Springtime in the Canadian Rockies - 12 Day Tour
Combine a U.S. Pacific Coast cruise aboard Holland America's ms Amsterdam with a week traveling through the Canadian Rockies by rail and coach and the result is one amazing spring vacation. Highlights include visits to Avalon on Catalina Island and Victoria, British Columbia, travel aboard VIA Rail's famous Canadian train from Vancouver to Jasper, and sightseeing to the Canadian Rockies' must-see destinations including Athabasca Glacier, Maligne Lake, Banff Hot Springs and more!
Day 1 - Depart San Diego, CA
Arrive in San Diego and board Holland America Line's ms Amsterdam this afternoon. Your five-night Pacific Coastal voyage to British Columbia begins this evening as we set sail for Canada. Overnight ship. (D)
Day 2 - Avalon, Catalina Island
Today's port of call is the island haven of Avalon on Catalina Island, located off the coast of California. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Cruising the Pacific
Today brings a relaxing day at sea. As we sail north, make time to enjoy all of the ship's many offerings, savoring life aboard one of the finest ships afloat. Enjoy a special cocktail reception later today, giving you the perfect opporyunity to get to know your fellow travelers. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Cruisinig the Pacific
You have another full day at sea as you sail north along the coast of Oregon. Sleep in, delight in afternoon tea, see a movie, or dine at one of the ship's fine restaurants. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Victoria, British Columbia
Enchanting Victoria is today's port of call. There will be plenty of time to visit Butchart Gardens, the Royal Columbia Museum, or take afternoon tea at the famous Empress Hotel. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Vancouver / VIA Rail's Canadian to Jasper
Arrive in Vancouver this morning and disembark the ship after breakfast. enjoy a sightseeing tour of this lovely city including Queen Elizabeth Park before afternoon tea and evening boarding of VIA Rail's legendary Canadian train for the overnight journey to Jasper. The train is a perfect 1950's time capsule with its famed Vista-Dome cars and a real old-fashioned dining car with first-rate meals and service. Tonight there is time for cocktails in the swank, end of train "Bullet Lounge" as we roll east. Overnight train. (B, AT, D)
Day 7 - Arrive in Jasper
After breakfast the Canadian begins its ascent of the western slope of the Rockies, a spectacle not to be missed! We arrive in lovely Jasper after lunch and transfer to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy this quaint town. Overnight Jasper. (B, L)
Day 8 - Jasper
Take the morning to sleep in or enjoy your lovely surroundings. Later we'll embark on a midday excursion to stunningly beautiful Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake with his haunting views of Spirit Island. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the unhurried charm of this small town. Overnight Jasper. (B, L)
Day 9 - Banff
A stunning day of sightseeing awaits as we travel to Banff via the Columbia Icefields Parkway and enjoy a ride aboard a Sno-Coach to the imposing Athabasca Glacier. Overnight Banff. (B)
Day 10 - Banff Sightseeing
Today brings a full day to enjoy Banff beginning with a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain followed by a visit to the Hot Springs that have made this village famous. Later tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at Le Beaujolais. Overnight Banff. (B, D)
Day 11 - Yoho National Park / Lake Louise
Another magical day awaits with a sightseeing tour to Yoho National Park that takes in Bridal Veil Falls, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. The afternoon is at your leisure to further enjoy this resort town. Overnight Banff. (B, L)
Day 12 - Banff - Calgary
Your springtime adventure ends this morning with our transfer to the Calgary Airport for easy connections to most North American cities. We recommend not booking flights that depart before 1:00 pm.
