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Day 1: NEW ZEALAND – VANCOUVER
This afternoon we will meet to begin our journey of discovery into the best of Canada & Alaska.
VANCOUVER two nights in Vancouver
Day 2: Today we have a full day of sightseeing. Our tour encompasses many of the attractions that make Vancouver such a special place, besides the natural beauty of its mountain backdrop and blue Pacific waters. .Enter Stanley Park, with 1000 acres of majestic evergreens. Described by one local writer as a “thousand-acre therapeutic couch”, and boasting 10 kms of scenic sea wall. Experience the city's kaleidoscope of cultural heritage with visits to West Coast Native Totem Poles, British-flavoured Gastown (named after Yorkshire born ‘Gassy’ Jack) with its unique steam clock, and colourful Chinatown, second in size only to San Francisco's. Also highlighted in the day's sightseeing will be Lion's Gate Bridge, Prospect Point and English Bay
Later this morning we take a ride up to Grouse Mountain for spectacular views of Vancouver, an entertaining Lumber Jack Show and hopefully your chance to see some bears!
We then go on to the historic Capilano Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges - 450 feet across and 230 feet above the Capilano Canyon! While enjoying our visit, time will be allowed to explore the surrounding Nature Park which offers meandering trails and a tree-top walk through an old-growth forest.
Day 3: CALGARY two nights in Calgary
This morning we fly to Calgary and on arrival take a ride to the top of the Calgary Tower for a view of the city and surrounding area. Experience the fever that holds Calgary in its grip during the annual Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, universally acclaimed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. This evening we have reserved tickets for the Chuck Wagon Races and Show (The show is a highlight in itself and runs for approx 3 hrs, including fireworks)
Day 4: Today we return to the Stampede which showcases the best in rodeo with numerous events, exhibits and diverse entertainment. We have reserved afternoon Rodeo tickets.
Day 5: CALGARY – BANFF two nights in Banff
Today we travel from Calgary to Banff following the Trans-Canada Highway. Watch the Olympic city dissolve into the foothills, as the majestic Rockies rise ahead. Pass by the Three Sisters, Fairholme and Rundle Ranges enroute to the charming mountain resort town of Banff. Banff is a thriving, four season resort of wood and stone, with activities all year round. Today we have an included lunch at the famous Banff Springs Hotel then time to take a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola before settling into our hotel.
Day 6: Today's sightseeing will highlight many local delights including Bow River Falls, the Hoodoo Lookout, Lake Minnewanka, and a visit to beautiful Lake Louse.
Day 7: BANFF – JASPER one night in Jasper
Today we will meet our Driver/Guide at the hotel for one of the longer but certainly spectacular days. Our journey takes us along the Ice fields Parkway to the Columbia Ice field. Included today is an unforgettable trip aboard the ‘Snocoach’ on the Athabasca Glacier. This tour operation was recognised by Attractions Canada as Canada’s best natural outdoor site larger than 100hectares! We visit the spectacular Athabasca Falls and continue on the Jasper for the evening.
Day 8: JASPER-SUN PEAKS one night in Sun Peaks
Today we continue our journey via the Gold Rush and Caribou Regions, along the way passing amongst other things, Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and a visit to the Dawson and Helmken Falls where lunch is included. In addition to clean air and beautiful scenery, the area is teeming with a variety of mammals and bird life.
Day 9: SUN PEAKS-WHISTLER two nights in Whistler
Following breakfast we travel from Sun Peaks to Whistler. En-route we will visit historic Hat Creek Ranch and experience frontier life as it existed in the early days of British Columbia. This is a popular attraction incorporating both the native Indian cultures and early European settlers.
Day 10: Only steps from the spectacular Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, in beautiful Whistler, British Columbia our hotel for the night is located in the ‘village common’ area amongst restaurants, shops and other fine resorts. Our time in Whistler will allow for an optional Gondola ride up Whistler Mountain. This is well worth the effort as the Gondola climbs to altitudes where snow is frequently experienced year round, and bears can sometimes be sighted in the summer months!
Day 11: WHISTLER – VANCOUVER PORT
Today we will begin the final leg of our journey through the Rockies. We will experience the scenic trip through the Coastal Mountains and southwards along Howe Sound. On arrival at Vancouver we will be taken to Canada Place to board our Alaskan bound Cruise Ship
Day11-18: CRUISING
Cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage. Over the next 7 days we will experience the pleasure only cruising can offer of complete comfort with every modern amenity at your fingertips. All meals are included onboard the cruise ship, and entertainment that would satisfy almost every taste!
Ports of Call and points of interest will include:
Ketchikan • Hubbard Glacier •Sitka • Juneau.
Whilst in the Ports of Call, optional shore excursions are available or you may wish to just do your own thing. This cruise destination still remains one of the most popular in the world for the spectacle of the small Alaskan townships and the abundance of native Flora and Fauna in this region.
Day 18: VANCOUVER – VICTORIA two nights in Victoria
Today we travel by coach and then Ferry through the Gulf Islands to Victoria on Vancouver Island
Lots of time to wander around the colourful and lively waterfront area, surrounded by stately buildings, most notably the Legislative Buildings adorned with 3333 light bulbs. Magnificent by night, and glorious by day.
VICTORIA
Day 19: Awakening to what is sure to be a beautiful morning on Vancouver Island, we make our way to the famous Butchart Gardens this morning. What was once an old quarry has been lovingly and quite remarkably transformed into the beautiful gardens we see today. An inspiration to many other quarries and abandoned mines around the world. A free afternoon in Victoria to shop for last minute souvenirs and explore this very ‘English’ city. Take a stroll through the famous Empress Hotel or pay a visit to the amazing ‘Miniature World’.
VANCOUVER one night in Vancouver
Day 20: This morning we make our way by ferry and coach for a final night Canada followed by a homeward flight to New Zealand or one of the optional stopovers.
Day 21-23: VANCOUVER-AUCKLAND-CHRISTCHURCH
Sadly our journey together has come to an end, but the memories, friendships and experiences of the trip will live on well after we have settled back into life at home.
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