16 Day Wonders Of Canada With Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

• 8 nights in 3-star hotel accommodation (upgrade package available)
• Full day sightseeing tour of the Icefields Parkway including Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk
• Banff sightseeing tour with Banff Gondola
• Jasper Wildlife Discovery evening tour
• 2 day journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf including gratuities
• 5 nights in the Canadian Rockies
• Vancouver Hop-On Hop-Off 1-Day Classic Pass
• 7 nights Alaska cruise with Holland America including gratuities
• Delicious breakfast daily, 9 lunches and 7 dinners
• All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
• All National Park fees
• Independent travel with included guided tours

• Calgary – Downtown
• Banff – Banff Gondola
• Banff – Lake Minnewanka
• Banff – Banff Downtown
• Icefields Parkway – Crowfoot Glacier
• Icefields Parkway – Bow Lake
• Icefields Parkway – Peyto Lake
• Icefields Parkway – Athabasca Falls
• Icefields Parkway – Columbia Icefield Adventure, Skywalk and Discovery Centre
• Jasper – Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour
• Rocky Mountaineer
• Vancouver – Downtown
• Vancouver – Stanley Park
• Vancouver – Granville Island
• Vancouver – Gastown
• Alaska - Inside Passage Cruise
• Alaska - Sitka Sound
• Alaska - Tracy Arm Fjod
• Alaska - Juneau

Inspiring Sights

• Canadian Rockies
• Alaska Inside Passage

Within the unique world of rail travel, Rocky Mountaineer is so much more than just a train. It's the key to unlocking a hidden world of unparalleled beauty as you carve through otherwise inaccessible terrain in the Canadian Rockies. And your job aboard their all-dome fleet? To indulge in the most luxurious journey you've ever experienced. It's a tall order, but you're moving in the right direction. Hot gourmet breakfasts and lunches served at your spacious seat means you won't have to miss a moment of the splendor out your window. Nor will you miss a moment of the latest captivating yarn or historical tidbit from your onboard Host.

Travel through scenic valleys, the Coast Mountains range and the Fraser Canyon with its spectacular white water rapids and dramatic landscape. You will follow the route of the Fraser River, home of British Columbia’s largest salmon run, pass by the Albreda Glacier and magnificent Pyramid Falls, and hopefully see wildlife on the way. The highlight of this route is majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Rocky Mountaineer Service Levels
SilverLeaf - Included
Your SilverLeaf service on board Rocky Mountaineer includes:

• A refreshing welcome aboard toast
• A single-level dome coach with panoramic views through oversized windows
• Regionally inspired meals created by our team of award-winning chefs
• Gourmet meals plated to your preference and serviced at your seat
• Complimentary beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and gourmet snacks
• Complimentary baggage delivery to your hotel

GoldLeaf  - Upgrade available from $1,261 per person
In addition to the SilverLeaf inclusions listed above, your GoldLeaf experience includes:

• A custom-designed bi-level dome coach with meal service below and seating up top
• An exclusive outdoor viewing platform
• Hot gourmet breakfasts and lunches, morning scones and afternoon wine and cheese

For more information on the Rocky Mountaineer, click HERE.

Please select the GoldLeaf upgrade under 'Upgrade Options' when finalising your booking. Please note, the GoldLeaf upgrade is subject to availability.

The MS Koningsdam, Holland America Line’s first Pinnacle Class ship, combines contemporary design with the cruise line’s signature elegance, offering a wide range of amenities to enhance the onboard experience. Guests can enjoy world-class dining at multiple venues, including the innovative Culinary Arts Center, the Italian-inspired Canaletto, the refined Pinnacle Grill, and Tamarind, which serves Pan-Asian cuisine. For casual fare, there’s the Lido Market buffet and the Dive-In burger bar by the pool.

The Koningsdam offers a rich variety of entertainment and amenities, including the immersive World Stage theater, nightly live music at venues like B.B. King’s Blues Club and Lincoln Center Stage, and relaxing options such as the Greenhouse Spa, fitness center, and hydrotherapy pool. Guests can enjoy fine art, wine blending at Blend, cooking classes, and supervised youth activities at Club HAL—all within a setting of luxurious staterooms and elegant service, creating a rewarding experience for all ages.

