Wilderness Adventurer in Neka Bay 1 (1)

Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise

5.0
3 reviews

Length

14 days / 13 nights

Time on train

2 days

Train type

Where it goes

When to go

April – September

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

  • Decide your desired budget
  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
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Combined small ship Alaska cruise and Rockies train trip

Marvel at the beauty of iconic Lake Louise, before a luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train journey to Vancouver. Travel to Sitka, Alaska where your small ship crew will sail you into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. Here, a team of guides lead you into the remote bays and fjords of Alaska, with a daily menu of adventure only a small ship experience can offer.

Route map of Essential Rockies by Rail with Alaska Small Ship Cruise from Calgary to Vancouver and Alaska
Highlights of your trip

Spectacular rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train

Choice of adventures in the Canadian Rockies

Explore beautiful Vancouver

Explore Alaska on a small ship vessel

Whale watching, glacier viewing, kayaking, hiking, and more

Expert guides, hosts, and activity coordinators on your cruise

Top experiences and features

Couple sitting on the edge of the turquoise waters of Lake Louise

Stay in Lake Louise

Your trip includes a visit to Lake Louise - an emerald lake surrounded by glacier-clad mountains.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
Private cabin on small ship cruise
Choice of unique guided activities
All meals onboard your cruise and on the train
Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
Train station transfers
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do.

If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.

Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Vacation Advisors who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.

We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible.

On some of our trips, you’ll see that we categorize our hotel rooms by Comfort, Superior and Deluxe class, which generally translates into the traditional 3-, 4- or 5-star designation (equivalent to Best Western, Sheraton and Fairmont). However, sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level or view.

Our Comfort Level hotels include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations and with excellent service.

Our Superior Level hotels provide amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. Superior level hotels are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel.

In Deluxe Level hotels, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget.

All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need

Rocky Mountaineer operates daylight touring trains, which travel along three of the most spectacular routes in Western Canada. You’ll enjoy onboard commentary, award winning service, and incredible food.

There are a few differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service.

In SilverLeaf, you travel in a single-level dome car with oversized windows and are served meals at your seat. In GoldLeaf, you travel in a bi-level dome car, which features comfortable seating on the upper level and a dining area on the lower level. GoldLeaf coaches are taller, so you can see above the treeline.

GoldLeaf also includes access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. In SilverLeaf, there is a small viewing area between train cars.

Small ship cruises are much more flexible than a typical large ship cruise - your onboard team will decide on the best adventures of the day based on weather, wildlife sightings, and the interests of the group. The agile vessels are able to access secluded inlets, bays, and channels where your chances of seeing wildlife are so much better.

Accommodations range from comfortable private cabins with ensuite bathrooms and picture windows, to full suites. These well appointed ships feature delicious cuisine, common lounges for mingling and evening presentations, as well as kayak launch docks for the days of adventure ahead.

We recommend bringing a range of layers for this trip. Summers are mild in Southeast Alaska (average temperatures: 55-56 degrees F / 12-18 degrees C) and slightly warmer in the Canadian Rockies (average temperatures: 68-77 degrees F / 20-25 degrees C). It can be cooler close to the water or up in the mountains, so a fleece pullover and rain jacket are must-haves. Packing a pair of waterproof boots and some comfortable walking shoes is highly recommended.

When travelling on Rocky Mountaineer, you enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard the train. The seasonal menu varies by rail route and day. The cuisine is inspired by the areas the train passes through. Complimentary snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served each day.

All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks are included on your small ship cruise. The onboard chefs create fresh, sustainable meals from locally sourced ingredients.

Dietary requirements, food allergies and other preferences can be accommodated with advance notice. Please let your Vacation Advisor know of any dietary needs at the time of booking.

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.
Indicates featured inclusions
Adventure Begins – Calgary to Banff
Day 01

Adventure Begins – Calgary to Banff

Travel from Calgary to the Canadian Rocky Mountain town of Banff. Your vacation is off to the best start. We've taken care of all the details. Banff is a unique destination, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the charm of a small mountain community. Breathe deep — you’ve arrived!

