Day 1 : Fly to Western Canada

Upon arrival, we check in to our accommodations in Calgary.

Day 2 : Discover Calgary

We begin our morning by meeting our local guide to learn about this spectacular city that sits just east of the Rocky Mountains. After enjoying the highlights of Calgary, we travel 630 feet above downtown to the top of Calgary Tower for lunch at Sky 360. Relax and savor a delectable meal in the revolving restaurant while taking in exceptional views of the city and mountains. Later, we journey through some of the best natural beauty in the world and stay two fantastic evenings in Banff.

Day 3 : Banff

Our day in Banff National Park starts with visiting a Mountie, a retired Canadian Mounted Police member. Hear intriguing stories of their years in service and learn about the “Red Serge” uniforms, an iconic symbol of Canada. After the meet and greet, we immerse ourselves in this unique mountain town and take a panoramic tour of all that Banff has to offer. Lunch today provides savory meals and breathtaking views at the historic and grand Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. We then take a relaxing gondola ride to a mountaintop for bird’s-eye views of the awe-inspiring vistas that surround us and have an evening at leisure.

Day 4 : Columbia Icefield

Today’s adventure is a journey into Jasper National Park, featuring captivating vistas along Icefields Parkway. This beautiful area is famous for the glacial blue waters of its many lakes nestled among the mountains. Upon reaching the Columbia Icefield, we board a giant Ice Explorer that drives us to a 10,000-year-old sheet of ice, known as Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy the unique experience of walking out onto this natural wonder and take a sip of fresh glacial water as we learn about its powerful history. Later, we travel to Jasper and check in to our accommodations for the evening.

Day 5 : Ride the Rails

This morning, we board VIA Rail’s historic Canadian train and begin our scenic journey to Vancouver in their Sleeper Plus cars. Enjoy top-notch service and unforgettable experiences on board as you roll past majestic mountains, lush forests, and spectacular waterfront in areas that are only accessible by rail. Select from a variety of chef-prepared gourmet meals to enjoy in the dining car and lounge comfortably in the skyline car’s dome section for outstanding views with windows that extend to the ceiling.

Day 6 : Vancouver

Following an included breakfast on the train, we arrive in Vancouver. Surrounded by water on three sides and nestled along the Coast Mountain Range, this vibrant city is the largest in British Columbia. We find our adventurous side on a walk across the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, providing spectacular views from over 200 feet above the rushing river below. Those not ready to conquer a fear of heights can visit the nearby Trading Post to shop for locally made crafts and goods. After lunch on our own in North Vancouver’s waterfront market, Lonsdale Quay, we settle into our accommodations and have time to relax before dinner together at a downtown restaurant.

Day 7 : The Butchart Gardens®

This morning, we board a ferry for Vancouver Island to visit The Butchart Gardens®, one of the most acclaimed horticultural exhibitions in the world. Stroll along pathways through themed gardens that are wonderfully landscaped, including seasonal floral displays and Ross Fountain, playing water patterns every four minutes. Later, we arrive in enchanting Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. Shops, cafes, and interesting attractions are just a stroll away from our accommodations for the next two evenings.

Day 8 : Victoria

A local guide joins us for a tour of Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. It began as an outpost for the Hudson Bay Company in 1843 and is now known for its rich British culture, magnificent architecture, and time-honored traditions. We view historic sites, including the Parliament Building on the lovely Inner Harbor, as well as beautiful flower beds and gardens that reflect the area’s passion for gardening. After a delicious lunch together, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to browse charming shops or visit local attractions, such as the Royal BC Museum or Craigdarroch Castle.

Day 9 : Ferry to Washington

This morning, we depart Victoria by ferry to cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca and international border, arriving in Washington. A picturesque drive along the Olympic Peninsula then brings us into Seattle. Tonight, we enjoy one more dinner with current travelers before the second half of our Grand Adventure begins tomorrow.

Day 10 : Seattle City Tour

Today, we’re off to explore the vibrant “Emerald City” on a private tour with water and snacks provided. Our expert guide shares local insights about the past. present, and future of Seattle as we learn the history that shaped it into what it is today. Have your camera ready for some quintessential photo stops! We visit the most famous neighborhoods, such as Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market, as well as hear the interesting stories behind iconic landmarks, like the Space Needle. The remainder of the day is yours to relax.

