Remarkable Rockies and Alaska Inside Passage Cruise: 21 days Banff to Vancouver

Welcome to Canada. Upon arrival in Calgary, you will be transferred to Banff, a picturesque town set within Banff National Park. Surrounded by soaring peaks, dense pine forests and the clear waters of the Bow River, Banff is one of the Canadian Rockies’ most celebrated mountain towns and a memorable place to begin your journey. Spend the next two nights in your centrally located hotel, well placed to enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of this alpine setting.
Two Night Stay: Caribou Lodge or similar

Please book your flight to arrive into Banff prior to 03:00 PM.

Surrounded by soaring peaks and pine forests, the charming town of Banff invites you to slow down and take it all in, with a relaxed pace and striking scenery in every direction. Today, you can choose how you’d like to explore with a selection of four DiscoverMORE experiences, before coming together this evening for a memorable EmeraldPLUS experience.

EmeraldPLUS
Ascend the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where far-reaching views across Banff, the Bow Valley and the surrounding Rocky Mountains unfold around you. Then enjoy dinner at Sky Bistro, a striking mountaintop setting where locally inspired dishes are served alongside one of the most impressive outlooks in the region.

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Heli Flightseeing Banff (extra expense)
Lift off and venture by helicopter into one of earth’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. Weave between the iconic Three Sisters Peaks as sheer rock faces rise around you, and the scale of the Canadian Rockies truly sinks in. Rugged peaks, glittering lakes, and untouched wilderness surround you on every side. Your return follows the winding Bow River, a breathtaking finale to an experience that cannot be replicated from the ground.

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Bow River Float Trip (extra expense)
The Bow River runs straight through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, and there is no better way to take it all in than from the water. Just minutes from downtown Banff, climb onto your raft, and let the current carry you past towering peaks, wildflower banks, and gliding water birds. No experience needed, just a willingness to slow down and take it all in. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but they have a habit of showing up.

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Discover Banff & Its Wildlife (extra expense)
Banff is extraordinary from any angle, but the stories behind the scenery are what make it truly unforgettable. Wind through iconic heritage landmarks and sweeping mountain vistas by coach, uncovering the layered history of this World Heritage Site along the way. Keep your eyes on the treeline, wildlife has a way of appearing without warning, and it never gets old. End with a pause at a breathtaking viewpoint, hot chocolate and maple cookie in hand, as the scale of the Canadian Rockies properly sinks in.

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E-Bike & Hike Johnston Canyon (extra expense)
Get out of the town and into the Rockies on a guided e-bike tour. Ride past shimmering lakeshores and through mountain forest before trading the saddle for the trail at Banff’s most beloved canyon. Walk deeper into towering rock walls as the sound builds until the spectacular Lower Falls finally thunders into view, rounding out one of the most satisfying days the Rockies have to offer.

Banff and Lake Louise are closely linked by the history of the Canadian Rockies, from the early growth of Banff as Canada’s first national park in 1885 to Lake Louise’s rise as one of the country’s most celebrated alpine retreats. Today, you’ll travel through this remarkable mountain region, leaving Banff behind for Lake Louise, where you’ll spend the night at the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Included Excursion
As you depart Banff, enjoy a sightseeing tour taking in Bow River and Bow Falls, two natural landmarks that capture the character of this mountain town. Fed by glacier melt high in the Rockies, the Bow River winds through Banff National Park and has long shaped both the landscape and the town itself, while Bow Falls is known for its broad, powerful rush of water and dramatic mountain setting.

Two Night Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or similar

Lake Louise enjoys picture-perfect surroundings, and the Chateau itself invites exploration with its grand corridors, lakeside terraces and rich heritage dating back to the 1890s, when the first small chalet welcomed adventurous rail travellers to this remarkable corner of the Rockies. Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to stroll beside the lake, join the Lake Louise history presentation, gather around a lakeside campfire or make the most of available adventure equipment rentals to experience more of the alpine landscape. For those wanting a more active day, the trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers rewards the effort with magnificent views of Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier.

This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway. Stretching 230 kilometres between Banff and Jasper, it's widely regarded as one of the great drives of the world. Enjoy dramatic mountain scenery as you pass rugged peaks and glaciers fringed by thick forest and shimmering lakes. Keep your eyes on the verges, elk, bighorn sheep, and the occasional bear are frequently spotted along this stretch of road. The day’s end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife.

