Compare Exploring the Arctic Land of the Caribou by Hurtigruten vs Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Option, Small Group With Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Service Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: St. Johns, Newfoundland

St. John's is the oldest and most easterly city in North America, and it is said that this is where heritage lives. With its narrow streets and hidden alleyways, the city is full of character. We recommend that you explore this historic town, with its striking twin clock towers of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, before you embark on your adventure.

Day 2: St. Pierre and Miquelon

Even though Paris is around 2,500 miles away, the people living in St Pierre and Miquelon are very proud to be French. The islands are part of the French Republic and are, in fact, the country's oldest overseas territory. Today, you can enjoy a taste of the typical French way of life with nice bistros, cafés, wine, cheese, baguettes, chocolates and pastries. 

Day 3: At sea

Enjoy a day at sea. There will be lectures on various topics or you can spend some time on deck enjoying the wildlife we'll see on our journey.

Day 4: Gros Morne National Park

The Gros Morne National Park is one of the highlights of a trip to Newfoundland. The landscape, with its deep valleys, steep cliffs, sandy beaches and spectacular fjord system, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moose, caribou, foxes, black bears, ptarmigans and eagles are all a very common sight here. A visit to the higher regions of this ancient landscape will be unforgettable.

Day 5: Red Bay

Between 1550 and the early 17th century, Red Bay was a centre for Basque whaling operations. During the whaling heyday up to 2,500 whalers came on 50 ships from France and Spain for the whale-hunting season. The discovery of the wrecks of whale-hunting galleons and chalupas has made Red Bay one of the most exquisite underwater archaeological sites in America. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you feel like going treasure hunting while we are here, local legend has it that the infamous pirate Captain Kidd hid some of his treasure in the 'Pond on the Hill'.

Day 6: L'anse Aux Meadows, Newfoundland

In L'Anse aux Meadows, you'll find the first known evidence of European presence in America. It is here that a Norse expedition built a small camp around 1,000 years ago. In 1960, two Norwegian archaeologists started excavating in this area and discovered the fascinating remains of this Viking camp. In 1979, L´Anse aux Meadows became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the recreated camp, you can see original artefacts from this internationally renowned archaeological find.

Day 7: Battle Harbour

Located on the edge of the Labrador Sea, Battle Harbour is a nature lover's paradise. For two centuries, it was the economic and social centre of the southeast Labrador coast. Today, it is a wilderness adventure destination, where you can encounter whales, dolphins, seabirds, Arctic foxes, icebergs and the spectacular island scenery on one of our hikes or boat tours.

Day 8: Cruising the Coast of Labrador

We will spend three days sailing along the coast of Labrador and exploring this area. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking along the trails and the countless miles of wilderness to explore, while others will appreciate learning more about the history, cultures and traditions of the area at the numerous his­toric sites we will visit.

Day 9: Cruising the Coast of Labrador

One of the places we may visit is Red Bay. The discovery of the wrecks of whale-hunting galleons and chalupas has made Red Bay one of the most exquisite underwater archaeological sites in America. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 10: Cruising the Coast of Labrador

We may also visit the picturesque town of Rigolet, the southernmost Inuit community in the world. This small, isolated town has a population of just 300 and cannot be accessed by road. However, it is accessible by ship all year around, and in wintertime also via snowmobile. We offer several outings here: You can explore the beautiful waters in a speedboat or go fishing, riding or whale watching. We may also visit Hopedale, originally the Inuit settlement of Agvituk, meaning 'the place of the whales', and Hebron, a former Moravian mission and the northernmost settlement in Labrador.

Day 11: Torngat Mountains National Park

The spectacular wilderness of Torngat Mountains National Park comprises 3,700 square miles in Northern Labrador Mountains.

Day 12: Torngat Mountains National Park

The peaks of the Torngat Mountains National Park are dotted with remnant glaciers. The landscape was formed during the last ice age and features steep fjord systems rising up to 900 metres directly out of the sea. It is truly rough and wild. 

Day 13: Torngat Mountains National Park

Today, the Inuit people continue to use this area for hunting, fishing and travelling throughout the year. Torngait, means 'place of spirits', and the Torngat Mountains have been home to the Inuit and their predecessors for 7,000 years, as we can see from archaeological sites in the area.

Day 14: Torngat Mountains National Park

You might get to see polar bears hunting seals along the coast, the Torngat Mountain and George River caribou herds crossing paths as they migrate to and from their calving grounds or any number of moose, foxes, wolves and black bears that are native to the park.

Day 15: Kuujjuaq/Montreal

Your adventure ends in Quebec's Arctic region – an immense, pristine territory lying north of the 55th parallel. Experience the Nunavik Inuit’s corner of the world, and maybe see the distinctive characteristics of their cultural and linguistic heritage, art and history, as well as traditional clothing and tools before you fly to Montreal.

Day 1: Welcome to Banff

After your arrival at Calgary Airport, you are transferred to the Castle in the Rockies, your historic mountain resort in Banff. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Banff

Connect with nature as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Embark on a guided walk in the Boreal forest and discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines. Learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations culture.Explore Banff with a few fun optionals. Choose to play nine holes of golf. Alternatively, take the Banff gondola up Sulphur Mountain and go on a hike. Another option is to take a guided horseback ride.

Day 3: A Trip to Lake Louise Relaxed Start

Explore Lake Louise with Insight Choice. Choose a journey on the sightseeing gondola and look out for local wildlife as you enjoy a hike surrounded by panoramic views. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll along iconic Lake Louise and put paint to canvas to create your own masterpiece. Indulge in a delicious lunch before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 4: Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers Relaxed Start

Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a moment to absorb the view of the stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Your journey continues on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort where you will savour a Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner. After your meal take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. Once night falls, step out on your hotel’s viewing deck and take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.

Day 5: Glacier Adventure

Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.

Day 6: Exploring Jasper

Join your Travel Director for an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Jasper National Park. Weather permitting, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of Maligne Lake and stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 7: Relaxing in Kananaskis Relaxed Start

Enjoy your scenic drive to Kananaskis and your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness. Relax at the resort surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern comforts. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 8: Board the Rocky Mountaineer

This morning, start your spectacular Rocky Mountaineer Journey and get transferred back to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey on this luxurious train begins westward bound through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. With more than three decades experience, Rocky Mountaineer has perfected the art of comfort and service. Prepare for spectacular views and flavourful food as you indulge in this unforgettable experience. You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that make up the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. This evening you will disembark in Kamloops where you will overnight at your inviting hotel.

Day 9: Continue Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey

Depart Kamloops this morning and continue your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer to the coastal city of Vancouver, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. As you travel along you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior, the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, and forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. On arrival in Vancouver you will bid farewell to this incredible experience and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or alternatively choose to extend your stay in this exciting city. Airport arrival time is between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.