Saskatoon to Alaska1

Day 2 Tuesday This morning we tour JASPER and, above the townsite, beautiful PYRAMID LAKE. Perhaps take an optional cruise of magnificent MALIGNE LAKE and its incredible aquamarine waters. The views are stunning and the water is a shade of blue found only in these mountains. Spirit Island is a famous spot for photographers seeking the perfect picture. Return to Jasper via the Valley of the FIVE LAKES. Those staying for additional nights can travel on their own a few miles to the south of Jasper to the JASPER GONDOLA from where the views of the valleys and peaks are outstanding and ATHABASCA FALLS / HORSESHOE LAKE.

Day 3 Wednesday Depart Jasper for Banff on our deluxe motor coach along the Icefields Parkway. This is one of the most scenic drives on earth. We'll ride a Sno-Coach (weather permitting) onto the Columbia Icefield's ATHABASCA GLACIER. The Columbia Icefields are 125 square miles in size (massive!), with no fewer than 30 glaciers where 3 river systems flow to three different oceans. The Icefields Parkway delivers us past BOW LAKE, PEYTO LAKE and MISTAYA LAKE south to LAKE LOUISE, one of the most enchanting spots on earth. We see the reflections of the mountains in her aqua blue waters and we'll find out how rock flour helps the water retain its mesmerizing color. Continue further into BANFF NATIONAL PARK to the majestic town of BANFF for the first of two nights here.

Day 4 Thursday Join us on an afternoon tour up Sulfur Mountain on the BANFF GONDOLA. The views will take your breath away. In the evening we can enjoy an optional dinner featuring cuisine and entertainment all about Canada. The very adventurous can take an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies or take a cruise onto LAKE MINNEWANKA.

Day 5 Friday Depart for Kamloops by motor coach in the sunny Okanagan via Kicking Horse Pass. Pass over the Continental Divide and begin our slow downhill descent to the Pacific Ocean. Travel through Yoho National Park, one of four parks that comprise a World Heritage Sight. We arrive in the late afternoon at the "cattle country" center of Kamloops.

Day 6 Saturday We scoot along the shores of Kamloops Lake (Kamloops being a native word meaning "meeting of the lakes") and then shadow the mighty Frasier River past Hell's Gate Canyon. We arrive in lovely VANCOUVER and transfer to our hotel. This evening we can visit Gastown (be sure to see the steam clock), Chinatown (second largest in North America), the harbor area and the famous Totem Poles at STANLEY PARK on our own. We can pre-book a harbor dinner cruise for you. Overnight at one of our downtown Vancouver Hotels.

Comfortable bedrooms on the train

Vermillion Lakes near Banff

Banff Springs Hotel

Day 7 Sunday/Monday Cruise Departure (some sailings depart on Saturdays and require starting from Toronto 2 days earlier and spending on more night in a hotel in Vancouver) Transfer the short distance to one of Vancouver's two cruise ship terminals. Board the cruise ship in the early afternoon for a 4:00 sailing departure. We work with all the major cruise lines. We can arrange affordable inside cabins, picturesque outside cabins and verandas and staterooms. We do it all. Sail north along the beautiful inside passage.

Day 8 Monday/Tuesday Cruise the inside passage. Towering mountains, narrow fjords and pre-historic glaciers combine to make one of the World's great sea voyages. This is prime habitat for grizzly bears, sea lions, bald eagles, porpoise and of course several species of whales. Ocean currents between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia are some of the fastest in the World and you can see fish farms, loggers and coastal cities fade into wilderness as you calmly sail north.

Day 9 Monday/Tuesday Arrive at Ketchikan, Alaska and disembark. This city is both wet and wild. Pristine wilderness is fed by the abundant moisture. It is here you find pristine wilderness and a high concentration of animal life. Consider seeing the outside museum of native art and one of the largest collections of totem poles in the World.

Day 10 Tuesday/Wednesday Juneau is the next stop. Juneau is only accessible by water and air. Grizzly bears are commonly seen here and you can see the Governer's Mansion here. Majestic Mendenhall Glacier is just 13 miles from the state capital, where you have views of Juneau Icefield, Lynn Canal and Stephens Passage. Following Juneau we cruise either Sawyer or Hubbard Glacier. These glacier parks continually amaze and inspire cruisers. Massive chunks of ice calve off the edges and crash into the salt water below, often as frequently s once per hour. Backdropped with coastal mountains with white caps the sightseeing here is unique in the World and absolutely astounding.

Day 11 Wednesday/Thursday Situated at the head of the scenic Lynn Canal, Skagway was once the gateway to the Goldrush. Listen for the echoes of "There's Gold in them thar hills" echoing from the canyon walls and valleys.   Stroll the famous historic Gold Rush National Historic Park, Trail of '98 Museum and the White Pass and Yukon narrow-gauge Railroad.   Others may want to experience a shore excursion to the glaciers of Chilkat State Park or go dogsledding on Denver Glacier.

Day 12 Thursday/Friday The quaint port of Wrangell, at the mouth of the Stikine River has much to offer. Be sure to check out the Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory or Petroglyph Beach State historic Park.

Day 13 Friday/ Saturday We cruise the inside passage southbound back into Canadian waters. Enjoy the fabulous food and entertainment aboard the ship Pass the Alaska Panhandle. The colors are inspiring with brilliant blue ice of glaciers, emerald green of virgin forests, diamond-bright waterfalls and fall foliage yellow, red and golds.

Day 14Saturday/Sunday Arrive in Vancouver in the morning and disembark. Some passengers will transfer to Vancouver International Airport VANCOUVER and the largest island in North America, mighty Vancouver Island. Those extending their stay can go whale watching, see BUTCHART GARDENS and the city of VICTORIA on Vancouver Island or travel up to WHISTLER Resort area (North of Vancouver).

Cruise the inside passage

Wildlife awaits you

This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction MORE TOURS FROM SASKATOON

This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction
MORE TOURS FROM SASKATOON