Early Summer Canada & Alaska Escorted Group Tour
27 Jun - 27 Jul 2012
Trip Code: GCD2
Alaska, it’s amazingly different with the tallest mountains, the largest area of national parklands, the highest concentration of glaciers and the longest stretch of coastline of all the United States. Nature still grandstands in Canada; rainforests, serpentine coastlines, the eternal blanket of Arctic ice and even a small desert are all part of the vast and unique natural patchwork. Places of magnificence, but not beyond your reach on this tour! We also run a shorter version of this trip, Early Summer West Canada & Inside Passage group tour. |
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Rocky Mountaineer, First Passage to the West
The Rocky Mountaineer takes you on a two day journey from Vancouver to Banff. On the first day of the tour you will travel from the coastal city of Vancouver to the inland town of Kamloops. There are dramatic changes in scenery from the pristine forests of the Northwest to an arid desert-like interior.
Banff
Banff is the perfect base for exploring the snow capped mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs and alpine meadows which can be found in Banff National Park. Nearby attractions include: Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Johnston Canyon and Sunshine Meadows.
Jasper
Jasper is situated deep in the Alberta Rockies, mountain peaks can be seen on the horizon in every direction. Local attractions are Maligne Lake, the Jasper Tramway, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, Miette Hotsprings, golf at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and lovely alpine walks. Jasper has a lot to offer for both summer and winter travellers.
Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience
Largest of all icefields in the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia Icefield is guarded by 11 of the Rockies’ 22 highest peaks. We will also take an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca glacier to see its raw beauty.
VIA Rail's Skeena
Depart on a two day excursion from Prince Rupert to Jasper with an overnight stay in Prince George. This superbly restored 1950’s ‘Skeena’ train also travels in the opposite direction. On this scenic journey you will travel through national and provincial parks, lumber camps and pass beautiful alpine streams and lakes.
Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert is located at the end of the Yellowhead Highway at the mouth of the Skeena River. A bustling port city, Prince Rupert is the cultural centre of the First Nations People. You will find totem poles scattered throughout parks in the city. The city’s heritage has been preserved at the Cow Bay waterfront area, built in 1905.
Wrangell
Wrangell is one of the most interesting small towns on the Inside Passage. The town began as a Tlingit trading post and became the site of a Russian fort built in 1834. The town has a relaxed feel that allows visitors to wander comfortably and converse with locals from the town. Local attractions are tours to the Stikine River, LeConte Glacier, Petersburg, a number of short walks and AnAn Bear Observatory.
AnAn Bear Sanctuary
Travel by jet boat to Anan Bear Sanctuary, which is located 35 miles southeast from the town of Wrangell. After arriving at Anan Island you will be guided on an informative 15 minute walk, learning about local and native history on your way to the observation decks. This tour is available from early July through until the end of the August when the salmon run finishes for the year
Stikine River Wilderness Tour
Stikine means Great River in Tlingit and as the fastest free flowing river in North America it holds up to its reputation. The mouth of the river is located near Wrangell and is fed by over 100 glaciers as it stretches all the way to British Columbia.
Inside Passage on Alaska Marine Highway System
Local residents use the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries (AMHS) as means of transportation between the towns along the Inside Passage. The ferries can navigate their way through narrow stretches of the Inside Passage that cannot be accessed by larger cruise ships.
Haines
Originally a Russian and Native American trading post, this town provides beautiful views of the Chilkat Mountains and Lynn Canal, North America’s deepest fjord. With only a few small cruise ships docking each summer, Haines has retained its local identity as a quiet South East Alaskan town. Walk the un-crowded streets, explore the shops and quiet cafes, or purchase a bear watching tour or river float trip from local guides. There are regular water taxi services to the nearby town of Skagway.
White Pass Rail Summit Excursion
This historic route, built during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, is known as the ‘Scenic Railway of the World’. With a lot of determination, 450 tonnes of explosives and the work of tens of thousands of men the railway was built. Out of the one hundred thousand people that headed to the Klondike gold fields only thirty to forty thousand made it all the way. A few hundred of those who found gold actually became rich.
