Canada to Alaska Rail & Cruise Vacation Package
16 days
Enjoyable for all
Comfortable transport & accommodations. Any physical activities are optional. Temperate environment. Mostly guided. E.g. a train-bus tour
Trip Overview |
Map |
Itinerary |
Options |
Accommodation |
With stops in all the Rockies’ major towns, you aren’t going to miss any of the breathtaking scenery and mountain air that you’ve been dreaming of. Two days of luxury on the Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing train - with nights in the natural beauty of Jasper, picturesque Lake Louise, and bustling Banff - is a great introduction to the Rockies. Combine your rail trip with the personalized attention of a Holland America cruise to Alaska for a vacation that you won’t soon forget. Discover Alaska’s vibrant coastal communities and enjoy the pristine scenery as you cruise roundtrip from Vancouver. The Northwest Rail and Cruise is the getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
Outline
Arrive Calgary
2 nights Banff
1 night Lake Louise
2 nights Jasper
1 night Kamloops
2 nights Vancouver
7 nights aboard the Ms Zaandam
Depart Vancouver
Arrive Calgary
2 nights Banff
1 night Lake Louise
2 nights Jasper
1 night Kamloops
2 nights Vancouver
7 nights aboard the Ms Zaandam
Depart Vancouver
Day 1 – Begin your Vacation – Arrive in Calgary
Your vacation starts off as soon as you arrive in Calgary as a luxury motorcoach transfers you through the foothills of the Rockies and into Banff. Breathe deeply and feel the mountains’ serene embrace as you arrive in the majestic Canadian Rockies. Banff is the liveliest of the mountain towns on your Canadian holiday and the energy on Banff Avenue is contagious. Quaint shops are interspersed with chain stores, horse drawn carriages line the street waiting to show you around town, and the scent of homemade maple fudge wafts out of sweet shops.
Day 2 - Exploring Banff – Evening Wildlife Safari
Today’s the day to get outside, explore, and see why the population of Banff doubles during the summer months. Tonight, you step onto a tour bus and take to the outskirts of Banff. You have one goal in mind – see as much wildlife as possible. Your guide explains how the National Parks work to protect animals and their habitat, but you’re too preoccupied with scanning the trees for animals to fully digest the information. With binoculars and a spotting scope on hand, you don’t doubt that you will be in the 95% of tours who spot wildlife. Black bears, elk, bighorn sheep and osprey are all residents in the area, so keep your eyes peeled!
Day 3 – Deeper into the Canadian Rockies – from Banff to Lake Louise
Board a sightseeing tour along the beautiful Icefields Parkway today to discover the most scenic road in the world. Included is a snocoach tour by Ice Explorer on the massive Athabasca Glacier - a great way to discover this natural phenomenon up close. Continue on to Lake Louise, where you can picture the clearest glacier water you can imagine, frame this water with some of the most majestic mountains in the world – and not even come close to the resort’s beauty. Stroll along the lakeshore, learn about local wildlife, or relax on a bench and enjoy the view. The water is so pure that you want to jump right in, but renting a canoe and going for a paddle will be the warmer option! Lake Louise moves at the unrushed vacation pace that you’re becoming used to.
Day 4 – The Icefields Parkway – Lake Louise to Jasper
Welcome the morning by boarding a luxury motorcoach and relaxing in comfort as you head north along the Icefields Parkway. You’re traveling along one of the most scenic highways in the world, so wipe the sleep from your eyes quickly! Your tour guide’s commentary throughout the journey lets you know which direction to look so you don’t miss a thing. An optional snocoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier will amaze you with wonders that nature builds. Stepping off the coach in Jasper, you take a deep breath – the crisp mountain air is invigorating.
Day 5 – The Canadian Wilderness – Discover Jasper
Thanks to the discoveries of Canada’s early explorers, you get to sit back in comfort on a guided tour and travel along the Athabasca Canadian Heritage River. From your guide’s vibrant commentary, you learn how this gorgeous, flowing water shaped Canada as you now see it. Continuing in the spirit of past adventurers, Maligne Canyon will have you in awe of the powers of erosion, where 10,000 years have created a gorge so deep that it looks almost bottomless. Medicine Lake has the calm, clear look of a typical mountain lake, so you’re surprised to learn how it’s less like an ordinary lake and more like your bathtub at home!
