Rockies Grandeur, Alaska Cruise & Best of the East: 25 days Victoria to Quebec City

Welcome to Canada. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Please book your flight to arrive into Victoria prior to 05:00 PM.

Today, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22-hectare showplace of magnificent, colourful gardens. Learn about the history and flora while exploring the gardens, which have delighted visitors from around the world for over one hundred years. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill and residential areas. There is free time to explore Victoria or allow Emerald Tours to assist you in discovering more about this historic region.

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Go whale watching or take a horse and carriage ride (extra expense)

Drive north along Vancouver Island through forested roads and towns to Nanaimo. Board the BC Ferry and travel through Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay. Journey north along the Sea to Sky Highway as the road follows the rugged coastline, with views of Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island, Gambier Island and Anvil Island on your left and forested parks and mountains on your right. Stop at the awesome Shannon Falls before arriving at the charming alpine resort of Whistler, where you are free to explore the village.
Overnight Stay: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa or similar

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Join a Photo Safari tour with a local expert (extra expense)

Travel along the scenic Duffy Lake Road lined with thick forest, into the town of Lillooet. In the afternoon, arrive at your riverfront boutique Inn nestled on 22-hectares in the lush Thompson Valley.
Overnight Stay: South Thompson Inn or similar

Today, you will be rewarded with astounding views as you reach the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Travel through eastern British Columbia and into Alberta, enjoying glimpses of the soaring mountains as you make your way through the three spectacular National Parks of Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho. Travel from primeval forests to Ice Age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Late this afternoon, arrive in Banff National Park.
Two Night Stay: The Mount Royal Hotel or similar

A full day at leisure to enjoy Banff and its many sights and attractions.

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Ride the Banff Gondola or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense)

Start the day with a tour of Banff including the Bow River and Bow Falls. Continue along the Trans-Canada Highway past Castle Mountain and Mount Temple to Lake Louise, the “Diamond in the Wilderness.” Enjoy some free time taking in the breathtaking scenery. Your destination today is Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its glacier-fed waters. Stay at Emerald Lake Lodge, which rests on the shores of the lake, surrounded by towering peaks and forests.
Overnight stay: Emerald Lake Lodge or similar

This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most incredible journeys in the world. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery as you pass rugged peaks and glaciers fringed by thick forest and shimmering lakes. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest sub-polar ice pack, where you will climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a once-in-a-lifetime journey onto the mighty 300-metre-thick Athabasca Glacier. The day’s end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. Walk above the Rockies deepest canyon, Maligne Canyon and enjoy seeing stories of Maligne come alive with a special horns and antler presentation.
Overnight Stay: Chateau Jasper or similar

EmeraldPLUS
Join us for a fun evening filled with laughter and heartfelt stories with a charming theatre production, “From Jasper with Love” and dinner.

Today, we set off on a two-day rail experience on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World.” Settle back in your SilverLeaf carriage (upgrade to GoldLeaf at additional expense). Enjoy wondrous views of the soaring mountains of Canada’s Rockies including its highest peak, the awesome 3954-metre-high Mt. Robson, as you journey towards Kamloops.
Overnight Stay: Kamloops Hotel (as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer)

Continue your journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer following the Thompson River and passing through the magnificent Fraser Valley. Late afternoon, you will arrive in Vancouver.
Overnight Stay: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre or similar

Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Stanley Park, the waterfront, Gastown and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Make your way across this spectacular suspension bridge, 70-metres above the Capilano River. This afternoon, check into your comfortable Ocean View Stateroom (upgrade to Verandah Stateroom at additional expense) on the elegant Holland America Line cruise ship ms Koningsdam#. Then settle in for an unforgettable 7-night voyage through the famed Inside Passage.

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most breathtaking waterways, passing forests, mountains, islands and inlets.

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage with its jaw dropping scenery. In the afternoon, sail into Juneau, arguably one of America’s most beautiful state capitals, with the looming summits of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts providing a gorgeous backdrop.

Established in 1897 as a trading post for prospectors headed to the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway was an untamed town controlled by organised criminals. Today, the town retains its gold rush character, and its colourful past is carefully preserved in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park.

Early this morning, your cruise ship enters the iceberg-strewn waters of Glacier Bay National Park, where thirteen spectacular glaciers flow from surrounding mountains into the waters of the bay.

Welcome to the salmon capital of the world. Part of the town is built along a steep hillside, and part is built on pilings over the water. Rich native history and an outstanding collection of totem poles makes this town an essential stop for anyone interested in indigenous art.

A day of relaxation at sea. Take advantage of the ship's many facilities, or simply relax on deck with a drink and watch unmatched scenery glide by.

Disembark and transfer to Vancouver Airport to board your flight to Toronto (flight not included; book your flight after 12:30pm).
Two Night Stay: Sheraton Centre Toronto or similar

Today, see one of the most spectacular natural sights of North America as you visit the incredible Niagara Falls. Board a thrilling cruise to the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Get up close to one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world as you feel the mist washing over you. Visit the historic and beautifully preserved village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, before returning to Toronto. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Ascend to the top of the CN Tower for some spectacular views over Toronto. Travel up University Avenue to take in the sights of Ontario’s Parliament Buildings, Queens Park and museum row. Travel east following Lake Ontario to Kingston, the gateway to the beautiful Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. Board your vessel for a cruise of one of the most picturesque areas in Eastern Canada. Continue to Canada’s national capital, Ottawa.
Two Night Stay: Delta Ottawa Hotel City Centre or similar

This morning, our local guide joins us for a tour of Ottawa, famous for its stately boulevards, imposing buildings and tulip filled gardens during spring. See the green-peaked roofs of the Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the National Gallery. Take a break at ByWard Market, where you have free time to explore at leisure.

EmeraldPLUS
Visit Madahòkì Farm for an authentic cultural experience. After a traditional arrival and welcome, spend time with the Cultural Ambassadors who will share their indigenous culture including a special dinner and dance presentation.

Bienvenue to the French-Canadian province of Québec. Head for the quintessentially French city of Montréal, located on an island of the St. Lawrence River. On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, viewing St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre Dame Cathedral and views of the city skyline from the parklands of Mount Royal.
Overnight Stay: Novotel Montréal or similar

Departing Montréal, make your way to a traditional Québécois Sugar Shack. Visit Deschambault, a quaint village along the St. Lawrence River before a scenic drive along the “Chemin du Roy” (King’s Road), the oldest roadway in Canada. Arrive in Québec City in the afternoon and meet our local guide for a tour of The Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and Parliament buildings. Later, embark on a walking tour within the walls of the Vieux Carré (Old City) and visit Lower Town.

EmeraldPLUS
Enjoy French Canadian country charm and hospitality and learn how to make maple candy, then partake in a delicious lunch that showcases the local country cuisine.

Two Night Stay: Hotel Château Laurier or similar

Québec City is one of the world’s most historical and fascinating cities. Spend the day exploring the quaint streets and ancient buildings and getting to know the local food and people.

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.