2022 & 2023 Guided Tours - Cosmos® Affordable Tours

Canadian Masterpiece with Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise (8922)

19 days from Vancouver to Vancouver

2027 Tour Details

Experience the beauty and adventure of western Canada and Alaska on this exciting, value-minded vacation. Explore vibrant Vancouver before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer for an incredible two-day rail journey. Travel through the Fraser and Thompson River canyons and overnight in Kamloops. Continue through the Selkirk Mountains en route to Yoho National Park, wind through the Spiral Tunnels as your train climbs Kicking Horse Pass and cross the Continental Divide into Alberta and Banff National Park.

Spend two nights in Banff with time to hike, relax at the hot springs, watch for wildlife, or perhaps take an optional helicopter ride for spectacular aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. Visit stunning Lake Louise, then travel the Icefields Parkway for a ride aboard the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, where the ice measures up to 750 feet thick! Arrive in Jasper National Park, where you may choose an optional float trip on the Athabasca River and an optional cruise on Maligne Lake to iconic Spirit Island. Journey to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, on your way to the resort town of Sun Peaks. Then spend two nights in Whistler, surrounded by Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Ferry to Vancouver Island and visit beautiful Butchart Gardens, with free time to explore Victoria before returning to Vancouver to board your 7-night Alaska cruise through the breathtaking Inside Passage, visiting scenic ports of call along the way. Return to Vancouver and celebrate your unforgettable Canadian Rockies and Alaska adventure.

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).


Your Tour Includes:

• Guided city sightseeing in Vancouver, featuring Stanley Park and other city highlights
• 2-day, all-daylight rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service, with views of western Canada’s mountains, rivers, and canyons (GoldLeaf Service upgrades are available)
• Entrance fee to Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. home to glacier-fed lakes, mountain peaks, and wildlife
• Orientation tours of Banff, Jasper, Whistler, and Victoria, introducing highlights of each destination
• Ride on the Ice Explorer across the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefields
• Ferry crossing to/from Vancouver Island
• Admission to Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island, featuring 55 acres of floral displays
• Alaskan cruise on Holland America’s MS Zaandam with Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package,’ featuring a signature beverage package, dinner in a specialty restaurant, $100 shore excursion credit, and Wi-Fi package

Start Now. Go Later: Save $400 per couple on select 2027 Cosmos vacations worldwide*
Canadian Masterpiece with Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

2 breakfast, 2 lunches


Notes:

• Visting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and dates of operation.

• Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield (opens in early May), Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion (opens late May to early June), or Moraine Lake optional excursion (opens in early June).

• At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.

• Cruise itineraries are provided by Holland America Line and are up to date at time of printing. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.

• Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.

 Itinerary

Day 1 VANCOUVER

Welcome to Vancouver! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

Once you get settled, perhaps head out and start exploring Vancouver, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. Take a stroll along the waterfront or discover the city’s diverse dining scene with cuisines from around the world.

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Day 2 VANCOUVER

This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, the harbour, beaches, and other city landmarks. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Consider taking a water taxi to Granville Island home to a popular public market, street performers, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown, known for its Steam Clock, antique shops, and art galleries.

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Day 3 VANCOUVER–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train for a two-day, all-daylight rail journey through some of western Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Travel through the Fraser and Thompson River canyons before arriving in Kamloops for the night.

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Breakfast Breakfast
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Day 4 KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer and continue your rail journey along Shuswap Lake, through the Columbia Mountains, and into the Canadian Rockies. Wind through the Spiral Tunnels while climbing Kicking Horse Pass, then cross the Continental Divide into Alberta. Enter Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, for a two-night stay.

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Breakfast Breakfast
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Day 5 BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Join an orientation tour, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps hike one of the park’s many trails, stroll through the Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. Banff National Park is also an excellent place for photography and wildlife watching, with opportunities to spot elk, deer, and bighorn sheep in their natural habitat. Perhaps take an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies for a bird’s-eye view of the mountain landscape. Or stay on the ground and join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to visit gorgeous Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

*This optional excursion begins operating in early June.

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Day 6 BANFF NATIONAL PARK-LAKE LOUISE-COLUMBIA ICEFIELD-JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy a day of spectacular mountain scenery. First visit Lake Louise, where turquoise waters reflect the surrounding peaks. Then travel the Icefields Parkway for a ride aboard the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, where the ice measures up to 750 feet/228 meters thick. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of Jasper. This afternoon, consider an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River.

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Day 7 JASPER NATIONAL PARK-MOUNT ROBSON-SUN PEAKS

Start your day with an optional cruise on Maligne Lake to legendary Spirit Island* where you’ll learn about the history, geology, flora, and fauna of the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Then travel to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue through British Columbia’s Fur Trade and Cariboo regions, with views of rugged mountain landscapes along the way. Watch for wildlife as you continue to Sun Peaks for an overnight stay.

*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.

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Day 8 SUN PEAKS-LILLOOET-WHISTLER

Head south, along the historic Cariboo Wagon Trail. From Lillooet, “Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Route,” follow Cayoosh Creek en route to the resort town of Whistler with an afternoon arrival and orientation tour.

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Day 9 WHISTLER

Today is free to explore Whistler. Choose an optional PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola* ride between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, featuring the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift of its kind. Or consider an optional excursion to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the history, art, and traditions of the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations.

*Operation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is seasonal and may not be available on early departures.

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Day 10 WHISTLER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA

Set sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. In Victoria, sightseeing includes a visit to Butchart Gardens and its 55 acres of floral displays, as well as seeing Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, perhaps take a stroll along Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbour.