Day 6 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Jasper to Kamloops
A lonesome wail sounds from the train’s whistle and the smell of breakfast wafts through your car as the Rocky Mountaineer rolls out of Jasper. The Rocky Mountain trench engulfs you and makes you realize just how small you really are as you look back to see the Rockies standing tall behind the Rocky Mountaineer. Over coffee you can chat with old friends and new, but mostly you can’t help staring out the train’s window at some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Step onto the outdoor viewing platform to feel the breeze on your face. From the onboard guide, you learn the history of the Canadian railroad, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for bears, elk and other mountain residents. Early in the evening, the Rocky Mountaineer arrives in Kamloops where you have a good night’s rest.
Day 7 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Vancouver
Back in your familiar seat on the Rocky Mountaineer, you travel through the mighty Thompson Canyon before staring in awe at Hell’s Gate, where 200 million gallons of water push their way through the narrow gorge. As you move from the arid interior of British Columbia to the coastal city of Vancouver you marvel at the diversity of the scenery you’ve seen during your Canadian rail vacation. The lush farmland of the Fraser Valley indicates that you are nearing Vancouver, your final stop on the Canada rail portion of your train and cruise trip. A city surrounded by mountains and ocean, the air is fresh, the ambiance is cool, and the residents are friendly. Vancouver’s personality is just the kind of stop you need after your rail trip across the country.
Day 8 – Coastal Metropolis – Explore Vancouver
You can’t help but begin to unwind as soon as you arrive in the west coast city of Vancouver. This is the city where Greenpeace started, where bears wander into backyards, and where coyotes sometimes wander across the golf course in Stanley Park. In the downtown core, whiffs of the surrounding ocean mixed with the aroma of fresh ethnic cuisine make you feel at home in this outdoorsy and multi-cultural city. Explore the city, stopping at a sidewalk café to watch the world go by.
Day 9 – On the Ocean – Holland America’s MS Ryndam
Step aboard the MS Zaandam and right into Holland America’s superb service. The shipboard ambiance is luxurious and with a high ratio of staff to travelers, the personalized attention puts you right at ease. Watch Vancouver fade into the distance as you stroll along the outdoor deck. Evening entertainment dazzles you before you retire to your stateroom this evening, where you are gently rocked to sleep by movement of the ocean.
Day 10 – Experience Cruising – Full Day at Sea
Start your onboard experience by booking some pampering at the spa before taking a dip in the pool or trying your luck at the casino. Treat your taste buds to a selection of gourmet regional dishes this evening – the delicious meals are sure to be a highlight of your Alaska cruise!
Day 11 – Glacier Discovery – Tracy Arm and Juneau, Alaska
Beauty surrounds you in this narrow fjord, located in more than 600,000 acres of gorgeous, pristine backcountry. Enjoy a hot drink on deck as you stand near the rail to get the best view. Step off the ship in Juneau today – solid ground feels so strange below your feet! Walk off your sea legs as you discover Alaska’s capital city. The scent of Alaska’s famous smoked salmon tempts your senses as it wafts out of local shops. Explore the city on your own, or sign up for a shore excursion before re-boarding the MS Zaandam and continuing your Alaskan cruise.
Day 12 – Colourful History – Arrive in Skagway
Skagway’s brightly coloured main street takes you back to the Klondike gold rush era, when many stopped over here en route to find their fortunes. Your footsteps have a sound of their own as you stroll along the town’s wooden sidewalks. Skagway’s pride in its frontier heritage shows in every store and street side museum. With all this lively history on your mind, a sitting at the old time photo hut – where you can dress-up as a part of Skagway’s past - is the only way to end the afternoon at port.
Day 13 – Spectacular Nature - Cruise Glacier Bay
This pure, undisturbed Alaskan bay has a peacefulness you’ve never before experienced. Feel as though you have returned to the Ice Age as sixteen spectacular glaciers work to define the landscape. The onboard cruise staff explains how any small growth or reduction in ice size chisels the surrounding area in their image, but you aren’t even too concerned with the science of it – the sheer beauty has you spellbound.
Day 14 – The Salmon Capital – Arrive in Ketchikan
Ketchikan’s seafaring atmosphere is the first thing you notice when you step off the ship. Originally established as a fishing town, this is the best place to replenish your stock of smoked Salmon! The town extends from the shore, right into the water – the ocean is in the locals’ blood and has led to buildings built on stilts above the water. A stroll along Creek Street takes you into a red light district that’s straight out of the gold rush era. Wooden heritage buildings - housing museums, shops and historic houses – line the street. Dolly’s House is a stop that’s not to be missed!
