Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise
Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise
Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise
17 Days Starting in CALGARY and ending in VANCOUVER
Visiting: Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, Kamloops, Ferry Crossing, Victoria, Vancouver, Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8915-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-0
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Canadian Rockies are known for their stunning scenery, rugged mountains, breathtaking glaciers, mighty rivers, and gorgeous national parks. On this Heart of the Canadian Rockies tour, you’ll experience all of this and more! You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Victoria, and Vancouver. Plus, you’ll enjoy a 7-night Alaska cruise where you’ll witness the amazing Inside Passage, one of the world’s most picturesque sea lanes with unbelievable beauty. In Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park and gateway to the Canadian Rockies, you’ll have time on your own to stroll along the river, explore the hot springs and quaint shops, and also take an optional excursion to view the incredible scenery by helicopter. You’ll also enjoy two nights in Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. You can hike, peruse the shops, and join an optional excursion to see beautiful Maligne Lake and Spirit Island. Between Banff and Jasper, experience a highlight of this Canadian Rockies tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle to the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Your journey also includes a stop in Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters create a natural mirror that reflects the surrounding mountains and pristine wilderness. This tour also includes ferry crossings between Vancouver and Victoria as well as sightseeing in both. In Victoria, your sightseeing includes world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of showcase floral displays. You’ll also have free time in Victoria to explore on your own. Perhaps enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, walk and discover Victoria’s delightful historic buildings and harbour, or take the optional Marine Wildlife & Whale-Watching Expedition to seek out the resident pods of orca whales. All of this and more await you on this once-in-a-lifetime Canadian Rockies tour designed for savvy, value-minded travelers!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
CALGARY Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: Calgary,Banff National Park
Location: Calgary, Banff National Park
Accommodation Name: Rundlestone Lodge
The discovery of oil converted this ranching town into a sophisticated city. It is also home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. See many of the city’s attractions, including Canada Olympic Park and the Saddledome. Motor west through the foothills and into Banff National Park, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies. An orientation tour highlights Banff’s unspoiled beauty.
CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK The discovery of oil converted this ranching town into a sophisticated city. It is also home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. See many of the city’s attractions, including Canada Olympic Park and the Saddledome. Motor west through the foothills and into Banff National Park, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies. An orientation tour highlights Banff’s unspoiled beauty.
Day 3: Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities such as hiking, boating, and fishing. With a free day, your Tour Director will have many suggestions, including a sky-high adventure with an unforgettable optional helicopter ride over the incredible Canadian Rockies.BANFF NATIONAL PARK Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities such as hiking, boating, and fishing. With a free day, your Tour Director will have many suggestions, including a sky-high adventure with an unforgettable optional helicopter ride over the incredible Canadian Rockies.
Day 4: Banff National Park,Lake Louise,Columbia Icefield,Jasper National Park
Location: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park
Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. First stop is Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters create a natural mirror that reflects the surrounding mountains. Up next, a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Then, drive north into Jasper National Park, where precipitous gorges, snowcapped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view as your journey scales three mountain passes. Later, consider an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town of Jasper upon arrival.BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. First stop is Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters create a natural mirror that reflects the surrounding mountains. Up next, a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Then, drive north into Jasper National Park, where precipitous gorges, snowcapped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view as your journey scales three mountain passes. Later, consider an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town of Jasper upon arrival.
Day 5: Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper National Park
Today, experience the magic of nature on an optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island* where you’ll embark on a narrated cruise to learn about the history, geology, flora, and fauna amid stunning scenery. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer—from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.JASPER NATIONAL PARK Today, experience the magic of nature on an optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island* where you’ll embark on a narrated cruise to learn about the history, geology, flora, and fauna amid stunning scenery. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer—from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
Day 6: Jasper National Park,Mount Robson,Kamloops
Location: Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, Kamloops
Accommodation Name: The Plaza Hotel
Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The Yellowhead Highway continues south along the mighty Thompson River, with spectacular views of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–KAMLOOPS Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The Yellowhead Highway continues south along the mighty Thompson River, with spectacular views of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 7: Kamloops,Ferry Crossing,Victoria
Location: Kamloops, Ferry Crossing, Victoria
As you travel through British Columbia’s Cascade Mountains and the fertile Fraser Valley to the majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your ferry for the scenic crossing to Vancouver Island. Prior to arriving in Victoria, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens and view the beautiful floral displays. Continue downtown and see the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider a relaxing stroll along the lively Waterfront Promenade.KAMLOOPS–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA As you travel through British Columbia’s Cascade Mountains and the fertile Fraser Valley to the majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your ferry for the scenic crossing to Vancouver Island. Prior to arriving in Victoria, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens and view the beautiful floral displays. Continue downtown and see the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider a relaxing stroll along the lively Waterfront Promenade.
Day 8: Victoria
Location: Victoria
Today is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have ideas for enjoying this most British of Canadian cities. Perhaps enjoy High Tea at the Empress Hotel or choose an adventure at sea with an optional Wildlife and Whale-Watching Expedition, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.VICTORIA Today is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have ideas for enjoying this most British of Canadian cities. Perhaps enjoy High Tea at the Empress Hotel or choose an adventure at sea with an optional Wildlife and Whale-Watching Expedition, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
Day 9: Victoria,Ferry Crossing,Vancouver
Location: Victoria, Ferry Crossing, Vancouver
This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia, an arm of the Salish Sea, and through the scenic Gulf Islands. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore this vibrant city known for its incredible scenery, thriving art scene, and diverse culture. Perhaps visit Robson Street and experience British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment location.VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia, an arm of the Salish Sea, and through the scenic Gulf Islands. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore this vibrant city known for its incredible scenery, thriving art scene, and diverse culture. Perhaps visit Robson Street and experience British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment location.
