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Wildlife of British Columbia + Alaska Cruise
21 DAYS FROM £2408

This holiday has departures available between: 7th Sep 2009 to 7th Sep 2009

Immerse yourself in British Columbia's wildlife wonderland before witnessing awe-inspiring scenery on a cruise of the Inside Passage and on to Alaska.

Holiday Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Vancouver.
Fly to Vancouver where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: Vancouver (included sightseeing) - Whistler.
Considered Canada's most beautiful city, Vancouver enjoys a spectacular location between British Columbia's Burrard Inlet and stunning, snow-capped mountains. Today your adventure starts with a tour of this charming city's main attractions, taking in its beaches and harbour area, cobbled Gastown district, lively Chinatown and stunning Stanley Park. Afterwards, travel to Whistler where we visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre where you can see historical and contemporary exhibits, textiles, cedar carvings and artist demonstrations. This evening is yours to take some time to explore this stunning resort.

DAY 3: Whistler.
Named after the whistling sound of local marmots, Whistler sits above Lake Alta in British Columbia's pine-cloaked Blackcomb Mountains and is embraced by a lush natural wilderness. This morning, enjoy a guided nature walk to learn about the area's flora and fauna, with a chance to spot black-tailed deer, marmots, bald eagles and even black bears. The rest of the day and evening is yours to enjoy Whistler further, perhaps with a horseback ride, shopping or dining at one of its many international restaurants.

DAY 4: Whistler - Campbell River.
After sailing the Strait of Georgia past the picturesque Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island, we drive to Campbell River, the 'salmon capital of the world', and also the traditional territory of the Laichwiltach people of the First Nation - British Columbia's original inhabitants before the Europeans and Americans arrived.

DAY 5: Campbell River - Telegraph Cove - Campbell River. Included wildlife & whale safari.
This morning, head north to Telegraph Cove, a tiny sawmill community in a wild northern region, which is one of the world's premier Orca (killer whale) watching locations. Here, you'll board a specially equipped cruise boat for a thrilling trip into the seas around Vancouver Island to spot the Orcas that frequent this area. Keep your cameras poised for glimpses of these majestic beasts, as well as porpoise, dolphins and birds, while learning from trained naturalists on the boat. Listen out for the sounds made by the Orcas - your boat is equipped with underwater microphones to capture their vocalisations.
Note: Please note that although the success rate for viewing Orcas is 90%, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

DAY 6: Campbell River.
A whole day free to enjoy the scenery and pursuits of the breathtaking region around the Campbell River. There is the chance to rent a bike, play golf, journey to nearby Quadra Island or relax at the spa. For a truly unique experience don snorkel and fins to swim with the salmon returning up river to spawn (between Jul-Oct). This evening, round off your day by strolling along Campbell River's scenic waterfront and relax in one of its charming restaurants or pubs.

DAY 7: Campbell River - Tofino.
Today, drive to Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the westernmost point on Vancouver Island. On the way, stop for a stroll at the Cathedral Grove, an incredible wood of 800 year old Douglas firs towering 150-200 feet high into the sky. This afternoon is free to explore the shops and galleries of Tofino, a pretty fishing town on the entrance to Clayoquot Sound. Why not take a beachside stroll before enjoying a supper of local fresh salmon or Dungeness crab?

DAY 8: Tofino. Bear and whale watching tour.
Another highlight of your adventure awaits - an exciting bear and whale watching tour. Cruising Clayoquot Sound, you'll have the opportunity to observe Gray whales, sea lions, sea otters and seals together with a huge variety of birds, such as tufted puffins and bald eagles, all in one sensational setting. Your boat will also hug calm inlets and sheltered bays in search of the region's black bears, which frequently forage on the shores for their favourite delicacy, rock crabs. These superb animals can weigh up to 600 pounds and be over 5 feet tall.
Note: Please note that although the success rate for sightings is high, they cannot be guaranteed.

DAY 9: Tofino - Victoria. Included sightseeing.
Bid farewell to this untouched Pacific region and drive south to Victoria. Arriving in the 'City of Gardens', enjoy an intriguing tour of this beautiful city, taking in famous Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unique displays of totem poles. The evening is at leisure for you to explore the city.

DAY 10: Victoria - Vancouver.
This morning return to Vancouver, where you'll have the rest of the day to reacquaint yourself with this incredible city. Tonight, why not end your wildlife adventure on a high note? Join our optional sunset dinner cruise on an authentic paddle wheeler to enjoy a fabulous supper served up with glorious views of Vancouver Harbour.

DAY 11-12: Vancouver.
Remain in your Vancouver hotel, for the next two nights.

DAY 13: Cruise departure.
Transfer to your cruise ship, MS Volendam, for embarkation. Sailing time is around 5pm. This evening enjoy a lavish à la carte dinner. (D)

DAY 14: Inside Passage cruising.
The beauty of the Inside Passage will amaze you as you cruise through 1,000 miles of epic scenery, towering glaciated mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands and virgin forests. There is also plenty of animal and marine life to look out for: sea lions, eagles and porpoises. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Cruising - Juneau.
An afternoon arrival in Juneau, Alaska's capital. The city has a gold rush story to rival that of Klondike, and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. An optional wildlife cruise and salmon fishing will normally be available, and you'll also have the opportunity to take an optional excursion to Juneau's own glacier, Mendenhall. This impressive river of blue ice is about 1.5 miles wide and over 12 miles long! (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Cruising - Skagway.
Morning arrival in Skagway, Alaska's gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush in Canada's Yukon. Skagway was the turbulent staging point for prospectors and still has old-fashioned weathered boardwalks and old-time saloons. Optional sightseeing includes a ride in a vintage parlour car to see the White Pass and Yukon route. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore some more, before setting sail again late this evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 17: Cruising - Glacier Bay.
Cruise into spectacular Glacier Bay early this morning, where forests give way to a rugged landscape rising to rocky peaks. Sixteen huge mountains converge to create an awe-inspiring panoramic wonder, a dramatic scene of awesome glaciers and massive icebergs. Wildlife is abundant, and you may spot eagles, seals, mountain goats, moose and bears in their natural habitat. (B, L, D)

DAY 18: Cruising - Ketchikan.
An afternoon arrival in colourful Ketchikan, situated on Revillagigedo Island and known as the 'salmon capital of the world'. Here, a picturesque harbour shelters fishing boats and seaplanes. A wide choice of optional excursions will be available, including an outing to see Indian Heritage Villages, Totem Bight State Park and 'flightseeing' to Misty Fjords National Monument. Mid-evening departure from Ketchikan. (B, L, D)

DAY 19: Cruising.
Continue cruising south along British Columbia's spectacular coastline. Animal and marine life are abundant in this area and with a little luck you may spot a pod of mighty, yet graceful, killer whales. (B, L, D)

DAY 20: Vancouver - UK.
On arrival at the cruise terminal, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 21: Home landing in the UK.

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Wildlife of British Columbia + Alaska Cruise
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