Day 15 – The Inside Passage – Ketchikan to Vancouver
This morning you wake-up to scenery like no other. Enjoy your breakfast on deck as the Inside Passage assaults your senses. This full day cruise is west coast scenery at its finest. Calm inlets, evergreen blanketed islands, and majestic coastal mountains keep your eyes busy. The salt tinged air of the Pacific Ocean fills your lungs as the breeze tickles your face. Memories from your Alaskan cruise fill your thoughts tonight as you’re rocked to sleep by the Pacific Ocean one last time.
Day 16 – Much too Soon – Depart Vancouver
With stories to tell for years to come, you leave the clean air and colourful sights of Canada and Alaska behind as your rail and cruise vacation comes to an end.
Your vacation starts off as soon as you arrive in Calgary as a luxury motorcoach transfers you through the foothills of the Rockies and into Banff. Breathe deeply and feel the mountains’ serene embrace as you arrive in the majestic Canadian Rockies. Banff is the liveliest of the mountain towns on your Canadian holiday and the energy on Banff Avenue is contagious. Quaint shops are interspersed with chain stores, horse drawn carriages line the street waiting to show you around town, and the scent of homemade maple fudge wafts out of sweet shops.
Day 2 - Exploring Banff – Evening Wildlife Safari
Today’s the day to get outside, explore, and see why the population of Banff doubles during the summer months. Tonight, you step onto a tour bus and take to the outskirts of Banff. You have one goal in mind – see as much wildlife as possible. Your guide explains how the National Parks work to protect animals and their habitat, but you’re too preoccupied with scanning the trees for animals to fully digest the information. With binoculars and a spotting scope on hand, you don’t doubt that you will be in the 95% of tours who spot wildlife. Black bears, elk, bighorn sheep and osprey are all residents in the area, so keep your eyes peeled!
Day 3 – Deeper into the Canadian Rockies – from Banff to Lake Louise
Board a sightseeing tour along the beautiful Icefields Parkway today to discover the most scenic road in the world. Included is a snocoach tour by Ice Explorer on the massive Athabasca Glacier - a great way to discover this natural phenomenon up close. Continue on to Lake Louise, where you can picture the clearest glacier water you can imagine, frame this water with some of the most majestic mountains in the world – and not even come close to the resort’s beauty. Stroll along the lakeshore, learn about local wildlife, or relax on a bench and enjoy the view. The water is so pure that you want to jump right in, but renting a canoe and going for a paddle will be the warmer option! Lake Louise moves at the unrushed vacation pace that you’re becoming used to.
Day 4 – The Icefields Parkway – Lake Louise to Jasper
Welcome the morning by boarding a luxury motorcoach and relaxing in comfort as you head north along the Icefields Parkway. You’re traveling along one of the most scenic highways in the world, so wipe the sleep from your eyes quickly! Your tour guide’s commentary throughout the journey lets you know which direction to look so you don’t miss a thing. An optional snocoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier will amaze you with wonders that nature builds. Stepping off the coach in Jasper, you take a deep breath – the crisp mountain air is invigorating.
Day 5 – The Canadian Wilderness – Discover Jasper
Thanks to the discoveries of Canada’s early explorers, you get to sit back in comfort on a guided tour and travel along the Athabasca Canadian Heritage River. From your guide’s vibrant commentary, you learn how this gorgeous, flowing water shaped Canada as you now see it. Continuing in the spirit of past adventurers, Maligne Canyon will have you in awe of the powers of erosion, where 10,000 years have created a gorge so deep that it looks almost bottomless. Medicine Lake has the calm, clear look of a typical mountain lake, so you’re surprised to learn how it’s less like an ordinary lake and more like your bathtub at home!
Day 6 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Jasper to Kamloops
A lonesome wail sounds from the train’s whistle and the smell of breakfast wafts through your car as the Rocky Mountaineer rolls out of Jasper. The Rocky Mountain trench engulfs you and makes you realize just how small you really are as you look back to see the Rockies standing tall behind the Rocky Mountaineer. Over coffee you can chat with old friends and new, but mostly you can’t help staring out the train’s window at some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Step onto the outdoor viewing platform to feel the breeze on your face. From the onboard guide, you learn the history of the Canadian railroad, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for bears, elk and other mountain residents. Early in the evening, the Rocky Mountaineer arrives in Kamloops where you have a good night’s rest.