Included Excursion
Columbia Icefield & Ice Explorer
At the Columbia Icefield, board the Ice Explorer, a purpose-built glacier vehicle designed to travel safely onto the surface of the 300-metre-thick Athabasca Glacier. Standing on this ancient ice with the mountains rising around you is a remarkable way to appreciate the sheer scale and raw beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Two Night Stay: Forest Park Hotel or similar

Set between forested peaks and alpine rivers, Jasper has a quieter, more laid-back feel than many mountain towns, with a strong connection to the wilderness that surrounds it. Today is yours to shape with a range of five DiscoverMORE experiences, before your evening EmeraldPLUS wildlife and dinner experience.

EmeraldPLUS
Head into Jasper’s remarkable wilderness on a guided wildlife tour, keeping watch for elk, deer and black bears in their natural habitat. It’s a wonderful way to see more of the national park as day turns to evening, followed by a sumptuous dinner that brings a satisfying close to the experience.

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Harley-Davidson Sidecar Tour (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Gear up, climb into the sidecar, and feel the rumble of a Harley-Davidson beneath you as you roll out into the Canadian Rockies. Wind up dramatic mountain roads where the Athabasca Valley opens up in every direction, or venture off the beaten track and discover the wilder, quieter side of Jasper that most visitors never get to see. Either way, the grin that appears the moment you pull away has a tendency to stick around for the rest of the day.

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Athabasca River Rafting (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
The Athabasca River has been running through the heart of Jasper National Park for centuries. Fur traders navigated these very waters over two hundred years ago, and the banks look much the same today. Drift downstream on a raft as gentle rapids add just enough excitement, while elk, moose, wolves, eagles, and bears have a habit of appearing along the way. One of those rare experiences that manages to be both deeply peaceful and genuinely thrilling.

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Maligne Valley & Lakes Tour (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Few drives in the Canadian Rockies match the Maligne Valley. Journey deep into the heart of Jasper National Park, stopping first at Medicine Lake, a remarkable natural phenomenon that vanishes entirely each year, before arriving at the stunning centrepiece. Maligne Lake’s impossibly vivid water, soaring peaks, three glaciers in plain view, and the iconic Spirit Island.

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Wildfire Peak-Nic Hike (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Unlike anything else in the Canadian Rockies, this guided hike takes you through the aftermath of Jasper’s historic 2024 wildfire. New growth is pushing through, wildflowers are returning, and wildlife is reappearing. Reach the peak, share a hot lunch, and discover how nature is doing what it does best.

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Jasper SkyTram (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Soar above the treeline on board the Jasper SkyTram and arrive at a world that feels entirely removed from the one below. At 2,263 metres, the Canadian Rockies reveal themselves in all their raw, unfiltered glory. Step onto the outdoor boardwalk and breathe in views that cannot be put into words. For those wanting more, follow the tundra trail higher – where the summit rewards every step with something extraordinary.

Depart Jasper and head past the commanding 3,954-metre-high Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. On clear days the summit is visible from the road, an imposing wall of rock and ice that dominates the horizon. Continue via ice age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks on your way to Kamloops

Included Excursion
BC Wildlife Park
This incredible park is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of native animals. It's a chance to see species including bears, cougars, wolves, and owls up close in a setting focused on their welfare and recovery.

Overnight Stay: Delta Hotels Kamloops or similar

Kamloops is nestled in the heart of Secwépemc territory with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. After your included excursion, follow the Duffy Lake Road past the town of Lillooet to the charming alpine resort of Whistler. The drive takes you through winding roads, past turquoise lakes, and through a gradual shift from arid interior landscape to lush coastal mountain terrain.

Included Excursion
Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park
Discover the living heritage of the Secwépemc people in the heart of Kamloops, where culture, story, and landscape intertwine. Wander through thoughtfully curated exhibits and immersive displays that bring generations of tradition, art, and knowledge to life. Gain a deeper appreciation of sacred lands and the Secwépemc people’s profound relationship with nature.  

Two Night Stay: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa or similar

Surrounded by towering peaks and dense forest, Whistler is a lively alpine village where mountain adventure and easy-going resort life come together in one walkable setting. Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, with a selection of five DiscoverMORE experiences to choose from, whether you’d prefer something active, indulgent or a guided tour through the village.

