Grand Canada & Alaska Adventure: 24 days Vancouver to Fairbanks

Welcome to Canada! You will be met at Vancouver International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the sparkling waters of Burrard Inlet, Vancouver is one of North America's most naturally striking cities and a fitting place to begin your journey. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Two Night Stay: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre or similar

Please book your flight to arrive into Vancouver prior to 05:00 PM.

With its harbourside setting, relaxed pace and mix of urban energy and natural beauty, Vancouver is a wonderful city to explore in more depth today. As you take in more of the city, you’ll discover a place that feels both vibrant and easy-going, with a strong sense of character at every turn.

Included Excursion
Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Stanley Park with its intricately carved totem poles, the waterfront area and Granville Island, which is famous for its fresh food markets, artist studios, restaurants and bars.

Included Excursion
Later, visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park where you can make your way across this spectacular suspension bridge, 70 metres above the Capilano River. From here, take in the surrounding old-growth forest and join the award-winning Treetops Adventure along a series of elevated walkways high above the forest floor.

Set off on a two-day rail experience on the Rocky Mountaineer. Settle back in your SilverLeaf carriage (or choose to upgrade to GoldLeaf at additional expense) where oversized panoramic windows and attentive hosts ensure you don’t miss a moment of the unfolding scenery. Journey through the fertile Fraser Valley before tracing the curves of the Thompson River, surrounded by dramatic canyon walls and shifting landscapes.

From breakfast to lunch, enjoy freshly prepared, regionally inspired cuisine served at your seat, paired with a selection of premium beverages. All drinks are included, from wines, beers and spirits to soft drinks, coffee, tea and juices, allowing you to fully relax and savour the experience as the landscape transforms outside your window before arriving at your half-way point of Kamloops in the evening.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kamloops (assigned by Rocky Mountaineer)

Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer and continue you rail journey east into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Today reveals some of the most iconic landscapes in the country, including the dramatic peaks of the Canadian Rockies and the towering presence of the Continental Divide. Watch as glaciers, turquoise lakes and dense pine forests unfold beyond your window, while your hosts share stories and point out landmarks along the route.

Once again, indulge in gourmet breakfast and lunch service, complemented by a full range of included beverages throughout the journey. Arrive in Banff in the evening for your two night stay, your ideal base for the next stage of your journey.
Two Night Stay: Ptarmigan Inn or similar

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.

DiscoverMORE
Heli Flightseeing Banff (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
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.

DiscoverMORE
Bow River Float Trip (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
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.

DiscoverMORE
Discover Banff & Its Wildlife (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
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.

DiscoverMORE
E-Bike & Hike Johnston Canyon (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
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.

Today, you’ll leave Banff behind and travel to Lake Louise, long celebrated for its striking alpine setting and historic place in Canada’s mountain story, where you’ll have free time to stroll the lakeshore and take in the shifting shades of turquoise and jade. Continue to Emerald Lake for your overnight stay, named for the vivid colour of its glacier-fed waters, where the surrounding peaks and peaceful setting make it one of the most rewarding stops on your journey.

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.

Overnight Stay: Emerald Lake Lodge or similar

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 where you will enjoy an evening EmeraldPLUS experience.

EmeraldPLUS
While enjoying dinner, settle in for a delightful evening of live entertainment with the charming theatre production, ‘From Jasper with Love’. Filled with heartfelt stories, local character and a touch of humour, this intimate performance offers a memorable glimpse into the spirit of Jasper.

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.

Overnight Stay: Forest Park Hotel or similar

This morning, you will depart Jasper and head to Thompson Valley. Journey past ice age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks as the landscape gradually softens, leaving the high alpine behind for the wider river valleys of British Columbia’s interior. Known for its sun-dried grasslands, ranching country and the winding waterways of the Thompson River system, this region offers a gentler pace after the drama of the Rockies, before arriving at the shores of the South Thompson River.
Overnight Stay: South Thompson Inn or similar

Following the Thompson and Fraser rivers, travel through ever-changing landscapes past the town of Lillooet and on to the charming alpine resort of Whistler for your overnight stay. 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 DiscoverMORE experiences to choose from, whether you’d prefer something active, indulgent or a guided tour through the village.

DiscoverMORE
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.

DiscoverMORE
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.

DiscoverMORE
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.

Overnight Stay: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa or similar

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
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. In the morning you will visit Butchart Gardens before an orientation tour of Victoria. The rest of the day is yours to personalise with a choice of five DiscoverMORE experiences.

Included Excursion
This morning, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22-hectare showplace of colourful gardens that began as a reclaimed limestone quarry and has grown into one of Canada’s most celebrated natural attractions. Wander through its beautifully designed spaces. The Sunken Garden at its heart is particularly striking with its sweeping flowerbeds creating one of the most memorable scenes in the gardens.

Included Excursion
Victoria’s Sights
Later, 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.

DiscoverMORE
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.

DiscoverMORE
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.

DiscoverMORE
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.

DiscoverMORE
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.

DiscoverMORE
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 will board your Princess Cruises ship for a seven-night Alaskan journey. Check into your comfortable Oceanview Stateroom (you can choose to upgrade to Balcony Stateroom at additional expense) and settle in as the ship heads north through the famed Inside Passage. The scenery shifts quickly as the forested coastline gives way to fjords, glaciers, and the kind of open water that makes Alaska feel genuinely vast.

