This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
A land of rugged hills, rushing waters and undisturbed wildlife, Alaska is as big as it is wild. Whether you're watching whales splash in the Pacific Ocean, gazing up at towering ice formations like the Hubbard Glacier or journeying by train deep into the last frontier on Anchorage's Coastal Classic Railroad, Alaska is sure to quench any explorer's thirst.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, uncover the dramatic beauty of Western Canada, enjoy a perfect city tour of Vancouver, take in the scenery of Banff National Park, enjoy visiting Lake Louise
✓ 8 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels
✓ 7 nights cruising the Inside Passage and Alaska with Royal Caribbean on board the Serenade of the Seas in an inside cabin (upgrades available) with gratuities included
✓ Breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by a dedicated professional guide through the Rockies (Note: Guide services start on Day 3)
✓ Dedicated coach transportation
✓ Unforgettable sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ All national park fees
✓ 7 Days cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information
✓ Only $99 deposit per person. See Fine Print for more information
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Canada! On arrival, please make your own way to your downtown Vancouver hotel.
Vancouver airport is located approximately 15kms from the City Centre. There are a range of transportation options available. Taxis are readily available and approximately $35-45. The Skytrain is also available.
Today is a full day to enjoy Vancouver. From your central hotel, Vancouver is on your doorstep. This vibrant city has plenty to offer both on land and by sea.
Important Information:
If you are travelling on the Rocky Mountaineer tomorrow, you will need to check-in for your journey today. You are required to visit one of the following Rocky Mountaineer Guest Centres in Vancouver to complete your check-in:
Vancouver
Georgian Court Hotel
At the Club Room, located on the Lobby Level, adjacent the front desk.
773 Beatty Street
Vancouver, BC
3:30pm-6:30pm PT, the evening prior to train departure.
Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel
At the Azure Foyer, located on top of the stairs in the South Tower.
1000 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC
3:30pm-6:30pm PT, the evening prior to train departure.
Pan Pacific Hotel
At the lobby upper level, behind the Coal Harbour Lounge.
300-999 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC
3:30pm-6:30pm PT, the evening prior to train departure.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
At the Denman Island Room located on the Discovery Level (level "1" on the guest elevator).
900 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC
3:30pm-6:30pm PT, the evening prior to train departure.
When you check in, you will be given your boarding pass with your pre-assigned seat and overnight accommodation for Kamloops. Your time at our Guest Centre should take no more than 15 minutes.
If you are unable to visit one of the Guest Centres during the times listed above, please call the Rocky Mountaineer Guest Experience Centre at 1.800.653.4105.
Today’s journey will take you through the fertile Fraser Valley, an important agricultural region and on into the desert-like country of the Thompson-Okanagan region. Sage brush and rolling hills dominate the landscape, making a startling contrast from the lush coastal mountain region of the Vancouver and lower mainland area.
Please note: On this day, a portion of customers will be completing the next 2 days by train. They will rejoin you in Banff on Day 4. Your guide will accompany the customers by coach to Banff. Those joining the Rocky Mountaineer will be guided by the award winning on-board Rocky Mountaineer personnel.
Today we travel past Shuswap lake, Salmon Arm and Revelstoke before reaching Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park is a 1,583-sq.-mi. wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. It's crossed by the mountainous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Continue on to Rogers Pass with it’s tunnels, glistening glaciers, and snow capped mountains. Cross over the Continental Divide where we will view the unique Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park, a remarkable engineering achievement, the beautiful Emerald Lake, and the natural bridge of stone across Kicking Horse Pass prior to arriving in Banff.
This morning begins with a short drive along the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise. Highlights will include Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake, the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and the Victoria Glacier, which shimmers on the icy blue-green waters of Lake Louise. Return to Banff for a tour of the Banff townsite passing the Bow River Falls, Tunnel Mountain Drive with the wind eroded hoodoos and Surprise Corner with views of Banff Springs Hotel and Bow River Falls.
Today we leave Banff west along the TransCanada Highway across the Continental Divide. En route to Kelowna we stop in Armstrong for a visit to the Armstrong Cheese Factory and sample their unique artisan cheeses. Founded in 1902 by Canadian dairy farmers, the region’s very first creamery was born and soon, cheese artisans founded the Armstrong Cheese company. Using fresh milk, they made it their mission to create quality Cheddar cheeses so exquisite that the Armstrong brand soon travelled well beyond the meadows of their small community. Tonight we check in to our hotel in Kelowna.
