From its craggy, snowcapped mountains to its unbelievably cool cities, Canada has so much to explore you’ll wonder how to fit it all in. Well, wonder no more because our spectacular Rocky Mountaineer journeys will take you on the ultimate whistle-stop tour of this beautiful country, from the cloud-strewn mountain peaks to the icy blue ocean. In just two weeks, you’ll get a taste of everything Canada has to offer: hot springs, cool bars, and an enormous helping of natural beauty.
Vancouver
Your first stop in Vancouver will be something of a flying visit, but don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to explore this stunning city later in your trip. With the glimmering towers of the metropolis rising in stark contrast out of the breathtaking mountains and surrounding greenery, Vancouver is likely to capture your heart at first sight. Stroll through Stanley Park to get in touch with the natural beauty of the place with its diorama of mountains and unfurling ocean visible from the seawall. If you’re more interested in the delights of the city, head into town and prepare your tastebuds for Vancouver’s amazing culinary scene.
From authentic Japanese – the izakayas (Japanese bars serving accompanying small plates) are amazing – to locally sourced West Coast cuisine, there’s something for everyone in the city’s fast-growing foodie movement. Even more impressive is the craft beer scene, which has rightly been called nation-leading as you will see for yourself in Vancouver’s trendy bars. In addition to all this, the burgeoning art scene lends the city an urban edge that is well worth exploring. You won’t ever want to leave.
Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise
If anything is worth leaving Vancouver for, it’s the next leg of our trip, which is a cruise exploring Alaska’s stunning Inside Passage. The protected waterway has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and the deep waters bring you incredibly close to the steep mountain walls that surround you. Marvel at gigantic glaciers and the intricate fjords carved into the ice by centuries of lapping waves. You’ll stop off at intimate ports of call, including Icy Strait Point, which allows you to experience the frosty wilderness that the Alaskans call home. From gazing at glittering glaciers to exploring the picturesque towns you can hardly believe exist in this beautiful, harsh environment, the Alaskan cruise is bound to be a highlight of your trip.
Journey through the Clouds
Following the life-changing beauty of Alaska, you might think nothing could wow you again, but a hurtling train journey with Rocky Mountaineer will soon change your mind. Starting in Vancouver and ending in Jasper, this train journey through the highest mountain ranges in the Canadian Rockies and Canada’s West shows the very best of a country that is blessed with untold natural beauty.
Experience the gossamer clouds rolling down the jagged peaks of spruce forest that grows like a beard on the snowcapped face of some of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges. Watch in awe as 750 million litres of water crash through the narrow gorge of Hell’s Gate, a sight that struck the fear of God into the hearts of Canada’s early explorers. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of Canada’s famed wildlife from majestic eagles soaring above to the noble moose that bathe and drink on the shores of Moose Lake. It really is an unforgettable journey.
Coach Tour from Jasper to Calgary
Each of Canada’s national parks is more beautiful than the next, and it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why this coach tour from Jasper to Calgary is so perfect, letting you experience a few of the highlights on offer. People have been travelling to the area for decades to appreciate the mountainous beauty and relax in the soothing hot springs, which were thought to have health-giving benefits.
Tranquil lakes are surrounded by the intimidating amphitheatre of ancient mountain ranges that are home to grizzly bears and adorned with glittering glaciers. With trails to hike, lakes to sail, and teahouses to visit, it’s impossible not to enjoy exploring these beautiful national park destinations.
The tour ends in Calgary, which with an average age of 35 years old has one of the youngest populations in Canada. This lends the city a youthful exuberance, combining a wealth of fun daytime activities with an unbeatable nightlife. Take a walking tour of the city’s outdoor art installations that earned it the title of Canada’s cultural capital, discover quirky shops for everything from jewellery to knitting in the shopping quarter, or catch a thrilling ice hockey game and cheer for the city’s own Calgary Flames.
As you can see, Alaska and Western Canada have so much to offer from rugged wildlife to the cosmopolitan city and everything in between. If you think this sort of adventure could be just what your dream holiday needs, book this rail & sail cruise deal online today or ring our friendly team of Australia-based cruise experts on 1300 857 345!
