BC Wilderness & Quintessential Alaska

Day 1 – 3 Vancouver

Voted as one of the most liveable cities in world, Vancouver has it all you can enjoy a relaxing walk or cycle around the seawall of Stanley Park or go deeper into the park and visit the colourful First nation totem poles and the Lost lagoon. For a taste of the freshest produce around, head to the market on Granville island by water taxi, you will be surprised how much fun food shopping can be. Leave some space as you can take one of the guided tours of the best food trucks in Vancouver, whether you prefer savoury or sweet, you are sure to be in food heaven. Visit the new hotspot in Vancouver the four-dimensional experience ‘FlyOver Canada’ or head up Grouse Mountain, there is so much to fill your days, the perfect way to start your holiday to Western Canada. Three nights Vancouver

Day 4 Vancouver to Port Hardy /Great Bear Lodge

Today your adventure begins as you head to the airport for your flight to Port Hardy. On arrival in Port Hardy you will meet your representative who will then transfer you to the Great Bear Lodge by floatplane. Once you check into your room at this magical retreat in the rugged wilderness you will then meet your hosts and prepare for your first adventure. In the evening enjoy a gourmet meal prepared with the best local produce and seafood available. The rest of the evening is yours to relax in front of the cosy fireplace in the lodge's sitting room whilst enjoying a short audio and visual presentation about the grizzly bears. Overnight at the Great Bear Lodge. Dinner included.

Please note: only 14 kgs of luggage are allowed on the float plane transfers (excess luggage can be stored at the float plane terminal in Port Hardy for no charge).

Day 5 - 6 Great Bear Lodge

The Great Bear Lodge promotes low-impact ecotourism, using wind and solar power and taking special care not to disturb the bears or their environment. Scheduled morning and afternoon bear viewing sessions coincide with times when the bears are the most active. Accompanied by an experienced wildlife biologist you will observe the bears as they roam freely in their natural habitat as you float by boat through nearby estuaries or watch from specially-designed optimal viewing areas. Other possible wildlife sightings: wolves, otters, bald eagles, black bears, pine martins and mink.

Daily guided activities such as boat tours and an interpretative rainforest walk are offered between morning and afternoon viewing excursions, followed by a delicious lunch. Guests arriving in fall will also be able to witness thousands of migrating salmon from a series of enclosed blinds and open viewing stands along the river. Watch as the grizzlies hunt for fish in preparation for their coming hibernation.

Day 7 Great Bear Lodge to Port Hardy

Enjoy a final bear watching session, followed by a farewell brunch before being transferred back to Port Hardy in the afternoon. Overnight Port Hardy

Day 8 Port Hardy to Vancouver

Head back across to the pacific gateway, Vancouver has it all great shops, eateries, Broadway Shows, breath-taking scenery and much more. Overnight Vancouver

Day 9 Alaska Cruise

Arrive independently at the cruise terminal at Canada Place. Boarding starts from 12.30pm and your cruise departs at 4:30pm

Day 10 Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage

The renowned Inside Passage is a fabulous journey, departing from Vancouver you'll enjoy all round scenery from the moment you set sail. Prepare for incredible views of wildlife and breath-taking glacier bays and craggy coast lines. Watch out for whales, porpoises and birds of prey along the journey.

Day 11 Icy Strait Point*

Arriving at 3pm into Icy Point, this will be your first taste of the rich native heritage and culture that Alaska oozes and you can’t help but fall in love with it. Adventure activities, whale watching excursions, local cuisine, history tours – however you want to spend your day exploring Icy Strait is up to you. Depart at 10pm. *Some departures will visit the Russian-influenced fishing village of Sitka

Day 12 Cruising Hubbard Glacier

Arrive at 10:30. Hubbard Glacier is breath-taking. Listen out as you can often hear the glacier moving! Immerse yourself in your surroundings of jagged icy peaks and the turquoise blue ocean. Today will be a truly magical experience. Leave at 2:30pm.

Day 13 Juneau, Alaska

This morning you will arrive in Juneau at 7:30am, Alaska's wonderful capital city. There are so many exciting ways to spend your day here. A wonderful sight is the Mendenhall Glacier which is enormous! Or if you are looking for something a bit more active, then there is a myriad of activities to choose from. Depart Juneau at 8pm.

Day 14 Ketchikan, Alaska

You will dock in Ketchikan at 2pm this afternoon, with the rest of the afternoon and early evening to spend exploring the wonderful green surroundings. Outdoor activities are endless here! There is also so much history and a wonderful Gold Rush story for you to unravel and be swept away by. You will depart Ketchikan at 8:30pm.

Day 15 Inside Passage (cruising)

Cruising the magnificent Inside Passage again you will make your way back to Vancouver. Keep your eyes peeled for the exciting wildlife as whales and porpoises breach the surface below.

Day 16 Fly back from Vancouver

You will arrive in Vancouver early morning. Take your time to leisurely disembark and return to the city. Why not head to Robson Street for some souvenir shopping before your return flight home. Independently make your way back to Vancouver Airport.

ESTA online application for entry to the USA

Important: All cruise passengers must complete the online Visa Waiver form by visiting https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov which is needed for entry into the US at a cost of $21 per person.

You must complete an ESTA application at least 72 hours before flying. Any traveller who fails to complete an ESTA application at least 3 days before departure will almost certainly be refused entry into the country under new US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. If you are even considering visiting the States, it's worth filling out an ESTA application now as they are valid for two years. Important: If you are refused entry because you do not hold the correct travel documents or have had your application for ESTA rejected - you will NOT be entitled to any form of refund or covered by your travel insurance policy.

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