Highlights
Small group experience of a lifetime
Banff sightseeing including Sulphur Mountain and Bow Valley and Falls
Gondola ride in Banff
Scenic sightseeing from Banff to Lake Louise
Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
World Heritage UNESCO Jasper National Park
Athabasca Glacier Adventure and Skywalk
Sightseeing in Jasper
Lovely cruise on Lake Maligne
Silver Leaf Rocky Mountaineer – journey throughout the Clouds Rail Journey from Jasper to Vancouver
Scenic and historical Vancouver city tour
Gastronomic Gastown tour, Vancouver's famous Foodie District
7-night cruise of Alaska's Inside Passage onboard Holland America "ms Koningsdam - Outside Cabin - category C
Port calls including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan
Full day excursion to Victoria including a visit to the Beautiful Butchart Gardens
Full day sightseeing tour to Whistler including Peak to Peak Gondola Ride
Full day sightseeing of Vancouver's North Shore including Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and a visit to Grouse Mountain
Friends for company
Inclusions
Personally escorted from Australia, your SWT tour hostess is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one
Return economy airfares ex Melbourne with Air Canada to Calgary/Vancouver (ex Sydney price on request)
Private touring coach with professional driver & guides at each destination
2-day rail journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer in Silver Leaf including lunch daily
7-night cruise onboard Holland America "Ms Koningsdam" - Outside Cabin - category C
Private airport, rail and hotel transfers throughout
All meals whilst cruising
All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
Amazing sightseeing as per our itinerary
Cruise Gratuities
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Meet & greet prior to departure (subject to minimum numbers attending)
Sisterhood documentation and ticket wallet
Assistance with booking onshore cruise excursions
# Taxes subject to change
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Optional upgrade (Subject to price increases and availability - please enquire at the time of booking)
Upgrade to Gold Leaf on the Rocky Mountaineer, an additional $999 per person.
Upgrade to Verandah Cabin (category V) on Ms Koningsdam for an additional AUD687 Twin Share (per person) or AUD1260 Single Cabin
Not included:
Local tipping is customary in Canada & Alaska. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all Group Tours involving tipping. This system involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour who then distributes it daily to service providers on your behalf. The estimated amount for your tour is USD150.00 and this will confirmed in your final documentation.
Independent Tipping (not included in the above)
Tipping for Rocky Mountaineer - suggest CAD25 per person
Notice
Visa Requirements:
You will need to obtain a VISA Waiver for entry into the USA (Alaska) - approx USD21.00 - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
You will need to obtain a VISA Waiver for entry into Canada - approx CAD7.00 - Canada ESTA Application
** IF, WHEN APPLYING, YOU ARE ASKED TO PAY MORE - DO NOT PROCEED ** It will be a scamming website. The above 2 links ARE the legitimate websites to apply.
This tour is only available ex Melbourne or Sydney. We can assist with add-on arrangements, please talk to Sisterhood Central for options.
Please note that Loft Rooms for single travellers at Charlton’s Banff have stairs in the rooms going up to the loft where the bed is located. The bathroom is located in the lower part of the room.
Please note that Loft Rooms for single travellers at Jasper Inn & Suites Loft Rooms are located on the 2nd floor and there is no elevator. The bed is located up a staircase and the bathroom is located in the lower part of the room.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday 31 August 2024
Melbourne - Sydney - Vancouver - Calgary (D)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Join your tour hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for your flight to Canada. Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards our fantastic adventure.
Upon arrival into Calgary, we'll be met and transferred to Banff for our 2-night stay.
Dinner tonight at our hotel or a nearby restaurant.
Overnight - Charlton's Banff Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 - Sunday 1 September 2024
Banff Sightseeing (B)
This morning we'll enjoy all that Banff has to offer with a tour including Bow River Falls, Tunnel Mountain Drive with the wind-eroded hoodoos and the historic Banff Springs Hotel. We'll ride up Sulphur Mountain with the Banff Gondola (weather permitting) for panoramic views over the Rocky Mountains.
Dinner tonight at leisure.
Overnight - Charlton's Banff Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 - Monday 2 September 2024
Banff - Lake Louise (B, AT)
In the morning we'll depart Banff along the Bow Valley parkway and continue across the Continental Divide into Yoho Park to view the spiral train tunnels, the natural bridge of stone across the Kicking Horse River as well as the beautiful Emerald Lake. We'll arrive at beautiful Lake Louise to enjoy the spectacular view across the lake to the Victoria Glacier.
A special treat this afternoon a delicious afternoon tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
We continue onto our Lake Louise accommodation with dinner at leisure tonight.
Overnight - Lake Louise Inn (or similar)
Day 4 - Tuesday 3 September 2024
Lake Louise - Jasper (B)
Today an early departure along the most scenic road of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Icefield Parkway. Stops will be made at Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier and we'll pass by Peyto Lake before reaching Columbia Icefield (Glacier Adventure and Skywalk included).
