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The Rockies, Alaska, Eastern Experience & Cruise

(35 days, Victoria - Boston, 2012)
The Rockies, Alaska, Eastern Experience & Cruise
This ultimate Canadian tour explores the Rockies and British Columbia with an Alaskan Cruise, plus Niagara Falls, Montréal, Québec City and a Canada & New England Cruise.

Starting off in Victoria you will visit the world famous Butchart Gardens before taking a ferry to Vancouver where you will explore the beautiful city sights. Your two day rail experience on ‘the most spectacular train trip in the world’ takes in Kamloops and the spiral tunnels of Kicking Horse Pass. You will then travel 698 metres on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain before visiting nature’s craftwork of Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge and the beautiful Lake Louise.

On the incredible Icefields Parkway you will take the Ice Explorer onto the mighty Athabasca Glacier and in Jasper National Park you will meet native wildlife such as bears, moose, elk and caribou. You will also visit the alpine ski village of Sun Peaks, Hat Creek Ranch and Whistler and step into the world of the black bears.

Stopping at the awesome Shannon Falls en route to Vancouver you will begin your Alaskan voyage along North America’s last great wilderness meeting orcas, humpback whales and bald eagles as you sail by. Stopping in Alaska’s capital, Juneau, famed for its scenery and isolation, you will also visit Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike; the breathtaking Glacier Bay; and Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world.

Next stop is Toronto and the incredible Niagara Falls, then Kingston for a cruise through the cluster of the Thousand Islands marking the border between Canada and the United States. You will explore Canada’s capital city of Ottawa at your leisure and marvel at Québec City, the only walled city in North America.

From Montréal you will visit the Parc des Chutes de la Chaudière to witness the spectacular waterfalls and then board the Holland America Line ship ms Maasdam for an unforgettable cruise to Québec City, the stunning Gulf of St Lawrence and Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island.

Next is the charming port of Sydney on Cape Breton Island and Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia and one of the world’s most beautiful natural Harbours. Finally you will enter American waters sailing along the coast of New Brunswick and Bar Harbor with a final destination of Boston.

  • 18 night land tour
  • 7 night Alaskan Cruise & 7 Night East Coast Cruise
  • GoldLeaf Class on the famous Rocky Mountaineer
  • Lakeview room at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
  • Valley View or Mountain View room at The Fairmont Banff Springs
  • Free Upgrade to a Verandah Stateroom – must book early, limited cabins
  • Rocky Mountain Round Up dinner event in Banff
  • Fully Escorted including onboard cruise
  • Canadian Tour Director
  • Luxury Coach
  • Dedicated Canada Based Team
  • Scenic Airport Representatives
  • Airport Transfers
  • ALL TIPPING and GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Included Scenic Enrich

  • Rocky Mountain Round Up - an evening of western hospitality, live local music and authentic Rockies entertainment, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Cultural Presentation in Sun Peaks Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Comprehensive lecture on Black Bears by a world leader in Black Bear Research, Michael Allen, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Rejuvenate your senses with an early morning guided walk, creating the first footprints of the day across the Capilano Suspension Bridge as the park opens early Exclusively for Scenic Tours. If you need even more awakening, then attempt the new Cliffwalk, a platform walk 30 storeys above the Capilano River
  • Tour Parc Omega viewing native wildlife such as bear, wolves, wapitis, red deer and beavers in their natural habitat Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Experience the authentic culinary delights of French Canada during a traditional Québécois meal at a local Sugar Shack
  • Explore the cultural significance and the reason Québec City has been acknowledged on UNESCO’s World Heritage List during a guided sightseeing tour

Included Scenic FreeChoice

  • Victoria - Whale Watching; or Floatplane Flight; or Horse and Carriage Tour; or Afternoon Tea at the Empress; or Historic Walking Tour & the B.C. Museum; or Salmon Fishing; or Cooking Class
  • Banff - Heli Flightseeing; or Lake Minnewanka Cruise; or Float Trip; or Castle Tour & Afternoon Tea; or 9 holes of Golf; or a Guided Nature Walk; or Husky Kennel tour
  • Québec City - Historical Walking Tour; or Horse and Carriage Ride; or a Swedish Massage; or St Lawrence River Cruise; or Gastronomic Walking Tour

