Itinerary Map
CLICK HERE to view itinerary map
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
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's "ms Koningsdam - Outside Cabin - category C
Port calls including Tracy Arm Inlet, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan
Full-day sightseeing tour from Vancouver to Whistler including Peak to Peak Gondola Ride
Full-day excursion to Victoria including a visit to the beautiful Butchart Gardens
Full-day sightseeing of Vancouver's North Shore including Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
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 (via Sydney)
Private touring coach with professional driver & local 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
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Meet and greet before departure via Zoom
Sisterhood documentation and ticket wallet
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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 - cost $1209.00
Upgrade to Verandah Cabin (category V) on Ms Koningsdam - cost $652.00 per person Twin Share / $1214.00 Single
TIPPING:
Local tipping is appreciated in Canada & Alaska. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour who then distributes it to service providers on your behalf. The estimated amount for your tour is CAD145 and this will be confirmed in your final documentation.
Tipping for Rocky Mountaineer is included in your tour cost
Tipping on Holland America Cruise is included in your tour cost
Independent Tipping (not included in the above)
* Taxes subject to change*
Notice
Moderate Fitness Rating - A moderate level of fitness will be required for these tours due to the length and/or overall physicality of our tour itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps daily on more challenging terrain and longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided and at times handle your luggage. For more information on our physical ratings please click here
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 departing from Melbourne or Sydney. We can assist with departures from other cities and/or add-on arrangements. Please talk to Sisterhood Central for options.
CLICK HERE to view the itinerary map
For additional information about this trip, please CLICK HERE
Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday 20 August 2025
Melbourne - Sydney - Vancouver (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 in-flight entertainment as we head towards our fantastic adventure.
Upon arrival at Vancouver Airport, we will be met and transferred to the hotel with a Vancouver Sightseeing Tour enroute. 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.
Explore Chinatown - North America’s second largest and historic Gastown with its 19th-century buildings, cobblestone streets and hidden passageways with a stop at the Steam Clock. Then we will see English Bay, Canada Place & the waterfront with a stop at the Olympic Flame Monument. The tour will end with a drive around Stanley Park with stops at the Totem Poles and Prospect Point.
Upon arrival at the hotel, check in for a 3-night stay with the remainder of the day at leisure.
This evening, take a short walk to Coast Restaurant for dinner.
Overnight - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)
Day 2 - Thursday 21 August 2025
Vancouver - North Shore Sightseeing - Vancouver (B, D)
Today we board the chartered coach for a sightseeing tour to 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 to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Canada.
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.
Mid-afternoon, we will be transferred by chartered coach to the 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.
Early evening after the tour, we will be transferred back to the hotel.
Overnight - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)
Day 3 - Friday 22 August 2025
Vancouver - Victoria - Vancouver (B)
We begin today's tour to Victoria in a chartered mini-coach with a guide.
Enjoy a wonderful ferry ride to Vancouver Island on BC Ferries, and visit the Butchart Gardens, one of the most spectacular floral displays in Canada. Created early last century from a stone quarry, the different areas of the garden are planted such that they bloom year-round. Some of the highlights include the Italian gardens, Japanese gardens, the English rose garden and the Star Pond.
We continue to downtown Victoria for an orientation tour of the Provincial Capital. Highlights include Beacon Hill Park, Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings, Chinatown, the Inner Harbour and the historic Empress Hotel.
Return to Vancouver by ferry and coach.
Dinner is at our leisure tonight.
Overnight – Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)
Day 4 - Saturday 23 August 2025
Vancouver - Calgary - Banff (B, D)
This morning, after breakfast, we will be transferred to the Vancouver Airport for our flight to Calgary.
On arrival into Calgary Airport, we will be met and transferred to Banff to our hotel, home for the next two nights.
Dinner is at our leisure tonight.
Overnight – Mount Royal Hotel, Banff (or similar)
Day 5 - Sunday 24 August 2025
Banff (B)
This morning, we'll have a sightseeing tour of Banff and the surrounding area, including Bow River Falls, Tunnel Mountain Drive with the wind-eroded hoodoos and the historic Banff Springs Hotel.
Following that, we'll take a ride up Sulphur Mountain with Banff Gondola for panoramic views over the Rocky Mountains (weather permitting).
The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure.
Overnight – Mount Royal Hotel, Banff (or similar)
Day 6 - Monday 25 August 2025
Banff - Lake Louise (B, AT)
This morning after breakfast, we'll depart by coach for a full day sightseeing tour including Banff National Park Lake Louise and Yoho National Park
Upon arrival at Lake Louise, we'll have a delicious High Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
After tea, we'll depart on further sightseeing with highlights to include the Continental Divide into Yoho National Park to view the spiral tunnels, the Natural Bridge, Kicking Horse River and Emerald Lake before arriving at Lake Louise Inn.
This evening is at leisure.
Overnight – Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise (or similar)
Day 7 - Tuesday 26 August 2025
Lake Louise - Jasper (B)
An early morning departure in a chartered minibus on the most scenic road of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Icefield Parkway. Stops will be made at Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier and pass by Peyto Lake before reaching the Columbia Icefield, one of the most unique attractions in the Canadian Rockies.
