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A tall, carved First Nations totem pole representing ancient cultures and traditional ways of life in British Columbia, Western Canada.
Alberta/British Columbia

Wild Canada by Rail and Sea: The Inside Passage & The Rockies

Program No. 21439RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
29 meals ( 11B, 10L, 8D )
5 expert-led lectures
14 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will provide expert commentary on certain field trips, and a series of local experts will conduct field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles on pavement and well-maintained trails. Some stairs and uneven terrain at the historic site. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 140 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will travel into Yoho National Park to explore the stunning scenery of Emerald Lake, set within a beautiful subalpine forest. While walking along the lakeside trail, we'll enjoy views of the surrounding peaks and learn about the Burgess Shale, whose fossil beds are located high above the valley. From a designated viewpoint, we can see where this world-famous fossil site is situated, discuss its global scientific importance, and enjoy plenty of beautiful wildflowers along the lakeside into the subalpine forest.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch in a scenic area.
Afternoon:
We will board our motorcoach with a local expert who will share insights into the History of Geology of the Canadian Rockies. Next, we will visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff National Park for a guided tour. Participants will learn about the fascinating story of Banff’s thermal hot springs; from their deep Indigenous significance and historic architecture to the mysterious cave that inspired the creation of Canada’s national parks. We’ll also learn about the unique thermal-spring ecosystem that sustains the tiny, endangered Banff Springs Snail, a species found nowhere else in the world, followed by time for a self-guided field exploration of the site.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles for approximately 2 hours on well-maintained trails. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 80 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin the day with an engaging presentation at the hotel led by a local expert on safely sharing the landscape with grizzly bears. Participants will learn about bear behaviour, conservation efforts, and practical strategies for coexisting responsibly with wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. We will then board the motorcoach and continue to Lake Louise. Once we arrive, participants will enjoy a field trip to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, these iconic alpine lakes are known for their vivid turquoise waters, glacial origins, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Lunch:
We’ll be served afternoon tea at Château Lake Louise.
Afternoon:
We will then board the motorcoach and head back to the hotel.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 160 miles, approximately 5 hours riding time with stops along the way. Getting on/off a gondola; top elevation 8650 ft.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we'll be joined by a local expert who will share insights into how Indigenous peoples live in harmony with the rhythms of the earth, We'll learn how everything needed for daily life comes from the land, explore traditional trade between nations, and discover the tools and medicinal plants that were used for generations. Following the presentation, participants will enjoy a field trip to the Lake Louise Gondola in Banff National Park. The scenic gondola ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies, including alpine meadows, towering peaks, and, with a bit of luck, local wildlife below.
Lunch:
A boxed lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic spot along the parkway.
Afternoon:
Continuing our motorcoarch exploration of the Icefields Parkway, we’ll make our way to Jasper National Park traveling past beautiful mountain lakes and more than 100 glaciers. En route we will stop at scenic overlooks to enjoy the turquoise lakes, mountain-framed valleys and raging waterfalls.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day on paved or maintained trails. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving for about 60 miles, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time with stops along the way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our local expert naturalist will meet us at the hotel and accompany us in our explorations of Jasper National Park, Pyramid Lake area and Maligne Canyon Overlook to Medicine Lake by motorcoach. We’ll take you on a walk on Pyramid Island to enjoy the nature and appreciate its wonders. We will make a stop at the Maligne Canyon Overlook, which is rich in natural history, impressive geologic features and wildlife. Jasper National Park forests and wild territories are home to bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose and bears as well as a variety of birds, including bald eagles and ospreys. These scenic trails will allow us to explore the spectacular vantage points, flower meadows, and sapphire blue mountain lakes.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch at a scenic spot along our journey.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our expert-led exploration in Jasper National Park by motorcoach, making some stops for expert interpretation. Canada's largest and most northerly Rocky Mountain park, Jasper encompasses over 4,200 square miles and boasts healthy wildlife populations, including grizzly bears and wolves, which live among its grand peaks and emerald-green lakes. The combination of these startling blue-green mountain lakes, soaring peaks and broad, forested valleys makes this one of the world's premiere national parks.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to Prince George tomorrow.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train; riding 235 miles, approximately 6.5 hours or more today, depending on rail conditions. Train schedules are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions. Bring only a carry-on bag, larger luggage will be delivered to the hotel in Prince Rupert. Walking up to 1 mile, approximately 30 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning’s presentation at the hotel given by a local expert will examine Jasper from a historical perspective giving us the opportunity to learn about some of the early settlers and the First Nations. After some time to ourselves, we’ll meet at the hotel lobby at 11:45 a.m. for a motorcoach transfer to the Jasper Train Station before embarking on a two-day train journey aboard Via Rail’s Skeena Train from Jasper, A.B. to Prince Rupert, B.C., with an overnight stop in Prince George, B.C. We’ll enjoy the haunting splendor and the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness from the comfort of the train. We will travel past Jasper National Park, the Canadian Rockies, northern rural communities, and the gorgeous Pacific Coast.
