Peak to Permafrost: Rockies to Alaska's Natural Knighthood

• Day 1: Calgary - The Gateway to Adventure

Your journey commences in Calgary, the vibrant gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Touch down in this cosmopolitan city, the anticipation builds for the awe-inspiring natural wonders and cultural treasures that await you on this remarkable adventure.

• Day 2: Lake Louise - Embracing the Cowboy Spirit

Immersing yourselves in the authentic cowboy spirit of Western Canada, stop at a local ranch for a line dancing lesson and a wagon ride in search of majestic buffalo, with the soaring peaks serving as your backdrop. After savoring a traditional Albertan barbecue lunch, you arrive at the picturesque village of Lake Louise, where the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, nestled on the banks of the lake.

• Day 3: Banff - Pristine Beauty and Rare Gemstones

A leisurely morning allows you to admire the tranquil turquoise waters of Lake Louise before embarking on a scenic drive through Banff National Park. Witness the powerful cascades of Bow Falls and the picture-perfect panoramas of Surprise Corner. The charming downtown of Banff beckons to explore at your leisure.

• Day 4: Icefields Parkway - A Journey through Glacial Splendor

Today, embark on a journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway, a route that unveils a tapestry of natural wonders. Impressive waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs, and snowcapped mountain ranges leave you in awe.

At the Athabasca Glacier, you will have the opportunity to ride across this 1,000-foot-thick mass of glacial ice or take a walk on the breathtaking Columbia Icefield Skywalk, savoring panoramic views of the Sunwapta Valley from a glass-floored platform.

• Day 5: Rocky Mountaineer - Iconic Rail Journey Through History

Boarding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, embark on an awe-inspiring rail journey through some of the world's most majestic scenery. Beyond sparkling glass windows, history comes alive as you traverse the legendary rail route that united Canada as a nation. Pass through century-old Spiral Tunnels and along the powerful Kicking Horse River, keeping an eye out for wildlife like moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional bear. Your day ends in the city of Kamloops, where you overnight.

• Day 6: Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver's Coastal Splendor

Continuing your journey west through river canyons and snowcapped mountains, we gaze out at the stunning panorama of the mighty Fraser River and the raging white waters of Hell's Gate. As the landscape transforms, savor views of the deep-green coastal forests and the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains. After another beautiful day onboard Rocky Mountaineer, you will arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver.

• Day 7: Vancouver - Nature's Urban Oasis

Exploration of Vancouver begins with an ascent of Grouse Mountain on an enclosed gondola, offering panoramic views in every direction. Enjoy breakfast on the peak and meet two rescued grizzly bears, learning about their remarkable story.

Afterward, a sightseeing tour takes you to Stanley Park, Canada's renowned urban rainforest, where you will follow the famous seawall and discover trails, beaches, historical landmarks, and colorful gardens. At the picturesque Granville Island Public Market, stroll past stalls brimming with handmade crafts and artisanal food producers, immersing yourselves in the city's vibrant culinary scene.

• Day 8-9: Embarkation - Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage

After a free morning in Vancouver, embark on your Holland America cruise, setting sail along Alaska's magnificent Inside Passage, an extensive coastal route renowned for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

As the cruise glides along the Inside Passage, breathtaking vistas of rugged coastlines, emerald-green forests, and snow-capped mountains. This remarkable journey offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska's most iconic wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, and brown bears, creating unforgettable memories.

• Day 10: Tracy Arm Inlet and Juneau - Glacial Wonders and Alaska's Capital

First port of call is the awe-inspiring Tracy Arm Inlet, a fjord flanked by steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains. In the afternoon, arrive in Juneau, the most remote U.S. state capital, surrounded by water, forests, and mountains, offering a glimpse into Alaska's rugged beauty.

• Day 11: Skagway - Reliving the Gold Rush Era

In historic Skagway, step back in time to relive Alaska's Gold Rush days. The "Gateway to the Klondike" and home of the famed Chilkoot Trail, this town's cries of "gold in the Yukon!" still echo through its spectacular natural setting.

• Day 12: Glacier Bay National Park - A Glacial Treasure Trove

Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, unveils a treasure trove of tidewater glaciers and scenic coastal islands. This rich world of marine life and glaciers showcases Alaska at its finest, leaving you in awe of nature's grandeur.

• Day 13: Ketchikan - The Salmon Capital and Totem Pole Legacy

Ketchikan, known as the "salmon capital of the world" and the "city of totems." Home to the world's largest collection of totem poles, this tranquil island offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

• Day 15: Vancouver - Farewell to Nature's Grandeur

As this remarkable journey through the Canadian Rockies and Alaska's Inside Passage comes to a close, disembark in vibrant Vancouver, your hearts filled with cherished memories of soaring peaks, ancient glaciers, pristine wilderness, and the grandeur of nature's masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on your souls.