Dawson City
More than one hundred years ago, Dawson City was the center of “the largest gold rush the world has ever known”. Today it is one of the best preserved frontier towns in Canada. Wandering the dirt streets and boardwalks, past historic sites and brightly colored wooden buildings gives you a glimpse of the past. Attractions are the Midnight Dome, Dredge #4, Discovery Claim, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s and Author’s Corner with Jack London’s cabin.
Gold Dredge No. 4
Dredge No. 4 was built in 1912 for the Canadian Klondike Mining Company in Dawson City, and was the largest wooden hulled bucket lined dredge in North America. It worked in the Klondike Valley on the "Boyle Concession" until 1940 and then was relocated to Bonanza Creek and worked this valley until 1959.
Riverboat Discovery Tour
The ‘Riverboat Discovery’ tour provides an interesting insight into various aspects of Alaskan rural life such as reindeer herding, dog sledding and fishing. The tour includes a visit to an Athabascan Native Village where you will learn about their traditional way of life.
Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour
This 7-8 hour narrated tour takes you approximately 53 miles into the heart of Denali National Park. Denali National Park has a spectacular centerpiece, Mt McKinley or Denali (Koyukon Athabaskan), the highest mountain in North America. Clear views of this impressive mountain are seldom seen so it’s a special occasion when it comes out on display.
Victoria
Victoria is a delightful harbour side town. The nearby Butchart Gardens are the best known gardens in western Canada. Thousands of flowers are displayed in the Sunken, Rose, Japanese and Italian theme gardens. Other attractions include: Inner Harbour, Royal British Columbia Museum, historic Empress Hotel, Maritime Museum and Market Square, a restored 19th-century courtyard surrounded by a jumble of shops, restaurants, and offices on three floors.
Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour
On the drive from downtown Victoria to the Butchart Gardens we pass by homes, gardens and points of historic interest. Stroll through gardens linked by spacious lawns, streams and lily ponds. Seasonal outdoor afternoon performances and the spectacular Sunken Garden highlight this tour.
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Wed
27
Jun
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VancouverArrival into Vancouver. Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel (2 nights) |
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Thu
28
Jun
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Vancouver - City TourThis morning we take a sightseeing tour of Vancouver. The afternoon is free to explore the city. |
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Fri
29
Jun
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Vancouver to Kamloops on Rocky MountaineerEarly this morning we commence our two day Rocky Mountaineer rail excursion. Hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer (1 night) Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
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Sat
30
Jun
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Kamloops to Banff on Rocky MountaineerWe re-board the Rocky Mountaineer train in the morning and head into The Rocky Mountains on our journey to Banff. Banff Park Lodge (2 nights) Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
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Sun
1
Jul
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BanffA special treat is in store today, as it is Canada Day. Join in the party with the town at Central Park and watch the Canada Day parade march down Banff Avenue. Or you may like to spend this day at leisure exploring the town. |
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Mon
2
Jul
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Banff to Jasper on Icefields ParkwayToday we tour the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We stop at several sights including Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield Centre where we take an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. Marmot Lodge (2 nights) |
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Tue
3
Jul
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JasperOur day is free to explore this picturesque alpine town. |
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Wed
4
Jul
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Jasper to Prince GeorgeWe cross the Yellowhead Pass on the train to Prince George. On clear days there are excellent views of Mt. Robson the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Ramada Inn (1 night) Meals included:
Lunch
Dinner
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Thu
5
Jul
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Prince George to Prince Rupert on VIA RailThis morning we board VIA Rail’s Skeena service for the journey to the port town of Prince Rupert. We will be travelling in touring class, which includes all meals and access to the Park car. Pacific Inn (2 nights) Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Fri
6
Jul
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Prince RupertDay at leisure. |
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Sat
7
Jul
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Prince Rupert to WrangellIn the morning we board an Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry for our voyage to Wrangell. Stikine Inn (4 nights) |
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Sun
8
Jul