Day 7 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Vancouver
Back in your familiar seat on the Rocky Mountaineer, you travel through the mighty Thompson Canyon before staring in awe at Hell’s Gate, where 200 million gallons of water push their way through the narrow gorge. As you move from the arid interior of British Columbia to the coastal city of Vancouver you marvel at the diversity of the scenery you’ve seen during your Canadian rail vacation. The lush farmland of the Fraser Valley indicates that you are nearing Vancouver, your final stop on the Canada rail portion of your train and cruise trip. A city surrounded by mountains and ocean, the air is fresh, the ambiance is cool, and the residents are friendly. Vancouver’s personality is just the kind of stop you need after your rail trip across the country.
Day 8 – Coastal Metropolis – Explore Vancouver
You can’t help but begin to unwind as soon as you arrive in the west coast city of Vancouver. This is the city where Greenpeace started, where bears wander into backyards, and where coyotes sometimes wander across the golf course in Stanley Park. In the downtown core, whiffs of the surrounding ocean mixed with the aroma of fresh ethnic cuisine make you feel at home in this outdoorsy and multi-cultural city. Explore the city, stopping at a sidewalk café to watch the world go by.
Day 9 – On the Ocean – Holland America’s MS Ryndam
Step aboard the MS Zaandam and right into Holland America’s superb service. The shipboard ambiance is luxurious and with a high ratio of staff to travelers, the personalized attention puts you right at ease. Watch Vancouver fade into the distance as you stroll along the outdoor deck. Evening entertainment dazzles you before you retire to your stateroom this evening, where you are gently rocked to sleep by movement of the ocean.
Day 10 – Experience Cruising – Full Day at Sea
Start your onboard experience by booking some pampering at the spa before taking a dip in the pool or trying your luck at the casino. Treat your taste buds to a selection of gourmet regional dishes this evening – the delicious meals are sure to be a highlight of your Alaska cruise!
Day 11 – Glacier Discovery – Tracy Arm and Juneau, Alaska
Beauty surrounds you in this narrow fjord, located in more than 600,000 acres of gorgeous, pristine backcountry. Enjoy a hot drink on deck as you stand near the rail to get the best view. Step off the ship in Juneau today – solid ground feels so strange below your feet! Walk off your sea legs as you discover Alaska’s capital city. The scent of Alaska’s famous smoked salmon tempts your senses as it wafts out of local shops. Explore the city on your own, or sign up for a shore excursion before re-boarding the MS Zaandam and continuing your Alaskan cruise.
Day 12 – Colourful History – Arrive in Skagway
Skagway’s brightly coloured main street takes you back to the Klondike gold rush era, when many stopped over here en route to find their fortunes. Your footsteps have a sound of their own as you stroll along the town’s wooden sidewalks. Skagway’s pride in its frontier heritage shows in every store and street side museum. With all this lively history on your mind, a sitting at the old time photo hut – where you can dress-up as a part of Skagway’s past - is the only way to end the afternoon at port.
Day 13 – Spectacular Nature - Cruise Glacier Bay
This pure, undisturbed Alaskan bay has a peacefulness you’ve never before experienced. Feel as though you have returned to the Ice Age as sixteen spectacular glaciers work to define the landscape. The onboard cruise staff explains how any small growth or reduction in ice size chisels the surrounding area in their image, but you aren’t even too concerned with the science of it – the sheer beauty has you spellbound.
Day 14 – The Salmon Capital – Arrive in Ketchikan
Ketchikan’s seafaring atmosphere is the first thing you notice when you step off the ship. Originally established as a fishing town, this is the best place to replenish your stock of smoked Salmon! The town extends from the shore, right into the water – the ocean is in the locals’ blood and has led to buildings built on stilts above the water. A stroll along Creek Street takes you into a red light district that’s straight out of the gold rush era. Wooden heritage buildings - housing museums, shops and historic houses – line the street. Dolly’s House is a stop that’s not to be missed!
Day 15 – The Inside Passage – Ketchikan to Vancouver
This morning you wake-up to scenery like no other. Enjoy your breakfast on deck as the Inside Passage assaults your senses. This full day cruise is west coast scenery at its finest. Calm inlets, evergreen blanketed islands, and majestic coastal mountains keep your eyes busy. The salt tinged air of the Pacific Ocean fills your lungs as the breeze tickles your face. Memories from your Alaskan cruise fill your thoughts tonight as you’re rocked to sleep by the Pacific Ocean one last time.
Day 16 – Much too Soon – Depart Vancouver
With stories to tell for years to come, you leave the clean air and colourful sights of Canada and Alaska behind as your rail and cruise vacation comes to an end.