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Peak 2 Peak Gondola (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, opening up an entire alpine world in a single day. Spend the morning exploring one summit and the afternoon on the other, linked by a gondola crossing that spans over three kilometres of open sky. Few commutes anywhere in the world come close to matching it. On the other end, some of the finest high alpine terrain in North America is waiting.

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Whistler Tasting Tour (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Your guide leads you through Whistler Village on a leisurely evening stroll, stopping at four restaurants that locals actually rate. Four courses, plenty of local stories, blind wine tastings, and a poker twist that ties the whole night together in a way that feels far more like a great night out than an organised tour.

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Zip Lining Over Whistler Valley (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Soar above the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb on four thrilling ziplines, flying high over ancient forests and glacial creeks that stretch out far below. Lines range from gentle glides to full-speed flights, connected by suspension bridges, elevated boardwalks, and forest trails that are worth the visit on their own.

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Whistler Heli Flightseeing (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Whistler looks extraordinary from the ground. From a helicopter, it reveals itself completely. Lift off and take in the soaring summits of Whistler and Blackcomb, the glacier-fed lakes sparkling far below, and peak after peak stretching to the horizon in every direction. One of the world’s great mountain destinations, seen the way very few people ever get to see it.

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Whistler Mountain Adventure Tour (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Leave Whistler Village behind and head into the raw backcountry on a 4x4 mountain adventure. Hidden roads, secret viewpoints, and spectacular scenery give way to the real highlight – Whistler’s thriving black bear population. Watching one forage from the comfort of your vehicle is the kind of encounter that stays with you. Finish at the top of the world-famous Olympic Ski Jumps, with panoramic mountain and valley views stretching in every direction.

Depart from Whistler and travel along the Sea to Sky Highway following the rugged coastline. Board the BC ferry and cruise through the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island before arriving in Victoria, British Columbia’s capital.

Included Excursion
Along the Sea to Sky Highway we will stop off at the Shannon Falls. At nearly 340 metres, it's one of the tallest waterfalls in British Columbia and the short walk to the viewing area makes it an easy and rewarding way to experience the dramatic cascading water.

Two Night Stay: Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour or similar

Victoria is a graceful harbour city with a relaxed coastal feel, known for its heritage charm, waterfront setting and long connection with gardens. Today is yours to personalise with a choice of five DiscoverMORE experiences, before an orientation tour of Victoria’s sights and a visit to the world-famous Butchart Gardens for your evening EmeraldPLUS dining experience.

EmeraldPLUS
Butchart Gardens is a 22-hectare showplace of colourful gardens that began as a reclaimed limestone quarry and grew into one of Canada's most visited natural attractions. Gather for a special dining experience at The Dining Room, set within the original Butchart family residence. With seasonally inspired menus crafted from fresh local ingredients, this is a delightful way to mark the end of your land journey before the next stage of your trip begins.

Included Excursion
Victoria’s Sights
Enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s most iconic sites, taking in the elegant Inner Harbour, historic Bastion Square, leafy Beacon Hill Park and the city’s attractive residential neighbourhoods.

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Whale Watching Cruise (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Head out on the Salish Sea and into some of the richest marine waters on the Pacific coast. Over three hours, expert on board naturalists guide you through an ecosystem where orcas and humpback whales feed and breach, sea lions haul out on rocky outcrops, and bald eagles circle overhead.

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Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Few cities suit a horse-drawn carriage quite like Victoria. Clip through the elegant streets before rolling into Beacon Hill Park, one of Canada’s oldest, where ancient oak meadows and wildflower fields open up at every turn. This is slow travel at its absolute finest.

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Take to the Skies Over Victoria (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
A floatplane flight over the Pacific coast is something else entirely. Take off from Victoria’s Inner Harbour and watch the dramatic shoreline unfold below. Watch the Strait of Juan de Fuca stretching to the horizon and the snow-capped Olympic Peninsula rising in the distance, before touching back down on the harbour waters where it all began.

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Victoria Bites & Sights Tour (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Cross the Inner Harbour by ferry, then duck into Canada’s oldest Chinatown where hidden alleys, secret courtyards, and extraordinary stories are waiting around every corner. A historic pub stop for snack and a craft beer or local cocktail, sets the tone nicely. From there, cobblestone paths layered with history lead you toward a classic Canadian treat and Victoria’s most beloved chocolate shop, complete with one of the city’s most deliciously scandalous backstories.