Day 11 : Leisure Day

Take advantage of a full day to spend anyway you choose. The possibilities are endless! Relax at the hotel, mingle with other Grand Adventure travelers, indulge in fresh seafood at a local restaurant, watch lively street performers at Pike Place Market, book a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island, or visit one of the many museums.

Day 12 : Board the Koningsdam

After breakfast, we drive north to the vibrant port city of Vancouver. The city’s setting is spectacular, nestled between mountains and ocean. We board the Koningsdam for our luxurious three-night cruise into the calm waters of the Inside Passage. Magnificent mountain vistas, vast forests, and narrow passageways highlight this relaxing experience.

Day 13 : The Inside Passage

Relive the story of the Klondike Gold Rush miners as we trace their historic routing to the gold fields. Snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and hundreds of islands and coastal inlets mark our progress through an astonishing fjord-like waterway today. We travel Canada's Pacific Coast and Southeastern Alaska, seeing firsthand how this vital ocean route still links communities today. As we cruise, indulge in shipboard amenities and entertainment.

Day 14 : Juneau

Today, we call on Alaska's beautiful capital, Juneau, which can only be reached by air or sea. Its natural setting between the waters of the Gastineau Channel, coastal mountains, and forest makes it one of the state’s most stunning cities. Enjoy time to sightsee and shop on your own or choose an optional excursion.

Day 15 : Scenic Rail Journey

After breakfast, we disembark in Skagway. Here, we board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for an exciting narrow-gauge train ride to continue following the path of the legendary Klondike gold seekers. We pass incredible panoramas of glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls. Later, we arrive in Whitehorse.

Day 16 : The Alaska Highway

We travel the Alaska Highway today, which was originally built as a military supply road during World War II and links Alaska to Canada. Enjoy views of Kluane Lake’s crystal-clear waters and stop at Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Center to learn more about this preserved area. This brings us through Yukon Territory, the most wild and remote part of our trip, where moose alone outnumber the human population.

Day 17 : Alaska's Interior

This morning, we travel to Fairbanks, passing through Delta Junction, an inland delta where the Chena and Tanana rivers meet to feed Alaska’s largest agricultural area. Along the way, we can relive childhood dreams at the Santa Claus House in the town of North Pole, where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round. Tonight, we head out for dinner, Alaskan style! Delight in a traditional Alaska Salmon Bake with generous portions of salmon grilled over a wood fire.

Day 18 : Gold Dredge 8 & Riverboat Discovery III

Step back into gold rush history in Fairbanks today as we learn to pan for gold, and keep what we find, at historic Gold Dredge 8. We also take in views of the famed Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This afternoon, savor an all-you-can-eat lunch before boarding the Riverboat Discovery III sternwheeler for a narrated excursion. Our journey along the Chena River includes a floatplane, sled dog demonstration, and a stop at a recreated Athabascan Native camp. Afterwards, we return to our hotel.

Day 19 : Denali National Park and Preserve

Today, panoramic views of wilderness and the Alaska Range provide a spectacular backdrop as we travel to Denali National Park and Preserve. At six million acres, it is one of the largest unspoiled regions in the world! A naturalist guide joins us on a journey into the tundra where we may catch sights of grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Our day concludes at a Denali Park Lodge.

Day 20 : The Iditarod Trail

A scenic morning drive takes us to Wasilla. After lunch at Settlers Bay Lodge, we learn about Alaska's state sport of mushing, also known as dog sledding, and the treasured Anchorage-to-Nome race during a visit to the Iditarod Trail Headquarters. Later, our journey continues through the Matanuska Valley, the state’s first agricultural center, before arriving in Anchorage.

Day 21 : Prince William Sound

We head south today, immersed in the spellbinding scenery of Turnagain Arm. See a variety of extraordinary Alaskan wildlife up-close during a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Departing from Whittier, we enjoy a Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise on the calm waters of Prince William Sound to view hanging and tidewater glaciers. Watch for sea otters, porpoises, and other animals, as well as glaciers calving into the sea.

Day 22 : Anchorage

Enjoy a leisurely morning before we visit the world-class Anchorage Museum. We gather for a special Farewell Lunch and an enlightening visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight home.

Day 23 : Arrive Home

We return home today with incredible memories of our Grand Adventure throughout Western Canada and Alaska.