This adventure has all of the ingredients of a grand journey!  Explore beneath the towering redwoods on the California coast to the behemoth mountains of British Columbia.  Hike to azure alpine lakes, spot wildlife along mountainous roads, soak in hot springs and gaze at stunning glaciers!  This trip to the Canadian Rockies and Alaska will leave you in awe of Earth’s artistry.

Welcome to the Green Tortoise!

Meet at the bus loading zone at the intersection of Columbus and Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco with your e-ticket.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time. 

Day 1

We begin our journey with a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Say farewell to the city bustle and head north over the hills of Northern California. Enjoy getting to know your fellow travelers on the scenic ride.  Grab lunch in the quaint town of Ukiah. Onward to the breathtaking redwood groves along the Avenue of the Giants and Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Take a walk beneath the massive trees and cool off in the Eel River.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

The adventure heads east towards the Cascade Range.  Along the way, dive into California’s mining history in the town of Weaverville, nestled at the base of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Visit some of the art galleries and historical buildings or stroll through town on a coffeehouse tour. By the evening, watch the sunset over Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 3

Lassen National Park supports a “quiet” volcano and boasts a network of cracks in the earth’s crust that deliver hydrothermal delights and smokey plumage upward to the heavens.  One of the wonders of the world.  Few have had the opportunity to spend time in a region so densely populated with geothermal activity!  Explore the unique terrain of Bumpass Hell.  Meander through steaming pools, multi-colored soils, and aquamarine water under the deep blue sky. Visit the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and the Loomis Museum or hike to a pristine lake in the shadow of Lassen Peak.

Camp Night

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4

The blue depths of Crater Lake are mesmerizing.  Take a short hike for a broader view.  The volcanic island provides a unique photographic opportunity, as does the abundant and diverse vegetation.  Keep your camera handy — you may spot one of the local elk, pronghorn, black-tailed deer or coyote that resides here.  In the evening, hike to the spectacular Toketee Falls, named after a word in the extinct Pacific Northwest language, Chinook Jargon, meaning “pretty” or “graceful,” on the North Umpqua River. 

Camp night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Optional Swim/Soak

Day 5

After a hearty Green Tortoise breakfast, hike to the natural pools of Umpqua Hot Springs overlooking the river.  Enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich waters.  In the afternoon, venture north through the Willamette Valley.  

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Night Drive

Day 6

Spend a day in Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. With miles of trails of varying lengths and difficulties to choose from, there’s something for everyone to explore! With any luck, the meadows will be in full blossom with daisies, fireweed, and avalanche lilies.  Watch the park film and wander the exhibits at the visitor center. There’s much to learn with over a century of history at the park!

This afternoon, the adventure bus cruises back to Seattle.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch 

Hostel Night

Day 7

Awaken in the “Jewel of the Northwest” and grab a coffee from the first Starbucks in Pike Place Market.  Take a trip to the top of the Space Needle or visit the Museum of Pop Culture.  Perhaps you want to visit the Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit or just stroll along the waterfront.  Options seem endless in the Emerald City with a full day of exploration.

Hostel Night

Day 8

Get your first glimpse of the behemoth mountains of British Columbia after we cross the border into Canada.  Watch as the beautiful scenery begins to change. Our camp is nestled in a forest of Douglas fir, pine and aspen trees.  This evening, embark on a hike along the lake’s shoreline and take a dip!

Camp Night

Optional Swim

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 9

The journey continues through the inland temperate rainforest. The old-growth forest of cedars and hemlock trees surrounding Revelstoke, British Columbia guides us to the famous mountain town. Take a walk along the Columbia River and meander the quaint downtown’s Grizzly Plaza. In the evening, sink into Canyon Hot Springs.

Camp Night

Optional Swim & Soak / Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 10

Glacier National Park of Canada reveals itself today.  Hike to some magnificent waterfalls and watch the mountains rise higher as we roll through the Canadian Rockies.  This evening, arrive in Banff National Park. Our campsite near Lake Louise allows ample time to explore the alluring nature surrounding the lake’s azure water. 

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Showers Available

Day 11

Rent a canoe for a scenic paddle or just enjoy the view from the luxurious Fairmont Chateau. Sip tea at high altitude after a hike through the dense subalpine forests to Lake Agnes – a hidden gem complete with a teahouse, lovely turquoise waters, a steep wooden staircase and a waterfall.  Hike another one of Banff National Park’s most beloved trails to views of spectacular ice hanging at the scenic Plain of Six Glaciers.  Or just enjoy the view and people watching at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Showers Available

Day 12

Start the day with a hike along the dramatic catwalks of Johnston Canyon to the cascading upper waterfalls.  Discover the natural beauty created by thousands of years of water erosion through the limestone bedrock.  Later, a short drive brings us to the historic town of Banff, where we’ll dine out on the town before we polish off the evening relaxing those sore hiking muscles in Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast

Optional Swim & Soak / Showers Available

Day 13

We’ll travel through the vast wilderness, alongside gigantic mountains, on the Icefields Parkway to the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.  A stop to stretch our legs sends us on a journey through time on an interpretive walk up to the face of the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefields. Beautifully striped erratics, or pebbles and boulders carried by the glacier, decorate the trail along the way.  Tonight, we’ll spend an evening getting to know the quaint, riverfront town of Jasper, Alberta.  

