THE CANADIAN ROCKIES AND ALASKA An unbeatable way to see amazing natural wonders, barely changed over countless millennia
Combine Canada’s wild west – an irresistible showcase of mountains, wildlife, glaciers, lakes and forests – with a cruise along Alaska’s fabled Inside Passage
First stop of this two-in-one, in-depth discovery tour of Canada and Alaska – encompassing both land and sea – is Vancouver, a lively, attractive waterfront city standing with its feet in the Pacific and its head in the mountains.
Under the expert guidance of your Cosmos tour director, you’ll travel in comfort from Vancouver to Kelowna on the shores of Okanagan Lake – a region full of vineyards and orchards – then on to Banff in the heart of the majestic Canadian Rockies.
After that, you’ll drive to Jasper along the scenic Icefields Parkway, which runs cheek by jowl with a range of rugged, saw-toothed peaks and glaciers. It follows a valley studded with gorgeous emerald lakes, including Lake Louise. Ride the Ice Explorer on the 1,200ft-thick Columbia Icefield. Following the Fraser and Thompson rivers, you’ll visit Whistler, Canada’s most famous ski resort, before taking the ferry to Victoria, the charming provincial capital. Returning to Vancouver, you’ll board the Nieuw Amsterdam – one of Holland America Line’s fleet of 15 mid-size ships – which will carry you in five-star comfort on a scenically stunning voyage.
A cruise along the coast of Alaska, weaving among the islands of the fabled Inside Passage, is an unbeatable way of seeing the amazing natural wonders, barely changed over countless millennia, that this part of the world has to offer.
The highlight is Glacier Bay, a 70-mile-deep fjord with 15 glaciers, often ‘calving’ close to the ship’s beam. Be on the lookout, too, for eagles, whales, sea lions, porpoise and more in their natural habitat.
Aside from a gently moving canvas of natural marvels, ports of call include Sitka, one-time capital of Russian America; Juneau, Alaska’s state capital, where you’ll soak up the bustling waterfront atmosphere; Skagway, gateway to the Klondike gold fields, and Ketchikan, salmon capital of the world. Excursions and adventures on offer include helicopter flights and whitewater rafting.
With more than 70 years’ experience in Alaska travel, Holland America Line’s ships feature artworks that wouldn’t look out of place in a national gallery, as well as teak promenade decks, good food in a choice of restaurants, and gracious hospitality. In between ports of call, you can acquire new skills through cookery demonstrations, and Microsoft-sponsored Digital Workshops or enjoy BBC Earth Frozen Planet concerts.