Summertime in the Rockies

DAY 1: 25 JUN 2015, ARRIVE TORONTO
Hilton Toronto
Welcome to Canada! On arrival at Toronto International Airport, there is an included transfer to your tour hotel. The remainder of the day is then free to relax and settle in. Later join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception. (WR)

DAY 2: 26 JUN 2015, TORONTO & NIAGARA FALLS
Hilton Toronto
This morning on our sightseeing tour, we rise to the top of the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding tower in the Americas, for views from four look-out levels. Travel up University Avenue to see Queen’s Park, the Parliament buildings and museum row. Now it’s on to spectacular Niagara Falls. View this great natural wonder up-close on a cruise to the base of the falls, before we continue to the beautiful Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens. Later we return to Toronto. (FB)

DAY 3: 27 JUN 2015, TORONTO – OTTAWA
Westin Ottawa
Today we follow the shores of Lake Ontario to historic Kingston where you view the old buildings, churches and fortifications. We then enjoy a Highlight Lunch cruise across Kingston’s Thousand Islands region. Then continue to the stately Canadian capital of Ottawa. (FB,HL)

DAY 4: 28 JUN 2015, OTTAWA – QUEBEC
Manoir Victoria
On our orientation tour of the city this morning, we view the elegant buildings of Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General of Canada and the beautiful downtown parks with their exquisite gardens. Continue to Quebec City, set atop sheer cliffs at a narrowing of the St. Lawrence River. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the old-world charm. (FB)

DAY 5: 29 JUN 2015, QUEBEC
Manoir Victoria
Experience Quebec’s unique European charm with a local guide. On our tour we see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, ramparts, National Assembly, Basilica, City Hall, Place Royale and Citadel. We then visit The Redford Gardens, recognised as one of Canada’s outstanding horticultural attractions. Tonight we travel along Quebec’s bustling waterfront en route to the lovely Island D’Orleans on the St. Lawrence River. Here we enjoy a winery visit and learn how maple sapis turned into maple products while dining at alocal “Sugar-Shack” restaurant, a truly Quebec experience! (FB, HD)

DAY 6: 30 JUN 2015, QUEBEC – MONTREAL
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth
We continue to Montreal today, the cultural capital of French Canada and the largest French speaking city outside of France. Upon arrival we visit the dramatic Notre-Dame Basilica with its glorious stained glass windows depicting Montreal’s religious history. The remainder of the day is then free to enjoy this charming city at your leisure. (FB)

DAY 7: 1 JUL 2015, MONTREAL
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth
This morning a local guide introduces you to the historic sites of the city. We see the colourful port area, the modern, bustling downtown, the cobblestone streets & buildings of the old town and the grand mansions of Mount Royal, where we enjoy panoramic views over one of the loveliest cities in North America. We then visit the Montreal Botanical Gardens, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Tonight we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant located in the Old Town. (FB,HD)

DAY 8: 2 JUL 2015, MONTREAL – CALGARY
Westin Calgary
This morning we are transferred to Montreal airport for our flight to Calgary to experience the world-famous Calgary Stampede, an exciting spectacle of classic rodeo events and grandstand
shows. This evening get your adrenaline pumping at the Stampede’s thrilling Chuckwagon Races. This is then followed by live musical entertainment at the Grandstand Show complete with a fireworks display! (FB)

DAY 9: 3 JUL 2015, CALGARY – BANFF
Rimrock Resort
This morning we return to the Calgary Stampede, billed the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” and take in all the action. Enjoy access to events including the world-famous rodeo and admission to the Stampede Park. Later this afternoon, we continue to the quintessential alpine resort of Banff. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff before arriving at our hotel. This evening you are offered a selection of restaurants for you to dine at. (FB,DA)

DAY 10: 4 JUL 2015, BANFF
Rimrock Resort
Immerse yourself in the glories of Banff today. Arrive on the shores of lovely Lake Louise where you learn about the history and geology of the area on a short interpretive walk. Continue on to stunning Moraine Lake, nestled in the dramatic Valley of the Ten Peaks. We then take a ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, for a bird’s-eye view of six mountain ranges. The
remainder of the day is then free for you to spend at your leisure. (FB)

DAY 11: 5 JUL 2015, BANFF – JASPER
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Head north along the stunning Icefields Parkway driving alongside snow-capped peaks, thundering waterfalls and glistening lakes. Get ready for a unique adventure at the Columbia Icefield, where Butchart Gardens, Victoria Great Canada you board a specially designed Ice Explorer for a once in a lifetime guided tour over steep grades, snow and ice, as you ascend part way up the massive Athabasca Glacier. Your home for the next two nights is the picturesque Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in the heart of Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland! (FB,D)

DAY 12: 6 JUL 2015, JASPER
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Join your local guide today, on the “Path of the Glaciers” with Mount Edith Cavell’s snow-capped peaks towering a mile overhead. See the emerald green of the “Lake of Forgiveness” and look out for incredible glacial formations. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Later this afternoon we take a cruise on Maligne Lake, Jasper’s oldest attraction and one of the most photographed lakes in the world. We then enjoy dinner at a lodge on the shore of the lake, with an informative presentation about some of the park’s most interesting wildlife residents. (FB,HD)

