Late Summer Alaska & Canada Escorted Group Tour 2012
22 Jul - 21 Aug 2012
Trip Code: GCF2
Discover the towering mountains, shimmering lakes, tree covered islands, dense forests and kilometres of vast coastline that distinguish British Columbia, as much as Vancouver with its fascinating blend of European and Asian cultures. With large caribou herds migrating across Alaska’s interior, millions of salmon spawning in its rivers and the bears attracted to this fine meal, Alaska provides wildlife viewing at its finest. We also do a shorter version of this trip, Late Summer Alaska & Inside Passage group tour. |
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Seattle
Seattle is the largest city in Washington State. Seattle is encircled by water on every side with two massive mountain ranges, the Olympic range is to the east and Cascade to the west. The city is diverse and cosmopolitan with great restaurants, cafes and attractions such as the Seattle Art Museum, Experience Music Project and a charming waterfront area. Pike Place Market creates a colourful atmosphere with fresh fish, local produce and food booths. Interestingly Seattle is the birth place of such companies as Starbucks, Nordstrom, Boeing and Microsoft.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks was originally a trading post when gold was found in 1902. Today the city is a blend of old and new; modern shopping strips stand beside log cabins and historic buildings. A popular highlight is the Riverboat Discover; a sternwheeler ride down the Tanana River and Eldorado Gold Mine. During certain months, Fairbanks has some of the best northern lights viewing in the world.
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.
Anchorage
Anchorage began as a tent city during the building of the Alaska Railroad in 1914. It is located in a valley at the base of the Chugach Mountains. During the summer months, the streets are filled with brightly coloured hanging flower baskets.
Sitka
Situated on the west side of Baranof Island, Sitka is one of the most beautiful towns on the Inside Passage. The town has retained much of its original architecture from the period when Russia controlled Alaska. Major highlights include the renowned Raptor Rehabilitation Center, whale watching, Saint Michael’s Cathedral and other Russian heritage sites.
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.
Skagway
Skagwayis situated at the head of the Lynn Canal and is surrounded by glacier capped mountains. The area experienced crowds of people during the summer of 1898 in search of Klondike gold. Today it remains one of the best preserved gold rush towns in America. Stroll along wooden boardwalks past colorful false fronted buildings built over 100 years ago. Attractions are a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, a visit to the ghost town of Dyea, or take a day trip to the nearby town of Haines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Prince George
Prince George is a modern city surrounded by natural beauty. It is the regional center for health, education and government services. The town has over 120 parks and museums. Ask a local guide to point out any wild edible fruit in season like huckleberries or gooseberries.
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.
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.
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.
Lac Le Jeune
Lac Le Jeune is a lake and provincial park in British Columbia, Canada, located approximately 37 kilometers south of Kamloops. The lake is located within a 213-hectare provincial park run by the British Columbia Ministry of the Environment and is a popular fishing spot for "fighting" Rainbow Trout.
Whistler
Whistler began as a small skiing village and has now become a world class resort with year round activities. Set in alpine scenery, this village has something for everyone. Ride the gondola to the top of the mountain for spectacular scenery, go hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or make a trip to one of the many spas. Nightlife thrives in the village, with numerous gourmet restaurants and boutique breweries to choose from.
