Today you’ll embark the regal Queen Elizabeth in Vancouver for your voyage to Alaska. Enjoy Cunard’s unrivalled heritage, sense of occasion and array of activities, including glamorous ballroom-dancing, lawn bowls and traditional afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters. You’ll have plenty of time to unwind on board with a serene spa and relaxing lounges.

Unwind at the Mareel Wellness & Beauty Spa, an on board sanctuary with a range of transformative treatments, and a truly relaxing ambiance. Enjoy mesmerising sunsets on board from the comfort of your own private balcony, or from the Commodore Club which boasts glorious panoramic views. Head to the Commodore Club, after dinner, to be beguiled by the resident pianist over an evening drink. Live music will become an unmistakable signature of your cruise, especially of an evening.

Skagway is a compact city in south-east Alaska, set along the popular cruise route, The Inside Passage. It is home to many gold-rush-era buildings, now preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad still operate vintage locomotives along the famously steep Chilkoot trail, that offers majestic mountain views during its climb towards Canada.

Today you’ll enjoy your first experience of incredible scenic cruising. Stare in wonder at the sight of the giant wall of blue-tinged ice that is the Hubbard Glacier. Sitting along Alaskan coastline, the Hubbard Glacier measures six miles wide and 400 feet tall. This breath taking glacier, constantly sheds ice, providing an awe-inspiring view. While the glacier has had two major surges in the last 30 years, it is more of a sleeping giant although it still calves icebergs that can be up to 3 or 4 stories high.

Savour a second breath-taking scenic cruising experience as you approach Glacier Bay. As its name suggests, Glacier Bay is an enchanting destination where blue-tinged glaciers lie at the base of snow-capped mountains and the wildlife is as spectacular as anywhere on the planet. There is also mile after mile of pristine pine forests that have carpeted the land for millennia. Grab a cup of warming hot chocolate and stand on the elegant teak deck of Queen Elizabeth to marvel at the passing scenery on this scenic cruise.

Victoria combines the old world charm of afternoon tea and antique shops with a confident new outlook, evident in its bohemian shops and innovative restaurants. Chains and necklaces of lights decorate Victoria from the parliament building to the harbour which glow with a magical hue. This bicycle-friendly seaside city is easy to explore and boasts abundant parkland. Visit the beautiful Craigdarroch Castle and Butchart Gardens, stroll through Canada’s oldest Chinatown or take a fascinating wildlife tour.

Returning to Vancouver, it’s time to disembark Queen Elizabeth for a four-night city escape in this west coast city. Explore fascinating landmarks, including the Vancouver Aquarium, the VanDusen Botanical Garden, the Museum of Anthropology and Vancouver Art Gallery before savouring the city’s delightful dining scene.

Whilst your time in Vancouver is yours to enjoy at your leisure, we encourage you to immerse yourselves in a guided half-day whale watching tour*, an experience you will treasure for a lifetime. Step on board the Salish Sea Freedom, for a whale watching and wildlife tour from downtown Vancouver lasting 4-5 hours. The luxury catamaran, Salish Sea Freedom, is a high-speed vessel specifically built for whale watching, and offers extraordinary stability despite its high speeds; making for an exhilarating but safe, intimate experience. This excursion is led by a guide with an extensive knowledge of Vancouver Island and its wildlife and marine species.

*Please note that whilst the option to participate in this tour is guaranteed, the tour may take place on another date during your Vancouver stay.

Today you’ll embark Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury rail journey that glides through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, filled with stunning sights from dramatic gorges to sparkling lakeside beauties. Settling into your seat, gaze out of your window at the green pine forests and enjoy particular highlights such as Fraser River and the mesmerising white waters of Hell’s Gate.

Upgrade to the GoldLeaf Service

With the option to upgrade to Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service (SilverLeaf is the standard cabin grade), you could experience undulating panoramas (pictured) of the sublime Canadian Rockies through the train’s full glass-dome windows.

On the next part of your journey on board Rocky Mountaineer, you’ll experience the diverse landscapes of Canada from dense vegetation to spectacular alpine lake scenes. Marvel at the sight of turquoise waters snaking through deep valleys and sheer cliff faces while dining on regional inspired dishes such as Fraser River grilled salmon with Okanagan wines. You’ll then reach the lively resort town of Banff where you’ll enjoy a one-night stay.

With two-day tickets to attend the Calgary Stampede, you'll be transferred to and from your hotel to attend the largest rodeo show in the world. Taking place over just ten days each year, your tickets offer an exclusive opportunity to witness this remarkable event that very first took place in 1912. You’ll find the locals’ spirit infectious as you head to your first day at this high-spirited celebration of all things Wild West. Witness the nail-bitingly intense chuckwagon derby, steer wrestling and barrel racing, and sample the diverse selection of food trucks on hand, with everything from pancakes drenched in maple syrup to gourmet hot dogs.