Fresh Tracks Canada · Independent rail vacation with small-ship cruise

Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise

Rocky Mountaineer rail journey combined with a small-ship Alaska cruise

Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise, a rail journey with Fresh Tracks Canada

Fresh Tracks Canada arranges this 14-day, 13-night trip combining the Canadian Rockies with a small ship Alaska cruise. After traveling from Calgary to Banff, two days explore Banff National Park before moving on to Lake Louise, a turquoise-blue lake surrounded by glacier-clad mountains. The Rocky Mountaineer then carries travelers over two days from Banff and Lake Louise to Vancouver, in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf service, passing the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Craigellachie, and Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon; the train never runs overnight, so passengers sleep in a hotel en route. From Vancouver, a flight reaches Sitka, Alaska, to begin a 7-night small ship cruise with a 90-passenger capacity, sailing through the Icy Strait and Glacier Bay National Park with expert guides leading daily whale watching, glacier viewing, kayaking, and hiking, before disembarking in Juneau. This suits travelers who want the Canadian Rockies and Alaska's wilderness combined in one trip, with only 2 of the 14 days actually spent on a train.

What to know before you look closer

  • The final hotel and train and cruise cabin class depend on the tier booked, from 3 to 3.5 star hotels with Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf and a Navigator Cabin (Comfort) up to 5 star hotels with GoldLeaf and a Pathfinder Cabin (Deluxe).
  • The Rocky Mountaineer does not travel overnight; on day 4 passengers overnight in a hotel en route rather than onboard the train.
  • Only 2 of the 14 days involve the Rocky Mountaineer train itself; the rest of the trip is Banff and Lake Louise touring, a flight to Sitka, and 7 nights on a small ship cruise.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Banff

    Your adventure begins - Calgary to Banff

    Travel from Calgary to the Canadian Rocky Mountain town of Banff, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the charm of a small mountain community.

  2. Day 2overnight: Banff

    Explore Banff

    Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air and head out for a day of exploration. The town of Banff is the main hub in Banff National Park.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lake Louise

    Travel from Banff to Lake Louise

    Gaze at the turquoise-blue lake, surrounded by glacier-clad mountains.

  4. Day 4railovernight: hotel en route (Rocky Mountaineer overnights off-train)

    Board the Rocky Mountaineer train

    All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer! Travel between the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes, along rocky lakeshores, and across British Columbia's ranchlands. Highlights include the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, and Craigellachie.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Vancouver

    Onboard Rocky Mountaineer

    The train journey continues from the desert-like interior of British Columbia through winding river canyons and lush farmland, including Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Arrive in Vancouver this evening.

  6. Day 6overnight: Sitka

    Vancouver to Sitka

    Fly to Sitka, Alaska, to begin your cruise adventure. Discover the influence of Tlingit, Russian, and American culture at the Cultural Center.

  7. Day 7overnight: onboard ship

    Cruise embarkation from Sitka, Alaska

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

  8. Day 8overnight: onboard ship

    Discover Alaskan wildlife

    Your first day of adventure - drop anchor and venture off the beaten path in Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds.

  9. Day 9overnight: onboard ship

    Neva Strait and Sergius Narrows

    Navigate through Neva Strait and Sergius Narrows, which squeeze to just 300 feet wide at some points.

  10. Day 10overnight: onboard ship

    Deeper into Alaskan wilderness

    Explore the coastline of Chichagof Island, home to one of the world's highest concentrations of coastal brown bears.

  11. Day 11overnight: onboard ship

    Venture into whale territory

    Keep alert for tell-tale fin slaps or spouts as today's adventure has you searching for whales in the Icy Strait.

  12. Day 12overnight: onboard ship

    Discover Glacier Bay

    Sail into the vast, icy wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

  13. Day 13overnight: onboard ship

    Explore North America's deepest fjord

    Your captain picks the prime spot for adventure exploring the rugged natural beauty of Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait.

  14. Day 14

    Depart with fond memories

    Savour your last breakfast onboard the ship before disembarking in Juneau.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Lake Louise is described as a turquoise-blue lake surrounded by glacier-clad mountains.
  • Day 4The Rocky Mountaineer passes the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, and Craigellachie on the way toward Vancouver.
  • Day 5The train continues through the desert-like interior of British Columbia and Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon before arriving in Vancouver.
  • Day 10The small ship explores the coastline of Chichagof Island, home to one of the world's highest concentrations of coastal brown bears.
  • Day 12The ship sails into Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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

Also sold by

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Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, but only for part of the trip: the Rocky Mountaineer runs from Banff/Lake Louise to Vancouver over 2 days in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf service; the rest of the trip is by road transfer, flight, and a 7-night small ship cruise.
Is it escorted or independent?
A mix: independent travel with local Fresh Tracks Canada support for the Rockies portion, and an onboard cruise team leading daily wilderness excursions in Alaska.
Which train is used?
The Rocky Mountaineer, in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf class depending on the tier booked.
What hotels are used?
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and in Banff either the Rimrock Resort Hotel or the Elk + Avenue Hotel, depending on the tier.
What is the cruise like?
A small ship with a 90-passenger capacity sailing from Sitka to Juneau, with a private cabin, all meals, and expert guides leading daily activities such as whale watching, glacier viewing, kayaking, and hiking.
How much activity is involved?
The cruise's daily guided activities include kayaking and hiking alongside whale watching and glacier viewing, described as 'a daily menu of adventure.'

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