Compare Active West Coast Canada Discovery by G Adventures vs Alaska's Inside Passage - Northbound 2023 by Tauck
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
Price From | $ 1,799 | $ 7,290 |
Price Per Day | $ 225 | $ 729 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Small ship cruise |
Lodging Level | Camping | Premium |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
Activities | N/A |
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Meals Included | 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners | N/A |
Description |
Get your heart pumping and your bodies moving with this eight-day adventure through some of British Columbia’s most sought-after landscapes. Venture by ferry to Vancouver Island and embark on hikes in East Sooke Provincial Park and the famed Juan de Fuca trail. Camp under the stars, hike up mountains in Squamish and Whistler featuring views of alpine lakes and glacier capped peaks, and see for yourself why the west coast is the best coast. |
A magnificent 7-night cruise takes you through the coastal islands of Alaska's legendary Inside Passage, surrounded by some of the most dramatic and wildlife-rich scenery on Earth – a perfect combination of natural and cultural history. All-included shore excursions feature choices to personalize your cruise and explore Alaska your way, including opportunities to get close to Alaska's wildlife by land and sea such as a unique wildlife safari, a visit to a sled dog camp and a trip aboard a very special railroad. |
Day 1 Vancouver/Sooke
Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Vancouver before catching the ferry to Sooke on Vancouver Island. Eat a picnic lunch upon arrival before setting off into East Sooke Regional Park for some hiking. There’s a wide range of trails that have different levels of difficulty, but all of them will offer great views of the dramatic, rocky coastline, and lush Pacific rainforest filled with moss and green ferns. In the evening set up camp, get settled, and have dinner around a fire with the group.
Day 2 Sooke
After fuelling up with a camp breakfast the group will travel to the Juan de Fuca Strait from Sooke to embark on a hike along a section of the impressive trail. You’ll traverse miles of dense coastal forest and walk over beautiful pebble beaches, past gurgling waterfalls, slippery suspension bridges (watch your step) and the occasional pit of mud, but the dramatic views along this hike are well worth the effort. Transfer back to Sooke in the evening to rest up at camp and have dinner as a group.
Day 3 Sooke
Today after breakfast at camp the day is yours to do as you wish. If you need a break from hiking consider one of the many optional activities available like, sea kayaking, whale watching, bicycle rentals, or a visit to the quaint town of Victoria for some people watching and cafe hopping.
Day 4 Sooke/Parksville
In the morning after breakfast the group will transfer to Cowichan Valley where you'll go out on canoes and kayaks in Cowichan Bay. In the afternoon the group will travel to Parksville and walk in Rathtrevor Park along the beach. Feel the sand beneath your feet, hear the waves crashing, see old growth forests along the shoreline, and look for wildlife in the tide pools. In the evening set up camp and relax in the outdoors.
Day 5 Parksville/Squamish
Leave Parksville behind and head to the ferry port in Nanaimo to hop on a ferry to Horseshoe Bay. Once across the water, the group will drive to Squamish and hike The Stawamus Chief trail. This trail is one of the region’s best hikes and will take you up a steep incline to one of its three peaks. The views of the area surrounding Squamish, with the Howe Sound and the Garibaldi Park to the north are incredible. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and in the evening relax at camp and have dinner as a group, refuelling after the day’s adventure.
Day 6 Squamish
Another great day of hiking to discover captivating views and new heights (literally). Set out to trek the Elfin Lake trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Offering amazing views you’ll hike 11km to get to the lakes, but it’s certainly worth it. Go for a dip in the icy water, fill up your bottles in another pond reserved only for drinking water and have lunch as you admire those insane views. After hiking the 11km downhill you’ll be able to have dinner wherever you choose in Squamish before heading back to camp for the night.
