Without doubt our 21 day combined Canadian/Alaskan Adventure had its moments and its disasters. However, we would not have willing missed the experience. Our final adventure fell on a day of national celebration “Canada Day”. This was not the first time we had visited a tourist hot spot on such an occasion. We landed in Amsterdam in time for “Queen’s Day” in 2012 – or rather “Queen’s Night” the evening before the day. Amsterdammers can certainly party and so can the Canadians.
We had book a coach trip for our final day to visit “Butchart Gardens” and Victoria. took the ferry to “Vancouver Island” from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria – (Swartz Bay)
an approximately 90 minute trip. Once on the island we made our way to Tod Bay and Butchart Gardens. Being a public holiday the gardens were extremely busy but we managed to make our 
way round and visit the centre-piece “Sunken Gardens”, “Rose Garden”, “Japanese Garden” and “Italian Garden”, plus other smaller garden areas. Time, as it usually does flew past as we meandered our way around the attractions. All to soon it was time to make our way back to the coach and to Victoria and party time (no photos taken – too boisterous and busy)
Video of Butchart Gardens
The first port of call was Juneau – the State Capitol City. (
dedicated to local birds. A port that has four cruise liners in is going to be busy. While nearly all passengers headed for the Mount Roberts Tramway or other tourist attractions we opted to explore the city and visit the museum, which was very interesting on local history. We wandered around the town making our way back to the dock plaza and the Mt. Roberts tramway station. It takes about 5 minutes to get to the station at the 1,800 foot point. Feeling hungry we partook of lunch – very nice it was too. Making our way to the Ranger 
Station we asked if there was a circular trail that would take about an hour to walk. There was indeed, and we were advised to take the right hand as that would be easier for us going down the large flight of stairs rather then climbing them. (We were glad we took that advice). The views at that level we good, they got even better as we climbed up the trail. The Ranger had given us a map and there was a point marked “Father Brown’s Cross” which was a 1/2 mile up from the Alpine loop trail we were on. In for a penny in for a pound, we plodded up that extra 1/2 mile. Those kind souls coming down gave encouragement to stick to it as the view was worth it. I’ll let you decide if it was.
buildings each one with its own story. Even new builds have to comply with “the look”. Gateway to the Chilkoot trail Skagway had an unsavoury reputation thanks to one 
The second highlight on the cruise – 
known for its many Native American totem poles, on display throughout town. Nearby Misty Fiords National Monument is a glacier-carved wilderness featuring snowcapped mountains, waterfalls and salmon spawning streams. It’s also home to rich wildlife including black bears, wolves and bald eagles.
. Amid the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, the park has glacier-fed lakes, forests and rivers. The Jasper SkyTram climbs to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, with views of downtown. The Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives presents exhibits on the fur trade, railway and early exploration of the park – ready for a day’s exploration and adventure. We set out from our hotel – Chateau Jasper to walk into town. It was not too bad a day weather wise. Our first stop was to find the railway station to familiarise ourselves with the procedure to board the Rocky Mountaineer train. Alas it was closed – we had not realised that the station only opens on the days that the Rocky Mountaineer departs/Arrives. The line is usually freight only. Mind you we took the opportunity to get a photo in front of the old steam locomotive on static display at the station – I would have loved to be on a train hauled by that engine. As we had the morning to explore we wandered around the town, bought some gifts and Susan enjoyed a fresh made Banana Split, I forget what I had (no evidence exists 🙂 ). After a nice morning we headed back to the hotel to meet our scheduled tour and exploration of the environs of Jasper and see the wildlife as well as the views.
on a different aspect as we traveled alongside/up and down them. It was not that long before the cry was uttered “bear on right hand side” and sure enough there was a black bear merrily walking through the trees. He was travelling relatively fast, nonchalant with not a care in the world, Sauntering along -was he heading to food, a date with a she bear only he knew, we just grabbed the opportunity to grab the odd picture or dozen. I certainly took some odd ones. We and the rest of the bear jam, watched the bear amble along for 
some time. Eventually our driver guide decided it was time to find some Osprey nests. 
Along the way we passed through part of the rainforest devastated by fire in 2008 and still struggling to recover. As someone who lives in Scotland I found it hard to accept what my eyes were telling my brain. Complete destruction – having been involved in fighting a few house fires I am well aware of that raging beast – but not to the scale that was obvious here. Thankfully there were signs of recovery, but, as our guide said, “It will take a wee while yet”. The devastation was only outdone by the pleasing sight of a lake set in the mountains. Alas the nest did not appear to be occupied. However, this did not deter our driver./guide as we continued our tour for another hour, spotting Elk, Black Bear, Long Horned Sheep and Mountain Goats (all of which had the proverbial <name of animal> Jam. Only in Canada can one have wildlife so close to a road and drivers stop), before returning to our hotel for the evening.
