Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail with Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
15 days from $4,364 per person
The ‘Bear’ Essentials
On this Canadian Rockies train and Alaska Cruise vacation, we’ve combined two amazing adventures into one. Stand in awe at the peak of Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, gasp at the sight of the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate from the Rocky Mountaineer train, be brought to silence at the beauty and simplicity of the Inside Passage and step back in time in Alaska’s oldest towns. Combining a world class Canada train vacation with an equally incredible cruise ensures that you’ll experience the amazing sights of Canada and Alaska while being treated to the very best service.
What we love about this trip• Rocky Mountaineer’s stunning 2-day rail journey• 5 nights in the Canadian Rockies • Small group tours to explore Banff and Jasper National Parks • 7 nights aboard Holland America line’s ms Zuiderdam • Cruise the Inside Passage • Glacier Bay
ItineraryDay 1 – Your Canadian Train and Alaska Cruise Vacation BeginsYour Canadian railway vacations starts with your arrival in the cowboy city of Calgary, where you will board a bus and transfer to Banff. Watch the mountain peaks begin to soar above you, as you relax in your personal vehicle. Overnight in little mountain hamlet of Banff. Day 2 – Explore Banff Spend a free day exploring Banff. The stunning scenery around you will catch your breath, as you visit the town’s intriguing heritage sites, browse the boutiques, or stroll along the beautiful Bow River. Overnight in Banff. Day 3 – Sightseeing from Banff to Lake Louise Wake bright and early to see the sun peeking over the snow capped mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Soon a Fresh Tracks Canada guide will take you on an intimate tour of the surrounding lakes, canyons and natural wonders of the area. Lean their ancient secrets with your expert guide, and ask as many questions as you can think of. Our tours are kept small to give you the best chance for discovery. Afterwards, you and your guide meander your way along mountain roads to reach Lake Louise. Here, glaciers tumble off mountainsides into turquoise waters, and white mountain peaks soar into the brilliant blue sky. Ask your vacation planner to pre-arrange a gentle interpretive canoe tour with a Mountain Heritage guide, or a sitting in the Fairview dining room to indulge in the time honored tradition of afternoon tea. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Day 4 – Canadian Rockies - Icefields Parkway – Lake Louise to Jasper The Icefields Parkway tour on your Canadian train vacation reveals many wonders, and you will have the best chance to experience them with our small group sightseeing. The most exciting of these is a visit to the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest and most accessible icefields south of the Arctic Circle. Step out of the Ice Explorer and fill up your bottle with ice water millions of years old. Keep an eye out for one of our four legged ambassadors – elk, moose, mountain goats and even bears like to make an appearance along the way. After full day adventure and a gourmet picnic lunch, you arrive in Jasper. Enjoy your evening! Day 5 – Enjoy Jasper National Park Today you have the chance to explore Jasper National Park. Your guide knows that Maligne Valley is not only spectacular but an excellent place to see wildlife. Don’t be surprise to see antlers peeking through branches of a spruce tree as you meander along. After a visit to mysterious Maligne Canyon, experience a cruise on Maligne Lake, deep green in color, framed by wildflowers, and alive with the sound of mountain waterfowl. This day of your Canadian train vacation by rail is bound to be a memorable one. Day 6 – On the Canadian Railway - Rocky Mountaineer Train to Kamloops The scent of hot coffee wafts through your train car as you find your place and settle into the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer train. The gentle pull moving out of the railway station begins your Canadian Rockies train adventure. Travel west before heading south along the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. The sights of Canada out your large picture window are ever-changing from the high peaks of Mount Robson to the crashing waters of Pyramid Falls. Enjoy some downtime from the railroad journey as you pull in to Kamloops. Day 7 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Vancouver Continue westbound today onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train toward the coastal city of Vancouver. As you travel across Canada’s west coast, watch the dry interior become rushing rivers, lush forests and steep slopes of the coastal mountains. The sounds of the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate are so loud they reach your train car and you can almost feel the mist of the waters while on the observation deck. Passengers are known to spot all kinds of Canadian wildlife --be sure to have