North by Northwest - Vancouver to Alaska
via the Canadian Rockies & The Inside Passage

Imagine a self-drive itinerary that combined two of the most talked about destinations in North America – Western Canada and Alaska. A journey packed full of highlights and where everyday is different, new scenery and new experiences. Vancouver is an impressive starting point and in between there is the Okanagan region, Banff, Jasper and of course the Canadian Rockies! Alberta’s stunning mountain scenery is unforgettable and the National Parks live up to their reputations. Along the way you have time to enjoy the scenery, hiking or taking numerous side trips and wildlife tours. Then comes the Inside Passage from Prince Rupert to Skagway; a sheltered waterway where the Alaska Ferry visits Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg and Juneau up the line! After disembarking in Skagway, the route follows the old trail of ’98 over the White Pass summit through Whitehorse to Dawson City in the heart of the historic Klondike. Then it’s on to Alaska where the highlights are almost as tall as Mt McKinley and the sun doesn’t set til late! National Parks are icons in North America and this route includes many – one of biggest is Alaska’s Denali National Park. Here bears, moose, caribou and wolves all roam freely and are often spotted by visitors. It’s true – dreams do occasionally come true and we think this extraordinary journey helps make them happen.  

Daily Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrival in Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver. Pick up your car and drive to the hotel. Rated number one city in the world to live in, Vancouver offers fabulous restaurants and hotels, excellent shopping and entertainment. The Aquarium, Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge are just some of the sights to see.   Overnight in Vancouver

Day 2: Vancouver – Kelowna (395 km / 245 miles)
Today start your adventure and enjoy an easy drive today to allow time for additional sightseeing en route. Choice of the fast, Coquihalla Highway direct or leave early and explore the charm of the Okanagan en route via Hwy 3. Kelowna is located in the Okanagan Valley which produces about 95% of BC wines. Set amidst the picturesque Cascade Mountains, the valley region has over 70 wineries producing interesting varieties. Overnight in Kelowna

Day 3: Kelowna – Revelstoke (193 km / 120 miles)
Visit the historic O'Keefe Ranch and continue along Shuswap Lakes to the scenic Monashee Mountains. Explore the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains around Revelstoke in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks. Overnight Revelstoke

Day 4: Revelstoke - Banff (283 km / 176 miles)
The Trans Canada Highway leads you through amazing wilderness to Yoho & Banff National Parks. Visit the Takakkaw Falls and Lake Louise on your way to Banff. Stay 2 nights in Banff and explore the beautiful area.

Day 5: Banff National Park
There are lots of active opportunities in Banff and Banff National Park. The scenery is overwhelming in its beauty and scale. Mountain peaks tempt hikers, or take a cruise on Lake Minnewanka or the Sulphur Mountain gondola. And there is always river rafting or simply soaking in the Banff Hot Springs. Overnight in Banff

Day 6: Banff – Jasper (292km / 182 miles)
The Icefield Parkaway runs between Banff and Jasper National Parks; very scenic and popular the parkway is a highlight so get an early start and plan for a trip on the SnoMotorcoach at Columbia Icefield. Hiking? Almost anywhere you will find trails. Overnight in Jasper

Day 7: Jasper
Jasper, surrounded by National Park is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. After an active day a wide choice of restaurants to choose from and your hotel is convenient to everything. Pyramid Lake offers boat rentals, horse back riding is easily arranged and river rafters will find big water. Overnight Jasper

Day 8: Jasper – Prince George (373km/ 233 miles)
Travel the Yellowhead Highway through Mt Robson Provincial Park, here the Rockies and Cariboo Mountains are on either side. Today you will have a clear sense of “arriving in the north”. The scenery is changing – this is big country – where rolling hills and forest landscape dominate. Prince George, BC’s northern capital is a major transportation hub, University town with interesting attractions and good museum.  Overnight Prince George

Day 9: Prince George – Smithers (370km/ 231 miles)
Fort St. James National Historic Site of Canada is an interesting stop on today’s route. The open-air museum takes you back to Western Canada’s pioneering fur trade days. Smithers positioned in the Bulkley Valley has a rural charm and very much orientated towards outdoor activities. Skiing, hiking, fishing top the list. Friendly people and a welcoming atmosphere make it a good stop.  Overnight Smithers

Day 10: Smithers – Prince Rupert (346km / 216 miles)
The Skeena valley is one of the most scenic parts of the Yellowhead Highway. The river is an ancient  trading route where coastal tribes  exchanged goods with the interior people. One of the west’s popular rail routes is known as The Skeena. Historic Port Edward is worth a short side trip. Prince Rupert is one of BC’s fastest growing port cities where the Asian shipping trade is booming. The city has good hotels, restaurants and an interesting culture. The museum is excellent. Return the rental car this evening. Overnight Prince Rupert.