DAY 13: 7 JUL 2015, JASPER – SUN PEAKS
Delta Sun Peaks
Head west over Yellowhead Pass and arrive at Mount Robson, the Rockies’ tallest peak at 12,989 feet (3,959 metres). Then a highlight as we travel
to Blue River for a River Safari and Grizzly Bear Experience! Board our boat and glide through the mountains and jade coloured waters in search of bears and other magnificent creatures in the wilderness. Later arrive in the resort village of Sun Peaks, tucked into the rolling mountains of British Columbia’s interior. (FB,D)

DAY 14: 8 JUL 2015, SUN PEAKS – VICTORIA
Grand Pacific
Continue to Vancouver, Canada’s third largest city and the jewel of British Columbia. On arrival, we cross the strait of Georgia by ferry to Vancouver Island and quaint Victoria, home to fashionable tea rooms and old English charm. We then transfer to our hotel for our two night stay. (FB)

DAY 15: 9 JUL 2015, VICTORIA
Grand Pacific
Start your day with breakfast at the famous Butchart Gardens, which have delighted visitors for over a hundred years. A representative will give a brief talk on the gardens and the history of the Butchart family. Next on our sightseeing tour, we see the Inner Harbour, the ornate Parliament Buildings and Bastion Square. Then all aboard our vessel, to enjoy a highlight whalewatching expedition in the waters off Victoria. The remainder of the day is then at leisure. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. (FB,HD)

DAY 16: 10 JUL 2015, VICTORIA –
VANCOUVER
Vancouver Pan Pacific
We travel back by ferry to the mainland this morning and to sparkling Vancouver. Then commence the day with a culinary tour of the Granville Market, complete with a guide who will explain the market’s history. Then a chance to taste the local specialities with our included lunch. This afternoon we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. See the evergreen oasis of Stanley Park with its famous Totem Poles, the eclectic community of English Bay, then Chinatown and Gastown, where Vancouver was originally built in 1867. The remainder of the afternoon is then at leisure. Tonight raise your glasses and revel in rich flavours at a lively Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant. (FB,HL,CD)

DAY 17: 11 JUL 2015, DEPART VANCOUVER OR EMBARK INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE
This morning we visit VanDusen Botanical Garden, considered one of the top ten public gardens in North America. Later this afternoon we are transferred to the airport where our memorable
tour comes to an end. (FB)  Please do not schedule flights before 4:00pm. For those guests continuing on the tour, we are transferred to Canada Place, to board Holland America Line’s MS Noordam for an unforgettable 7 night luxury Alaska Glacier Bay Inside Passage Cruise. (FB,D)

DAY 18: 12 JUL 2015, CRUISING – INSIDE PASSAGE
The Inside Passage winds between the continental shoreline and the great Pacific from Alaska down to the Pacific Northwest. Revel in the scenery as you slowly glide past a maze of bays, glacier-carved fjords and waterways protected from the open sea by rugged, isolated islands. (FB,L,D)

DAY 19: 13 JUL 2015, CRUISING – TRACY ARM & SAWYER GLACIER – JUNEAU
Cruise to Tracy Arm – the 26 mile long fjord is home to numerous glaciers, calving enormous chunks of ice into the clear waters and countless waterfalls streaming down the lush mountainsides. Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital, stroll its picturesque streets and visit a Gold Rush-era saloon. (FB,L,D)

DAY 20: 14 JUL 2015, CRUISING – SKAGWAY
The Alaskan Gold Rush transformed Skagway from a sleepy hamlet to a riotous boomtown. Step into the town’s colourful past at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park with its restored frontier-style storefronts and rustic wooden boardwalks. (FB,L,D)

DAY 21: 15 JUL 2015, CRUISING – GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK
No roads lead to the pristine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park. From the comfort of your ship, watch this landscape of immense glaciers, towering peaks and icy rivers and imagine what Alaska was like before the first humans stepped foot upon the land. (FB,L,D)

DAY 22: 16 JUL 2015, CRUISING – KETCHIKAN
Scenic, remote Ketchikan clings to the side of a steep hillside overlooking the expanse of the northern Pacific. While ashore, check out the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles, intricately carved with native designs. (FB,L,D)

DAY 23: 17 JUL 2015, CRUISING – INSIDE PASSAGE
Today is a day of relaxation as you cruise back to Vancouver through the famed Inside Passage. Take advantage of your ship’s superb facilities or simply relax on deck and watch the unmatched scenery glide by. (FB,L,D)

DAY 24: 18 JUL 2015, DISEMBARK CRUISE VANCOUVER – DEPART
Sail into Vancouver Harbour early this morning. After disembarking, we are met by our local guide and transferred into the city where you have time at leisure to enjoy your final day in Canada. Later this afternoon there is an included transfer to Vancouver International Airport for your onward flight and where your memorable tour comes to an end! (FB)
Please do not schedule flights before 3:00pm