You will be joined by your Tour Director who will provide 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.

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.

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, Juneau is unlike any other capital city with the Gastineau Channel on one side and the Juneau Icefield on the other. Go ashore to explore the compact downtown, or venture out to the Mendenhall Glacier, just a short drive from the pier, where a visitor centre explains the glacier's ongoing retreat.

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.

Within Prince William Sound lies College Fjord and its remarkable collection of glaciers, some of which dwarf even the largest of cruise ships. Named by an 1899 expedition that christened its glaciers after American universities, College Fjord is one of Alaska’s most concentrated glacial showcases. As your ship cruises slowly through these calm, sheltered waters, this is a wonderful day to head on deck with a warm drink in hand and watch glacier after glacier come into view, their immense blue faces reflected in the still water.

Disembark in Whittier and travel on the “Direct to the Wilderness” train to Talkeetna. The rail journey passes through tunnels, along mountain ridges, and across open tundra, introducing the scale of Alaska’s interior that road travel can't quite match. Talkeetna is a small, spirited town at the confluence of three rivers, and on clear days offers one of the most unobstructed views of Denali, North America's highest peak.
Two Night Stay: Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge or similar

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Talkeetna, whether you choose to browse local craft stores, visit galleries showcasing Alaskan artists, learn more about the town’s climbing heritage, or select from two exciting DiscoverMORE experiences.

DiscoverMORE
Chulitna Gorge Jetboat Adventure (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Board the McKinley Queen, one of Alaska’s most advanced jet boats, and push deep into wilderness. Glide through three river systems, navigate a dramatic gorge, and watch for bald eagles, beavers, and black bears along the way. Step ashore to explore a Dena’ina encampment, a trapper’s cabin, and discover the edible plants that have sustained this land for centuries.

DiscoverMORE
Denali Flight Experience (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Board the McKinley Queen, one of Alaska’s most advanced jet boats, and push deep into wilderness. Glide through three river systems, navigate a dramatic gorge, and watch for bald eagles, beavers, and black bears along the way. Step ashore to explore a Dena’ina encampment, a trapper’s cabin, and discover the edible plants that have sustained this land for centuries.

Travel deeper into Alaska’s interior today as you make your way to Denali, a region shaped by vast wilderness, early explorers, gold rush history and a long-standing connection to the mountains. As the journey unfolds, the landscapes become broader and more untamed, with braided rivers, spruce forests and distant peaks offering a powerful sense of the scale that defines this part of Alaska.

Included Excursion
Husky Homestead
Visit the Husky Homestead for an authentic insight into a way of life that remains deeply connected to the Alaskan wilderness. Meet the sled dogs at the heart of this tradition and hear from the mushers who train and race them, gaining a deeper appreciation for dog sledding’s enduring role in remote Alaska.

Included Excursion
Music of Denali Dinner Show
This evening, enjoy the lively Music of Denali Dinner Show, where dinner is paired with entertaining storytelling inspired by the history of Denali and the pioneering characters who helped shape the region. Through music, humour and local tales, it offers a warm and memorable way to round out the day.

Two Night Stay: Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge or similar

Today is yours to discover Denali, where vast tundra, boreal forest and glaciated peaks create one of Alaska’s most remarkable wilderness landscapes. Alongside your included excursion into the national park, you can also personalise your day with a choice of two DiscoverMORE experiences.

Included Excursion
Denali National Park Wilderness Tour
Board a narrated wilderness tour bus for one of the few opportunities to travel deep into Denali National Park and Preserve. As you journey through this immense wilderness, keep watch for grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves, while your driver-guide shares insight into the park’s landscapes, wildlife and natural history.

DiscoverMORE
Denali Wilderness ATV Tour (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Climb into a two-seater ATV and head out into the rugged terrain surrounding Denali National Park, guided by locals who know every trail. Sweeping 360° overlooks reveal the magnificent Alaska Range, shimmering lakes, and vast open valleys. Navigate rocky creek beds, splash through water crossings, and keep your eyes open for wildlife along the way.

DiscoverMORE
Alaska Pioneer Wagon Tour (extra expense, pre-booking recommended)
Settle into a classic covered wagon, drawn by two magnificent draft horses, and let the Alaskan tundra roll past at the pace it deserves. Your guide weaves together the region’s mining history, an abandoned pioneer cabin, and the enduring legacy of the Athabascan people, whose artefacts rest along the ancient riverbed. The journey ends with a freshly prepared family-style feast and a chance to meet your horse team up close.

Continue your journey into Alaska’s interior to Fairbanks, the region’s lively cultural hub and a city shaped by the rivers, gold rush stories and frontier spirit of the far north. 

Included Excursion
Chena River Sternwheeler Cruise
This afternoon, board an authentic sternwheeler for a relaxing cruise along the Chena River, where the stories of Interior Alaska unfold through the scenery around you. As you glide through the boreal landscape, commentary brings the region’s history, ecology and river life into focus, offering an engaging introduction to Fairbanks and its enduring connection to the waterways.

Overnight Stay: Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge or similar

Transfer to Fairbanks Airport for your onward journey, taking with you lasting memories of Canada & Alaska’s immense landscapes, wildlife and distinctive spirit.

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. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.