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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Sun
22
Jul
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Australia to SeattleOn arrival into Seattle transfer to Radisson Airport Hotel (1 night) |
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Mon
23
Jul
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Seattle to FairbanksToday we fly to Fairbanks, the largest city in Interior Alaska. On arrival, we undertake a brief sightseeing tour including a visit to the Trans Alaska Pipeline. Bridgewater Hotel (2 nights) |
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Tue
24
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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Wed
25
Jul
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Fairbanks to DenaliWe board the Alaska Railroad this morning for a journey 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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Thu
26
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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Fri
27
Jul
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Denali to AnchorageWe have the morning free in Denali before reboarding the Alaska Railroad for an evening arrival into Anchorage. Quality Inn (2 night) Meals included:
Breakfast
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Sat
28
Jul
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AnchorageFull day at leisure. Meals included:
Breakfast
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Sun
29
Jul
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Anchorage to SitkaToday we board an Alaska Airlines flight to Sitka. Westmark (2 nights) Meals included:
Breakfast
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Mon
30
Jul
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SitkaOur day is free to explore the town. |
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Tue
31
Jul
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Sitka to Juneau to HainesToday we travel to Haines via Juneau, including a light plane ride for a spectacular flight over the Juneau Icefield and Lynne Canal. Captain’s Choice (2 nights) |
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Wed
1
Aug
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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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Thu
2
Aug
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Haines to Inside PassageThe morning is free to enjoy Haines before we board an AMHS ferry for the overnight journey to Wrangell. Cabin with private facilities (1 night) |
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Fri
3
Aug
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Inside Passage to WrangellWe continue sailing on the ferry towards Wrangell. Stikine Inn (3 nights) |
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Sat
4
Aug
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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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Sun
5
Aug
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Wrangell - AnAn Bear Viewing TourToday we tour to AnAn Bear Sanctuary. Meals included:
Breakfast
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Mon
6
Aug
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Wrangell to Inside PassageWe have most of the day free to explore the town. In the evening we board an AMHS ferry and sail south towards Prince Rupert. Onboard cabin with private facilities (1 night) Meals included:
Breakfast
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Tue
7
Aug
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Inside Passage to Prince RupertThis morning we arrive in Prince Rupert. The day is at our leisure to explore this friendly port town. The historic harbour is beautifully preserved at Cow Bay and there are some great exhibits at the museum of Northern British Columbia. Pacific Inn (1 night) |
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Wed
8
Aug
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Prince Rupert to Prince GeorgeToday we board VIA Rail’s Skeena service for the journey to Prince George. We will travel in touring class which includes all meals and access to the Park car. Highlights of the trip include views of the Coast Mountains and the Skeena River. Ramada Inn (1 night) Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Thu
9
Aug
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Prince George to JasperIn the morning we re-board the train and travel along the Yellowhead route into the Rocky Mountains. On clear days there are excellent views of Mount Robson. Marmot Lodge (2 nights) Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Fri
10
Aug
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JasperOur day is free to explore this picturesque alpine town. |
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Sat
11
Aug
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Jasper to Banff 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. Banff Park Lodge (2 nights) |
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Sun
12
Aug
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BanffDay at leisure to explore the attractions of Banff. |
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Mon
13
Aug
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Banff to Lac Le JeuneToday we board our motor coach for the full day trip to the dry interior of British Columbia and the beautiful setting of Lac Le Jeune. Our journey today takes us from the high alpine of the Alberta Rockies through the picturesque town of Revelstoke, Shuswap Lake, and finally onto our lakeside lodge. Lac Le Jeune Resort (1 night) Meals included:
Lunch
Dinner
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Tue
14
Aug
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Lac Le Jeune to WhistlerWe re-board the motor coach in the morning and travel along the high plateau before entering the Coast Mountains and the all-seasons resort of Whistler. Delta Whistler Suites (2 nights) Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
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Wed
15
Aug
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WhistlerToday we are at leisure in North America’s number one recreational resort. |
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Thu
16
Aug
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Whistler to VictoriaWe travel along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway today to Horseshoe Bay, where we board our ferry to Departure Bay. Before arriving into Victoria, we briefly tour some of the towns along the coast of Vancouver Island. Executive House Hotel (2 nights) |
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Fri
17
Aug
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Victoria - Butchart GardensWe travel today to Vancouver Island’s biggest attraction, Butchart Gardens. We’ll have time to relax and truly enjoy this beautiful garden. |
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Sat
18
Aug
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Victoria to VancouverIn the morning we travel across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver. Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel (1 night) |
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Sun
19
Aug
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Vancouver departureWe have almost a full day at leisure in Vancouver before boarding our outbound flights. |
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Mon
20
Aug
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In flight |
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Tue
21
Aug
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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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