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Day 11 VICTORIA

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Victoria. Perhaps browse the shops on Government Street, visit the Royal BC Museum, or enjoy lunch at one of Victoria’s many pubs. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing. Or choose an optional marine wildlife and whale watching expedition, cruising the waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands in search of whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.

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Day 12 VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING-VANCOUVER (EMBARKATION)

Return by ferry to the mainland this morning and bid farewell to your Tour Director before boarding your Holland America cruise ship for a 7-night voyage through the Inside Passage. Your package price includes Holland America’s ‘Have It All Premium Cruise Package.'

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DinnerDinner

Day 13 SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most scenic coastal waterways. Located along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for marine life, including orcas and humpback whales.

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Day 14 JUNEAU

Located at the foot of mountain peaks on Gastineau Channel, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau is home to Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield. Visit the shops in town—or get out and kayak, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee, or fish. With long daylight hours, you’ll have even more time to enjoy Juneau’s outdoor adventures!

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Day 15 SKAGWAY

Skagway is known as the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, when thousands of prospectors passed through town on their way to the Yukon Territory. Visit the Trail of ’98 Museum or the historic Red Onion Saloon to learn more about Skagway’s Gold Rush past, including stories of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie, and other colorful characters. Or simply walk on the wooden boardwalks and browse the shops of this historic frontier town.

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Day 16 SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY

Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park, where snow-capped mountains, forests, and tidewater glaciers create one of Alaska’s most spectacular landscapes. Keep your binoculars and camera ready as you sail to Margerie Glacier, where you may have a chance to witness the dramatic spectacle of ice calving. Watch for wildlife along the shoreline and in the water, including humpback whales, grizzly bears, and other native species.

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Day 17 KETCHIKAN

Named Alaska’s “First City,” as the first major port of call for many cruises sailing the Inside Passage, Ketchikan sits along the Tongass Narrows and is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. Known for its salmon fishing and Native Alaskan heritage, Ketchikan offers opportunities to try your luck on an optional sport-fishing excursion, savor fresh local seafood, or learn about the traditions of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples.

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Breakfast Breakfast
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Day 18 SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE

One of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to famed Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, with humpback whales and orca plying the bountiful waters, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.

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Day 19 VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after noon.

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

JENNIFER ROBERTS

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

Hi, I am Jennifer Roberts. I was born and raised near Vancouver, BC, and I am a traveler, adventurer, and lifelong learner. While backpacking around the world, I fell in love with wild places, new experiences, and fresh perspectives. I have spent years guiding guests through Canada, South America, and Antarctica. I have been a Tour Director with the Globus family since 2013, and I have traveled independently to over 75 countries on 7 continents. I am thrilled to share my love of the natural world with guests from all over the globe and looking forward to helping make your travel dreams come true!

Tour Director - JENNIFER ROBERTS

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Banff
Jasper
Sun Peaks
Whistler
Victoria

Banff

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter Tours

Discover unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies and the Banff National Park region by helicopter. There are several options to choose from, but all deliver spectacular opportunities for a once in a lifetime experience in the Rockies.

Price Range: $$$$

Canyons & Peaks of the Canadian Rockies with Moraine Lake

Canyons & Peaks of the Canadian Rockies with Moraine Lake

Visit the world-famous Moraine Lake, nestled in the breathtaking Valley of the Ten Peaks - a truly iconic and exclusive destination in the Canadian Rockies. With personal vehicle access no longer permitted, reaching Moraine Lake is now a privilege reserved for the select few, making our visit all the more special! Often called the Crown Jewel of the Canadian Rockies, Moraine Lake's striking turquoise waters and dramatic mountain setting make for an unforgettable alpine adventure.

Price Range: $$

Jasper

Athabasca River Float Trip

Athabasca River Float Trip

Enjoy some of Jasper National Park's very best scenery from water level on this exciting rafting float trip along the Athabasca River!

Price Range: $$$

Sun Peaks

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Immerse yourself in the very essence of the Canadian Rockies on this exceptional cruise across the glacial waters of Maligne Lake to legendary Spirit Island!

Price Range: $$$

Ultimate Jasper Nature Walk

Ultimate Jasper Nature Walk

Experience the majestic scenery of Jasper National Park on foot. This guided nature walk will feature a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and stunning glacial lakes. Your licensed interpreter will lead this leisurely walk as you explore the abundant flora and fauna along these routes that often offer incredible opportunities to spot wildlife. Marvel at snow-capped peaks during the months of May and early June, in mid-summer the forest and alpine meadows are ablaze in glorious wildflower shades of red, blue, yellow and white. By late August and through the month of September, the mountain landscapes glow with the red, orange, and gold of the Larch and Aspen trees.

Price Range: $$

Whistler

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish and Lil'wat people, proudly invite you to learn about the BC First Nations cultures at this award winning cultural center.

Price Range: $

Floatplane Tour

Floatplane Tour

There's no place quite like Whistler, and there's simply no better way to explore it than from the air during an exciting flightseeing tour!

Price Range: $$$$

Peak to Peak Experience

Peak to Peak Experience

Whistler's pinnacle summer experience is a ride on the Guinness World Record breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Price Range: $$

Ziptrek Adventure

Ziptrek Adventure

Operating in a true old-growth temperate rainforest, your Whistler zipline journey takes you through the forest via suspension bridges, treetop observation platforms, ground based trails and ziplines. Choose from two different zipline excursions.

Price Range: $$$$

Victoria

Marine Wildlife & Whale-Watching Expedition

Marine Wildlife & Whale-Watching Expedition

Discover the wildlife wonders of Vancouver Island during this inspiring cruise in search of the area's abundant marine animals and pods of orca whales!

Price Range: $$$$



The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.