DAY 1
The Fairmont Empress, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
The Fairmont Empress captures the spirit and energy of Vancouver Island and the beauty of this seaside city. Regarded as a Condé Nast Readers’ Choice and Gold List hotel, and honoured with the Travel + Leisure distinction as a top Canadian hotel, the Fairmont Empress is an iconic presence in Victoria’s sparkling harbour. Victoria captivates with its British colonial charm, highlighted by the magnificent Parliament Buildings and the iconic Empress Hotel. Vancouver Island offers a unique blend of outdoor exploration, cultural experiences,and coastal tranquility, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and urban explorers alike.
DAY 3
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Vancouver Island’s celebrated luxury outpost Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge skirts the banks of its namesake ocean inlet, Clayoquot Sound and offers an escape to the still, tranquil beauty of Canada’s remote wilderness. Accessible only by seaplane or boat, the journey to Clayoquot is symbolic of a real departure from the everyday. Set among magnificent conifer forests, the lodge offers guests an unforgettable experience of the landscape and its wildlife. Adventure-filled days are bolstered by local produce-driven, sustainable dining, fine wines, world-class accommodation and the chance to unwind in generously appointed campaign-style guest tents.
Vancouver Island is a breathtaking destination that seamlessly blends stunning natural beauty with vibrant urban centres. The island boasts diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains and ancient rainforests to picturesque beaches and charming coastal towns. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on countless adventures, from hiking along the rugged West Coast Trail to kayaking through the tranquil waters of the Gulf Islands. Vancouver Island is also home to Pacific Rim National Park, where visitors can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Long Beach and immerse themselves in the rich marine life of the area.
DAY 6
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a delicious juxtaposition of urban sophistication and on-your-doorstep wilderness adventure. The mountains and seascape make the city an outdoor playground for hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling, and sailing—and so much more—while the cuisine and arts scenes are equally diverse, reflecting the makeup of Vancouver’s ethnic (predominantly Asian) mosaic. Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, and it’s easy for visitors to see why. It’s beautiful, it’s outdoorsy, and there’s a laidback West Coast vibe. On the one hand, there’s easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, a fabulous variety of beaches, and amazing parks. At the same time, the city has a multicultural vitality and cosmopolitan flair.
DAY 7
Inside Passage
Cruising the Inside Passage is a truly mesmerising experience that takes travellers on a breathtaking journey through some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in the world. This picturesque route, nestled between the rugged mountains of Alaska and the lush forests of British Columbia, offers an enchanting blend of natural wonders and wildlife encounters. As the cruise ship glides through calm waters, passengers are treated to panoramic views of towering glaciers, misty fjords and cascading waterfalls. The air is filled with the crisp scent of pine trees, and the serene atmosphere is occasionally broken by the sighting of majestic whales, playful dolphins or soaring eagles.
DAY 8
Icy Strait Point
Since Icy Strait Point opened in 2004, Hoonah has attracted more visitors, particularly those who arrive by cruise ship. The port is centred around the restored salmon cannery, which now houses a museum, local arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and a mid-1930s cannery line display. Outside is the world’s largest and highest zip line at 5,330 feet long, featuring a 1,300-foot vertical drop—a thrilling ride with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. If you’re looking for more relaxing mountaintop views, book a gondola ride that will whisk you up into the mountains for some leisurely hiking and stellar sightseeing. Icy Strait Point houses several restaurants where visitors can dine on freshly caught seafood while taking in the waterfront views. A range of excursions are available at Icy Strait Point catering primarily to cruise ship passengers, from Alaska Native dance performances to bear viewing and whale watching.
DAY 9
Hubbard Glacier
DAY 10
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau, Alaska’s capital and third-largest city, is on the North American mainland but can’t be reached by road. Bounded by steep mountains and water, the city’s geographic isolation and compact size make it much more akin to an island community such as Sitka than to other Alaskan urban centres, such as Fairbanks or Anchorage. Juneau is full of contrasts. Its dramatic hillside location and historic downtown buildings provide a frontier feeling, but the city’s cosmopolitan nature comes through in fine museums, noteworthy restaurants, and a literate and outdoorsy populace. The Walter Soboleff Center offers visitors a chance to learn about the indigenous cultures of Southeast Alaska–Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Other highlights include the Mt. Roberts Tramway, plenty of densely forested wilderness areas, quiet bays for sea kayaking and even a famous drive-up glacier, Mendenhall Glacier.