Included Scenic Dining

  • 74 superb meals including 32 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 15 Lunches - a la carte, banquet and buffet (L), 27 Dinners - 3 course a la carte and buffet (D)
  • Scenic FreeChoice Dining available in Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Whistler

Included Scenic Special Stays

  • The Fairmont Empress, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • The Fairmont Banff Springs, known as the ‘Castle in the Rockies’
  • The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
  • The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Fairmont Le Château Montebello is a stunning Red Cedar log complex set in the Laurentian Mountains, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the heart of Québec City

Included Scenic Highlights

  • Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director at your welcome dinner
  • Wander at your leisure through the gorgeously landscaped Butchart Gardens
  • 2 day luxury rail experience onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
  • Travel 698 metres by gondola to Sulphur Mountain’s summit
  • Enjoy a nature walk along the shoreline of the beautiful Lake Louise
  • Discover the many moods of Lake Louise as its colour playfully reflects the sun’s natural light
  • Venture onto the Athabasca Glacier onboard an ‘Ice Explorer’
  • Explore the stunning landscape of Jasper National Park
  • UNESCO’s World heritage site of the collective Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks including the highest peak, Mount Robson
  • Visit the ski resort village of Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games
  • 7 night escorted Alaskan Cruise featuring bow to stern luxury
  • Fully escorted touring includes a Scenic Tours Representative throughout your cruising experience
  • Enjoy views from the top of the world’s tallest tower - CN Tower in Toronto
  • Maid of the Mist Cruise takes you under the dramatic Niagara Falls for a different perspective
  • Cruise through the cluster of the Thousand Islands Region
  • Roam through Canada’s capital city of Ottawa whilst enjoying an interpretive guided tour
  • Discover stylish Montréal, known as the Paris of North America, set at the base of its namesake, Mount Royal
  • Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the most exquisite Cathedrals in the world
  • 7 night escorted Canada and New England cruise
  • The glorious fall colours of North America are truly remarkable. Look for this symbol

Opportunity to choose the following add on Wilderness Experience

  • Knight Inlet
  • Bear Viewing

Day 1: Victoria (D)
Welcome to Victoria. Upon arrival at Victoria Airport you will be met and transferred* to your hotel, centrally located on Victoria’s Inner Harbour (please book flight to arrive prior to 5pm). Tonight, get to know your Tour Director and travelling companions over a ‘Welcome to Canada’ dinner.
Two Night Special Stay: The Fairmont Empress, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
Day 2: Victoria - Butchart Gardens (FB)
Wander at your leisure through the Included world famous Butchart Gardens. Enjoy 22 hectares of gorgeously manicured floral displays influenced by the Butchart’s world travels. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE this afternoon.
Day 3: Vancouver (FB)
This morning transfer by ferry to the mainland. Upon arrival in Vancouver enjoy an Included sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s highlights such as the historical hub of Gastown and the local’s playground Stanley Park, which features many cultural and natural attractions. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Perhaps meander through the fashionable shopping district surrounding Robson Street and even watch the sunset over English Bay.
Overnight Stay: The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
Day 4: ‘The Rocky Mountaineer’ - Kamloops (FB,L)
Enjoy a 2 day rail experience on ‘The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World’. Relax in your included GoldLeaf carriage and experience unsurpassed levels of dome car service. Overnight Stay: Kamloops Hotel (as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer)
Day 5: ‘The Rocky Mountaineer’ - Banff (FB,L,D)
Continue eastward into the spectacular Rocky Mountains. Travel through the engineering marvel of the spiral tunnels as you venture through Kicking Horse Pass. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining choose from a selection of restaurants at your hotel in Banff.
Two Night Special Stay: The Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 6: Banff (FB,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE this morning. This afternoon is yours to explore the alpine township of Banff. SCENIC ENRICH Rocky Mountain Round Up,Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Celebrate this event with fellow travellers as you enjoy authentic cuisine, local entertainment and western hospitality.
Day 7: Emerald Lake - Lake Louise (FB,D)
Travel 698m on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain before visiting nature’s craftwork of Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge. Enjoy a nature walk along the shoreline of the beautiful Lake Louise before a relaxing afternoon at leisure in Canada’s ‘Diamond in the Wilderness’. Included Scenic FreeChoice Dining choose from a selection of restaurants at your hotel.
Overnight Special Stay: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Day 8: Icefields Parkway - Glacier ‘Ice Explorer’ - Jasper (FB,D)
Travel north, along the incredible Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as ‘one of the most spectacular journeys in the world’. Stop at the Columbia Icefield, where you’ll take the ‘Ice Explorer’ onto the mighty Athabasca Glacier, a 6km long and 1km wide expanse of ice. Continue to Jasper National Park, keeping an eye out for Canadian wildlife such as bears, moose, elk and caribou often seen grazing by the roadside. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided nature walk through Maligne Canyon. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining choose where to dine from a selection of restaurants at your hotel.
Overnight Stay: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 9: Cariboo Mountains - Sun Peaks (FB,D)
Stand at the base of the awesome 3954 metre Mount Robson enroute to the alpine ski village of Sun Peaks. After dinner enjoy this evening’s Included SCENIC ENRICH A historic insight into the fur trading industry and life as a pioneer,Exclusive to Scenic Tours.
Overnight Stay: Delta Sun Peaks Resort
Day 10: Hat Creek Ranch - Whistler (FB,D)