Stateroom Details
Each stateroom aboard the Koningsdam includes the following services and amenities;

Amenities

• Daily housekeeping
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
• Luxurious bathrobes
• Generous storage
• Fresh fruit upon request
• Safe
• Ice service
• Shoeshine
• TV with On Demand movies, programming

INSIDE STATEROOM - Included
Two lower beds convertible to one Queen size bed, with seating and a desk. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. (Approximately 12 square metres).

OCEAN VIEW - An additional $578 per person, twin share (Single an additional $1155)
These staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one Queen  bed—includes seating and a desk, with a window allowing natural light into the room. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. (Approximately 12 square metres).

OCEANVIEW BALCONY  - An additional $1558 per person, twin share (Single an additional $3115)
Sliding glass doors open onto your private balcony from this comfortable stateroom, which includes two lower beds convertible to one Queen bed. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. — (Approximately 18 square metres with a 4sqm balcony).

Upgrades 

Hotel Upgrade  - $1043 per person

Example of upgraded Hotels - 

Calgary: Westin Calgary - 4 star
Banff: Royal Canadian Lodge - 4 star
Lake Louise: Post Hotel - 4 star
Jasper: Forest Park Hotel – Balcony room - 3.5 star
Kamloops: Moderate hotel booked by Rocky Mountaineer
Vancouver: Sheraton Wall Centre – Traditional Room - 4 star

Airport Transfers 
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,400.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.

Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. 

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share
Not available

Payment Information
Secure your tour with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
2. Pay a 1st installment of $2,899.00 per person within 7 days.
3. Pay a 2nd installment of $2,899.00 per person within 90 days.
4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Cooling Off Period
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product. 

Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.

Terms and conditions 
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions 

Tour Suitability

• As a reminder, Alaska is in the U.S.A. and a visa or visa waiver may be required, depending on which passport you hold. Obtaining a visa is your responsibility, and we recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour.
• This tour combines several other journeys. You may join a group where some travellers have already been together prior to your arrival, or some of your fellow passengers may be travelling onwards when your tour comes to a finish. If you'd like more information on alternative tour options or extensions, please feel free to contact us.
• Canada’s vast landscapes means that this tour will involve some long driving days, but the views make it worthwhile.
• Canada and Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures often dropping unexpectedly, especially in the evenings. It's important to pack layers and be prepared for sudden changes, even during warmer months, to stay comfortable throughout your journey.

Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Part of this tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences. 

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.

Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here: 

https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information

You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

Travel Insurance 
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider. 

We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.

If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.

Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it. 

Health & Wellness
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this tour. Our group tours are designed to immerse you in incredible sights and activities, often involving walking tours and self-exploration. To ensure you can fully embrace every moment, we recommend a moderate level of fitness for all of our tours. 

When selecting your tour please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that in the assessment of our Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a tour without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.

Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations
We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.

Open communication helps us ensure your tour is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible. 

Information for CPAP Users
If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises or camping tours, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs. 

Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your tour.

Please ensure that you check the voltage used throughout the countries you are travelling to and if it will be compatible with your machines. For example, Japan runs on 100 volts vs Australia at 220-240 volts, meaning a voltage converter might be required.

Documentation
Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list. 

Child policy 
While there is no age limit on the Rocky Mountaineer, it is designed for adults. Children are welcome aboard; however, they must be old enough to sit independently in their own seat, as infants cannot be held on a parent’s lap. The train does not provide seat belts or facilities for securing car seats, so parents are responsible for their children's safety and must supervise them at all times. The onboard experience is tailored to adults, and there are no specialized programs or amenities for children. Therefore, while children can travel, the journey is best suited for those who can appreciate the scenic and leisurely nature of the trip.

Official Travel Advice 
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:

• Safety and Security: Current risks and precautions for the country you'll be visiting.
• Visa Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for entry.
• Entry and Exit: Up-to-date border regulations and health requirements.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

• Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• New Zealand: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
• America: https://travel.state.gov/
• Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
• India: https://www.mea.gov.in/travel-advisories.htm

In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:

• Local Expertise: We maintain regular communication with our trusted travel partners in your destination.
• Constant Monitoring: We continuously monitor official travel advisories from relevant government websites.
• Flexibility and Safety: Should it become necessary, we will make appropriate adjustments to your itinerary to prioritise your health and safety.

By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.

Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook
During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.  

We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming tour!

Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary.  Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty. 

Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary.  The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion. 

Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination. 

 Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub.  These must be booked at least 70 days prior to departure. 

