Your Itinerary
Bonjour, Welcome to Canada!
Arrive in Montreal and make your way independently to your downtown hotel. After meeting your tour director and checking in, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the vibrant and culturally rich streets of Montréal. Overnight stay in Montreal.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
After breakfast, you'll start your guided tour of Montreal, the world's second-largest French-speaking city. Discover highlights of the downtown area, including the Olympic Complex, historic Old Montreal, McGill University, Mount Royal's picturesque neighborhoods, and the city's lively shopping districts.
You will have time to visit the Biodome (at own expense), showcasing five distinct ecosystems of the Americas, and the expansive Botanical Gardens, home to 22,000 plant species, ten exhibition greenhouses, and over 20 themed gardens across 75 hectares.
Enjoy an evening at your own leisure
Inspiring Highlights
Montreal Guided City Tour
Day 3 - Montreal [Bus] Quebec City
After breakfast at your hotel, we will depart Montreal and journey along the scenic St. Lawrence River toward the cultural heart of Quebec—Quebec City. Traveling the historic Chemin du Roy Highway, we pass through charming French-Canadian villages and towns.
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour inside the old city's fortified walls, featuring views of the grand city gates, Lower Town, The Citadelle, and Battlefields Park.
Enjoy a leisurely evening in this magical city.
Inspiring Highlights
St Lawrence River
Chemin du Roy Highway
Quebec City Guided Tour
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a free day in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For those interested, an optional full-day excursion to Tadoussac is available, featuring a thrilling 3-hour whale-watching cruise on the St. Lawrence River, near the mouth of the Saguenay River. On the return journey, stop to admire the breathtaking Montmorency Falls—30 metres taller than Niagara Falls, with a flow of approximately 35,000 litres per second (up to 125,000 litres in spring).
Special InformationPlease note - Optional activity can be booked on-ground with your tour leader at an extra expense.
Day 5 - Quebec City [Bus] Ottawa
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Quebec City and travel alongside the picturesque Ottawa River en route to Canada's capital, Ottawa. Our journey winds past the scenic Laurentian Mountains and along the historic Chemin du Roy, passing through quaint Québécois villages and notable shrines.
En route, we stop for a guided visit and tasting at the iconic Chez Dany Sugar Shack. Upon arrival in Ottawa, enjoy a brief orientation followed by a city tour showcasing highlights such as the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Parliament Hill, public gardens, the lively ByWard Market, and City Hall
Enjoy an evening of leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Chez Dany Sugar Shack
Rideau Canal
Parliament Hill
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours
Day 6 - Ottawa City [Bus] Toronto
After breakfast today, we travel to Toronto, passing through scenic farmland and following the picturesque rivers and lakes of the Rideau Waterway. Along the way, we stop in Rockport, where you have the option to enjoy a leisurely and scenic cruise through the stunning Thousand Islands.
Upon arrival in Toronto, the remainder of the day is yours to explore this energetic and diverse city. Wander through its vibrant neighborhoods, take in the views from the top of the CN Tower, explore the bustling theatre district, or indulge in one of the city's many renowned dining spots.
Inspiring Highlights
Rideau Waterway
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
Please note - Optional activity can be booked on-ground with your tour leader at an extra expense.
Day 7 - Toronto [Bus] Niagara Falls [Bus] Toronto
This morning, enjoy breakfast with your fellow travelers before setting out to explore the diverse character of Canada's most cosmopolitan city. Highlights include the provincial parliament buildings, Toronto's bustling waterfront, the iconic CN Tower, and vibrant Chinatown.
Later, we depart the city for the scenic Niagara Peninsula, passing charming communities along Lake Ontario's shoreline. Upon arrival at Niagara Falls, take time to admire the breathtaking views and explore the many attractions available. For an unforgettable experience, you may choose to board the thrilling Niagara City Cruises – Voyage to the Falls.
This evening will be spent back in Toronto.