We continue to Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls before reaching Jasper in the late afternoon.
Dinner at leisure tonight.
Overnight - Jasper Inn & Suites (or similar)
Day 5 - Wednesday 4 September 2024
Jasper Sightseeing (B)
This morning we'll travel to Maligne Canyon for a walk alongside the gorge and across the bridges. We continue to Medicine Lake and finally Maligne Lake where we enjoy a 90-minute cruise with a stop at Spirit Island. Before returning to the hotel, we'll board the Jasper Sky Tram to be elevated high up Whistlers Mountain.
We'll have time to explore leisurely or relax and enjoy the views.
Overnight - Jasper Inn & Suites (or similar)
Day 6 - Thursday 5 September 2024
Jasper - Kamloops (B,L)
This morning, we'll transfer to the Jasper rail station to begin our beautiful 2-day rail journey onboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer in Silverleaf Service.
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Journey west and south surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River on approach to the overnight destination of Kamloops. Breakfast and Lunch will be served on board the train.
Upon arrival in Kamloops, we'll be transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight - Kamloops (Hotel will be advised with final documentation)
Day 7 - Friday 6 September 2024
Kamloops (B,L)
This morning we'll be transferred back to the Rocky Mountaineer to continue our rail journey to Vancouver.
The journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through the winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Breakfast and lunch will be served on board the train.
We arrive into Vancouver and will be transferred to our hotel with dinner at leisure.
Overnight - The Listel (or similar)
Day 8 - Saturday 7 September 2024
Vancouver Sightseeing - Holland America Ms Koningsdam (B,L,D)
This morning, we'll enjoy a Vancouver Sightseeing Tour. Urban sophistication mixed with multicultural flair makes Vancouver one of the most liveable cities in the world. This metropolitan city is always a bustle of activity with spectacular scenery, world-class dining, and fabulous shopping. We visit Granville Island with its famous public market, art and craft shops and many cafes and restaurants. Later this afternoon, we'll be transferred to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal for our 7-night cruise onboard Holland America "Ms Koningsdam" departing at 4 pm.
Cruising through the Inside Passage is really what has made Alaska cruising so popular. This trip captures so much of what people love about Alaska. There are glaciers the size of Rhode Island, misty rain forests, ghostly blue fjords, and spirited communities that celebrate their varied heritage. Be sure to take in every view sailing through one of the most beautiful parts of Alaska.
All meals are included whilst cruising.
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 9 - Sunday 8 September 2024
Inside Passage Cruising (B,L,D)
This is one of the most famously beautiful passages in the world. stretching through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to the famed Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 10 - Monday 9 September 2024
Tracy Arm Inlet & Juneau (B,L,D)
Steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank this fjord, fringed by the largest intact coastal temperate rain forest in the United States. Old-growth trees colonized Tracy Arm's mouth long ago as the Ice Age retreated. The twin Sawyer Glaciers flow from the peaks down to the sea, sloughing off stories-high chunks of water frozen decades or even centuries before. Even more glorious than nearby Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm is part of the 5.7 million acres (or around 23,000 square kilometres) of pure wilderness sheltered by the Tongass National Forest (America's biggest). Visitors often see bears, whales and mountain goats roaming across various corners of this pristine area, not to mention chubby baby seals resting on the ice floes.
We arrive into Juneau at 1,00pm and depart at 10.00 pm.
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, was founded during a gold rush in 1880. Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. With its snow-capped mountains, misty rainforests, massive glaciers and bounty of wildlife, Alaska’s remote state capital is the perfect place to dive into nature. Framed by Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts, the city’s picturesque downtown area offers centuries-old bars, boutique shops and historic landmarks. For a taste of the local culture, visit the historic district and the Alaska State Museum. For outdoor thrills, take your pick of activities ranging from whale watching in Auke Bay Harbor to tundra trekking over Mendenhall Glacier, and even try gold panning in Last Chance Basin.
Juneau is known for its outdoor recreation, fresh seafood and fine dining. The city itself is pleasant, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down some wildlife. Hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles. Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay, bring a good pair of binoculars to get the best view of these majestic and surprisingly graceful creatures. If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to a nearby wildlife reserve such as Chichagof or Admiralty Island to spy some bears lolling around on an Alaska cruise excursion. (Cruise Excursions are at additional cost, please talk to Sisterhood Central for options)
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 11 - Tuesday10 September 2024
Skagway (B,L,D)
This morning we arrive into Skagway and can enjoy a whole day's sightseeing.
The tiny town of Skagway still looks like it did during the Klondike Gold Rush over 100 years ago and today it remains an outpost for thrilling Alaskan adventure. An old-time street car ride along bustling Broadway Street reveals well-preserved buildings, including the state’s oldest hotel. See engraved walrus tusks at the Corrington Museum or get lost in riveting historical re-enactments around town.
