enjoy. From rustic burger joints and contemporary Asian fusion food to freshly caught seafood and fine dining, the options are endless and the quality high. Maple syrup, an iconic Canadian product, is harvested from the maple forests that grow in the regions east of Manitoba and is a popular and common condiment found in the majority of restaurants and homes. Canada’s main wine producing regions are the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. On the whole, the wine produced in Canada is of a high standard.
Accommodation
There is a vast range of accommodation on offer in Canada. In cities and large towns there are a variety of hotels that will cover every budget and requirement. In more rural areas such as national parks or the Rocky Mountains, accommodation options may be limited to rustic cabins, luxurious lodges or specialist wildlife observing centres. Bed and breakfasts in Canada provide a homely option or, if you want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a true wildlife holiday, there are endless campsite options for your tent or campervan – all of which provide excellent facilities.
Shopping
Quintessentially Canadian souvenirs such as maple syrup, woodcarvings, First Nation artwork and sports memorabilia are readily available throughout the country. There are also a wide variety of malls and shopping complexes throughout the country. Additionally, there are many Canadian brands that sell high quality outdoor clothing and equipment. It is also worth noting that there are three different types of sales tax throughout the country which are only added at the point of purchase, however, most sales assistants will be more than happy to check the total cost of the item you wish to buy before you commit.
Suggested Reading
Footprint, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet all have excellent and comprehensive guide books. Lonely Planet also have guides specifically for British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. Marco Polo and National Geographic also provide detailed and up to date maps of the country. For further reading material, below is a selection of suggested literature on Canada: ‘
A Concise History of Canada’ by Margaret Conrad
‘The Penguin History of Canada’ by Robert Bothwell
‘A Little History of Canada’ by H V Nelles
‘Canadian History in 50 Events’ by James Weber
‘Anne of Green Gables’ by L M Montgomery
‘Volkswagen Blues’ by Jacques Poulin
‘Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town’ by Stephen Leacock
‘Green Grass, Running Water’ by Thomas King
‘The Golden Dog’ by William Kirby
‘Canada’ by Mike Myers
‘Alone Against the North’ by Adam Shoalts
‘Great Lakes’ by Pierre Berton
‘The Native Trees of Canada’ by Leanne Shapton
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Canada the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Looking for something more bespoke?
Our Canada travel consultants can help you create your perfect trip
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We had a fantastic time in Canada
CW - Canada - August 2024
We had a fantastic time in Canada, thank you so much for organising. Our highlights included paddle boarding and swimming in Okanagan Lake and a fab hike up to Jade Lakes in Revelstoke National Park where we saw a black bear in the forest, luckily walking away from us! Our hotel in Lake Louise was luxury and the glacial lakes on the Icefields Parkway were amazing too.
We had the best time!
Getting to know you
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Helping you to design your trip
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On-hand support, when you need it
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We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