Enjoy a full day sightseeing in the Okanagan Valley. Kelowna is surrounded by provincial parks, pine forest, vineyards, orchards and mountains. Several of the orchards in the Kelowna area offer guided tours and others offer U-Pick. At the Pioneer Country Market, an old-fashioned rural store, preserves and treats can be found. Today we enjoy a visit to a local winery followed by a tasting of some of the local Okanagan wines.
Today, we travel south of the Okanagan along the shores of Lake Okanagan to Penticton. Continue via the small towns of Keremeos and Princeton into Manning Park which offers spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains. As you enter the fertile plains of the Fraser River Valley you will see dramatically different scenery. The Fraser Valley is BC’s most concentrated farming region. This afternoon we arrive back in Vancouver. Tonights accommodation is situated close to the airport for those departing tomorrow, for customers continuing on the cruise, downtown Vancouver can be easily accessed by the Skytrain for those wishing to explore Vancouver by night.
Today a morning sightseeing tour of Vancouver begins with a drive around Stanley Park, stopping at the Totem Poles. Continue on via Canada Place and the waterfront, Chinatown, North America’s second largest and finally, historic Gastown with its 19th Century buildings, cobblestone streets and hidden passageways. You will also visit Granville Island with its famous public market and many crafts and artisans shops before transferring to Vancouver Cruise Terminal for your cruise departure.
Please note: Your luggage will be stored on the bus today before departing on your cruise.
There are multiple cruise departures on this day. A portion of your group may be joining an alternative cruise based on their selection.
Ports of call may vary cruise to cruise based on ship schedules.
Your ship offers the perfect platform for viewing British Columbia’s Inside Passage. This archipelago spans 25,000 miles from Seattle to Prince Rupert near the Alaskan border. Here you’ll ply calm waters sheltered between the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island. Along the way catch a glimpse of breathtakingly rugged scenery, plus staggering wildlife like salmon sharks, white spirit bears, and millions of seabirds.
Ketchikan sits at the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage – a gateway to the wild landscapes and seascapes of Misty Fjords National Monument. The canned salmon capital of the world, it’s a hub for fishing and outdoor sports. It’s also home to three tribes of Northwest Coast Indians, making it a great place to get a taste for the local culture. You’ll see it in the colourful, hand-carved totems that line the city’s streets and parks, and in the unique stilted homes that cling to Deer Mountain’s slopes. If you want to get up close and personal with nature, venture into the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the United States. Or head to Ketchikan Creek Waterfall for amazing views of downtown Ketchikan and a glimpse at the yearly salmon runs.
Tracy Arm Fjord extends over 30 miles alongside the wilderness of Tongass National Forest. Sailing through this deep and narrow passage delivers some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll find in Alaska. See active glaciers carved into 7,000-foot-tall mountain peaks and plunging waterfalls burrowed into evergreen-clad cliffs. Glimpse native wildlife and watch deep blue icebergs float past the ship.
If you’re looking for an authentic taste of wild, rugged adventure, a cruise to Haines, Alaska is just the ticket. Located less than 70 miles north of Juneau, along the continent’s longest and deepest fjord, Haines offers endless outdoor activities for intrepid explorers. Hike deep into misty coastal rainforests and ancient spruce woodlands. Set out on a rafting adventure along the rivers that thread the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Learn about the gold rush era at Fort William H. Seward. And discover the area’s rich cultural heritage in museums dedicated to the Native Tlingit People.
Sitka truly offers the best of Alaska. Its small-town appeal stems from a unique blend of Russian, Tlingit and American history. Its snow-capped peaks and volcanic Mount Edgecumbe pose amongst the state’s most postcard-worthy scenes. And its rare wildlife astounds, from Saint Lazaria Island’s orange-beaked puffins to Alaska Maritime Refuge’s 40 million seabirds. This is off-the-beaten-track Alaska, where you can kayak Sitka Sound alongside swimming sea otters or fly-fish for the world’s biggest halibut. Whether it’s hiking along Baranof Island trails or listening to tribal stories passed down for generations, in Sitka the midnight sun never sets on adventure.
Today is a full day to relax and enjoy the many activities, restaurants and entertainment your ship has to offer.