Day 11: Prince Rupert – Alaska’s Inside Passage
Aboard the Alaska Ferry the cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage takes you to: Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg and Juneau. The scenic voyage showcases the landscape, islands and narrow coastal passages like no other. A working ferry, the vessel offers limited yet sufficient on-board-facilities and comfortable yet simple overnight cabins. Overnight in cabin aboard ferry.

Day 12: Arrival in Juneau
Today you arrive in Juneau, Alaska capital city. Upon arrival in Juneau transfer on own to hotel. Overnight Juneau.

Day 13: Juneau - Skagway
This morning is at leisure to explore Juneau. Take the tram up to Mt Robson for scenic views, enjoy a flightseeing tour by floatplane or helicopter or explore Mendenhall Glacier with one of the offered tours. In the afternoon depart by ferry for Skagway. Overnight Skagway

Day 14: Skagway – Whitehorse (175km / 109 miles)
This morning pick up rental car. Drive the White Pass Summit and cross the border into Canada! A picturesque route through Yukon’s Southern Lakes takes you past the smallest desert in the world near Carcross. With arrival in Whitehorse, you are in Yukon’s capital. Overnight Whitehorse

Day 15: Whitehorse – Dawson City (533 km / 333 miles)
Traveling the Klondike Highway northbound you parallel the Yukon River. Near Carcross, the famous Five Finger Rapids are a good stop, once the most dangerous rapids the old steamboats encountered.  Dawson City, the old capital of the Klondike keeps the spirit of 1898 alive with historic buildings, wooden sidewalks and rowdy saloons! It’s fun. Overnight Dawson City

Day 16: Dawson City
The Klondike gold fields are nearby and here you can try your luck at panning for gold. Lots of interesting history and several old mining roads allow you to explore and get off the beaten track. In town visit the Parks Canada historic sites and this evening visit Diamond Tooth Gerties-Canada’s oldest casino. Overnight in Dawson City

Day 17: Dawson City – Tok (296 km / 185km)
The Top of the World Highway takes you back into Alaska where you cross at ‘Little Gold Creek’, highest point on the highway! Views are incredible, on good days 100 mile visibility is possible. Some of Alaska’s oldest gold workings are found which add a pioneer feel to today’s drive. Just for fun you must stop in the tiny community of Chicken, Alaska! Overnight in Tok.

Day 18: Tok – Fairbanks (330 km / 206 miles)
Today sees you on the final leg of the Alaska Highway where Delta Junction is the offical end of this epic highway. It’s a picturesque drive with several high mountains dominating the landscape and which depict the true feel of Alaska’s wilderness and scale. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 19: Fairbanks – Denali National Park (200 km / 125 miles)
This morning you have time to explore Fairbanks and its surroundings. The sternwheeler riverboat cruise on the Chena River is a unique trip in Alaska and recommended. The afternoon drive south to Denali National Park is quick and very picturesque. Nenana is a good stop along the way.  Overnight Denali National Park entrance area.

Day 20: Denali National Park
Denali National Park is perhaps Alaska’s best known; here North America’s tallest mountain, Mt. McKinley reigns supreme. The park is home to a broad mix of wildlife who roam freely; bears, caribou, moose, moutain sheep, wolves are often seen by visitors. Access to the park is restricted to a 6-8-hr bus tour with a naturalst / driver. Typically you travel about 53 miles into the park and where with good weather you may sight the impressive peak of Mt. McKinley. A picnic lunch is included. Overnight Denali.

Day 21: Denali – Anchorage (379 km / 237 miles)
The Parks Highway is the main route to Anchorage, largest city in Alaska. If time allows, take the side trip to Talkeetna – it’s worth it. As the launch base for most international climbing expeditions – the best McKinley flightseeing tours depart from here. Overnight  Anchorage.

Day 21: Departure from Anchorage
Return rental car and departure.

Services included:   

20 nights accommodation in tourist-moderate class hotels, 1 night on ferry (subject to change), 10 day midsize car rental from Vancouver to Prince Rupert (including unlimited kilometers, Lost Damage Waiver (LDW)), ferry from Prince Rupert to Juneau (passenger and cabin fare), ferry from Juneau to Skagway (passenger fare only), 9 days midsize car rental from Skagway to Anchorage (including unlimited miles, Lost Damage Waiver (LDW)), bus tour into Denali National Park and taxes. 

Not included: meals, national park entrance fees, optional activities, gratuities; additional driver fees, coverage and gas for rental car.

May 31 - August 30: Monday and Wednesday departures only. Subject to change without notice.
 

CanadianPacificVacations.com

CanadianPacificVacations.com part of All Alaska Tours, Inc. | 413 G Street | Anchorage, Alaska USA 99501
Tel 907 375 6590 | Fax 907 272 2532 | E-mail: mytrip@canadianpacificvacations.com