Lunch:
Served aboard the train.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our journey through the Canadian Rocky Mountains towards Prince George, B.C. Prince George is situated at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers. The origin of Prince George can be traced to the fur trading post of Fort George, established in 1807 by Simon Fraser.
Dinner:
Aboard the train.
Evening:
Arrival in Prince George will occur around 7:00 p.m. local time. Train schedules are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions. Your patience is appreciated. The hotel is a short distance from the train station and leisure time may be enjoyed for the remainder of the evening. Prepare for check-out and continued transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train; riding 450 miles for approximately 13.5 hours or more. Train schedules are subject to change and delays are possible due to rail traffic or other conditions. Your patience is appreciated.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Back on the train, we’ll experience the magnificent scenery as we journey from Prince George to Prince Rupert along the Yellowhead Pass, and across British Columbia’s interior plateau astride the Skeena River. Glimpse northern rural communities where industries such as forestry, agriculture, mining, fishing, and travel are essential.
Lunch:
Aboard the train.
Afternoon:
The train ride continues as we pass the coastal mountains of northwestern B.C., at the edge of the Spacsizi Plateau, where the Skeena River begins its 354-mile trek to the Pacific Ocean. The Skeena is the second largest river in the province, and one of the longest undammed rivers in the world.
Dinner:
Aboard the train.
Evening:
We’ll arrive in Prince Rupert at approximately 8:25 p.m. local time (depending on rail conditions), and we’ll transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the evening may be enjoyed at leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles during field trips throughout the day. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll ruminate over the splendor of the Museum of Northern British Columbia, housed in a magnificent Northwest Coast longhouse overlooking Prince Rupert Harbour. Here, we’ll discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Northwest Coast through exhibitions and interpretation, and learn from a local expert about the history of the Tsimshian, Haida, and Tlingit peoples. Observe the beauty of this region, with its fjords, inlets, rainforests, lagoons, sandy beaches, and haunting abandoned villages.
Lunch:
At the North Pacific Cannery Historic Site.
Afternoon:
The North Pacific Cannery offers insight into life at remote salmon canneries and elucidates on how the industry shaped the economy and culture of the province. This field trip includes walking along historic boardwalks, and exploring the industrial buildings, residences, and wilderness surroundings of the salmon canning industry. We will hear about the people, living conditions, workspaces, and the functions of a remote cannery. We’ll witness live demonstrations of cannery machinery and meditate on what it must have been like for workers. This visit will explore canning practices from its earliest days to modern methods.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 1 mile throughout the day on paved streets. Getting on/off a 60- to 72-foot all-weather vessel with a maximum capacity of 100 passengers; approximately 6 hours riding time. Vessels are equipped with onboard washrooms, comfortable seating, viewing from the cabin and outside deck.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning’s field trip takes place aboard the Prince Rupert Adventure Tours boats, aboard which experts will discuss the diverse marine life within the Khutzeymateen Inlet. Keep an eye out for porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and blue herons while basking in the inlet peaks which are over 6,500 feet high. Within the Khutzeymateen Valley lies an ancient spruce forest and the Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. Khutzeymateen Valley is home to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in North America. We’ll wander the Khutzeymateen (K’tsim-a-deen) Grizzly Bear Sanctuary and glimpse these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Lunch:
Aboard the vessel.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue to enjoy the Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, the first area in Canada to be protected specifically for grizzly bears. This is the first undisturbed estuary of its size to be protected along the northern coast of B.C. An abundance of wildlife shares this area of rugged peaks towering up to 19,685 feet above a valley of wetlands, and old growth temperate rainforests.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare in Prince Rupert.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for early check-out and transfer to the ferry in the morning.