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Afternoon Tea at The Empress (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Few afternoon teas carry the weight of history quite like this one. For over a century, the world-renowned Fairmont Empress has been welcoming royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries to its iconic Lobby Lounge for one of England’s most beloved rituals. The exclusive Empress Blend, the immaculate setting, the unhurried pace — this is not just a Victoria tradition, it’s a Victoria institution.

Transfer to Vancouver where you board your Holland America ship ms Koningsdam and settle in for an unforgettable 7-night voyage through the famed Alaskan waterways. Check into your comfortable Ocean View Stateroom (you can choose to upgrade to Verandah Stateroom additional expense). Carrying up to 2,650 guests, the ms Koningsdam combines contemporary design with spacious public areas, attentive service, and a dining program that reflects the regions you pass through.

Enjoy the added comfort of a dedicated Emerald Cruise Liaison, providing attentive support, hosted activities, and a smooth, stress-free cruise experience throughout your voyage.

Relax as you cruise one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. The Inside Passage is a sheltered network of channels, islands, and inlets running along the Pacific Coast and the views from deck rarely disappoint. Today is a chance to settle into the rhythm of life on board, whether you spend time on deck watching the coastline slip by, enjoy the ship’s dining and lounge spaces, or simply keep an eye out for wildlife along the shore. Bald eagles, sea otters, and humpback whales are all frequently spotted along this stretch.

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, where a relaxed day of ever-changing views, time on deck and delicious included meals on board sets the tone for your arrival in Alaska. 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. Accessible only by sea or air, and backed by mountains and icefields, Juneau feels genuinely remote for a capital city.

Cruise into Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike. Enjoy free time to go ashore and stroll along the weathered boardwalks admiring the shop front facades, reminiscent of the gold rush era. Streets largely unchanged from the late 1800s tell the story of the thousands of gold seekers who passed through here on their way north.

Enter the iceberg-strewn waters of Glacier Bay National Park, where thirteen spectacular glaciers flow from surrounding mountains into the waters of the bay. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is one of the world's most significant areas of glacial retreat and a living record of how landscapes change over centuries. A National Park Service Ranger will help you spot wildlife, while pointing out sights and explaining glacial activity. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see a pinnacle of ice ‘calve’ or break away from the face of the glacier.

Ketchikan invites you to explore one of Alaska’s most character-filled coastal towns, set between the mountains and the sea and known as the salmon capital of the world. While you’re here, you can discover the town’s strong Indigenous heritage through its remarkable collection of totem poles, which reflect the art and traditions of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples. You may also like to wander along historic Creek Street, where colourful buildings on stilts house boutiques, galleries and cafés above Ketchikan Creek, creating one of the town’s most photographed waterfront scenes.

Enjoy a day of relaxation as you cruise south, back through the Inside Passage, passing the forested shores of Tongass National Forest, one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests. Today is ideal for making the most of your ship, whether that means a swim, a spa treatment, time in the Fitness Center or simply finding a comfortable spot on deck to watch the coastline unfold. This evening, you may wish to round out the day with one of the ship’s live music venues or a performance at World Stage before Vancouver comes back into view.

Disembark this morning and transfer to your hotel in Vancouver, one of North America's most naturally striking cities, set between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. Spend the afternoon at leisure and explore the rich culture, surrounding nature and Victorian architecture throughout the city.
Two Night Stay: Sheraton Wall Centre

Enjoy a day at leisure in Vancouver.

Today is yours to enjoy Vancouver at leisure. You may wish to explore Stanley Park, where forested trails, waterfront views and intricately carved totem poles offer a sense of the city’s natural and cultural character. Or wander through Gastown, the oldest neighbourhood in Vancouver, known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture and famous steam clock. Alternatively, perhaps visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where the bridge hangs 70 metres above the Capilano River. Any activities you choose today will be unguided and at your own expense.

Enjoy a relaxing start to your day or choose to squeeze in some last-minute sightseeing. Transfer to Vancouver International Airport to board your homeward flight. After 21 days through the Rockies and along the Alaskan coast, there's plenty to reflect on during the journey home.

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.