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 12 - Wednesday 11 September 2024
Glacier Bay Cruising (B,L,D)
We arrive in spectacular Glacier Bay in the morning.
Close your eyes and take in the sounds, the creaks and groans of “living” ice, the shrill cries of gulls and soaring eagles and the splash of a breaching humpback whale. Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park) and marine wildlife are given on Glacier Bay cruises, every experience in this changing biosphere is unique.
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 13 - Thursday 12 September 2024
Ketchikan (B,L,D)
Arrive into Ketchikan at 11.00 am and depart at 7.00 pm.
Alaska's 'First City' of Ketchikan is so named because it’s 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.
Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries. Ketchikan is 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. See intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Centre and Totem Bight State Park, while the attractions of Saxman Village just outside of Ketchikan offer the chance to see Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house. Leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, and shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon and local art while exploring gold rush–era tourist attractions like Dolly’s House Museum.
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 14 - Friday 13 September 2024
Inside Passage Cruising (B,L,D)
Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.
Our last night on board Ms Koningsdam.
Day 15 - Saturday 14 September
Vancouver - Whistler Day Tour (B)
This morning the cruise arrives back into Vancouver early.
After breakfast disembark the ship and be met in the arrival area of Canada Place cruise ship terminal by our guide.
We'll then depart in a chartered coach with a driver providing commentary up the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. Enjoy views of Howe Sound on our way up to Whistler. Stop en route at Shannon Falls for a quick photo stop. Upon arrival in Whistler, we make our way to Whistler Blackcomb to ride up the Peak to Peak Gondola (included).
Enjoy some free time to explore the village before driving back down the Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver.
Overnight - The Listel (or similar)
Day 16 - Sunday15 September 2024
Vancouver Sightseeing (B)
Today, we have a morning free before our mid-afternoon Gastronomic Gastown Tour. Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhood, Gastown, is a charming maze of cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, local boutiques, and legendary eating and drinking establishments. This three-hour Gastronomic Gastown Tour begins at the birthplace of Vancouver, marked by the statue of “Captain Gassy Jack,” from whom Gastown earned its name.
Weave expertly through the brick streets, just as the locals love to do. It’s here for craft beer and Canadian poutine and another stop for Vancouver’s best pizza. This door is for a mouthwatering cocktail, that nook for the show-stopping dessert. With every twist and turn, collect a curated list of additional recommendations to explore.
Overnight - The Listel (or similar)
Day 17 - Monday 16 September 2024
Victoria & Butchart Gardens Day Tour (B)
Begin today's tour to Victoria in a chartered coach with a driver providing commentary. Enjoy a wonderful ferry ride to Vancouver Island on BC Ferries, and visit the Butchart Gardens, followed by a visit to British Columbia´s beautiful capital, Victoria. This tour offers a full day of fun and incredible sights!
Highlights include A 90-minute cruise through the spectacular Gulf Islands on board BC Ferries, the world-famous Butchart Gardens, Victoria's Inner Harbour, Empress Hotel and Legislative Buildings, Chinatown, Downtown, and Beacon Hill Park.
Return to Vancouver in the evening by ferry and coach.
Dinner at leisure tonight.
Overnight - The Listel (or similar)
Day 18 - Tuesday 17 September 2024
North Shore Sightseeing (B,D)
Our last day in Vancouver starts with a sightseeing tour of Vancouver's North Shore. This tour is all about adventure, as we take in the natural wonders surrounding Vancouver.
Cross over the Lions Gate Bridge and make our way to Capilano Suspension Bridge and then onto Grouse Mountain (admissions included). At Capilano Suspension Bridge Park stand above an old-growth cedar forest and the Capilano River. Experience the awe of natural surroundings, view First Nations artwork, and feel the rush of adrenaline at the Cliffwalk attraction. The Treetops Adventure walk showcases the beauty and diversity of the Capilano coastal rainforest.
Continue to the Capilano River Hatchery, a project dedicated to several species of BC salmon and trout. Learn about the life cycle of salmon, with the opportunity to view hatching and juvenile fish before they are released into a nearby river. Spectacular Grouse Mountain is next, offering ever-changing views as the Skyride ascends to the peak. Experience the Theatre in the Sky presentations, visit the Bear Refuge, watch the Lumberjack Show and/or Birds of Prey Demonstration, take the quad chair to the Peak and take in the panoramic views over the city and the Georgia Strait.
Tonight, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner before transferring to the airport for our flight home.
Day 19 - Wednesday 18 September 2024
In Transit (Meals Inflight)
Flight in transit
Day 20 - Thursday 19 September 2024
Welcome Home!
An early morning arrival into Sydney for our flight home to Melbourne.
Thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back.