- Day 1: Fly to Western CanadaUpon arriving in Calgary, we check in to our accommodations for a restful evening.
- Day 2: Discover CalgaryWe begin our adventure by meeting our local guide to learn about this spectacular city that sits just east of the Rocky Mountains. After enjoying the city highlights, we travel 630 feet above downtown to the top of Calgary Tower for a Welcome Lunch at Sky 360. Relax and savor a wonderful meal in the revolving restaurant while taking in exceptional views of the city and mountains. Later, we journey through some of the world’s best natural scenery and stay two evenings in Banff.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 3: BanffOur day in Banff National Park starts with visiting a Mountie, a retired Canadian Mounted Police member, to hear stories from their years in service and learn about the “Red Serge” uniforms of scarlet tunics. Afterwards, we immerse ourselves in this unique mountain town with a panoramic tour of all that Banff has to offer before enjoying lunch at the grand Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, featuring incredible cuisine and breathtaking views. Later, we take a relaxing gondola ride to the mountaintop for bird’s-eye views of the awe-inspiring vistas that surround us and have an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 4: Columbia IcefieldWe journey into Jasper National Park today and see captivating vistas along Icefields Parkway. This beautiful area is famous for its many glacial blue lakes nestled among the mountains. Upon reaching the Columbia Icefield, we board a giant Ice Explorer and drive 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 sipping fresh glacial water as we learn about its powerful history. Later, we travel to Jasper and check in to our accommodations for the evening.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 5: Ride the RailsThis morning, we board VIA Rail’s historic Canadian train for a scenic journey to Vancouver in Sleeper Plus cars. Enjoy top-notch service and unforgettable experiences on board as you roll past majestic mountains, lush forests, and spectacular waterfronts in areas that are only accessible by rail. Select from a variety of chef-prepared gourmet meals to savor in the dining car and lounge comfortably in the skyline car’s dome section for outstanding views with windows extending to the ceiling.
Meals Included: Brunch, Dinner
- Day 6: VancouverFollowing 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. 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 at leisure in North Vancouver’s waterfront market, Lonsdale Quay, we settle into our accommodations and have time to relax before our dinner at a downtown restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- 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.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 8: VictoriaToday, a local guide joins us for a tour of British Columbia’s capital city. Victoria 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. After a delicious lunch, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to browse charming shops or visit attractions, such as the Royal BC Museum or Craigdarroch Castle.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 9: Ferry to WashingtonThis morning, we depart Victoria by ferry to cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the international border, arriving in Washington. A picturesque drive along the Olympic Peninsula then brings us into Seattle for the evening. Tonight, we enjoy one last dinner with our current group before the second half of our Grand Adventure begins.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 10: Seattle City TourToday, 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 the city 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, plus hear the interesting stories behind iconic landmarks, like the Space Needle. The remainder of the day is yours to relax.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 11: Leisure DayTake advantage of a full day to spend any way 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 12: Board the KoningsdamAfter breakfast, we drive north to the vibrant port city of Vancouver, beautifully nestled between the mountains and ocean. We board the Koningsdam for our luxurious three-night cruise in the calm waters of the Inside Passage. Relive the story of the Klondike Gold Rush miners as we trace their historic routing to the gold fields!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 13: The Inside PassageSnow-capped mountains, lush forests, and hundreds of islands and coastal inlets highlight our journey 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. As we cruise, enjoy shipboard amenities and entertainment.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 14: JuneauToday, 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 15: Scenic Rail JourneyAfter breakfast, we disembark in Skagway to board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for an exciting narrow-gauge train ride that continues following the path of the legendary gold seekers. Soak up awe-inspiring views of mountains, glaciers, valleys, and waterfalls that can only be seen by train! Later, we arrive in Whitehorse.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 16: The Alaska HighwayWe travel the Alaska Highway today, which was originally built as a military supply road during World War II to link Alaska and Canada. Enjoy views of the Yukon Territory, the most wild and remote part of our trip, where moose alone outnumber the human population! We stop at Kluane National Park and Reserve to learn about its preserved lands in the visitor center, then admire Kluane Lake’s crystal-clear water. Tonight, we settle into our hotel in Tok and have dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 17: Alaska's InteriorWe travel to Fairbanks this morning, 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 relive childhood dreams at the Santa Claus House in the town of North Pole, where Christmas spirit lives year-round. This evening, we savor an Alaskan-style dinner! Delight in a traditional salmon bake with generous portions of salmon or prime rib grilled over a wood fire.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 18: Gold Dredge 8 & Riverboat Discovery IIIStep back into gold rush history today as we hear about the discovery of “black gold” at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and learn to pan for gold at historic Gold Dredge 8. You may strike it rich! This afternoon, savor an all-you-can-eat lunch at Steamboat Landing before boarding the Riverboat Discovery III sternwheeler. Our narrated journey along the Chena River includes floatplane and sled dog demonstrations, plus a stop at a recreated Athabascan Native village. The evening is at your leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 19: Denali National Park and PreserveOur day begins with panoramic views of wilderness and the Alaska Range 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 brings us into the tundra, where we may catch sightings of grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Afterwards, we settle into our Denali Park accommodations.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 20: The Iditarod TrailAfter this morning’s stop at the Alaska Veterans Memorial, dedicated to each branch of service, a scenic drive takes us to Wasilla. We enjoy lunch at Settlers Bay Lodge, then head to the Iditarod Trail Headquarters to learn about Alaska's state sport of mushing, also known as dog sledding, and the treasured Anchorage-to-Nome race. Later, our journey continues through the Matanuska Valley, the state’s first agricultural center. Our accommodations for the next two nights are in Anchorage.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 21: Prince William SoundWe head south today, immersed in the spellbinding scenery of Turnagain Arm. See extraordinary wildlife up-close during our 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.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 22: AnchorageIndulge in a leisurely morning before we visit the world-class Anchorage Museum. Afterwards, we gather for a special Farewell Lunch to celebrate our travels and have an enlightening visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Later, we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight home.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 23: Arrive HomeWe return home today with treasured memories of our Grand Adventure throughout Western Canada and Alaska.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night in Calgary
- 2 nights in Banff
- 1 night in Jasper
- aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian
- 1 night in the Vancouver area
- 2 nights in Victoria
- 3 nights at DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport
- aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam
- 1 night in Whitehorse
- 1 night in Tok
- 2 nights in Fairbanks
- 1 night near Denali National Park
- 2 nights at Hilton Anchorage or similar
Attractions & Highlights
- Banff National Park feat. guided city tour, gondola ride & Mountie meet & greet
- Calgary guided city tour
- Jasper National Park feat. Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure™
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Ferry to Victoria on Vancouver Island & Washington, U.S.
- The Butchart Gardens®
- Victoria guided city tour & time at leisure
- Olympic Peninsula
- Seattle guided city tour & time at leisure
- Ports of Call: Vancouver, British Columbia; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska
- Included Shore Excursion: White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
- Alaska Highway feat. the Yukon Territory
- Kluane National Park & Reserve
- Santa Claus House
- Gold Dredge 8 feat. gold panning
- Riverboat Discovery III cruise feat. floatplane, sled dogs & Athabascan village
- Trans-Alaska Pipeline
- Denali National Park guided tour
- Alaska Veterans Memorial
- Iditarod Trail Headquarters
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise on Prince William Sound
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- Anchorage Museum
38 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Lunch at Sky 360 Calgary Tower
- Lunch at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
- Lunch at the Columbia Icefields
- Gourmet meals aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian
- All meals included aboard the ship with As You Wish Dining
- Dinner at the Alaska Salmon Bake
- Farewell Lunch in Anchorage
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport