Call to book1-877-929-7245
Tour Search
#Favorites
North America

Canada's Rockies & Alaska Cruise

Save
4.8 stars(20 reviews)
Gallery

Take on the world by land and sea, as you transverse the very best of the Canadian Rockies by train and board a luxury cruise liner for a cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage.

You are viewing the 2022 itinerary. Select your departure year
20212022
16 days From $3,797 per person

2022 Tour code: PR-CACN-22

About the tour

Set your sights on the best of the Canadian Rockies, as you arrive in Calgary and transfer to the resort town of Banff. Enjoy a sightseeing tour; quintessential Banff sites, such as the hot springs; a gondola ride and much more over the course of two days before transferring to Lake Louise for an overnight in Lake Louise's iconic Chateau. The next morning, soak up the scenery and board an Ice Explorer for a trek onto the Athabasca Glacier en route to Jasper. You'll have a full day to explore the beautiful town of Jasper and its eponymous National Park. The following day, it is all aboard VIA Rail's Canadian for an exciting ride through the mountains to Vancouver.

Take in all of the historic sites and iconic neighborhoods this coastal city has to offer with a Hop-on Hop-off tour, before stepping aboard Holland America's ms Nieuw Amsterdam for a 7-night cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage. There are ample opportunities to explore during the journey, including excursions to Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. The ship heads through the awe-inspiring Inside Passage before returning to port in Vancouver, where the tour comes to a close.

Highlights

View Dates & Pricing

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Calgary to Banff

Fly into Calgary's international airport and transfer to Banff, your home for two nights. Once you've settled into your accommodations, explore the grounds and all the amenities this grand hotel has to offer, or head out and start exploring this beautiful town. Make time during your stay in Banff to visit the Banff National Park and the Banff Upper Hot Springs, which are located inside the Park. Overnight Banff.

Day 2 - Banff Sightseeing

Banff is a veritable outdoor playground filled with pristine ski slopes, hiking trails, and bike paths. Banff was originally settled by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880's. Today visit some of its most famous sights on your guided tour of Banff. Learn about the history of the town as you visit some of its most scenic areas including Tunnel and Rundle Mountains, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and the Hoodoos as well as a ride on the Banff gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The views of the Bow Valley are just stunning. Overnight Banff.

Day 3 - Banff to Lake Louise

Take the morning to revisit some of your favorite spots in town or seek out new ones. This afternoon, travel west to Lake Louise. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin exploring the charming village. Take advantage of picturesque photo opportunities around the tranquil lake with its shimmering turquoise waters and Victoria Glacier looming in the distance. Overnight Lake Louise.

Day 4 - Lake Louise to Jasper

This morning depart on a scenic drive to Jasper. Your transfer doubles as a sightseeing excursion, as you'll pass some of the most stunning vistas as you travel along the Icefield Parkway with a stop at the Columbia Icefield. Once in Jasper, settle into your accommodations and take the time to explore the impressive grounds. Overnight Jasper.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 5 - Jasper at Leisure

Spend the day exploring Jasper and its famed National Park. or you may elect to take a ride on the Jasper Tramway. Perhaps spend the day hiking or biking the area, soaking in the hot springs or riding the Jasper Tramway. Overnight Jasper.

Day 6 - VIA Rail's Canadian to Vancouver

After breakfast on your own, transfer to the rail station for your departure aboard VIA Rail's Canadian to Vancouver.

Board the train and settle into your onboard accommodations. As a Sleeper Plus passenger, you have access to the Skyline and Park Cars. Be sure to take the time to visit both for impressive panoramic views of the breathtaking scenery as you travel through the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and transfer by taxi (included) to your hotel. Make use of your included Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing tour, which includes some of the city's most important sights including Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium, English Bay Beach, Granville Island, Chinatown, and the Robson Street shopping district in addition to many other attractions. Use the tour to learn about the city and its diverse neighborhoods as well as your means of transportation between Vancouver's must-see destinations. Admission to the Vancouver Lookout Tower is included with your pass. Overnight Vancouver. Overnight Vancouver.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Vancouver at Leisure

You have a full day to explore this beautiful coastal city on your own. Revisit some of your favorite sights from yesterday's tour, dine at the city's many critically-acclaimed restaurants, or perhaps take an optional day-trip to Victoria or Whistler. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 9 - Cruise Departure

Check out of your hotel this morning, and make your way to the cruise ship terminal to board your Holland America ship. Settle into your accommodations before coming on deck to wave goodbye to Vancouver. As we set out, marvel at how quickly the scenery changes from urban to remote. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 10 - Insider Passage Scenic Cruising

As you wake this morning, the ship is traveling along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. This network of protected waterways winds through glacier-cut fjords and beautiful temperate rain forests and is known as Alaska's Inside Passage. One of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage offers opportunities to view Alaska's most iconic wildlife, such as humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles and grizzly bears, as well as to view amazing changes in the landscape. The Inside Passage stretches from Misty Fjords National Monument to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and includes numerous beloved port cities along the way. While you watch the vistas unfold, enjoy the many amenities of the ship, including the spa, which offers a variety of massages and beauty treatments; the pool; and the Culinary Arts Center, where you can enjoy professional cooking instruction. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Tracy Arm Inlet/Juneau

This morning, our ship approaches the Tracy Arm Inlet, where steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank the beautiful fjord. This area is home to the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the United States, thanks to the old-growth trees that have colonized the inlet since the Ice Age. This scenic stretch is part of the 5.7 million acres that encompass Tongass National Forest and includes 30 miles of wonderful views. The cruise continues through the sinuous waterway en route to Juneau.

We arrive at our port of call early this afternoon, and you have the remainder of the day to explore. Juneau, Alaska's capital city, is home to endless sites to explore, including the Mendenhall Glacier, the colossal Juneau Ice Fields and Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. During your time here, hop aboard the Mt. Roberts Tramway for views across the city, mountains and surrounding water, or peruse the unique shops that line Juneau's streets. You may wish to try some of the local adventure activities, such as kayaking, rafting or flightseeing or to hike the mountainous trails. Alternatively, you can embark on an optional excursion (payable locally) that introduces you to the sights and culture of the region. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Skagway

This morning, take a step back in time as our ship docks in the Gold Rush town of Skagway. This town has an undeniable essence of yesteryear, thanks to its careful preservation as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Spectacular surroundings complement the charm of the rugged town and make Skagway the perfect place to adventure today. While here, admire the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, a narrow-gauge railway that takes travelers on a remote journey past mountains, glaciers and sites that recall the town's mining past. You may wish to visit the old-time saloons in town, such as the Red Onion Saloon that still houses Wyatt Earp's pistol, or to browse the offerings of the rustic shops. There are great museums in town, such as the Skagway Museum and the Trail of '98 Museum, as well as a beautiful old cemetery where Gold Rush miners were laid to rest. Several optional shore excursions are also available, including those that offer gold panning, dogsledding and gastronomic adventures that reward you with a taste of Skagway's local flavor. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 - Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising

Some of the most dramatic scenery in the world lies ahead as our ship voyages through Glacier Bay today. Sheer cliffs and rugged rock walls surround us as we cruise through pristine glacier-fed waters. Glacier Bay contains 16 glaciers and has more actively calving icebergs than anywhere else in the world. Look upon snow-capped mountains in the distance and the temperate rainforests and untamed beaches that line the shore. You may even see pods of whales or bears fishing along the shoreline. As we cruise, National Park Service Rangers and local Huna Tlingit cultural guides join us onboard to provide invaluable insight into the incredible ecosystem that surrounds us. We also learn more about the native culture throughout their presentations. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 - Ketchikan

We moor in "Alaska's First City," Ketchikan, this morning. Located 90 miles north of Prince Rupert, this region is teeming with history and natural beauty. Ketchikan is an important hub for Alaska's fishing industry and is home to fantastic seafood restaurants that serve local catches. You can learn about the town's natural history and proud Native Alaskan heritage at the sites like the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village. Perhaps wander along Creek Street and peruse the colorful shops that are situated above Ketchikan Creek. No trip to Ketchikan is complete without a visit to Misty Fjords National Monument, where steep granite cliffs, thick rainforests and countless waterfalls all come together to make a truly spectacular sight. There are several options for optional excursions (payable locally), as well. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 - Inside Passage Cruising

Idyllic natural vistas and breathtaking displays of wildlife in their native habitat surround us as our cruise presses on through the Inside Passage and back down the coast of Alaska. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the onboard entertainment, take a cooking class or to soak up the amenities of the ship. You may wish to get a hot stone massage in the spa, to shop in the onboard boutiques or to try your luck in the casino. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 - Vancouver

We arrive back at the port of Vancouver today. Upon disembarking the ship, you are free to transfer to the airport for your return flight home or to extend your adventures in Vancouver.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Moderate Accommodations
Hotels include the Banff Ptarmigan Inn, Lake Louise Inn, Whistler's Inn, and Delta Vancouver. VIA Rail accommodations are in Sleeper Plus class in a semi-private berth. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounges and observation cars. Travel aboard Holland America Line in an Inside Stateroom including two lower beds convertible to one Queen-size bed and shower.

Superior Accommodations
Hotels include the Rimrock Resort Banff, Post Hotel, Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, and Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. VIA Rail accommodations are in Sleeper Plus class in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounges and observation cars. Travel aboard Holland America Line in an Oceanview Stateroom including two lower beds convertible to one Queen-size bed, bathtub, and shower.

Deluxe Accommodations
Hotels include the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and Fairmont Waterfront. VIA Rail accommodations are in Sleeper Plus class in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounges and observation cars. Travel aboard Holland America Line in a Verandah Suite including two beds convertible to one Queen-size bed, whirlpool bath and shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Please note

Taxes are not included on rail portions and are subject to change.

Transfers from Calgary Airport are included for flights arriving in Calgary by 7:00 pm. Private transfers are available at an additional cost for flights that do not fit with the schedule listed. Port Taxes start at $225 per person and will be added at time of booking. Pricing is based on standard level cabin category on Holland America Ship and may be subject to change at time of booking.

Cabins purchased on VIA rail for a single traveler are Cabins for 1. For upgrade options, ask your rail specialist for details.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Train

VIA Rail's Canadian

Ship

ms Koningsdam

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Elevate Your Adventure
Extend your stay
Rail Your Way

Reviews

4.8 stars4.8 / 5 · 20 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (15)
  2. 4 stars
    (5)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

DONALD

5 stars

Submitted 14 Aug 2019

Excellent services. Very professional

Collected by Vacations By Rail

DAVID ELLIS

5 stars

Submitted 26 Jun 2019

This was the best planned and executed trip I've ever been on. From the courtesy, efficiency, problem-solving and effectiveness of Efi our VbR planner, to the organization and vouchers that made it all happen smoothly, to the venues themselves (all 5 star, all well done) -- we loved every minute. The fact that you had done all the work and all we needed to do was watch it unfold made it the perfect trip.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Fred B, Simpsonville, SC

5 stars

Submitted 13 Dec 2018

Excellent vacation. The hotels and tours were outstanding. There were many extra excursions that I was not even aware of. Thanks for a great experience.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Marsha L., Indianapolis, IN

4 stars

Submitted 13 Dec 2018

Everything went smoothly and we had a great time.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Ronald B, Apex, NC

4 stars

Submitted 10 Dec 2018

Everything was very well planed and each service provider was very friendly and accommodating.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Ellen E, Santa Rosa, CA

5 stars

Submitted 15 Nov 2018

All was planned well and on time with good people to work with during travels.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Show 6 more reviews
Global Rail Adventures Brochure

Global Rail Adventures Brochure

The definitive guide to our 2021/22 Global Rail Adventures

Download brochure
Related inspiration from our journey blog