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Wrangell - AnAn Bear Viewing TourToday we tour to AnAn Bear Sanctuary. Meals included:
Breakfast
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Mon
9
Jul
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Wrangell - Stikine River Wilderness TourThis morning we take a boat ride, this time through the lower reaches of the Stikine River. Meals included:
Breakfast
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Tue
10
Jul
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WrangellDay at leisure to explore the town. Note: Wrangell schedule subject to change at last moment. Meals included:
Breakfast
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Wed
11
Jul
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Wrangell to Inside PassageWe board our AMHS ferry this morning for the overnight journey to Haines. On board cabin with private facilities (1 night) Meals included:
Breakfast
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Thu
12
Jul
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Inside Passage to HainesWe have an early morning arrival into Haines, giving us time to explore this beautiful town. Captains Choice (2 nights) |
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Fri
13
Jul
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Haines - White Pass & Yukon RailroadWe travel by water taxi to Skagway and explore this well preserved frontier town before boarding the famous White Pass & Yukon Railroad for the journey through to the White Pass Summit and back. We return to Haines by water taxi in the afternoon. |
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Sat
14
Jul
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Haines to WhitehorseWe travel the scenic Haines Hwy today to Haines Junction, Yukon, where we join the Alaska Highway to Whitehorse. Best Western Gold Rush Inn (1 night) |
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Sun
15
Jul
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Whitehorse to Dawson CityWe drive north along the Klondike Highway through ranchlands, vast lakes and the beautiful expanses of the Yukon River Valley to Dawson City which was the heart of the Klondike Goldrush. Eldorado Hotel (2 nights) |
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Mon
16
Jul
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Dawson City - Gold Dredge No. 4This morning we visit Gold Dredge #4 and the Discovery Claim, home to the richest placer gold strike in history. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town which has been declared a national historic site. |
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Tue
17
Jul
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Dawson City to FairbanksToday we drive along the spectacular ‘Top of the World’ and Alaska Highways en-route to Fairbanks. Along the way we pass through Chicken, Tok and Rika’s Roadhouse. Bridgewater Hotel (2 nights) |
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Wed
18
Jul
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Fairbanks - Riverboat Discovery CruiseIn the morning we board the ‘Riverboat Discovery’ for a cruise down the lovely Chena River. The afternoon is free to explore the town. |
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Thu
19
Jul
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Fairbanks to DenaliWe board our luxury motor coach this morning and drive through the heart of Alaska to Denali National Park. The afternoon is free to explore the Park. Denali Grizzly Resort (2 nights) |
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Fri
20
Jul
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Denali - Tundra Wilderness TourToday we join the Tundra Wilderness Tour taking us into the Denali National Park and Preserve. Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
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Sat
21
Jul
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Denali to AnchorageThis morning we re- join the coach for the drive on the Parks Highway to Anchorage. Clarion Suites (2 nights) Meals included:
Breakfast
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Sun
22
Jul
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AnchorageFull day at leisure. Meals included:
Breakfast
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Mon
23
Jul
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Anchorage to VictoriaToday we fly with Alaska Airlines to Seattle, and then to Victoria. Executive House (2 nights) Meals included:
Breakfast
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Tue
24
Jul
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Victoria - Butchart Gardens ExcursionWe travel today to Vancouver Island’s biggest attractions, Butchart Gardens. We’ll have time to relax and truly enjoy this floral display. |
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Wed
25
Jul
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Victoria to VancouverToday we transfer from Victoria to Vancouver International Airport and join our departing flights. If not departing Vancouver on the scheduled group flights, please do not book a flight earlier than 7pm. |
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Thu
26
Jul
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In flight |
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Fri
27
Jul
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Arrive back in Australia |
Tour Notes & Options
Prices based on twin share accommodation, please contact us for single pricing.
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