Your Itinerary
ARRIVE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA
Stetsons and Skyscrapers
Welcome to Calgary, where cowboys still ride tall in the saddle below the skyline of Alberta’s “Cow Town.” At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
City Slickers and Sapphire Shores
Take an orientation drive through cosmopolitan Calgary before heading to Lake Louise. Upon arrival, take a leisurely [LF] guided heritage walk along the legendary lakeshore. Free time this afternoon and evening at the exclusive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE WILDERNESS IN WATERCOLOR Explore the breathtaking shores of Lake Louise where its bright blue surface mirrors the sky between Banff’s high peaks. Hear the storied history-from the early Stoney Nakoda First Nations people who named it “lake of the little fishes” to the bold railroad barons of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Learn fascinating stories of frontiersmen and First Nations who first discovered the exquisite waters of Lake Louise. TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Named for a Victorian princess, Lake Louise is the perfect setting for the architecture, amenities, and atmosphere of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise-designed to pamper the heartiest of alpine adventurers. Slip into the indoor pool and hot tub, soothe the soul at the fitness center and spa, hike in the lush green forest, canoe on Lake Louise’s famous turquoise blue water or enjoy horseback riding on a nearby trail. With attention to your comfort and enjoyment amid the rugged Rocky Mountains, you’ll enjoy concierge service, gift shops plus a variety of restaurants and activities.
Natural Wonders in the Rockies
Scenic drive through Banff’s mountain cathedrals that tower above Natural Bridge, Kicking Horse River, and Emerald Lake. Continue north as the Icefields Parkway reveals spectacular vistas, including the picturesque Peyto Lake (weather permitting). Next stop, Jasper National Park, a Dark Sky Preserve and the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy free time this afternoon. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Nestled between the pines and peaks, see for yourself why Peyto Lake is one of the most photographed natural beauties in North America. This azure alpine lake strikes the pose as a model of perfection, delivering a visual feast you must see to believe! TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Settle in for a cozy cabin-style 2-night retreat in superbly appointed guest rooms. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge delivers all the comforts of home with a touch of luxury in the wilderness. Set deep in the Canadian Rockies, the lodge’s rugged elegance makes it the embodiment of peace, tranquility, and natural beauty. Enjoy a wide variety of onsite amenities to welcome you home from a day of exploring with views of surrounding mountains and Beauvert Lake.
JASPER. EXCURSION TO MALIGNE LAKE
The Wilderness Spirit
A leisurely start to the day to enjoy our prime location at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper National Park. From world-class hiking trails to crystal-clear glacier-fed lakes, you can choose relaxation or adventure. This afternoon, a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island reveals the wild beauty of an alpine wonderland. Free time this evening in Jasper National Park. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Between the silver and green glacial peaks, experience the views from the largest natural lake in Jasper National Park on a cruise across the waters of Maligne Lake. Glide on the water to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots on Earth. Keep your camera ready for further chances to capture a photo of deer, moose, eagles, or bears in this Rocky Mountain paradise.
JASPER–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–BANFF
Peak Perfection
Depart Jasper with a scenic drive on Icefields Parkway en route to Columbia Icefield. Explore how landscapes are shaped with an epic ride aboard the mighty Columbia Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle. Continue through Banff National Park to discover breathtaking beauty beyond imagination. Free time this evening in Banff. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Be moved by an expedition across the Athabasca Glacier. Traverse this massive glacier aboard the all-terrain Columbia Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth’s geology is changing beneath your feet. Feel the force of nature’s strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT For over a century, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, has been the destination for luxury in the heart of Alberta’s Canadian Rockies. The Scottish-style “Castle of the Rockies” welcomes guests to retire each night and enjoy delightful dining choices and lounges plus activities at the hotel. Walking history tours, glowing evening campfires, wilderness or twilight walks, and guided bike rides showcase the hotel grounds. In Scottish tradition, a 27-hole golf course offers, with added diversions of a spa, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, horseback riding, gift shops, convenience store, and concierge service.
Spend your day your way in Banff
Explore Banff National Park with a scenic drive around Tunnel Mountain and witness the wonder of Bow River Falls with views of the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Discover more of Banff with your choice between included Globus Choice excursions. SADDLE UPExplore the Banff and Bow Valley area on horseback during a one-hour guided trail ride. Ride along the tranquil Bow River, where thick marshes and grassy meadows are home to a wealth of wildlife. Note: No riding experience necessary; closed-toe shoes and long pants are required to ride.WANDER & WONDERTake your experience higher on a docent-led tour at Whyte Museum to uncover the history, culture, and environment of Banff and the Bow Valley area. Learn about the influence of the mountains and landscape, plus view collections illustrating life in the Canadian Rockies, Indigenous people, and early settlers.Later, take advantage of an optional helicopter flightseeing trip with dramatic aerial views of the Rocky Mountains and Banff, visit the Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain, or stroll the town’s colorful streets. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening and meet an [LF] officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to hear tales in true Mounties tradition. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEHEROES ON HORSEBACK As the song goes, Canadian Mounties “always get their man.” Since the early days of the Northwest Territory, the brave members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have patrolled the mountains of Alberta and beyond with dignified duty. While visiting Banff, visit with a Canadian Mountie as a tip of the signature wide-brimmed hat begins the tales of adventure including the tradition behind the famous red jackets and regulation jodhpurs.