Massive Ice Explorers take us on a remarkable excursion onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. Next, enjoy the Glacier Skywalk, a perfect balance of breathtaking views, interpretive storytelling, and adrenaline-pumping excitement.
Continue to Jasper via Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls before arriving at our hotel.
Dinner is at leisure tonight
Overnight - Marmot Lodge, Jasper (or similar)
Day 8 - Wednesday 27 August 2025
Jasper (B)
This morning we will be picked up by a chartered coach for a full day of sightseeing in Jasper National Park.
Board the Jasper Sky Tram to be elevated high up Whistler's Mountain. There will be time at leisure to use the hiking trails on top of the mountain (good hiking shoes needed) or just relax and take in the view.
We'll travel to Pyramid and Patricia Lakes as well as the Maligne River Valley with time for lunch before travelling to Maligne Lake.
There, we will enjoy a 90-minute cruise with a stop at Spirit Island and later will continue sightseeing, to include Medicine Lake, the Maligne Canyon, before returning to the hotel.
Dinner is at leisure tonight
Overnight - Marmot Lodge, Jasper (or similar)
Day 9 - Thursday 28 August 2025
Jasper - Kamloops (B, L)
This morning we will have an early transfer to the rail station for the first day of the 2 day rail journey on Rocky Mountaineer between Jasper and Vancouver.
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 will be transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay. Dinner will be at our leisure
Overnight - Kamloops (accommodation will be advised on the train and supplied by Rocky Mountaineer)
Day 10 - Friday 29 August 2025
Kamloops - Vancouver (B, L)
This morning we will be collected from the hotel and transferred to the Rocky Mountaineer Rail Station for the 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.
Upon arrival in Vancouver, we will be transferred from the Rocky Mountaineer station to our hotel.
Overnight - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)
Day 11 - Saturday 30 August 2025
Vancouver (B, D)
This morning we visit Granville Island with its famous public market, art and craft shops and many cafes and restaurants. We then transfer to Vancouver Cruise Terminal for the 7-night cruise of Alaska’s Inside Passage departing at 1600hrs.
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.
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 12 - Sunday 31 August 2025
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. A day to relax on board and enjoy all the ship has to offer.
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 13 - Monday 1 September 2025
Tracey 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.
Arrive in Juneau at 1330hrs and depart at 2230hrs.
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.
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 14 - Tuesday 2 September 2025
Skagway (B, L, D)
Arrive into Skagway at 0700hrs and depart at 2000hrs.
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 15 - Wednesday 3 September 2025
Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier Cruising (B, L, D)
Arrive into Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier at 0800hrs and depart at 1430hrs.
Endicott Arm is a 30-mile fjord that snakes through the Tracy Arm-Fords Wilderness Area. At the head is the majestic Dawes Glacier. Find a good spot on our spacious decks and take in the views. Glide past waterfalls that spool like silver ribbons from soaring mountain peaks. As we go deeper into the narrow fjord, the water changes colour from grey to jade, the temperatures dip and the bergy bits (ice chunks) become larger and more plentiful.
The 600-foot-tall, mile-wide Dawes Glacier takes centre stage just around a bend. The ship will sidle up to this brilliant blue giant for a chance to witness calving, when ice breaks off and plunges into the sea. Dawes Glacier regularly rumbles with white thunder, so keep your camera ready!
Wildlife sightings are common, so bring your binoculars. Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier are the breeding grounds of harbor seals, one of Alaska’s cutest critters. In spring, you can see chubby pups chilling with mom on floating ice. You might also spot mountain goats balancing on cliffs or humpback whales swimming with their pods. Scan the valleys for brown and black bears. An Alaska cruise to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier is unforgettable. Soak in every minute.
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 16 - Thursday 4 September 2025
Ketchikan (B, L, D)
Arrive into Ketchikan at 1100hrs and depart at 1900hrs.
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 17 - Friday 5 September 2025
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.
Today is our last day of cruising
Onboard - Holland America 'Ms Koningsdam'
Day 18 - Saturday 6 September 2025
Vancouver - Whistler - Vancouver - Sydney (B, in-flight meals)
This morning the cruise arrives in Vancouver at 0700hrs. After breakfast, we disembark the ship and are met in the arrival area of the Canada Place cruise ship terminal by our guide.
After disembarking, we'll depart via coach for a sightseeing tour to Whistler, with a stop at Shannon Falls and Stawamus Chef.
We'll stop at BC’s highest waterfall, Shannon Falls, and view the Stawamanus Chief, the second largest standing piece of granite in the world and a popular rock climbing area. Upon arrival in Whistler, take a trip on the Gondola for panoramic views of the village and surrounding mountains, and make sure to cross the Peak2Peak Gondola from Whistler to Blackcomb Mountain – a unique experience.
Enjoy some free time to explore the village before driving back down the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Vancouver Airport in preparation for our flight home.
After check-in, we will make our way to the Plaza Premium Lounge, where we will enjoy an array of food and beverages and free WiFi to await our flight homeward bound.
Day 19 - Sunday 7 September 2025
In Transit (Meals Inflight)
Flight in transit - Cross over the International Date Line !
Day 20 - Monday 8 September 2025
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.