Today, visit Hat Creek Ranch to learn about the local culture of the Shuswap Nation. Continue to the charming resort of Whistler Village. This evening’s Included SCENIC ENRICH presentation involves stepping into the world of the Black Bear with Michael Allen, a world leader in Black Bear research, Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining this evening. Overnight Special Stay: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Exclusive to Scenic Tours

Day 11: Vancouver (FB,D)
Travel south stopping at the awesome Shannon Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in British Columbia, enroute to Vancouver. Enjoy dinner tonight with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Overnight Stay: The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
Day 12: Alaskan Cruise (FB,D)
SCENIC ENRICH Be the first to explore the rainforest and new Cliffwalk, as the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park opens early,Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Later step onboard your luxurious cruise ship for a 7 night Alaskan Voyage. Check into your Verandah Stateroom (subject to availability) on Holland America’s ms Zuiderdam and settle in for an unforgettable cruise. 
Day 13: Scenic Cruising (FB,L,D)
Sit back, relax and enjoy the ambience as you cruise north. Alaska’s dramatic coastline reveals North America’s last great wilderness. Keep a look out for wildlife such as orcas, humpback whales and bald eagles as you sail by. Tonight, like every other night on board your magnificent ship, enjoy a dinner of mouth watering delights. Evenings on board your cruise ship glitter with choices - catch a musical production starring performers from Broadway productions in the show lounge or visit one of the many lounges featuring live music. For a quiet night perhaps catch the feature movie at the theatre or in the privacy of your own cabin.
Day 14: Juneau (FB,L,D)
Alaska’s capital is famed for its scenery and isolation. Juneau is accessible only by air or sea so the best way to arrive is by luxury cruise.
Day 15: Skagway (FB,L,D)
Cruise into Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike and a featured setting of Jack London’s book, ‘Call of the Wild’. Enjoy plenty of free time to go ashore and stroll along the weathered boardwalks admiring the shop front facades, reminiscent of the gold rush era. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park boasts restored buildings inviting you to take a stroll back in time.
Day 16: Glacier Bay (FB,L,D)
Marvel at the glacial ice wall carved by nature in this UNESCO World Heritage Site - Glacier Bay National Park. This breathtaking scenery will be brought to life by a National Park Service Ranger as they help you spot wildlife and interpret the glacier activity.
Day 17: Ketchikan (FB,L,D)
Arrive into Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world. Stroll along the elevated boardwalk by the historic Creek Street buildings or participate in a variety of shore excursions (additional expense). 
Day 18: Scenic Cruising (FB,L,D)
Relish in the bow to stern luxury of your cruise ship as you journey south through this spectacular waterway.
Day 19: Vancouver - Toronto (FB)
Disembark early this morning and transfer to Vancouver Airport to board your flight eastbound (flight unescorted) to Toronto (please do not book flight to depart prior to 12.30pm. Flight is not included for land only tour). On arrival in Toronto you will be met and transferred to your downtown hotel.
Two Night Stay: The Fairmont Royal York Hotel
Day 20: Niagara Falls - Toronto (FB,D)
Included this morning is your 346m ascent to the observation deck at the top of CN Tower. After briefly touring the lake front and downtown Toronto continue south around the ‘Golden Horseshoe’ of Lake Ontario to the picturesque village of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Board the Included Maid of the Mist Cruise for a different perspective of the falls. Tonight enjoy a ‘Welcome to Eastern Canada’ dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.  
Day 21: Thousand Island Cruise - Ottawa (FB,D)
This morning we journey to Kingston, the gateway to the beautiful Thousand Islands region. Your Included cruise takes you through the cluster of the Thousand Islands marking the border between Canada and the United States of America. This afternoon is yours to explore Canada’s capital city of Ottawa at your leisure.
Overnight Stay: Fairmont Château Laurier