BANFF–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA
All Aboard in Banff!
This morning, wave goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver in Banff before boarding Rocky Mountaineer to travel over the Continental Divide and along the Kicking Horse River. Continue westward to Shuswap Lake, then overnight in Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamloops. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT TRAIN SPOTLIGHT Travel in style aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train service from Banff to Kamloops. Ride in style with exceptional service as you take in the panoramic views through your custom-designed glass-dome coach. Snap the perfect shots of spectacular landscapes from the comfort of your seat or step out on the outdoor viewing area for a wide-open view. Enjoy Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf service with everything you need and more to experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains in luxury: panoramic views, delicious meals and beverages brought right to your seat, friendly hosts and miles and miles of memories.
KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–VANCOUVER
End of the Line, Vancouver!
Back aboard your Rocky Mountaineer train, your journey passes through the fertile Thompson Valley and the Fraser Canyon. This afternoon, arrive in Vancouver, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay. (B,L)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE in Vancouver with your pick of the freshest seafood in the Canadian Rockies. The buzzing downtown scene is rich in culinary delights from sushi or wild-caught salmon to pizza and pasta. Don’t forget to indulge in British Columbia’s iconic Nanaimo Bar—a coconut, chocolate, and nutty confection.
Beautiful City of BC
A full day at leisure to explore this vibrant city. Consider an optional excursion to Victoria, Whistler, Granville Island, or Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Bridge. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE of Vancouver and the surrounding sights with a free day to taste wine, dine, or explore. Ask your Tour Director for tips and find more suggestions and maps on your GlobusGO mobile app!
Alaskan Adventure by Sea
Enjoy free time this morning in Vancouver. This afternoon, transfer to the cruise terminal and embarki on your 7-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS You’re in for one wild and wonderful week on a roundtrip cruise on the incredible Inside Passage through the spectacular ports of Alaska. Cruise from Vancouver to discover spellbinding scenery from narrow fjords to scattered islets and towering peaks. Get close to massive glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park and wait breathlessly for ice to calve off and plunge into the ocean. Inside Passage waters are as smooth as it gets, while on shore you’ll find endless thrills and chills.
CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE, ALASKA
Glacial Fjords & Grand Forests
Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWILD BY NATURE Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.
CRUISING: TRACY ARM–JUNEAU, ALASKA
Coastal Cliffs & The Catch of the Day
Steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank the Tracy Arm fjord, fringed by the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the United States. Old-growth trees colonized Tracy Arm's mouth long ago as the Ice Age retreated. Continue cruising to Juneau, Alaska and visit the most remote state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest and mountain sights, visitors in Juneau can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a grand capitol building all in one day. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTUNTAMED WILDERNESS Even more glorious than nearby Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm is part of the 5.7 million acres (or around 23,000 square kilometers) of pure wilderness sheltered by the Tongass National Forest (America's biggest). Visitors often see bears, whales, and mountain goats roaming across various corners of this pristine area—not to mention chubby baby seals resting on the ice floes. Summer temperatures average 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 16 degrees Celsius), so pack warm clothing. And pack your waterproof gear in preparation for the more than 60 inches (1 ½ meters) of rainfall each year!
The Rush for Gold
At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields, and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons, and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway—but today it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore Alaska’s colorful history, pristine wildlife, and unrivaled natural beauty. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE At every turn, you’ll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore in the town of Skagway, from the infamous Red Onion Saloon that still keeps a pistol that Wyatt Earp left behind on his way to the Klondike, to the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, traversing rugged mountains, waterfalls, and towering glaciers on its course to Whitehorse deep in the Yukon.
CRUISING: GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK
Ice Dancing
On your cruise to Glacier Bay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), close your eyes and take in the sounds—the creaks and groans of “living” ice, the shrill cries of gulls and soaring eagles, the splash of a breaching humpback whale. Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park), and frequent wildlife sightings on Glacier Bay cruises are just a few of the thrilling experiences in this unique and beautiful biosphere. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT WILD DISCOVERIES With the serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains defining its shores, Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Keep your binoculars and camera handy as you cruise Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier for the chance to witness ice calving. Wildlife abounds in Glacier Bay, you never know when you will see the fluke of a humpback rise out of the water or spot a lone brown bear patrolling a windswept beach.
Port of Call
Experience an adventure in Ketchikan, Alaska home to picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. Consider an optional guided rainforest walk in the Tongass National Forest and a visit to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center to explore the rich Alaska Native culture and coastal rainforest ecosystem during your time in Ketchikan. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & TRADITION Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and salmon-packing industries. Savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants or take a fishing excursion to catch your own! Ketchikan is one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich culture of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. See intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park and visit the Saxman Village just outside of Ketchikan to see Tlingit heritage in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house.
Where the Wild Things Are
Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage again offering opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife. Enjoy the amenities and entertainment onboard the ship, recharge with a spa service or savor the last full day of sailing from the observation deck. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTALASKAN ADVENTURE Relish the last day of leisure on the ship and watch the horizon for humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline. One of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.
VANCOUVER, BC (DISEMBARKATION)
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Schedule departing flights from Vancouver after 12:00 pm. Want to explore more of Vancouver? Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)