Day 10: Vancouver (Embarkation)
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
Meals Included: Dinner
Embark your cruise ship. Your package price includes Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package.
VANCOUVER (EMBARKATION) Embark your cruise ship. Your package price includes Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package. (D)
Day 11: Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Location: Inside Passage
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day cruising one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. Located along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for orcas and humpback whales.
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE Spend the day cruising one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. Located along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for orcas and humpback whales. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Juneau
Location: Juneau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on Gastineau Channel, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau has massive Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield at its back door. Visit the rustic shops in town—or get out and kayak, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee, or fish. There’s no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours.
JUNEAU Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on Gastineau Channel, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau has massive Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield at its back door. Visit the rustic shops in town—or get out and kayak, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee, or fish. There’s no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Skagway
Location: Skagway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In winter, the sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway, so you can imagine the frightful conditions endured by gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon. Take your time and poke your head into every little shop, from the Trail Bench to Lynch & Kennedy’s Dry Goods. The Red Onion Saloon, with its honky-tonk piano and costumed barmaids, is a treasure trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other historic characters. To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the nostalgic Trail of ’98 Museum.
SKAGWAY In winter, the sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway, so you can imagine the frightful conditions endured by gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon. Take your time and poke your head into every little shop, from the Trail Bench to Lynch & Kennedy’s Dry Goods. The Red Onion Saloon, with its honky-tonk piano and costumed barmaids, is a treasure trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other historic characters. To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the nostalgic Trail of ’98 Museum. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Scenic Cruising: Glacier Bay
Location: Glacier Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anyplace else in the world. How does it feel when a colossal chunk of ice splits off a glacier and crashes into the sea? The sound is like thunder. The impact shoots water hundreds of meters into the air. You hold your breath as you capture the moment on camera, then you wait for it all to happen again.
SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anyplace else in the world. How does it feel when a colossal chunk of ice splits off a glacier and crashes into the sea? The sound is like thunder. The impact shoots water hundreds of meters into the air. You hold your breath as you capture the moment on camera, then you wait for it all to happen again. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Ketchikan
Location: Ketchikan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Alaska’s “First City” of Ketchikan is so named because it is the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. An important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries—visitors can try their luck on a sport-fishing excursion or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. It is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
KETCHIKAN Alaska’s “First City” of Ketchikan is so named because it is the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. An important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries—visitors can try their luck on a sport-fishing excursion or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. It is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. (B,L,D)
Day 16: Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Location: Inside Passage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.
SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline. (B,L,D)
Day 17: Vancouver (Disembarkation)
Location: Vancouver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after noon.
VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after noon. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in comfortable hotels and lodges throughout the tour, including locations such as Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Victoria, and Vancouver.
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Alaska Cruise
Enjoy an Alaska cruise as part of your tour, witnessing the amazing Inside Passage and its unbelievable beauty.
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Meals
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners, ensuring a variety of dining experiences.
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Sightseeing and Activities
Experience a range of activities including a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, visits to Lake Louise and the world-famous Butchart Gardens, and opportunities for wildlife tours, boat/cruise excursions, and more.
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Transportation
All transportation during the tour is provided, including the ferry crossings and scenic drives through the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia's Coast Mountain Range.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to cover unexpected events.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as helicopter rides, float trips, and wildlife and whale watching trips are not included and require an additional fee.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Notes
Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion, which opens in mid to late May. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.Cruise itineraries are provided by Holland America Line and are up to date at time of printing. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.
UNESCO Sites
Banff National Park|Glacier Bay|Jasper National Park
Accommodation
Calgary:Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown HotelBanff National Park:Banff Rocky Mountain ResortJasper National Park:Marmot LodgeKamloops:The Thompson Hotel & Conference CentreVictoria:Royal Scot Hotel & SuitesVancouver:Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise visit?
The tour visits Alaska, Canada, and the USA.
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What are the highlights of the Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise?
Highlights include visiting Banff National Park, a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, world-famous Butchart Gardens, an Alaska cruise witnessing the Inside Passage, and visiting Jasper National Park.
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What type of accommodations are provided in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise?
Accommodations include the Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Bow View Lodge in Banff National Park, Marmot Lodge in Jasper National Park, The Plaza Hotel in Kamloops, Royal Scot Hotel & Suites in Victoria, and Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown.
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What meals are included in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners.
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Are there any exclusions I should be aware of for the Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise?
Exclusions include travel insurance, optional excursions such as helicopter rides and wildlife watching trips, personal expenses like laundry and souvenirs, and gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and cruise staff.
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What are the inclusions of the Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise?
Inclusions are accommodations, an Alaska cruise, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, sightseeing and activities including a ride on the Ice Explorer, transportation during the tour, and ferry crossings.
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What are the UNESCO Sites mentioned in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise?
UNESCO Sites include Banff National Park, Glacier Bay, and Jasper National Park.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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