Canadian Parliament and the Ottawa River
Canada - May-June 2019
A 25 day trip. 4 nights in Ottawa, one night Vancouver, two nights Whistler, three nights Ucluelet, one night Vancouver, seven nights Alaska Cruise, four nights Vancouver.
Day 1 - Ottawa
A wet day, so where better to go than the National Gallery.
Day 2 - Ottawa
A day in and around the city as it prepares for the Festival of Tulips. Every year the Dutch send 40,000 bulbs to Ottawa to bring the parks into full colour.
Day 3 - Upper Canada Village
This place is an absolute gem. Billed as one of the largest 'living history' sites in Canada with over 40 genuine properties from the 1860's, many moved to the site on the banks of the St Lawrence River and restored to their original condition using wood cut in the sawmill, which also supplies the local carpenter. All the 'characters' are dressed in period costume and demonstrate everyday life in 1860's Canada.
Day 4 - Gillies Trail, Maple Syrup, Perth & Gatineau Park
A day out walking, exploring and sampling.
Day 5 - A day in Vancouver
Just a one day stopover before a week driving
Day 6&7 - Whistler & Cheakamus River
A drive out of Vancouver to Olympic Town of Whistler. Unfortunately for us it was a Bank Holiday and the town was packed with noisy bands playing in every square and rubbish everywhere. Luckily our hotel was not in the centre. We elected to drive south to Cheakamus for a trail that followed the Cheakamus River to a suspension bridge and back down the other side. Tranquil and beautiful forest scenery. No bears!
Day 8 - Tofino
The morning spent walking around The Lighthouse Loop and then drive to Tofino for lunch and to explore the town and beaches on the way back.
Days 9 &10 - Return to Vancouver
Day 9 was a four hour drive to the ferry to take us back to Vancouver before the Cruise to Alaska
We had time for a quick walk before going to the cruise terminal.
Day 10 - Start of Alaskan Cruise
The Neiw Amsterdam set sail at 4pm, to cruise the Inside Passage to Juneau.
Canada Place Wharf & Vancouver City
Day 12 - Cruising into Juneau
Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is only accessible from the water.
Day 13 - Juneau
An excursion to the Mendenhall Glacier & Waterfall and Orca Point dinner with whale watching
Day 14 - Skagway
Another excursion, this time a train to the top of White Pass, along the route that the Klondike Gold Rush miners took, now a tourist line that loops back to Skagway.
Day 15 - Glacier Bay
On arrival in Glacier bay the ship was boarded by two Rangers who gave commentary on the wildlife and scenery.
Day 16 - Ketchikan
Our favourite Alaskan town. We did a photo tour, which meant we visited areas outside the town as well as the highlights of the town itself, like Creek Street.
Days 18 - Vancouver City
First day back in Vancouver so a trip by mini ferry to the Maritime Museum and Granville Island Markets
Day 19 - Deep Cove
A bus ride out to Deep Cove for a hour walk along the Baden Powell Trail, which turned out to be a lot tougher than we expected.
Day 20 - Van Dusen Gardens
Another bus ride to one of the botanical gardens
Day 21 - Vancouver City
The last day, so back to some favourite places for a last look and a visit to Vancouver Lookout for a panoramic view of the city.
