Canadian Train Odyssey with Alaska Cruise (89652026)

Day 1:
TORONTO Welcome to Toronto! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

Toronto is considered the most culturally diverse city in the world with its population representing a wide range of ethnicities and languages. Once checked into your hotel, perhaps do some shopping at nearby Eaton Centre or venture a little further and check out the Hockey Hall of Fame or try some local culinary treats at St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark over two centuries old.



Day 2:
TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS Begin the day with an orientation tour of Toronto that includes seeing City Hall, the downtown banking district, Rogers Centre, and the stunning CN Tower. Leave the city and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls where you 'll take an exhilarating cruise to see the thundering Falls up close. Fall even more in love with the Falls on an optional excursion to Skylon Tower for spectacular views and a buffet lunch. Return to Toronto and have time this evening to explore this vibrant city on your own.

NOTE:
Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.



Day 3:
TORONTO-VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN This morning, transfer to Union Station for a departure on The Canadian, VIA Rail 's premier transcontinental train. Spend the next three days and nights on this classic trip across Canada 's heartland. Your Sleeper-Plus class rail cars are refurbished art-deco cars from the 1950s. Domed observation cars let you enjoy views of the Canadian countryside as you roll past Ontario 's landscapes. Chef-prepared meals offer a tempting array of soups, salads, main courses, and desserts. (L,D)



Day 4:
VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN Today, watch the scenery as you whisk by the ever-changing Canadian landscape and travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway 's breathtaking mainline. (B,L,D)



Day 5:
VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN The Canadian glides through Winnipeg, before continuing the journey through Manitoba 's prairies and into Saskatchewan. (B,L,D)



Day 6:
VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN-JASPER NATIONAL PARK Arrive in Jasper this morning and enjoy an orientation tour of the townsite. The remainder of your day is free to explore the ambiance of this wonderous mountain setting. Perhaps go with the flow on an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River to take in the natural beauty and look for wildlife along the shoreline.



Day 7:
JASPER NATIONAL PARK Today is at leisure. Make your day magical with an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to the much-photographed Spirit Island*. On the return journey, stop to view mighty Maligne Canyon. This afternoon, perhaps hike on the trails and watch for wildlife, or stroll the streets of downtown Jasper.

*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.



Day 8:
JASPER NATIONAL PARK-COLUMBIA ICEFIELD-LAKE LOUISE-BANFF NATIONAL PARK Board your motorcoach this morning and journey through Jasper National Park, stopping along the way at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet (250 meters) thick! Continue down Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, known for its stunning turquoise waters that mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park for a leisurely 2-night stay. An orientation tour highlights Banff 's unspoiled beauty.



Day 9:
BANFF NATIONAL PARK The day is free for independent exploration. Perhaps start your day with an awe-inspiring optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies! Or hike in some of the surrounding 2,564 square miles of parkland which are home to wildlife, including elk, deer, and grizzly bear. Your Tour Director can offer many suggestions for activities and dining.



Day 10:
BANFF NATIONAL PARK-YOHO NATIONAL PARK-GLACIER NATIONAL PARK-KAMLOOPS This morning, leave Banff National Park and travel over Kicking Horse Pass on the Continental Divide. Travel through Yoho National Park, where pre-Cambrian fossils were discovered, and Glacier National Park, where recreational mountain climbing was introduced to North America a century ago. Late this afternoon, arrive at the cattle-ranching center of Kamloops.



Day 11:
KAMLOOPS-FERRY CROSSING-VICTORIA As you travel through the Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your afternoon ferry for the spectacular crossing to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival, take time to smell the roses on an optional excursion to see the 55 acres of incredible floral displays at world famous Butchart Gardens. Later, enjoy sightseeing in Victoria including the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider taking a relaxing stroll along the lovely Waterfront Promenade. (B)



Day 12:
VICTORIA Enjoy a day at leisure with time to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer. Visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, tour the Parliament Building, have Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, or shop along Government Street. Perhaps have an adventure at sea on an optional whale and wildlife watching cruise.



Day 13:
VICTORIA-FERRY CROSSING-VANCOUVER This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands. After arrival in Vancouver, say goodbye to your Tour Director and transfer to Canada Place and board your cruise ship. Your package price includes Holland America 's 'Have It All Premium Cruise Package.' (D)



Day 14:
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE Spend the day cruising one of the world 's most spectacular waterways. Located along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for orcas and humpback whales. (B,L,D)



Day 15:
JUNEAU Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on Gastineau Channel, Alaska 's capital city of Juneau has massive Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield at its back door. Visit the rustic shops in town—or get out and kayak, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee, or fish. There is no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours. (B,L,D)



Day 16:
SKAGWAY Skagway is historically considered the gateway to the Gold Rush of 1898 when thousands of men with dreams of striking it rich poured into the city and withstood treacherous winter conditions traveling on to the Yukon Territory. Explore gold rush lore at the Trail of '98 Museum or at the Red Onion Saloon, with its treasure trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other historic characters. Or simply walk on the boardwalks along the dirt streets and enjoy perusing the shops. (B,L,D)



Day 17:
SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anyplace else in the world. How does it feel when a colossal chunk of ice splits off a glacier and crashes into the sea? The sound is like thunder and the impact shoots water hundreds of meters into the air. You hold your breath as you capture the moment on camera, then wait for it to happen again! (B,L,D)



Day 18:
KETCHIKAN Alaska 's “First City” of Ketchikan is so named because it is the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the 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. An important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries, visitors can try their luck on a sport-fishing excursion or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. It is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. (B,L,D)



Day 19:
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE 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. Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska 's most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline. (B,L,D)



Day 20:
VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends this morning. Sightseeing in Vancouver includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and many other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Robson Street and experience British Columbia 's premier shopping and entertainment location. (B)



Day 21:
VANCOUVER Today is at leisure for independent sightseeing. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés. Elevate your adventure on an optional aerial tram ride up the mountain for exquisite views and a walk through a rainforest canopy at Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge.



Day 22:
VANCOUVER Your vacation ends this morning.