
Canada · United States
Canada and Alaska - Highlights of the West
Canada and Alaska - Highlights of the West
Duration
14 days
Start/End
Whitehorse/Vancouver
Tour type
Group
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
This hotel tour starts in Whitehorse and takes you over the White Pass to Skagway, along the Stewart-Cassiar Highway to the Salmon Glacier, to the Gitxsan village of Ksan with its totem poles and into the Rocky Mountains with Mount Robson, Jasper and Banff, before heading via Kelowna to Vancouver.
From the Yukon to the Pacific Ocean: On this two-week hotel tour, you'll experience the full diversity of Western Canada – and even a side trip to Alaska. The tour starts in Whitehorse, from where you'll travel over the White Pass to the gold rush town of Skagway. Then you follow the lonely Stewart-Cassiar Highway south, marvel at the immense Salmon Glacier near Stewart and Hyder, visit the Gitxsan village of Ksan with its totem poles, and finally reach the Rocky Mountains with Mount Robson, Jasper, and Banff. The Icefields Parkway and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise are among the most beautiful scenery in North America. The route leads through the sunny Okanagan Valley with its vineyards to the final destination in Vancouver. A German-speaking tour guide will accompany you the entire time, allowing you to fully concentrate on the scenery, wildlife viewing, and encounters with local people.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Whitehorse
Hotel
Individual arrival of participants in Whitehorse. Welcome to Canada's Yukon! The local German-speaking tour guide will greet and welcome the tour participants at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Meeting and introductions with the tour group.
Arrival in Whitehorse
Day 1
Hotel
Individual arrival of participants in Whitehorse. Welcome to Canada's Yukon! The local German-speaking tour guide will greet and welcome the tour participants at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Meeting and introductions with the tour group.
Day 2
Whitehorse – Skagway
Hotel
This morning, a city tour will give you an overview of the Yukon's capital. This includes a visit to the restored paddle steamer SS Klondike, moored directly on the Yukon River. On our first leg, we'll travel south on the Alaska Highway and then via the Klondike Highway to the Pacific coast. Scenic attractions invite you to make short stops along the way, such as at the Carcross Desert – the smallest desert in the world. Of course, you'll also be able to admire Emerald Lake, which locals call "Rainbow Lake" because of its sensational water color. Our journey takes us past Windy Arm and through the coastal mountains to Skagway, Alaska. From Fraser, you have the option of taking a spectacular train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – an exciting alternative to crossing the infamous White Pass! Once in Skagway, you can enjoy a visit to one of the historic bars in the style of the old Gold Rush era in the evening.
Whitehorse – Skagway
Day 2
Hotel
This morning, a city tour will give you an overview of the Yukon's capital. This includes a visit to the restored paddle steamer SS Klondike, moored directly on the Yukon River. On our first leg, we'll travel south on the Alaska Highway and then via the Klondike Highway to the Pacific coast. Scenic attractions invite you to make short stops along the way, such as at the Carcross Desert – the smallest desert in the world. Of course, you'll also be able to admire Emerald Lake, which locals call "Rainbow Lake" because of its sensational water color. Our journey takes us past Windy Arm and through the coastal mountains to Skagway, Alaska. From Fraser, you have the option of taking a spectacular train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – an exciting alternative to crossing the infamous White Pass! Once in Skagway, you can enjoy a visit to one of the historic bars in the style of the old Gold Rush era in the evening.
Day 3
Skagway – Watson Lake
Hotel
In the morning, we leave the historic town of Skagway and begin our journey south. We pass through the First Nations communities of Tagish and Teslin, then head towards Watson Lake on the famous Alaska Highway. Watson Lake is home to the largest sign forest in the North. Hundreds of thousands of place-name signs from all over the world can be admired here. Perhaps you'd even like to leave your own?
Skagway – Watson Lake
Day 3
Hotel
In the morning, we leave the historic town of Skagway and begin our journey south. We pass through the First Nations communities of Tagish and Teslin, then head towards Watson Lake on the famous Alaska Highway. Watson Lake is home to the largest sign forest in the North. Hundreds of thousands of place-name signs from all over the world can be admired here. Perhaps you'd even like to leave your own?
Day 4
Watson Lake – Stewart
Hotel
Today our journey takes us further south along the majestic Stewart-Cassiar Highway. We'll soon be leaving the Yukon and entering British Columbia. Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready, as spectacular photo opportunities abound as we drive through Canada's pristine landscapes! After a stop at the magnificent Bear Glacier, we'll reach the town of Stewart.
Watson Lake – Stewart
Day 4
Hotel
Today our journey takes us further south along the majestic Stewart-Cassiar Highway. We'll soon be leaving the Yukon and entering British Columbia. Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready, as spectacular photo opportunities abound as we drive through Canada's pristine landscapes! After a stop at the magnificent Bear Glacier, we'll reach the town of Stewart.