Inspiring Highlights
CN Tower
Niagara Falls
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
Please note - Optional activity can be booked on-ground with your tour leader at an extra expense.
Day 8 - Toronto [Plane] Calgary
At the appropriate time, make your own way to Toronto Airport to board your included flight to Calgary.
On arrival to Calgary, make your own way to your downtown hotel where upon checking-in, you have the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is located approximately 20km from downtown Calgary. There are a range of transportation options available. Taxis are available for approximately CAD$45-55 per vehicle.
Please note that today is unescorted, and you will meet your new Western Canada Trip Leader tomorrow.
Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, and you will need to make your own way to your hotel in Calgary.
Day 9 - Calgary [Bus] Banff
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Calgary. We'll visit downtown Calgary, take in the views of the Calgary Tower, and see the famous Stampede Grounds and Saddledome. We then depart the city and travel along the Trans-Canada Highway into the heart of the Canadian Rockies and into Banff National Park, Canada's first national park. On arrival, your tour leader will show you the highlights of the town, including views of the Banff Springs Hotel, Tunnel Mountain, the Hoodoos, and the rushing Bow Falls.Inspiring HighlightsCalgary city sightseeing tourEntry into Banff National ParkBanff townsite tourBow Falls and the HoodoosSpecial InformationYour travel time today is approximately 2 hours
Day 10 - Banff [Bus] Lake Louise [Bus] Banff
This morning we travel to the shores of Lake Louise, where you can wander the lakefront and take in views of the Victoria Glacier and the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. We then continue to Moraine Lake, set in the beautiful Valley of the Ten Peaks, for one of the most photographed views in the Canadian Rockies. We return to Banff mid afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure to walk the forest trails, browse the boutiques and galleries on Banff Avenue, or relax at a local cafe.Inspiring HighlightsLake Louise and views of the Victoria GlacierMoraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten PeaksSpecial InformationYour travel time today is approximately 3 hoursMoraine Lake typically opens early June. Access is dependent on snow and avalanche conditions. If access is not available, you will enjoy more time at Lake Louise and in Banff
Day 11 - Banff [Bus] Jasper
After breakfast, we journey north along the Icefield Parkway, a route famous for its incredible scenery of crystal green lakes and snow-capped peaks. Along the way, we stop at Peyto Lake before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Here, you will board a massive Ice Explorer vehicle for a once-in-a-lifetime drive onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. You will have the chance to walk on the ice and even fill your water bottle with fresh glacier water. We continue to Jasper, stopping at the powerful Athabasca Falls if time permits.Inspiring HighlightsIcefields Parkway scenic drivePeyto Lake photo stopAthabasca Glacier Ice Explorer experienceAthabasca Falls visitSpecial InformationYour travel time today is approx. 4.5 hours.Athabasca Glacier typically opens for visitors in the first week of May. Access is dependent on weather conditions. If access is not available, you will enjoy more time in Jasper
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the rugged beauty of Jasper National Park. You could visit the local visitor center to learn about the park's history, take a stroll around the Jasper townsite, or head to the shores of a nearby lake to enjoy the mountain air.
Day 13 - Jasper [Bus] Vernon
After breakfast, we head west along the Yellowhead Highway, passing beneath the towering presence of Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Leaving the mountains behind, the landscape opens as we drive into the interior of British Columbia, following river valleys and rolling highlands. We continue south into the fertile Okanagan Valley, renowned for its orchards, lakes, and vineyards, arriving in Vernon for our overnight stay.
Inspiring Highlights
View of Mt. Robson
Scenic drive through the Thompson River valley
Travel through the Shuswap Highlands
Entry into the Okanagan Valley
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours
Day 14 - Vernon [Bus] Vancouver
Today we farewell Vernon and the Okanagan Valley, travelling west through the varied landscapes of British Columbia's Lower Mainland. Our journey follows the Coquihalla Highway, where the scenery shifts dramatically from the dry interior plateau to lush coastal rainforests. By late afternoon, we arrive in Vancouver, the jewel of Canada's West Coast, with the evening at leisure to begin exploring this vibrant city.