Hostel Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Showers Available

Day 14

Explore the mountain wilderness of Jasper National Park.  Spectacular 165-foot sheer limestone walls of the impressive Maligne Canyon guide you on an unforgettable hike across six bridges suspended over the thundering Maligne River.  This afternoon, soak in the inviting Miette Hot Springs or keep moving on the Sulphur Skyline Trail for sweeping views of the endless wilderness.  

Camp Night

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Optional Soak / Showers Available

Day 15

Venturing north through Alberta, we’ll make a quick stop in Grande Prairie for reprovisioning prior to entering northern British Columbia’s expansive wilderness.  Today, at Mile 0 of the Alaska-Canadian Highway, better known as the AlCan, we head west towards the Last Frontier!  

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 16

The adventure continues along this road that was constructed in World War II as a supply route linking the contiguous United States with Alaska.  The AlCAn was constructed in less than 8 months by a crew of over 10,000 Army Corp of Engineers.  Learn more at our stop at Fort Nelson with a visit to the Heritage Museum.  By the evening, prepare dinner and camp at the pristine Summit Lake.

Camp Night

Optional Swim

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17

Stone Mountain Provincial Park has so much to offer!  Embark on a hike to the summit of a mountain for unbelievable views or go on a more leisurely hike to an alpine lake.  Perhaps you wish to spend the day lounging at camp. However you spend the day, the views will be rewarding!

Camp Night

Optional Swim

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18

As we continue through the Northern Rocky Mountains, stunning vistas greet us around every curve.  Keep on the lookout for mountain goats and dall sheep as we wind our way towards Muncho Lake and Liard Hot Springs.  This evening, spend some time relaxing in the natural, steaming pools.

Drive Night

Optional Swim

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 19

Welcome to the Yukon Territory!  Our destination today is within the Carcross / Tagish First Nation.  We will visit the smallest desert in the world, have the opportunity to learn all about the region’s rich cultural and Indigenous history, and explore the Gold Rush history of the area.  A day in Carcross will leave you humbled beneath towering totem poles and surrounded by behemoth mountains. 

Camp Night

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 20

Alaska beckons!  Cross the border into Skagway, Alaska, a small town with a big personality.  Whether you choose to ride the bus or hop on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Carcross, the ride is undoubtedly one of the most scenic on Earth! Once you arrive in Skagway, opportunities are endless.  From hiking to dog mushing to history tours, there’s not much you can’t do here.  

Camp Night

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast 

Day 21

Enjoy a morning exploring Skagway’s quaint downtown shops or take a hike out to Yakutania Point.  This afternoon, a ferry ride on the Alaska Marine Highway brings us to the state capitol, Juneau! It’s not uncommon to see porpoise, whales and other marine life along the way.  Plus, the views of waterfalls and glaciers along the Lynn Canal are spectacular!  

This evening, we bid farewell in Juneau, Alaska.

Not ready for the fun to end?  Check out the Alaska Expedition to extend the adventure!

• • Travel By Comfortable Custom Coach
  • 70% of Quality Crafted Meals
  • National Park Entrance Fees
  • All Camping Fees
  • Semi-Guided Exploration of Cities & Parks
  • Expert Guide & Professional Driver With Local Knowledge
  
  What’s Not Included
  • • Sleeping Bag*
    • Sleeping Pad*
    • Tent*

  *Available for rent upon booking! 

  Required Additional Expenses

  • • Hostel Stays During The Trip
    • Ferry Passages 

• Canada: 
  • Hot Springs Entrances
  • Lake Louise Canoe Rental
  • Banff Gondola
• Skagway area: 
  • White Pass & Yukon Route Train Ride
  • Flight-seeing
  • Helicopter Tours
  • Dog Mushing
  • Zip-line
  • Other tours 

You’ll be traveling in a custom, comfortable sleeper coach! 

A sleeping bag and sleeping pad are required for this adventure.  If you don’t have one, rent one from us upon booking!  

A tent is required.  On most occasions you are welcome to sleep on the bus or sleep beneath the stars.  However, we strongly recommend bringing along a tent for privacy and comfort. You may rent a tent from us (subject to availability).

Our coaches are equipped with a camp kitchen.  No need to bring your own cookware or utensils.  Bring a reusable lunch container to store your packed lunch and a reusable water bottle.

Once you’re booked, you will receive a detailed packing list in your e-ticket.

Departure:  7:00 AM – San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery St. Bus Loading Zone

Departure Option 2 (June 20, 2024): Union Station, 800 NW 6th Ave., Portland, OR 97209
Call for Details

*****

Arrival:  10:00 PM Foodland IGA – 615 West Willoughby Ave., Juneau, AK 99801