your camera ready throughout your whole vacation! This evening the Rocky Mountaineer train arrives in the picturesque city of Vancouver. Bordered by mountains, forest and ocean, the city views are some of the best across Canada. The Canadian train portion of your journey has concluded, but another adventure awaits tomorrow. Day 8 – Into the North – Board Alaska Cruise Wake-up this morning to the sun shining and Vancouver buzzing outside your hotel. Before checking out, find the perfect place for a strong coffee and a freshly baked muffin before your vacation to the North begins. This afternoon you board the grand ms Zuiderdam for the spectacular 7-day Alaskan cruise portion of your vacation. The ms Zuiderdam welcomes you to a once in a lifetime experience of comfort and unforgettable sights. From the striking artwork around the ship to the ultra-courteous staff, the ms Zuiderdam is a home away from home for this leg of your trip. Day 9 – Into the North – Cruise the Inside Passage from Canada to Alaska Enjoy an entire day cruising the Inside Passage. Strolling along the deck you see rolling hills covered in trees, islands with small communities or none at all, whales taking the same refuge from the chopping waters beyond the islands and the odd fishing boat who scurries out of the ship’s way. Relax in the warmth of the ship or stay bundled up outside trying to capture some of the best photos of your trip. Day 10 – Into Port – Juneau, Alaska Juneau is everything you would expect from an Alaskan capital city: small, surrounded by the most amazing wilderness, soaked in history and with a pace of its own. Hike in the Tongass National Forest or venture out onto the water (in a smaller vessel!) for whale watching or fishing. Wandering through the rustic shops in town is a great way to get to know Juneau on a more personal level. It’s back to the ms Zuiderdam this afternoon for a delicious dinner served in the grand dining room. Day 11 – Into Port – Skagway, Alaska Step off the ship and back in time to the days of the Gold Rush. Over a century ago, men arrived on this very shore with only one thought, GOLD! Enjoy wandering along the wooden sidewalks, in and out of the many character shops. Take a tour through the Trail of ’98 Museum to get the complete picture of the Gold Rush days. This evening return to the comfort and warmth of the ms Zuiderdam. Day 12 – Cruise Glacier Bay Today is an exciting opportunity to sightsee from the decks of your ship. Glide along the calm waters of Glacier Bay a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protected area is home to a distinct ecosystem of plants and animals all calling this glacial landscape home. Today is a chance to learn more about this beautiful icy environment and capture the perfect photograph of the impressive icebergs surrounding your ship. Day 13 – Into Port – Ketchikan, Alaska Ketchikan is an opportunity to learn more about Alaska’s rich heritage. The Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian were the first peoples to live on this land and their culture still flourishes. Home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles, Ketchikan has a powerful spirit that you won’t want to leave behind. Capture the moments of your vacation with some spectacular photographs or bring home a mini totem pole of your own. The totem poles are not the only beauty to be found here; explore Creek Street and the Tongass Historical Museum. The natural surroundings are breathtaking. Here is a place to take in all the sights and sounds that make Alaska so special. Return to the ship for a relaxing evening. Day 14 – Southbound – Cruise the Inside Passage from Alaska to Canada Most people are only lucky enough to cruise the Inside Passage once in their lifetime. Today is your second opportunity to see this beautiful landscape. Be sure to catch everything on this returning trip you missed the first time! Day 15 - With Fond Memories – Depart Vancouver Enjoy a lovely breakfast before disembarking in Vancouver. Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada and Alaska behind as your Canada Rockies train and Alaskan Cruise trip comes to an end. A transfer is provided to the Vancouver Airport.
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today! |
What's IncludedHere are just a few of the things to look forward to on this trip...  Amazing Inside Passage Alaska Cruise  Glacier ride on the Ice Explorer  Cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island  Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain  Vancouver Lookout tower excursion
Customize this trip a little... or a lotThink of this itinerary as just a starting point. Work with us to personalize this trip by adding some amazing side trips & activities, like...  Renting a car and exploring the area  Watching bears and wildlife tours  Playing golf at famous resorts  Sightseeing flights or helicopter tours |
Accommodation Options
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodation options. Please call us for the full list or advice on how to customize your experience.
