Day 1
Victoria
Touch down in Victoria, BC, a charming city of colonial heritage and blooming gardens. Collect your hire car and spend a relaxing evening exploring the Inner Harbour’s twinkling lights before your wilderness adventure commences tomorrow.
Overnight: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites or similar
Upgrade: Inn at Laurel Point or Fairmont Empress or similar
Day 2
Victoria to Campbell River to Sonora Resort via water taxi
Your transition into the wild begins with a scenic drive to Campbell River to board the 15:00 water taxi. This 75-minute voyage through the Discovery Islands serves as a breathtaking prelude to your stay at Sonora Resort, a jewel of the Relais & Châteaux collection. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your Gold Room, a sanctuary of West Coast elegance featuring a gas fireplace, a lavish soaker tub, and expansive windows framing the shifting tides of the Yuculta Rapids.
Your all-inclusive package ensures every detail is catered to with sophisticated flair. This evening, experience a Canadian gastronomic masterclass in the Tyee Dining Room, where the menu features seasonal ingredients paired with complimentary house wines and beers. After dinner, wander the boardwalks or relax in the conservatory, soaking in the profound silence of the surrounding ancient rainforest.
Overnight: Sonora Resort, All inclusive board basis included
Day 3
Sonora Resort
Awaken to the sound of the ocean before embarking on a thrilling Eco-Adventure Tour. Aboard a custom-built Zodiac, your expert guide will navigate the swirling rapids to find bald eagles, sea lions, and dolphins. The resort provides high-quality weather gear, from heavy rainproof outer layers to rubber boots, ensuring you remain warm and dry during this exhilarating wildlife encounter.
The remainder of your stay is an invitation to explore Sonora’s world-class facilities. You might choose to:
Rejuvenate: Transition between the outdoor heated pool and the oceanside mineral pools, designed to mirror the natural rock formations of the coast.
Active Pursuit: Practise your swing in the state-of-the-art golf simulator, play a match on the multi-sport courts, or fly-fish for rainbow trout in the resort’s private ponds.
Leisure: Enjoy the cinema room, billiards, or a peaceful session in the fitness centre and sauna.
For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, you may opt to pre-book a Grizzly Bear tour (seasonal) or a helicopter flight to a nearby glacier. Whether sipping a fine vintage by the fire or hiking through the emerald canopy, today offers a seamless blend of rugged adventure and unparalleled luxury.
Overnight: Sonora Resort, All inclusive board basis included
Day 4
Sonora Resort to Campbell River to Vancouver via ferry
Enjoy a final morning in the mineral pools before your water taxi departs at 13:00. Drive to Nanaimo for a picturesque ferry crossing to Horseshoe Bay. Return your car in downtown Vancouver and explore this vibrant metropolis by foot.
Overnight: Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown or similar
Upgrade: Auberge Vancouver Hotel or Pan Pacific or similar
Day 5
Vancouver
Make your way independently to the cruise terminal to board your Holland America cruise ship. As the ship departs late afternoon, toast to the journey ahead. Settle into your stateroom and enjoy your first evening of refined dining at sea as the city skyline fades.
Onboard: Holland America cruise ship, full board
Day 6
Inside Passage
Sail through a labyrinth of emerald islands and mist-shrouded fjords. Keep your binoculars ready for breaching whales and porpoises. Wrapped in a warm blanket on deck, enjoy the spectacular scenery of this legendary coastal route with a hot cocoa in hand.
Day 7
Juneau
Arrive in Juneau, where the massive Mendenhall Glacier sits at the city's doorstep. Choose between whale watching in the Gastineau Channel or kayaking through serene glacial waters. The long Alaskan daylight ensures ample time to immerse yourself in the Tongass National Forest.
Day 8
Skagway
Step back in time to the 1898 Gold Rush. Wander along Skagway’s historic boardwalks, visit the Red Onion Saloon, or explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. This quirky, colourful town offers a fascinating glimpse into the rugged frontier past.
Day 9
Glacier Bay National Park
Witness nature’s raw power in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Listen for the "white thunder" of calving glaciers as monumental ice chunks crash into the sea. This pristine ecosystem provides unparalleled sightings of puffins, bears, and sea otters amidst icy blue cathedrals.
Day 10
Ketchikan
Explore the "Salmon Capital of the World," a town built on stilts over the water. Stroll along historic Creek Street, admire the intricate artistry at Totem Bight State Park, and marvel at the granite cliffs of the surrounding fjords before an evening departure.
Day 11
Return through the Inside Passage
Savour a final day of cruising through the dramatic scenery of the Inside Passage. Reflect on your Alaskan encounters while enjoying the ship’s premium amenities, from spa treatments to world-class entertainment, as you glide south towards British Columbia.
Day 12
Vancouver Departure
Disembark in Vancouver after a final breakfast onboard. Whether you choose to extend your stay in this cosmopolitan city or head directly to the airport for your flight home, you leave with memories of a truly magnificent wilderness odyssey.