Day 7 Squamish/Whistler
In the morning the group will travel from Squamish to Whistler to take the Whistler Gondola up to the peak and hike the High Note trail. This trail offers hikers with the most scenic views of Cheakamus Lake with its vibrant aquamarine waters. The hike begins at the top of Whistler Mountain and takes you around the backside with views of the surrounding mountains and a descent through an alpine area. After the hike you’ll have free time to enjoy Whistler. Consider checking out the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the Cloudraker Skybridge, or find a cozy coffee shop in town. In the evening at camp you’ll have your final dinner as a group around the campfire.
Day 8 Whistler/Vancouver
Travel from Whistler to Vancouver. Tours ends on arrival in Vancouver.
Please book any departing flights no earlier than 4:00pm.
Day 1 Arrive Anchorage
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Fairmont Waterfront. A transfer is included from Vancouver International Airport to Fairmont Waterfront. We invite you to join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your acclaimed hotel.
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MEALS : D
LODGING : Fairmont Waterfront
PORTOFCALL : Vancouver, Canada
Day 2 See the sights of Vancouver / Embark Silver Muse
Sightseeing in Vancouver this morning includes Stanley Park, a 1,000 acre urban rainforest almost entirely surrounded by the waters of Vancouver Harbour and English Bay; historic Gastown; the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver; and the Kitsilano Neighbourhood. Later today, you'll embark Silver Muse for the start of your 7-night cruise.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Silver Muse
Day 3 British Columbia / Inisde Passage Cruising
Spend a full day at sea aboard Silver Muse cruising the coastal landscapes of British Columbia and the Inside Passage, watching for whales, dolphins, and sea lions in the water and enjoying the many amenities aboard Silver Muse; your Tauck Director shares insights and commentary at a presentation.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Silver Muse
PORTOFCALL : Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
Day 4 In and around Ketchikan
Shore excursion choices today include a drive to Saxman Native Village to experience the rich living culture and traditions of the Tlingit people, from storytelling and dances to totem pole carving; an opportunity to discover more about the famed Dungeness crabs and "pull them up" (with help from volunteers); a rainforest wildlife sanctuary visit; and a kayaking adventure*.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Silver Muse
Day 5 Juneau and a choice of sightseeing
The city of Juneau is the capital of Alaska, surrounded by an extraordinary backdrop of valleys cut from glaciers and snow-capped mountains, blanketed with lush forests. You'll have a choice of sightseeing today, from a tour of Mendenhall Glacier and Glacier Gardens to a whale watching & wildlife cruise or sea kayaking – a range of choices to explore by land or sea.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Silver Muse
Day 6 Skagway, a railway, and sled dogs
Arrive in the historic gold-rush era town of Skagway for a choice of excursions including an antique streetcar tour and a round-trip excursion by vintage train to White Pass Summit; a visit to the village where mushers train their dogs for dogsled races*; and a Glacier Point Wilderness Safari* with a boat ride, canoeing and a hike.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Silver Muse
PORTOFCALL : Skagway, Alaska, USA
Day 7 Sitka, rich in natural beauty and cultural treasures
Upon arrival in Sitka you'll have an opportunity to meet the locals, four-footed, finned and feathered, on a unique sea otter and wildlife cruise with an onboard naturalist that views wildlife up close in their natural habitat.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Silver Muse
Day 8 Hubbard Glacier Cruising
You'll spend the day cruising to the spectacular site known as Hubbard Glacier – the largest glacier in North America. Set in Wrangall-St. Elias National Park, the massive glacier is dramatic, mesmerizing and historic.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Silver Muse
PORTOFCALL : Juneau, Alaska, USA
Day 9 Disembark in Seward / Anchorage
Disembark in Seward, your final port, and journey to Anchorage for a day of sightseeing that includes an opportunity to visit Kenai Fjords National Park and its glacial wonderland. Join us tonight for a farewell reception and dinner at your hotel.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Hotel Captain Cook
Day 10 Journey Home
Tour ends: Anchorage. A transfer from the Hotel Captain Cook to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is included. Allow at least 3 hours for check-in at the airport.
MEALS : B