Day 22: Ottawa - Montebello (FB,D)
Roam through Canada’s capital city of Ottawa whilst enjoying an Included interpretive guided tour including the imposing Parliament Buildings. Later, enjoy the Included SCENIC ENRICH highlight of Parc Omega. Tour the 1500 acre park and discover native wildlife such as bear, wolves, wapitis, red deer and beavers in their natural habitat, Exclusive to Scenic Tours.
Overnight Special Stay: Fairmont Le Château Montebello, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
Day 23: Québec City (FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH taste traditional Québécois fare at a local Sugar Shack where your lunch is included today. Sample the delicacies of this region and learn about one of Canada’s most popular exports, maple syrup. Continue to Québec City, the only walled city in North America and an important UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site. Enjoy an Included SCENIC ENRICH activity today as you tour within the walls of the Vieux Carre (Old City) and visit the Lower Town.
Two Night Special Stay: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Day 24: Québec City (FB)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE this morning. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps take the funicular railway to the Lower Town and continue exploring this enchanting village.
Day 25: Montréal (FB,D)
This morning stop at the recreational jewel of the Chaudière-Appalachian region, Parc des Chutes de la Chaudière, to witness the spectacular waterfalls. Montréal is known as the Paris of North America. Included today is a visit to the exquisite Notre-Dame Basilica with its imposing Gothic Revival architecture in Old Montréal. This afternoon, explore this historic and vibrant city throughout an Included guided tour.
Overnight Stay: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Day 26: Canada New England Cruise (FB,D)
Transfer to the pier to board the Holland America Line ship ms Maasdam. Check into your Verandah Stateroom (subject to availability) and settle in for an unforgettable cruise.
Day 27: Québec City (FB,L,D)
Today spend time in Québec City with a choice of shore excursions including rafting ride on the Jacques Cartier River, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre & Montmorency Falls or a Ghost Tour of Old Québec (shore excursions at own expense).
Day 28: Gulf of St Lawrence (FB,L,D)
Cruise the largest estuary in the world and the gateway to the interior of North America. Admire the stunning coast line and islands of the Gulf of St Lawrence while keeping look out for whales, porpoises and seals.  
Day 29: Charlottetown (FB,L,D)
This morning arrive into the charming city of Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island with free time to explore, famed for being the birthplace of Canada. Be sure to visit the Confederation Centre or perhaps enjoy an optional tour to the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ home site (optional shore excursions at additional expense).
Day 30: Sydney, Cape Breton Island (FB,L,D)
Arrive into the charming port of Sydney on Cape Breton Island. Spend the day exploring this town or perhaps tour the Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Highland National Park (optional shore excursions at additional expense).
Day 31: Halifax, Nova Scotia (FB,L,D)
Early this morning arrive into Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia and one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours. Explore this fascinating historical city on your own or perhaps take an optional tour to the delightful Peggy’s Cove (optional shore excursions at additional expense).
Day 32: Bar Harbor, Maine (FB,L,D)
Enter the waters of the United States of America today as you sail along the coast of New Brunswick to Bar Harbor. Shore excursions are available into the beautiful Acadia National Park (optional shore excursions at additional expense). 
Day 33: Boston (FB)
After disembarking you will be transferred* directly to Boston airport for your homebound flight (please do not book departure flight before 2pm). Land Only Tour concludes today.     
Day 34: Cross International Dateline
In flight cross the International Dateline.
Day 35: Arrive Home Port

Flight Inclusive Tour concludes today.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary. 

At a glance

Duration
35 Days
From
$18,625
per person twin share
Dates
31 Jul 2012
Available
14 Aug 2012
Available
28 Aug 2012
Available