DAY 11
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is famous for its colourful totem poles, rainy skies, steep streets, and lush island setting. Some 13,500 people call the town home, and, in the summer, cruise ships crowd the shoreline, floatplanes depart noisily for Misty Fiords National Monument, and salmon-laden commercial fishing boats motor through Tongass Narrows. Art lovers should make a beeline for Ketchikan: the arts community here is very active. Travellers in search of the perfect piece of Alaska art will find an incredible range of pieces to choose from.The town is at the foot of 3,000-foot Deer Mountain, near the southeastern corner of Revillagigedo (locals shorten it to Revilla) Island. You will still find some of Southeast’s best salmon fishing around here. Ketchikan is the first bite of Alaska that many travellers taste. Despite its imposing backdrop, hillside homes, and many staircases, the town is relatively easy to walk through. Favourite downtown stops include the Spruce Mill Development shops and Creek Street. A bit farther away you’ll find the Totem Heritage Center. Out of town (but included on most bus tours) are two longtime favourites: Totem Bight State Historical Park to the north and Saxman Totem Park to the south.
DAY 12
Inside Passage
Cruising the Inside Passage is a truly mesmerising experience that takes travellers on a breathtaking journey through some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in the world. This picturesque route, nestled between the rugged mountains of Alaska and the lush forests of British Columbia, offers an enchanting blend of natural wonders and wildlife encounters. As the cruise ship glides through calm waters, passengers are treated to panoramic views of towering glaciers, misty fjords and cascading waterfalls. The air is filled with the crisp scent of pine trees, and the serene atmosphere is occasionally broken by the sighting of majestic whales, playful dolphins or soaring eagles.
DAY 13
L’Hermitage Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia
L’Hermitage Hotel is family-friendly city hotel is located on the corner of Richards and Robson Street, in the very heart of Vancouver’s hottest shopping and entertainment district and only blocks from its financial centre. Vancouver is a delicious juxtaposition of urban sophistication and on-your-doorstep wilderness adventure. The mountains and seascape make the city an outdoor playground for hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling, and sailing—and so much more—while the cuisine and arts scenes are equally diverse, reflecting the makeup of Vancouver’s ethnic (predominantly Asian) mosaic. Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, and it’s easy for visitors to see why. It’s beautiful, it’s outdoorsy, and there’s a laidback West Coast vibe. On the one hand, there’s easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, a fabulous variety of beaches, and amazing parks. At the same time, the city has a multicultural vitality and cosmopolitan flair.
DAY 15
Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer is an iconic train journey that transports passengers on a remarkable voyage through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and luxurious travel experience, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a unique blend of comfort and awe-inspiring landscapes. As the train glides along its meticulously curated routes, travellers are treated to panoramic views of majestic mountains, emerald forests and cascading waterfalls. The spacious and elegantly designed glass-domed coaches provide unobstructed views, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the passing wilderness. Attentive hosts provide exceptional service, offering insights into the history, culture and wildlife of the region. Gourmet cuisine, featuring regional delicacies, tantalises the taste buds, while onboard storytelling and engaging commentary enhance the journey.
DAY 16
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta, Canada
Alberta’s landscape encompasses mountains, prairies, desert badlands and vast coniferous forests. It has more than 600 lakes, and rich mineral deposits. In the west, the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks have glaciers in the Columbia Icefields. The Waterton Glacier International Peace Park is a biosphere reserve that straddles the southern border with the USA. The Lodge is a 700-acre year-round luxury mountain resort which wraps around the shores of the pristine lake Lac Beauvert and Canada’s #1 Golf Resort Course. The resort’s charming village of cedar chalets and Luxury Signature Cabins, all connected by picturesque paths, offer guests unique access to explore the natural environment of the hotel within the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
DAY 17
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel is located in Alberta’s Banff National Park. Originally built as a base for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists over 100 years ago, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a year-round luxury mountain resort offering guided mountain tours, world-class skiing in the winter, scenic hiking and canoe activities in the summer, a luxury spa & exceptional dining experiences.
DAY 20
Hotel X Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Hotel X Toronto is the latest and most luxurious urban resort in Downtown Toronto. Situated squarely on the iconic Exhibition Place grounds, overlooking the Lake Ontario waterfront, opposite the Enercare Centre, and perfectly located near the region’s most popular attractions, Hotel X Toronto spans three distinct spaces and offers unprecedented accommodations, entertainment and athletics. Toronto, the vibrant metropolis located on the shores of Lake Ontario, is a dynamic city that captivates visitors with its diversity, cultural richness and bustling energy. Known as Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a melting pot of cultures, offering a wide array of cuisines, festivals and neighbourhoods to explore. The city’s iconic skyline is adorned with architectural marvels like the CN Tower, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. From the bustling streets of downtown to the charming districts of Kensington Market and Distillery District, Toronto offers a blend of world-class shopping, vibrant arts and entertainment, and a thriving food scene.
