Your Itinerary
Welcome to Ontario’s capital and Canada’s largest city. Your Tour Director is available in the lobby from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. this afternoon to answer any questions.Toronto is one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, with residents representing over 200 hundred ethnicities and languages. After checking into your hotel, perhaps do some shopping at nearby CF Toronto Eaton Centre, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, or sample some local culinary treats at St. Lawrence Market, city landmark over two centuries old.
Day 2 - TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS
Depart Toronto for Niagara Falls, passing some of the city’s best-known landmarks, including the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to one of Canada’s most famous natural attractions. Board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls up close, and watch the water come crashing down at the rate of over 3,160 tons per second! After, enjoy free time to explore Niagara Falls on your own or join the optional excursion to Skylon Tower for a buffet lunch and more amazing panoramic views of the Falls before returning to Toronto. NOTE:Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, the cruise will be substituted with a visit to Journey Behind the Falls.
Day 3 - TORONTO–KINGSTON–THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK–OTTAWA
Depart Toronto and travel to Kingston, a historic city with roots dating back more than 300 years. Continue along the St. Lawrence River and enjoy views of Thousand Islands National Park. In Rockport, board a narrated sightseeing cruise through the Thousand Islands, passing forested islands, charming waterfront cottages, and the grand summer estates built during America’s Gilded Age. Continue to Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital city.
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Canada’s capitol, set along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. See the Royal Canadian Mint, the Embassy Row district, and stately Parliament Hill. The afternoon is free to explore. You may wish to join an optional excursion to visit the Canadian Museum of History or browse the shops, cafés, and restaurants at lively ByWard Market.
Day 5 - OTTAWA–QUÉBEC CITY AREA
Travel into the French-speaking province of Québec, known for its unique and time-honored culture, language, and traditions. Visit Notre-Dame-du-Cap Basilica and learn about its history as one of Canada’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. Continue along the historic Chemin du Roy (King’s Road), along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River before arriving in Québec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city’s historic streets, cafés, and shops. This evening, join an optional excursion to the Érablière Le Chemin du Roy, where you’ll learn how maple syrup is made and enjoy a traditional Québec dinner.
Enjoy a guided tour of Québec City, Canada’s only fortified city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the iconic Château Frontenac, Place d'Armes, the Séminaire de Québec, the star-shaped Citadelle of Québec, and historic Place Royale. Continue through Lower Town, where stone buildings line narrow streets along the St. Lawrence River. The afternoon and evening are free to explore. Perhaps join the optional excursion to Montmorency Falls, where the waterfall drops 272 feet into the St. Lawrence River, followed by dinner featuring local cuisine at a charming 18th-century restaurant on Île d'Orléans.
Day 7 - QUÉBEC CITY AREA–MONTRÉAL
This morning, travel south to Montréal, a vibrant city recognized as a UNESCO City of Design. On this afternoon’s guided sightseeing tour, explore historic Old Montréal and enjoy majestic views of the city from the top of Mount Royal. This evening is at leisure, giving you time to check out Montréal. You may wish to explore the city's renowned culinary scene, with its diverse restaurants, cafés, and local specialties.
Enjoy a full day to explore Montréal. Perhaps visit the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest art museums in Canada, or tour the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal. Other options include strolling through the historic Old Port of Montréal, riding La Grande Roue de Montréal for panoramic views of the city, or shopping and dining along Sainte-Catherine Street.
Day 9 - MONTRÉAL–VANCOUVER
Transfer to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport for your flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Your Tour Director is available from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.After settling in settled, enjoy free time to explore Vancouver, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. Walk along the harbourfront, visit bustling Chinatown, or explore the cobblestone streets of Gastown.
This morning, enjoy a city tour of Vancouver, featuring Stanley Park, the harbour, beaches, and other highlights.The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take a water-taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, and art galleries.
Day 11 - VANCOUVER–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS
Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day, all-daylight rail journey through some of British Columbia’s most spectacular scenery. Travel along the Fraser River and Thompson River, passing dramatic canyons before arriving in Kamloops for an overnight stay. (B,L)
Day 12 - KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer and continue along Shuswap Lake, through the Columbia Mountains, and into the Canadian Rockies. Travel through the Spiral Tunnels while climbing Kicking Horse Pass, then cross the Continental Divide into the province of Alberta. Enter Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, for a two-night stay. (B,L)
Day 13 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK
After an orientation tour of Banff, enjoy a day at leisure. Hike one of the area’s scenic trails, explore the shops and restaurants in the Banff townsite, or relax in the nearby Banff Upper Hot Springs. Perhaps elevate your experience with an optional helicopter ride for awe-inspiring views of the Canadian Rockies Banff National Park is also one of Canada’s premier destinations for wildlife viewing and photography. Keep an eye out for elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Day 14 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Travel through the Canadian Rockies on a day of spectacular mountain scenery. Begin with a visit to stunning Lake Louise, where turquoise waters are framed by towering peaks. Continue along the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield and board the Ice Explorer for a guided drive across the ancient Athabasca Glacier.This afternoon, join an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River. Later, arrive in the mountain town of Jasper and enjoy an orientation tour of the townsite.