  • Transfer from Calgary Airport to Banff
  • Feature Dinner in Banff

    Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner at one of Banff's great restaurants.

Explore Banff
Day 02

Explore Banff

Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air and head out for a day of exploration. The town of Banff, established in 1885, is the main hub in Banff National Park, as well as a centre for visitor activities and cultural events.

    You have 4 options to choose from today:
  • Three Sisters Peaks Helicopter Tour

    Get close to the world-famous Three Sisters on this exhilarating 20-minute helicopter flight. You'll also discover Spray Valley and the extraordinary hues of the Spray Lakes.

  • Icefields Parkway Tour from Banff

    On this full-day sightseeing tour, journey through a landscape carved by glaciers and opened by pioneers. Travel along the Icefields Parkway, explore the Athabasca Glacier on an Ice Explorer vehicle, and walk across the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk. 

  • Banff Sightseeing Tour and Gondola Ride

    Discover Banff’s folklore and natural history on a small group tour, then ride the gondola up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.  

  • Sunshine Gondola and Guided Alpine Nature Walk

    Begin your day with a gondola ride and a stroll through Sunshine Meadows. Admire alpine wildflowers and views of endless mountain peaks as your guide teaches you about the ecosystem above the treeline. Walking duration is two hours. 

Travel from Banff to Lake Louise
Day 03

Travel from Banff to Lake Louise

Today you travel from Banff to Lake Louise. Gaze at the turquoise-blue lake, surrounded by glacier-clad mountains. This is the picture-perfect overnight stop in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. 

  • Banff to Lake Louise Sightseeing Transfer

    Travel along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway on a guided sightseeing transfer to Lake Louise. Photo stops and commentary are provided along the way.

Board The Rocky Mountaineer Train
Day 04

Board The Rocky Mountaineer Train

This morning you'll begin the first day of your Rockies train adventure onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. 

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station
  • Rocky Mountaineer Train Service

    Rocky Mountaineer daylight trains feature glass-dome cars with oversized windows, gourmet meals, and friendly, attentive staff. Ask your Vacation Advisor about the differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf.  

Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
Day 05

Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning for the second part of your train journey towards Vancouver. 

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel
Vancouver to Sitka
Day 06

Vancouver to Sitka

Today, fly to Sitka, Alaska, to begin your cruise adventure. Sitka is Alaska’s most charming seaside town, surrounded by misty islands and soaring, snow-capped mountain peaks. Discover the influence of Tlingit, Russian, and American culture at the Cultural Center, or relax in your hotel.

  • Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport
Cruise Embarkation from Sitka, Alaska
Day 07

Cruise Embarkation from Sitka, Alaska

Feel the excitement build as you are led to your small ship vessel. Step onboard for a champagne welcome.  

  • Alaska Cruise Begins
Discover Alaskan Wildlife
Day 08

Discover Alaskan Wildlife

Your first day of adventure - drop anchor and venture off the beaten path. 

  • Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, train-service level and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
Comfort Level
Hotel Accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer Service
Cruise Accommodation
Navigator Cabin
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  • Day-tour options and descriptions;
  • Departure dates;
  • Suggestions for personalizing your trip.
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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
blue Lake Louise with trees and Fairmont Hotel in background

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Example of a Deluxe hotel in Lake Louise

Located in Banff National Park, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, a sparkling turquoise lake, and the impressive Victoria Glacier. Explore the area’s outstanding beauty on horseback, or paddle on the lake in a canoe.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Celebrate an occasion

Celebrate an occasion

Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or the fulfillment of a lifelong goal, our team is ready to make it a celebration to remember. From arranging a bottle of champagne to putting together a helicopter picnic for two on top of a mountain at sunset, we're ready to make your dreams a reality.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 3 reviews

It was a great trip!

Choosing our favourite part of our trip is very hard, from our accommodations to the food, and the GoldLeaf service on the train was all up to a 5 star review. Great Job!

Joseph, Renee and Party review of their [object Object] trip

Joseph, Renee and Party

CT, USA

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