Activity Note
Early hotel check-out at 5:45 a.m. for transfer to the ferry dock. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a ferry; riding about 274 nautical miles, approximately 16 hours riding time. Participants will have onboard cabins.
Breakfast:
On your own to enjoy on the ferry.
Morning:
The ferry ride will take us along the awe-inspiring Inside Passage route. This 16-hour journey will take us past spectacular coastal rainforests and majestic coastal mountains. We’ll learn about the ecological issues of this area while passing noted villages, first-contact sites, and possibly some friendly sea mammals.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy aboard the ferry.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue cruising through Canada’s Inside Passage, forged by glaciers millions of years ago, the fjords of the Inside Passage provide vistas of spectacular coastal rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains.
Dinner:
Dinner on own on the ferry.
Evening:
We’ll arrive in Port Hardy on Vancouver Island around 11:30 p.m. Port Hardy is the terminus for the Inside Passage Ferry and nestled on the edge of the Queen Charlotte Strait in Hardy Bay. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 70 miles, round trip approximately 1 hour each way. Walking and standing at museum for approximately 1 hour. Getting on/off a whale watching boat; cruising for approximately 3 hours Vessels carry up to 74 passengers and include a heated indoor cabin, two open air decks, onboard washrooms, and a snack bar (available at participants’ expense). Jackets and rain gear are recommended. Hats, gloves, and jackets are available for passengers upon request.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll depart from the hotel by motorcoach to ruminate at the Whale Interpretive Centre with a docent from the museum. This facility was established in order to provide public awareness of the biology, habitat needs, and existing threats to local marine mammals. This area is home to a variety of marine wildlife, including humpback whales, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, bald eagles, and much more. We’ll explore collections of marine mammal skeletons housed at the museum.
Lunch:
We'll enjoy lunch in a scenic area.
Afternoon:
After transferring to a whale watching vessel and embarking, we will discover one of the best locations to observe orca (killer) whales while whale watching. Hopefully, we’ll see orcas, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor seals, and Stellar sea lions. Vessels are equipped with underwater microphones (hydrophones) enabling us to listen to the squeaks and whistles characteristic of echolocation used by orcas and dolphins to locate food. Upon our return and disembarkation, we’ll board the motorcoach to head back to Port Hardy.
Dinner:
Dinner at a local restaurant
Evening:
Free evening to explore the area on your own.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 260 miles, approximately 5 hours total riding time. From Port Hardy to Nanaimo. There will be minimal walking.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out and depart by motorcoach, travelling to our destination of Nanaimo. Keep your eyes out for local wildlife as we pass through forests, small towns, and coastlines that wind in and away from the road. At the Campbell River Museum, take a fascinating journey into Vancouver Island's rich history. Through engaging exhibits, we will discover the traditions of First Nations, the world of logging, and the evolution of salmon fishing that shaped British Columbia. A local resident expert will bring this history to life, revealing the cultural and economic impact on the region, and the fascinating complex past of the area.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We continue our travels to Nanaimo. to check into our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel . Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At your leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Early morning hotel check-out. Getting on/off a ferry; crossing from Nanaimo to Vancouver is about 30 nautical miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Arrival to the Vancouver Airport approximately 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast we will make our way to the ferry. Once we reach the dock, we’ll get off the ferry, and board a motorcoach for transfer to Vancouver Airport, expected arrival around 12:00 noon. If you are departing, please plan flights accordingly. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Jun 11, 2027 - Jun 23, 2027 (Calgary, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia)
Jun 13, 2027 - Jun 25, 2027 (Calgary, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia)
Jun 27, 2027 - Jul 09, 2027 (Calgary, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia)
Jul 26, 2027 - Aug 07, 2027 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Banff, Alberta)
Aug 16, 2027 - Aug 28, 2027 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Banff, Alberta)
Jun 11 - Jun 23, 2027 Itinerary Differences: Arrival Calgary, AB, 1 night; Banff, 2 nights; Jasper, 2 nights; Prince George, B.C., 1 night; Prince Rupert, 3 nights; Port Hardy, 2 nights; Nanaimo, 1 night; departure.