Day 15 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK-MOUNT ROBSON-SUN PEAKS
Start your day with an optional cruise on Maligne Lake and see why Spirit Island is one of the most photographed views in the Canadian Rockies.* Depart Jasper and journey to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, before traveling through British Columbia’s historic fur trade and Cariboo Gold Rush regions. Watch for wildlife as you continue through mountain landscapes to the resort community of Sun Peaks for an overnight stay.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
Day 16 - SUN PEAKS-LILLOOET-WHISTLER
Head south along the historic Cariboo Wagon Trail. From Lillooet, known as “Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Trail,” follow Cayoosh Creek en route to Whistler, a resort town set at the base of Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain, for a two-night stay. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of Whistler.
Enjoy a free day to explore this vibrant town on your own. You may choose to ride the optional PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. It is the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift of this kind. Other optional experiences include ziplining through an old-growth temperate rainforest or visiting the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, to learn about the history, art, and traditions of the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations.*Operation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is seasonal and may not be available on early departures.
Day 18 - WHISTLER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA
Cross the Strait of Georgia by ferry to Vancouver Island. In Victoria, enjoy sightseeing that includes a visit to gorgeous Butchart Gardens, home to 55 acres of stunning floral displays. and see the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. In your free time this evening, perhaps take a stroll along the scenic harbour front.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Victoria. Perhaps experience afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, browse the shops on Government Street, or enjoy lunch at one of the city’s local pubs or restaurants. Your Tour Director can also recommend additional sightseeing, including an optional marine wildlife and whale watching excursion through the waters of the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands, where you may spot orcas, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles.
Day 20 - VICTORIA–VANCOUVER (EMBARKATION)
Return to the mainland by ferry this morning and bid farewell to your Tour Director before transferring to your cruise ship in Vancouver. Board your ship for a 7-night cruise through the famed Inside Passage. Your vacation includes Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package,' featuring a Signature Beverage Package, one specialty dining experience, a US$100 shore excursion credit, and a Wi-Fi package. (D)
Day 21 - SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE
Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, a sheltered coastal waterway along British Columbia and Southeast Alaska. Watch the water for orcas and humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles, as your ship travels past forested islands, channels, and coastal mountains. (B,L,D)
Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital, set between the Gastineau Channel and the Coast Mountains. Explore the city's historic downtown, visit Mendenhall Glacier, or discover the vast Juneau Icefield.Choose from a variety of optional activities, including kayaking, rafting, hiking, whale watching, flightseeing, or fishing. With Alaska's long summer daylight hours, you'll have plenty of time to make the most of your visit. .(B,L,D)
Visit Skagway, the historic gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Explore the town’s Gold Rush heritage at the Trail of ’98 Museum, visit the Red Onion Saloon, or stroll the wooded boardwalks lined with restored frontier-era buildings, shops, and cafés. Learn about colorful figures from the Klondike era, including Klondike Kate and Peahull Annie, as you discover one of Alaska's best-preserved Gold Rush towns. (B,L,D)
Day 24 - SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY
Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park, one of Alaska's most remarkable wilderness areas and home to numerous actively calving tidewater glaciers. Watch as towering walls of ice meet the sea, and, if conditions allow, witness the dramatic spectacle of glacier calving, when massive blocks of ice break away and crash into the water.Keep an eye out for humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, and bald eagles as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected biosphere. (B,L,D)
Visit Ketchikan, known as Alaska’s “First City” because it is the first major port of call for many ships entering the Inside Passage from the south. Set along the Tongass Narrows and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan is renowned for its salmon fishing, Native Alaska heritage, and colorful waterfrontExplore local shops and restaurants, join an optional sportfishing excursion, or enjoy fresh seafood featuring the region’s famous salmon and halibut. Ketchikan is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultures and traditions of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples through museums, heritage sites, and carved totem poles. (B,L,D)
Day 26 - SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE
Spend another day cruising the Inside Passage, one of North America's most scenic coastal waterways. Sail past forested islands, fjords, and rugged shorelines as you travel between Southeast Alaska and British Columbia.Keep watch for Alaska's iconic wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, sea otters, harbor seals, and, with a bit of luck, brown bears along the shoreline. Along the route, you'll pass landscapes shaped by glaciers, including areas near Misty Fjords National Monument and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. (B,L,D)
Day 27 - VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after noon. (B)