Options & Upgrades
Extend your stay in the Canadian Rockies to river raft the Kicking Horse River, explore the National Parks on foot or mountain bike, or sharpen up your shopping skills on Banff’s Main Street
Add a trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island
Experience an aerial view of the Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter or learn about Alaska’s wildlife on a whale-watching and wildlife tour both available as shore excursions from Juneau
Survey Ketchikan’s rain forest canopy from a bird’s-eye perspective on a Canopy Adventure & Wildlife Expedition
Reach White Pass summit aboard the 100 year old White pass & Yukon Route Railroad through some of Alaska’s most rugged and beautiful terrain
Accommodation
Standard hotel & Large Outside cabin, Superior hotel & Large Outside cabin or Deluxe hotel & Outside Verandah suite
Please contact us for a detailed description
Standard hotel & Large Outside cabin, Superior hotel & Large Outside cabin or Deluxe hotel & Outside Verandah suite
Please contact us for a detailed description
Request A Booking |
Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS >>
- Rocky Mountaineer’s scenic 2-day rail journey
- 5 nights in the Canadian Rockies
- 7 nights aboard Holland America line’s MV Zaandam
- Cruise the Inside Passage
- Glacier Bay
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
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Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
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2008 Departure Dates
Departs Calgary
Tuesdays
May 6,13,20,27
Jun 3,10,17,24
Jul 1,8,15,22,29
Aug 5,12,19,26
Price Notes
• Prices are per person based on two people occupying a room and cabin
• Prices for single or triple are available, please ask your agent for details
• All cabin types are outside cabins
Includes
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Banff - Standard and Superior include Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service whilst Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service
• Jasper sightseeing tour
• Icefields Parkway tour between Jasper and Lake Louise, venture on to the Athabasca glacier aboard the famous Ice fields explorer (May 1st onwards)
• Banff Evening Wildlife Safari
•Transfer from Lake Louise to Banff
• Transfer from Calgary Airport to Banff
• Rail Station transfers in Kamloops
• 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• All meals, tea, coffee & juice aboard the cruise
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Rocky Mountaineer fuel surcharge $30 pp
• Transfers, unless otherwise stated
• National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks & bottled water aboard cruise
• Cruise ship service charge - USD $10 per person per day & 15% of bar bill
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)
Departs Calgary
Tuesdays
May 6,13,20,27
Jun 3,10,17,24
Jul 1,8,15,22,29
Aug 5,12,19,26
| Standard | Twin | Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade |
||
| USD $ | CAD $ | USD $ | CAD $ | |
| May 6 - May 22 | 5,228 | 5,228 | 840 | 840 |
| May 23 - Jun 26 | 6,176 | 6,176 | 840 | 840 |
| Jun 27 - Aug 5 | 5,417 | 5,417 | 840 | 840 |
| Aug 6 - Sep 11 | 5,083 | 5,083 | 840 | 840 |
| Superior | Twin | Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade |
||
| USD $ | CAD $ | USD $ | CAD $ | |
| May 6 - May 22 | 6,599 | 6,599 | 840 | 840 |
| May 23 - Jun 26 | 7,206 | 7,206 | 840 | 840 |
| Jun 27 - Aug 5 | 6,447 | 6,447 | 840 | 840 |
| Aug 6 - Sep 11 | 6,113 | 6,113 | 840 | 840 |
| Deluxe GoldLeaf Service | Twin | |
| USD $ | CAD $ | |
| May 6 - May 22 | 9,063 | 9,063 |
| May 23 - Jun 26 | 10,030 | 10,030 |
| Jun 27 - Aug 5 | 10,030 | 10,030 |
| Aug 6 - Sep 11 | 8,817 | 8,817 |
• Prices are per person based on two people occupying a room and cabin
• Prices for single or triple are available, please ask your agent for details
• All cabin types are outside cabins
Includes
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Banff - Standard and Superior include Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service whilst Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service
• Jasper sightseeing tour
• Icefields Parkway tour between Jasper and Lake Louise, venture on to the Athabasca glacier aboard the famous Ice fields explorer (May 1st onwards)
• Banff Evening Wildlife Safari
•Transfer from Lake Louise to Banff
• Transfer from Calgary Airport to Banff
• Rail Station transfers in Kamloops
• 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• All meals, tea, coffee & juice aboard the cruise
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Rocky Mountaineer fuel surcharge $30 pp
• Transfers, unless otherwise stated
• National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks & bottled water aboard cruise
• Cruise ship service charge - USD $10 per person per day & 15% of bar bill
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)