To make your own way to your hotel from the airport, it is recommended to use taxis booked from an official taxi booking desk at the airport, or alternatively you can use ride share apps such as Uber.

If you're having any problems finding the hotel, please ring the hotel directly or you can phone our customer support team for on-tour assistance. 

Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.

Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice. 

Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.

When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider. 

In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.

We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.

You also have the option to share details in your online feedback after the tour. However, please keep in mind that it's challenging for us to offer practical assistance once the tour is completed. Therefore, notifying us while still travelling allows us the chance to address the issue in real-time and provide a timely resolution.
For general contact details please visit the Contact Us page on our website.

When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this on arrival during your welcome meeting.

Tour Pace
This tour is categorised as: 3  out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.

Group Size 
Canada - Minimum: 1 
Alaska Inside Passage Cruise - Maximum: 2000-3000 

Escorted Style 
Day 1 to 9 of your trip will be an Independent tour, where you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.

The Alaska Inside Passage cruise will be accompanied by a team of onboard staff who will ensure your comfort and provide expert guidance throughout your journey, you will have dedicated staff on hand at the Holland America Denali Lodge in Denali, and local guides in the Yukon.

Tour Type 
Our Independent tours are tailored to eliminate the hassle and time spent on trip planning, allowing you to focus on fully enjoying your Japan experience and making the most of your travel investment. We’ll take care of all your accommodations and transportation between cities. Additionally, our English-speaking 24-hour emergency assistance team is always on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly, or to provide support in the rare event of an issue. All of our independent itineraries either include private guiding from a licensed, English-speaking guide or the option one to add these, in each major city. These reassuring services will help introduce you to Japan and give you extra confidence for traveling the country independently.

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Optional Tours 
To secure your spot and enjoy the best rates, pre-booking these tours in advance is highly recommended. While some tours require a minimum number of participants to operate, you'll be fully refunded if the tour is cancelled at your destination for this reason. Our optional tours are typically led by your tour leader or local guide. Please note that transportation to and from the optional tours may not be included, but your tour leader will be happy to assist you with navigating public transportation options like trains or taxis to reach the starting point.

Travelling in a group 
Travelling in a group means you will experience both the pleasures and perhaps at times, some of the frustrations of travelling with people you don’t know. The good news is you all have at least one thing in common: a love of travel and exploration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from different parts of the world, and fall into different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group—patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the overall benefit of the group. 

We kindly ask that you are requested to be at a place at a certain time that you respect this request from your tour leader or local guide. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your tour before departure.

Community Guidelines
Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.

Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options. 

Local Guide
Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

Transportation 
The size of your coach will comfortably accommodate the amount of people scheduled for that departure. There's usually room for some extra seats, ensuring a relaxing journey. Your luggage will be safely stored either underneath the coach or in a dedicated trailer.

While the exact coach style may vary depending on the departure, all our coaches offer comfortable seating. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and charging outlets might not always be available. To stay connected and avoid dead batteries,  we recommend fully charging your devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger.

For longer journeys, we'll make sure to include ample restroom breaks along the way, so you can freshen up and recharge at your convenience, as facilities are not on-board the coach. 

Itinerary Changes 
Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience. 

This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your tour! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.

Staying Connected
If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM at the airport is the final option. For a prepaid fee, you can get data by simply swapping your current SIM with your new SIM and depending on which package you purchase, you’ll be able to text and make phone calls, just as you would at home. 

Getting Around
This journey uses a scheduled coach transfer for the land based section of the tour for when you are not on the Rocky Mountaineer. For coach journeys, where applicable there will be comfort stops along the way where you can freshen up, stretch your legs, use the bathroom and often, purchase refreshments. Generally, lunch stops will be taken at rest stops as they can easily accommodate our large groups.

For more details on your cruise, see the ‘Cruise Line Details and Upgrades’ section.

Hotel Ratings
Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.

This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests. 

Accommodation Details
This tour uses carefully selected 3-star hotels to ensure your comfort and enjoyment, with the option to upgrade to 3.5 / 4 star hotels. Our accommodations reflect the best available options, tailored to our style of travel. Locations may be further from city centres, allowing for a more cost effective tour while giving a quieter environment.

For further details on your Cruise, please see the ‘Cruise Line Details and Upgrades’ section.

Packing Essentials
What you need to pack for your tour will vary according to the tour style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you can carry and lift your luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. 