Welcome back to Vancouver. Your ship will arrive in port at approximately 7:00AM this morning. At the appropriate time, disembark your Alaska cruise and make your own way to the airport for your onward flight. We hope you have had an unforgettable experience in Canada.
Please note: Flights should not be booked prior to 12:00PM midday to allow enough time for disembarkation. For customers departing later, there are paid luggage storage facilities at Canada Place cruise terminal which will allow you to store your luggage and sightsee in Vancouver prior to your flight departure.
You will enjoy waking up onboard Serenade of the Seas, a dreamlike ship that’s sleek and sunlit, with panoramic vistas and wide-open spaces at every turn. Acres of glass enclose a nine-story central atrium, while glass elevators and floor-to-ceiling windows ensure incredible views throughout the day. Here you can bask at the tranquil Solarium pool, recharge at Vitality Spa, or reach new heights on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. When the sun goes down, the night heats up with Broadway-style shows, Casino Royale, and 16 bars and lounges.
Stateroom Details;
Each stateroom aboard Serenade of the Seas includes the follwing services and amenities;
Stateroom Bedding;
INSIDE - Included
Two lower beds convertible to one Royal King bed— Much larger than your regular cruise room, with seating and a desk. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. (Approximately 20 square metres).
OCEAN VIEW - From an Additional $300 per person, twin share (Single $600)
These staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one Royal King 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 15 square metres).
OCEANVIEW BALCONY CABIN UPGRADE - From an Additional $750 per person, twin share (Single $1,500)
Sliding glass doors open onto your private balcony from this comfortable stateroom, which includes two lower beds convertible to one Royal King bed. Each room includes a private bathroom, vanity area, hair dryer, TV and phone. — (Approximately 18 square metres with a 4sqm balcony).
Cabin Upgrades and prices are subject to availability upon booking. Please note your upgrade option as a "Special Request" when booking and our team will be in touch with a confirmed quote. If we are unable to confirm your request, we will quote alternative options.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised for its customer response during the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and well-being of our customers has always been our highest concern and, with 7-day expert support, flexible terms and low deposits, you can be certain that your next adventure is booked with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period.
Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply. Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers. As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available. This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision. For the services of your guide, it is suggested that you budget for CAD$5 per person, per day. Tipping of your driver is also appreciated and we would suggest CAD$4 per person, per day. We do have an option to pre-pay the tipping for the coach portion of your itinerary at a cost of $75USD per person, which can be added to your booking.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Select 'book now' and choose 1 passenger to show the single supplement for this tour.
Triple share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Visa & Passport Information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport may need to be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to your home country.
We recommend visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go.html for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
20-52 people
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
30 Jun 2021
From poutine to national parks, Canada is a traveller’s paradise Stretching more than half of the Northern Hemisphere and across six time zones, the Great White North is the world’s second-largest country – and a magnificent one at that. Whether you’re a city dweller, energised by bustling streets and high-rise livin...
30 Jun 2021
Get to know one of the world’s most visited glaciers Deep in the Canadian Rockies, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the region’s most loved sights. This icy attraction draws people from across the country, thanks in part to its proximity to the Icefields Parkway – making it easily accessible. Visit between May and ear...
30 Jun 2021
Canada has it all – from breathtaking scenery, to modern, vibrant cities, friendly locals and incredible wildlife. Likewise, neighbouring Alaska has some of the most famous wilderness in the world. But, when is the best time to go? Canada is an enormous country that experiences very distinct seasons, but the diver...
30 Jun 2021
Do you get snap happy at the sight of picture-perfect lakes and quaint towns with colourful architecture? Let these stunning Canadian towns inspire your next adventure Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario How can one city be so lovely? Niagara-on-the-Lake, the oh-so-charming town that is nestled just beyond the roaring power...
30 Jun 2021
Whether you love hiking, film, or wine, there are several ways to experience the world’s second-largest country The fact Canada offers something for everyone is a huge part of its charm. The country evokes images of looming mountain tops, epic skiing, ice-blue lakes, pine trees for days, eclectic cities, rugged hikin...
30 Jun 2021
From hiking amongst the clouds and spotting grizzlies in the wild to relaxing in hot springs, there is something truly special about the Rockies in summer Canoeing on Lake Louise At the heart of Banff National Park, surrounded by snowy peaks and famous for its turquoise coloured-water, lies Lake Louise, the so-called...