Georgian Court Hotel
An example of our Comfort accommodations
The Georgian Court Hotel features 180 guestrooms in a 12-story brick building, in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Enjoy a comfortable sleep in your elegant room, surf the internet with the complimentary wireless, or enjoy a meal on the seasonal patio.
Rimrock Resort
An example of our Superior accommodations
The Rimrock Resort is one of Fresh Tracks favourite hotels! The hotel is built into the side of a mountain, when you enter the main lobby, you are actually on the 7th floor, and the views from the pamorama of windows over the Bow Valley are simply stunning. The hotel has an upscale yet understated feel, and the service is impeccable.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
An example of our Deluxe accommodations
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is undoubtedly a beautiful and impressive hotel. Its amazing location overlooking beautiful Lake Louise and the distant mountains can not be compared. There are a variety of restaurant types, so you can do casual or fine dining as you choose. Strolling around the lake, renting a canoe, riding horses, or hiking up to the tea house are all great summer activities. In winter choose from snow shoeing, skating, skiing or taking a sleigh ride around the lake.
Moraine Lake Lodge
An example of our Luxury Mountain Lodge accommodations
Ask our vacation planners about customizing your trip, to stay in some of our more secluded, intimate, and unique wilderness lodges. First class service, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious accommodations are combined with rustic ambiance in a stunning setting. Step out of your doorway for a morning hike, then relax on your patio sipping wine, gazing at the reflection of snow capped peaks on pristine mountain lakes. Here, the only noise is the whispering of pines and the calls of alpine birds.
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today!
Prices & Dates
Canada vacation – 2013 start datesStarts Calgary (Westbound)
May 4 11 18 25
Jun 1 8 15 22 29
Jul 6 13 20 27
Aug 10 17 24 31
Sep 7 14
Below you’ll find the prices for this trip. Make sure to give us a call or send an email to discuss your options.
• Prices are per person, and double means two people sharing a room. Please give us a call for single, triple, or child rates.
• Comfort guests enjoy an Outside Stateroom on their cruise, while Superior and Deluxe guests enjoy an Outside Verandah Stateroom
• RedLeaf, SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf refer to the type of train service.
• The Superior and Deluxe hotel options include GoldLeaf service on the train.
• Comfort hotel prices includes ‘RedLeaf’ train service. An upgrade to SilverLeaf service is available for $578 USD per person and an upgrade to GoldLeaf service is $947 USD per person.
| RedLeaf Train Service & Comfort Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| May 04, 2013 | 4,364 | |
| May 11 - May 25, 2013 | 4,512 | |
| Jun 01, 2013 | 5,164 | |
| Jun 08 - Jul 27, 2013 | 5,502 | |
| Aug 10, 2013 | 5,320 | |
| Aug 17 - Aug 31, 2013 | 5,252 | |
| Sep 07 - Sep 14, 2013 | 5,183 | |
| GoldLeaf Train Service & Superior Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| May 04, 2013 | 6,306 | |
| May 11, 2013 | 6,431 | |
| May 18 - May 25, 2013 | 6,568 | |
| Jun 01, 2013 | 7,441 | |
| Jun 08 - Jul 27, 2013 | 7,684 | |
| Aug 10, 2013 | 7,479 | |
| Aug 17 - Aug 31, 2013 | 7,263 | |
| Sep 07 - Sep 14, 2013 | 7,149 | |
| GoldLeaf Train Service & Deluxe Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| May 04, 2013 | 6,733 | |
| May 11, 2013 | 6,858 | |
| May 18 - May 25, 2013 | 7,006 | |
| Jun 01, 2013 | 8,028 | |
| Jun 08 - Jul 27, 2013 | 8,284 | |
| Aug 10, 2013 | 8,068 | |
| Aug 17 - Aug 31, 2013 | 7,886 | |
| Sep 07 - Sep 14, 2013 | 7,750 | |
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today!
Trip Map & Outline
2 nights Banff
1 night Lake Louise
2 nights Jasper
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
7 nights Glacier Bay Inside Passage Cruise
Depart Vancouver
Why Book With Us?
What makes booking with Fresh Tracks Canada different?
- Our commitment to making your trip an unforgettable experience
- 20 years of experience in travel
- Intimate knowledge of Canada
- Attention to every detail
- Caring and creative people
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