Inspiring Highlights
Scenic drive on the Coquihalla Highway
Transition through diverse BC vegetation zones
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours
Day 15 - Vancouver [Ship] Embark Inside Passage Cruise [Ship]
After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Vancouver. Highlights include Stanley Park to see the impressive collection of totem poles, the beaches of English Bay, Granville Island, the trendy shops of Robson Street, and the historic atmosphere of Gastown. We also visit Canada Place before arriving at the Cruise Ship Pier Cruise Terminal to embark for your voyage to the Inside Passage.Take some time to explore the various decks and amenities as the vessel prepares to depart. As the ship pulls away from the pier, enjoy the stunning views of the Vancouver skyline and the surrounding mountains.Special InformationAlaska is part of the USA, and an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a visa may be required for entry. It is the responsibility of each traveller to ensure they meet the entry requirements for the United States based on the passport they are travelling with. Requirements can vary depending on your nationality, so we recommend checking with your local embassy or consulate well in advance of travel.
Day 16 - [Ship] Inside Passage Cruising
Today is spent cruising the world-famous Inside Passage. This coastal route weaves through a labyrinth of islands and towering fjords, offering some of the most scenic cruising in the world. Enjoy breakfast as you watch the shoreline for sightings of bald eagles, whales, and porpoises. The day is yours to relax on deck, participate in shipboard activities, or simply take in the verdant landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.
Inspiring Highlights
Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage
Breathtaking coastal fjord views
Wildlife spotting opportunities from the deck
Today we arrive at Juneau, Alaska's remote capital city, which is accessible only by sea or air. After a hearty breakfast on board, you will have the day to explore this unique destination nestled at the foot of Mount Juneau. You might choose to join one of the many excursions that you can pre-book onboard or wander through the historic downtown area. Tonight, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere on the ship as you depart for your next destination.
Inspiring Highlights
Exploration of Alaska's capital, Juneau
Views of Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts
Opportunity to see the Mendenhall Glacier
Step back in time as the ship docks in Skagway, the legendary gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush. This morning, enjoy breakfast before heading ashore to explore the well-preserved wooden boardwalks and Victorian-era buildings of the downtown district. You may wish to learn more about the prospectors who once flocked here in search of fortune.
Inspiring Highlights
Historic Gold Rush architecture in Skagway
Stunning mountain backdrops
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Day 19 - [Ship] Glacier Bay
Prepare for a day of spectacular natural beauty as you cruise into the heart of Glacier Bay National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to massive tidewater glaciers that often "calve," or drop giant chunks of ice into the sea with a thunderous roar. A National Park Service Ranger will provide expert commentary on the local ecosystem and geology. Keep your binoculars ready for sightings of humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals.
Inspiring Highlights
Spectacular glacier viewing in Glacier Bay National Park
Onboard commentary from National Park Rangers
Incredible marine wildlife sightings
Day 20 - [Ship] Ketchikan
This morning, we arrive in Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and famous for its rich Native Alaskan heritage. After breakfast, you can explore the colorful shops and galleries of Creek Street, built on stilts over the water. The town is also home to an impressive collection of standing totem poles.
Inspiring Highlights
Vibrant Creek Street boardwalk
Native Alaskan totem pole displays
Day 21 - [Ship] Inside Passage Cruising
Your final full day is spent cruising back through the majestic Inside Passage. Enjoy breakfast and take advantage of any ship amenities you haven't yet experienced. This is the perfect time to relax, reflect on your Alaskan adventures, and take in the last of the rugged coastal scenery. Spend your final evening enjoying a farewell dinner on board.
Day 22 - [Ship] Vancouver
The ship returns to the beautiful city of Vancouver this morning. After a final breakfast on board, it is time to disembark.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