A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this tour. Many tours will include internal flights which often have luggage weight restrictions, and it is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket, and your essentials while touring during the day.

Climate 
Spring (March–May): Expect cool temperatures (5–15°C) with melting snow, blooming flowers, and occasional rain in the Canadian Rockies. Eastern Canada experiences a mix of lingering winter chills and warming spring days (0–15°C), with cherry blossoms in cities like Toronto and Ottawa. In the Alaska Inside Passage, temperatures are slightly cooler (3–13°C), with occasional rain and the early signs of spring.

Summer (June–August): Warm and pleasant (20–30°C) in the Canadian Rockies, with long daylight hours, perfect for outdoor exploration. Eastern Canada enjoys warm summers (20–30°C), ideal for city sightseeing and coastal escapes. In the Alaska Inside Passage, temperatures range from 10–20°C, ideal for cruising with mild weather and stunning coastal scenery.

Autumn (September–November): Crisp air (5–20°C) and stunning fall foliage in the Canadian Rockies, a beautiful time to visit. Eastern Canada is renowned for its breathtaking autumn colours, with vibrant red and orange foliage in places like Quebec and Nova Scotia (5–20°C). In Alaska, expect cooler temperatures (5–15°C) with vibrant autumn colours and the chance to witness the changing landscape.
Pack for the season and region—layers are always a good idea!

Currency and ATMs
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD), and credit/debit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are easy to find in cities and towns, but may be limited in remote areas—carry some cash if travelling outside major centres. Expect small fees for ATM withdrawals, especially with foreign cards. Tipping (15-20%) is standard in restaurants and for services.

Food and Allergies 
Canada’s food scene is diverse, influenced by Indigenous, French, and global cuisines. Try iconic dishes like poutine (fries, cheese curds, and gravy), butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, and fresh Atlantic lobster. Regional specialities shine, from Montreal’s smoked meat and bagels to West Coast salmon and prairie bison. Don’t miss the maple syrup!

While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing, as well as experience the vast array of local cuisines. While many meals will be eaten together with your group, not all meals are included in your tour which gives you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure. Your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will also be able to give suggestions on which restaurants to try during your tour. 

Local Customs
Canadians are known for their politeness—expect to hear plenty of “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry.” Tipping is standard (15-20%) in restaurants, taxis, and for services. Respect for Indigenous cultures is important, and small talk (often about the weather) is common in social settings.

Responsible Dining
When dining in Canada, it’s important to consider local and sustainable options. Many restaurants focus on locally sourced ingredients and offer sustainable seafood choices. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid food waste, and check for eco-friendly practices like composting or using biodegradable packaging. Respecting Indigenous food traditions and supporting farm-to-table initiatives also help promote responsible dining.

Tipping is an important part of Canadian service culture. In restaurants, a 15-20% tip is standard, depending on service quality. Tipping is also appreciated for taxis, hotel staff, and tour guides. While not mandatory, it’s considered polite and helps support workers, especially in industries where wages may be lower. Always check your bill, as some places may already include a service charge.

Peak Travel Times
Canada’s peak travel times align with the seasons and holidays:

• Summer (June to August): The most popular time to visit, with warm weather across most regions. Expect crowded tourist spots, especially in cities and national parks.
• Winter (December to February): Ski season peaks in the Rockies and Quebec, drawing visitors for snow sports and winter festivals.
• Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to November): These shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and lower prices, though the weather can be unpredictable. Autumn is especially beautiful for fall foliage in regions like Ontario and Quebec.

Holidays like Canada Day (July 1) and Thanksgiving (October) also see a rise in domestic travel.

Safety and Security
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your own government's advice for the most up-to-date travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your tour. 

Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities listed on the itinerary, however, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. While your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will assist you as best they can with your requests and the options available outside your itinerary, please note Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running the activity. Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. 

Please also note that your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

Apps to Download
Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, the lens function is especially useful when wanting to read product labels, signs, and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without being reliant on wifi. 

Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability. 

Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth tour survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your tour has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved. 

Finishing Point
Your trip will finish when your cruise finishes at Vancouver Terminal. Disembarkation is approximately 7am. 

Departure Details
You are free to check out after breakfast, on the last day of your tour. Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub.  We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.

To make your way to the airport, there are various connections by train or limousine bus. Most destinations offer ride-share services, such as Uber or Didi. If you're having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.

This is a land-only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.