Day 5
Stewart, Hyder and Salmon Glacier
Hotel
Today you have the opportunity to explore the charming little town of Stewart. We'll cross the US border and visit Hyder, Alaska. Located about three kilometers from Stewart, it's often called "Alaska's friendliest ghost town" because it has fewer than 100 residents. Afterward, another highlight awaits: a visit to the Salmon Glacier. This is one of the largest glaciers in the world open to visitors. Back in town, you can stroll along the waterfront or visit the historic mining museum. Despite its small population, Stewart offers a wealth of restaurants—so why not end the day with a relaxing dinner?
Stewart, Hyder and Salmon Glacier
Day 5
Hotel
Today you have the opportunity to explore the charming little town of Stewart. We'll cross the US border and visit Hyder, Alaska. Located about three kilometers from Stewart, it's often called "Alaska's friendliest ghost town" because it has fewer than 100 residents. Afterward, another highlight awaits: a visit to the Salmon Glacier. This is one of the largest glaciers in the world open to visitors. Back in town, you can stroll along the waterfront or visit the historic mining museum. Despite its small population, Stewart offers a wealth of restaurants—so why not end the day with a relaxing dinner?
Day 6
Stewart – Smithers
Hotel
This morning we leave Stewart to travel to Smithers, often called the "Little Switzerland of Western Canada." We'll visit the Ksan First Nation Village with its totem poles and traditional Indigenous houses before continuing along the scenic Skeena River. Just outside Smithers, you'll have the opportunity to admire Moricetown Falls, where Indigenous people still fish for salmon. Smithers is a small, rustic town heavily influenced by Europeans. Its relaxed atmosphere and the backdrop of the surrounding mountains undoubtedly attracted residents centuries ago seeking respite from the increasing urbanization and industrialization of Europe.
Stewart – Smithers
Day 6
Hotel
This morning we leave Stewart to travel to Smithers, often called the "Little Switzerland of Western Canada." We'll visit the Ksan First Nation Village with its totem poles and traditional Indigenous houses before continuing along the scenic Skeena River. Just outside Smithers, you'll have the opportunity to admire Moricetown Falls, where Indigenous people still fish for salmon. Smithers is a small, rustic town heavily influenced by Europeans. Its relaxed atmosphere and the backdrop of the surrounding mountains undoubtedly attracted residents centuries ago seeking respite from the increasing urbanization and industrialization of Europe.
Day 7
Smithers – Prince George
Hotel
Continue along the Yellowhead Highway through a vast landscape of rivers and lakes, with forests stretching as far as the eye can see. A constantly changing panorama unfolds, with mountains in the distance and beaver dams in the nearby river, through remote and wild landscapes. Today's destination is Prince George, the largest city and most important center in northern British Columbia.
Smithers – Prince George
Day 7
Hotel
Continue along the Yellowhead Highway through a vast landscape of rivers and lakes, with forests stretching as far as the eye can see. A constantly changing panorama unfolds, with mountains in the distance and beaver dams in the nearby river, through remote and wild landscapes. Today's destination is Prince George, the largest city and most important center in northern British Columbia.
Day 8
Prince George – Jasper
Hotel
Today you'll immerse yourself in the Rocky Mountains: Passing Moose Lake and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, you'll head to Jasper. There's a good chance of spotting wildlife along the way.
Prince George – Jasper
Day 8
Hotel
Today you'll immerse yourself in the Rocky Mountains: Passing Moose Lake and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, you'll head to Jasper. There's a good chance of spotting wildlife along the way.
Day 9
Jasper – Banff via the Icefields Parkway
Hotel
After visiting the impressive Maligne Canyon, another highlight of your trip awaits: We'll travel along the famous Icefield Parkway through one of the most scenic regions of the North American continent. Passing snow-capped mountains and glaciers, we'll drive to the Columbia Icefield. Here, you'll have the opportunity to take an optional tour on special glacier vehicles onto the Athabasca Glacier.
Jasper – Banff via the Icefields Parkway
Day 9
Hotel
After visiting the impressive Maligne Canyon, another highlight of your trip awaits: We'll travel along the famous Icefield Parkway through one of the most scenic regions of the North American continent. Passing snow-capped mountains and glaciers, we'll drive to the Columbia Icefield. Here, you'll have the opportunity to take an optional tour on special glacier vehicles onto the Athabasca Glacier.
Day 10
Banff National Park and Lake Louise
Hotel
Pure nature! Today is entirely dedicated to exploring this magnificent national park. The region was declared Canada's first national park in 1885, primarily to protect a natural hot spring in the town of Banff. Experience spectacular canyons, waterfalls, and mountain passes! Of course, you'll also visit the picturesque Lake Louise, a mountain lake in a stunning location at the foot of the Victoria Glacier, where wonderful walks await. In the afternoon, return to Banff and enjoy some free time to explore the town.
Banff National Park and Lake Louise
Day 10
Hotel
Pure nature! Today is entirely dedicated to exploring this magnificent national park. The region was declared Canada's first national park in 1885, primarily to protect a natural hot spring in the town of Banff. Experience spectacular canyons, waterfalls, and mountain passes! Of course, you'll also visit the picturesque Lake Louise, a mountain lake in a stunning location at the foot of the Victoria Glacier, where wonderful walks await. In the afternoon, return to Banff and enjoy some free time to explore the town.
Day 11
Banff – Kelowna
Hotel
Today we say goodbye to the Rocky Mountains. First, we drive through the narrow Kicking Horse Gorge in Yoho National Park before crossing the mighty Rogers Pass, the highest point on the entire Trans-Canada Highway. Then we continue south to the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Vineyards and orchards abound in this sunny region. Our destination for the day is the city of Kelowna, situated on the shores of stunning Okanagan Lake. Keep an eye out for Ogopogo, the legendary lake monster said to inhabit this lake. The legend dates back to Indigenous people who told stories of a lake monster over 100 years ago.
Banff – Kelowna
Day 11
Hotel
Today we say goodbye to the Rocky Mountains. First, we drive through the narrow Kicking Horse Gorge in Yoho National Park before crossing the mighty Rogers Pass, the highest point on the entire Trans-Canada Highway. Then we continue south to the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Vineyards and orchards abound in this sunny region. Our destination for the day is the city of Kelowna, situated on the shores of stunning Okanagan Lake. Keep an eye out for Ogopogo, the legendary lake monster said to inhabit this lake. The legend dates back to Indigenous people who told stories of a lake monster over 100 years ago.
Day 12
Kelowna–Vancouver
Hotel
You leave the sunny, dry Okanagan Valley, and the final leg of your journey takes you back to the Pacific coast and on to Vancouver. Passing the Fraser River and enjoying wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, you reach the 2010 Olympic city. For many, Canada's third-largest city is considered one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. A city tour will give you a first impression of this so-called "Pearl of the Pacific."
Kelowna–Vancouver
Day 12
Hotel
You leave the sunny, dry Okanagan Valley, and the final leg of your journey takes you back to the Pacific coast and on to Vancouver. Passing the Fraser River and enjoying wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, you reach the 2010 Olympic city. For many, Canada's third-largest city is considered one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. A city tour will give you a first impression of this so-called "Pearl of the Pacific."
Day 13
Vancouver
Hotel
Explore Vancouver's sights on your own or join an optional day trip. There are a number of worthwhile destinations in the surrounding area, such as visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge or taking a day trip to the winter sports resort of Whistler. In the heart of the city lies the vast Stanley Park with its beaches and walking trails. Stroll along the lively Robson Street or through the vibrant Chinatown. Discover historic Gastown and indulge in the local culinary delights. A visit to the Harbour Building for panoramic views is highly recommended. Vancouver's possibilities are almost endless, and your tour guide will have even more suggestions for you. A truly special experience is a seaplane flight to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island.
Vancouver
Day 13
Hotel
Explore Vancouver's sights on your own or join an optional day trip. There are a number of worthwhile destinations in the surrounding area, such as visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge or taking a day trip to the winter sports resort of Whistler. In the heart of the city lies the vast Stanley Park with its beaches and walking trails. Stroll along the lively Robson Street or through the vibrant Chinatown. Discover historic Gastown and indulge in the local culinary delights. A visit to the Harbour Building for panoramic views is highly recommended. Vancouver's possibilities are almost endless, and your tour guide will have even more suggestions for you. A truly special experience is a seaplane flight to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island.
Day 14
Departure from Vancouver
Transfer to Vancouver airport or individual onward travel arrangements. (Short-term changes to the itinerary are possible and are at the discretion of the tour guide.)
Departure from Vancouver
Day 14
Transfer to Vancouver airport or individual onward travel arrangements. (Short-term changes to the itinerary are possible and are at the discretion of the tour guide.)
Services
What's included
13 nights in mid-range hotels in a double room
Airport transfers
All journeys in an air-conditioned maxivan or minibus
German-speaking tour guide
City tours in Whitehorse and Vancouver
National park fees
Entrance fees for tourist attractions
6 - 20 participants
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required (eTA/ESTA for entry)
Tips
Catering
Optional excursions (e.g. White Pass Railroad, glacier trip Athabasca Glacier)
Personal extras
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This is a guided hotel tour in an air-conditioned minivan or minibus and requires no special physical fitness. A basic level of fitness for short walks and photo stops is perfectly sufficient. The journeys are sometimes long – in the north, the distances between towns are often several hundred kilometers, occasionally on gravel roads. There are regular breaks, short walks, and optional excursions along the way. Accommodation is throughout the trip in mid-range hotels, and luggage is transported by vehicle. Openness, punctuality, and a joy of traveling together as a group make the tour an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Single room supplement
€1,500.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Minimum age
Minimum age 7 years. Children aged 7-11 receive a 50% discount, and teenagers aged 12-17 receive a 25% discount on the regular travel price.
Meeting point
You will be met by the tour guide at Whitehorse airport on the first day of your trip.
Group size
6 - 9 participants travel in an air-conditioned maxivan, 10 - 20 participants in a modern minibus.
Notice
Short-term program changes, for example due to weather conditions, are at the discretion of the tour guide.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

